The Stocklists - October 2009 by David Spragg

Stocklists

SL Cover October 09

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The

5 October 2009

with

FlooringNews

BRITAIN’S No. 1 FLOORCOVERING MAGAZINE FOR THE RETAIL AND CONTRACT MARKET

THE BEST OF BRITISH

If you missed these new ranges at our best-ever Harrogate Show, ask your local Furlong area sales manager why it pays to buy British!

Regenc y Car pets tick all the boxes ✓ quality ✓ choice ✓ availability ✓ service ✓ price ✓ manufactured in the UK DISTRIBUTED BY FURLONG FLOORING Ask your representative for details - see page 23.

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SL Front October 09

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Stocklists The

THE UK’S TOP FLOORING NEWS AND DATA SERVICE Page No.

Index

Contact No.

Price List date

Monthly ‘Stocklisters’ shown in BOLD

© ADORE FLOORS ...................................................—..................0845 602 1881 .........—....................... s AFS ...........................................................................16..................020 H AXMINSTER

5 October 2009

Published by Mayville Publishing Co Ltd, 219 West Ella Road, West Ella, Hull HU10 7SD Tel: 01482 659396 Fax: 01482 659397 www.thestocklists.com Sales Manager: Diane Martin diane@mayvillepublishing.co.uk Publication Manager: David Spragg. Founded by Roy Spragg in 1973.

FlooringNews National Floor Show REVIEW

The show must go on - but where? Show Debate: NEC or not in 2010? ...............36

8805 8620 .........April 2009.........

CARPETS.........................................47,55 ............01297 32244.............—.......................

= BRITISH WOOL ..............................................40..................01274 688 666 .........—....................... H BROCKWAY H BRONTE

CARPETS LTD. .................17..................01562 828200 ..........Dec 2008 .........

...............................................................—..................01282 862736 ..........—.......................

o CARPENTER ......................................................43..................01457 H CARPETS

861141 ..........—.......................

OF KIDDERMINSTER. ........18,19 ............01299 827477 ..........Aug 2008 .........

s COLUMBIA

FLOORING .............................20..................0208 443 3322 .........—.......................

H CONTEMPORARY

LIFE........................................2. ...................01254 296829 ..........—.......................

TELENZO................................................21..................01422 374417 ..........—.......................

H EDEL

n F. BALL .......................................................................41..................01538

361633 ..........—.......................

n FITA ............................................................................53..................01159

506836 ..........—.......................

n FLOORWISE .......................................................11..................01509

673974 ..........—.......................

H HECKMONDWIKE ................................................33..................01924

410544 ..........—.......................

H MOHAWK ............................................................24..................01480

479830 .........—.......................

s FLOORING

ONE ...................................................42..................0121 683 1427 .........—.......................

H FURLONG

FLOORING .................................22,23 ............01772 696787 ..........July 2009 ..........

s LITTNER

HAMPTON...................................—..................0208 520 8474 .........—.......................

n NICF.........................................................................53..................0115

958 3077 .........—.......................

s RACKHAMS........................................................25..................02085319225............Oct/Nov/Dec09 H ROELEE

CARPETS..........................................28..................01254 676766 ..........Sept. 2007 ........

s SOLENT

WHOLESALE CARPET ..............26..................01243 774623 ..........Sept/Oct 2009

H RYALUX.....................................................................54..................0845

652 8811 .........—.......................

n STAIN-SHIELD.........................................................51..................01372 n STAIR

n STAIRRODS s STS nT n

841467 ..........—.......................

MAKE-OVER ...............................................—..................+31 40208 6222 ......—.......................

UK LIMITED.........................44..................01207 591176 ..........—.......................

FLOORING DISTRIBUTORS .........27..................0845 341000.............July 2009............

& E DISPLAY GROUP ............................45..................0121 585 7600 .........—.......................

THE ESTIMATORS.................................................51..................01782 566626 ..........—.......................

n TRIPLE

KING...........................................................3 ....................01274 582056 ..........—.......................

n WOOLSAFE

ORGANISATION ...............4,5.................01943 850817 ..........—.......................

H carpets/rugs/tiles © woods/laminates/smooths n accessories/services/organisations = fibres o underlay s wholesalers/distributors l adhesives

Classified advertising.......................................................................................page 59

Floorsites

Net gain?

Optimism is back in fashion

Show Review: Upbeat attitudes .........29-40

Show Seminar: How level is the e-commerce playing field?.................38

£2m ‘Fun’ campaign sets agenda

“Break out of the beige box” says Fun On The Floor ............................49

Cheaper chic

New Cormar textures with ‘designer appeal’ on a budget ...................44

Corny story for eco-carpet

New corn-based SmartStrand fibre has stunning performance ........46

Secrets of the Orient

Flower on Flooring: Orientals seek larger markets ................................56

Now more important than ever to trade-up

Voice: Steve Upperton of Axminster Carpets ...........................................55

The British Wool Column

Wool Life Cycle Analysis gains industry support.....................................40

FlooringFactsheets

Woolsafe: the carpet care guide...................................................4-5 Carpet trouble-shooter....................................................................6-7 Carpet types .........................................................................................8 Underlay.................................................................................................9 Pattern book.......................................................................................10 Wholesaler Distribution Directory ........................................11-13 Carpet Company Directory .....................................................14-15 ISSN 0950-5024  Mayville Publishing Co. Ltd. 2009 Issue: 414 Every care is taken in compiling this magazine, but the proprietors assume no responsibility in the effects arising therefrom.

Plug-in an ‘instant’ flooring industry website branded for your store or business for just £390 set-up + £90 per year

Flooring stores don’t always need elaborate websites – most of the time, visitors are just trying to find out your phone number, your opening hours or where they can park! Or they’re just checking you out to see how professional you look. Here’s the quick fix! See our back cover for more details and check out our dummy site at www.thestocklists.com/floorsites

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Flooring factsheet Carpet care guide from WOOLSAFE The WOOLSAFE Mark has gone Green! The WOOLSAFE Organisation has teamed up with ecolabelling authorities Green Seal and EcoLogo in North America, to enable those WOOLSAFE approved products that are ecologically responsible to be recognised and promoted as such.

The Green WOOLSAFE Mark identifies those products that not only are the most suitable for wool and other quality carpets, but also have the right environmental characteristics.

Regular Maintenance

Regular cleaning will extend the life of a carpet and maintain its appearance.Vacuum clean regularly and thoroughly, which removes gritty dirt that can damage the fibres.

Deal with spillages as soon as possible, preferably the moment they occur.

Periodic Cleaning

When the carpet or rug reaches a stage where it could do with a really good clean, you can either do the job yourself, or you can call in a specialist carpet cleaning company.

If you are considering cleaning the carpet or rug yourself make sure to use only WOOLSAFE-approved products. Look for this mark on the bottle or package: WOOLSAFE-approved carpet care products have been independently and scientifically tested and are safe and effective for cleaning and maintaining all types of carpets and rugs.

General Rules for Spot Removal • Soak up liquids with white kitchen roll, tissues, toilet roll or clean cloth • Scoop up or scrape off solids

Chemspec Europe is one of the first WOOLSAFE Licensees in the UK to have a ‘green’ product certified. It is expected that other products will follow shortly.

For the widest range of WOOLSAFE approved products www.chemspec-europe.com

• Try to identify unknown spots prior to treatment – if unsure, use solvent first • Always work from the edge of the spot inwards • BLOT, do NOT rub

• Use small quantities of spot remover at a time, applied to a cloth, NOT directly to the spot; work into the spot with a small, soft brush or sponge

• Take care with applying solvents to bitumen-backed carpet tiles • When using solvents always ensure there is plenty of fresh air ventilation • Always thoroughly rinse out water-based spotters with clean water • Dry the spot, if possible, with a hair dryer

Housekeeping Tips for Carpets and Rugs Entrance or walk-off mats

The use of entrance mats at all outside entrances to the house is highly recommended, as they will significantly reduce the rate at which the carpet will soil.They should be of adequate size to allow street dirt to be removed from shoe soles and must be cleaned regularly themselves. Protective treatments Many carpets come with a protective fibre treatment to reduce problems with staining and soiling.These treatments, while effective in many ways, are not bullet-proof and will eventually wear off. Quick response to spills and regular cleaning is still required.

Carpets that have no protector applied by the manufacturer can be treated after installation on the floor by a WOOLSAFE accredited carpet cleaning company. (To find the nearest WOOLSAFE Certified Operator in your area visit our website: www.woolsafe.org and go to the PRIVATE HOUSEHOLDER section.) Beware of products claiming to be safe on all fibres, including wool. It might be true, but if it does not have the WOOLSAFE mark, it is not endorsed by most carpet manufacturers!

Treatments 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Blot with white kitchen roll or paper tissues Vacuum clean

Cold water

Warm water

WOOLSAFE-approved carpet shampoo solution (diluted) WOOLSAFE-approved spot remover for water-based stains

WOOLSAFE-approved spot remover for greasy/oily stains

Absorbent paper or paper tissue and hot iron

Chewing gum remover (solvent or freeze type)

10. Nail varnish remover or acetone

11. White spirit or turpentine substitute

12. Surgical spirit (ethyl alcohol or ethanol) 13. Rub with a coin

14. Rub gently with coarse sand paper

15. WOOLSAFE-approved disinfectant or deodorizer 16. Rust remover

17. Carpet re-colouring kit

(Treatments used by professional carpet cleaners)

THE STOCKLISTS October 2009

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maintenance • cleaning • spot removal • protection • inspection Never use any detergents such as dishwashing liquids, soaps or other cleaners recommended for general household use. Although they may clean the carpet satisfactorily they will almost certainly cause problems such as rapid re-soiling, colour bleeding or other damage to the pile or backing of the carpet.

They are fully qualified to investigate carpet and rug complaints on-site on behalf of carpet manufacturers, retailers, cleaning companies and carpet owners.They can carry out or commission tests where required, and will provide comprehensive reports.

To contact an inspector in your area call 0800 731 5688, email: inspector@woolsafe.org, or visit: www.woolsafe.org It is best to engage the services of a professional carpet & upholstery cleaning / Private Householder / Registered Inspectors company.To get a really expert job done entrust the work to a WOOLSAFE accredited carpet cleaning company. For information These companies are fully trained, have On a WOOLSAFE Certified Carpet Cleaning been in business for a considerable Company nearest to you, length of time, are members of one or more recognised A free copy of the Directory of WOOLSAFE Certified professional trade associations related to the cleaning Professional Carpet Cleaners, industry and have a reputation for top quality service. And A free copy of the Directory of Registered Carpet they use only WOOLSAFE-approved cleaning agents on Inspectors, your wool carpets and rugs!

• •

WOOLSAFE Approved Carpet Cleaning Products www.prochem.co.uk

Home of the Legendary Cleaning Product - Carpet Power www.ozkleen.co.uk

Life inspired cleaning innovations www.bissell.com

•

If you have a problem with a carpet or rug that requires an independent inspector, a network of carpet complaint investigators, trained and registered by The WOOLSAFE Organisation is available throughout the UK and Ireland.

WOOLSAFE Registered Inspectors have extensive experience in investigating the causes for carpet complaints based on their practical involvement with carpets and rugs over many years.

contact:

The WOOLSAFE Organisation 49 Boroughgate, Otley, LS21 1AG, Tel: 01943 850 817 E-mail: info@woolsafe.org or visit: www.woolsafe.org

Difficult Spots Spot or stain

Spot or stain

Try 1st Try 2nd Try 3rd

Burn/scorch marks

Butter

Candle wax

Chewing gum

Chocolate/cocoa

Cola

Cream

Egg

Floor wax

Fruit juice

Gravy and sauces

Herbal tea

Metal polish

Mustard

Oil and grease

Paint (emulsion)

Shoe polish

Tea

THE STOCKLISTS October 2009

Try 1st Try 2nd Try 3rd

Artificially coloured drinks 3 Bleach

Easy Spots Blood

• Or just advice on anything to do with carpet care,

C/heating radiator fluid

Felt-tip pen

Ink (ballpoint pen)

Milk

7 5

Paint (oil)

Soot

16 5

Urine (fresh stain)

7 15

Vomit

Coffee

Furniture polish

7 or 11 12

Glue/adhesive (plastic base)10 Ink (fountain)

The Clean Carpet you Expect... the Service you Deserve www.servicemaster.co.uk

Environmentally Aware for Superior Carpet Care www.envirodri.com

16 5

Lipstick

Nail varnish

Rust

Tar (asphalt)

Urine (old stain)

Red wine

These may require repeated attempts with stronger spot removers. Some stains you may find impossible to remove completely in which case the assistance of a professional carpet cleaner is required.

Vacuum Cleaners the Choice of Cleaning Professionals www.sebo.co.uk

British Wool makes a Better Carpet... Naturally www.britishwool.org.uk This information is provided with the support of WOOLSAFE members for the benefit of all carpet retailers and fitters.

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Flooring factsheet Carpet trouble-shooter COLOUR MATCHING

Carpets are produced in batches - known as creels - and usually each batch produces between 500m2 - 3000m2 in a single width, depending on the creel size. Whilst the recipe used by the dyer remains constant, and is followed to the letter, in each separate production the colour reproduction will vary from batch to batch. However production is matched back to the original or master sample to ensure that the colour remains ‘within a commercial tolerance’.

This process if not an exact science and a commercial tolerance is subjective but nevertheless is usually the professional judgement of the head dyer based on his/her experience. A greater level of tolerance is required on blended colours (Heathers etc). To ensure perfect colour matching it is advisable that a single width be used in any installation requiring exact colour matching. N.B. Carpets which are laid with the pile travelling in different directions, even though they be from the same batch will appear not to match.

For further information please check with the manufacturers recommendations.

SAMPLES

The samples held by individual retailers may not be from the same batch as current production and therefore should be used as a guide and not an exact colour match.

The original carpet tile

SHEDDING

All cut pile carpets will lose short fibre, which is created during production when spun yarn is cut for tuft formation. These fibres fall onto the surface of the pile and appear as ‘fluff’. The effect varies with yarn type and may be removed without detrimental effect upon the carpet by vacuum cleaning. This excess fibre is only a small fraction of the total fibre contained in the carpet.

PULLED LOOPS

This information is given by responsible manufacturers to help you help your customer to make an informed choice.

Pulled loops occur only in looped pile carpet where one or more loops in the continuous pile is pulled through the primary backing of the carpet. This is usually due to some local condition, possibly some sharp object which has caught in a loop in situ and has resulted in a pull. Pulled loops are easily dealt with by trimming the offending end level with the rest of the pile. They should not be left as this could result in further loops being pulled and developing into a ladder.

• shedding • pulled loops

SPROUTING

Occasionally an odd tuft or two can work its way to the surface and stand proud of the rest of the pile. This is probably due to one end of the tuft being longer than the other i.e. J shaped tuft instead of V shaped. Remedial action merely requires that the offending tufts be scissor trimmed level with the rest of the pile. They should never be pulled out.

SHADING

Shading occurs because the pile of the carpet has become crushed, flattened or brushed in a different direction to the natural lie of the pile whilst in situ. This causes light reflection at differing angles resulting in the creation of light and dark patches on the carpet. This will occur on all pile fabrics but can be more noticeable on plainer carpets because the shadows created by pile pressure will not be disguised by a heavy pattern or design.

STATIC

Carpets do not produce static but like other household fabrics and objects have the capacity to store it. Static is caused by the build up of static electricity upon personnel in a dry environment and is discharged when a person makes contact with an object which can conduct electricity (i.e. door handle or filing cabinets, etc). The static charges will vary in intensity depending upon the individual, air humidity and the contact materials. Static is more usually associated with synthetic materials as they do not retain moisture very well but it can and does occur with wool in very dry room conditions. include the measures Preventative introduction of moisture into the room or in situ carpet treatment.

FADING ON WOOL

Carpets made from wool can and do fade in use. The degree of fade can vary depending on the colour chosen and the local conditions to which the carpet is subjected.

Fading can be caused by exposure to ultra violet light which is found in daylight, but is accelerated when sunlight shines directly onto the carpet. This has the effect of lightening or “Bleaching” the colour just as exposure to sunlight will lighten human hair. Wool is after all animal hair. Protection should be given to carpets exposed to such conditions just as you would protect other furniture or fabrics.

A complaint on fading would be considered justified if it failed to meet the required shade standard when tested to the British Standard BS1006 (1990). THE STOCKLISTS October 2009

•

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• sprouting • shading • static • fading • pile reversal • shedding • flattening • soiling

PILE REVERSAL (SEE SHADING)

Like shading, this occurs when the pile or nap of the carpet changes direction and thus reflects light at different angles showing the effects of shading which can become permanent. It is also described as ‘watermarking’. This can happen to every carpet construction be it Axminster, Wilton, Tufted, Hand Woven, Persian, Chinese, Indian or even Coir Matting. Like shading it can be more apparent on plain carpet because heavy patterns can disguise the effects. It can occur quite quickly after installation. A tremendous amount of research has been carried out over many years by many institutes to determine the cause of this phenomenon but none of it has proved conclusive. There is no commonly known manufacturing process which can cause or cure this phenomenon and therefore it is not a manufacturing fault. For further information please check with individual manufacturers recommendations.

INDENTATIONS

When a carpet is subjected to a heavy point load, such as under the legs of furniture, it is unreasonable to expect the carpet not to indent. Usually, the longer the load is in place, the longer will be the time for the pile to recover. In the case of very heavy loads in place for a considerable time, the recovery time can be very considerable. It must be remembered that it is not only the pile of the carpet that becomes indented. the underlay will also indent and the backing of the carpet may also distort into the indentation in the underlay. Some underlay’s will recover well and some less well depending upon their composition, thickness, density etc.

The use of cups below furniture legs can spread the load and the net result is a larger area of less deeply indented carpet.

The ability of a carpet to recover from a heavy static load can be measured in the laboratory, using the test method described in BS 4939 and many manufacturers will have data on this aspect of carpet performance. In this test the carpet is loaded for 24 hours and the degree of recovery is measured after 1 hour and 24 hours. Since there are so many different underlay’s however, it is very rare for the recovery from a heavy static load to be evaluated on carpet and underlay. Often normal maintenance (vacuum cleaning with a rotating brush machine) will speed up recovery but in the case of serious indentations the use of an iron and damp cloth or a steam iron together with a blunt darning needle to carefully tease up the pile can be beneficial. Care must be take not to over wet the carpet, of course. THE STOCKLISTS October 2009

FLATTENING

Flattening will occur as a result of traffic which eventually flattens the pile particularly in the main areas of use. All pile fabrics will flatten to greater or lesser degree dependant on the amount of traffic to which it is subjected and the construction (tuft density/pile fibre/height/weight) of the product concerned.

SOILING

Soiling is usually the result of some local condition to which the carpet has been subjected to, or maintenance, or lack of maintenance programme. There is nothing we as manufacturers can do to prevent soiling in use. There are several types of soiling which are quite common:

Spillages

- Liquids such as soft drinks, cordials or any drink which contains sugar, particularly hot drinks, is likely to leave a stain. In such instances, professional help should be sought.

Shampoo - if incorrectly applied, can leave

sticky soap residues in the fibres which can result in the soiling reappearing quite rapidly.

Dust - which is carried on draughts can soil

carpets in various ways, apart from the obvious soiled edges, at gaping skirting boards for instance, dark lines appearing on surface might suggest airborne dust vacuumdrawn through poorly fitted floorboards. Sometimes the shape of floorboards can be seen quite clearly. Air borne dust sometimes shows itself as spots on the carpet, this is due to the air carried on a draught under the carpet escaping through minute holes both in the underlay and the carpet, leaving dust deposited on the pile much like a filter action. In such installations, the use of a lining paper is essential as a preventative measure.

T HE R EGENCY

Collection

It is the responsibility of the retailer to advise the consumer when the carpet is measured of any poorly fitting doors, skirtings, or floorboards and the consumers responsibility to ensure any remedial work to seal draughts, is carried out before the carpet is fitted, if a resulting complaint is to be avoided.

INSTALLATIONS

Telephone National Institute of Carpet Fitters (NICF) for further information – 0115 958 3077.

This information is given by responsible manufacturers to help you help your customer to make an informed choice.

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Flooring factsheet Carpet types TUFTED

With advances in manufacturing technology, 95% of all carpet produced today is tufted. It takes about an hour to make a roll of carpet that might take eight hours to weave.To make tufted carpet, hundreds of yarn-threaded needles are pushed through the primary backing fabric to form loops or tufts, which may be left as is or cut. A heavy adhesive coating is applied to hold the tufts in place and a secondary backing is usually glued on for strength and stability. A wide variety of styles and textures can then be created using various techniques.

LOOP PILE Berber • Berber carpets look like and are named after a handmade, bulky wool carpet made by the Berber tribes of North Africa and Asia. The loops are made from thick or bulky yarns of wool, nylon, polypropylene or a blend of these fibres to give a cushioned effect underfoot.These carpets are available in an assortment of colours and may be flecked and can be either level loop or multilevel loop.

Level Loop • When all the loops are of the same height, a highly flexible and durable carpet is created which has a natural, casual appearance even when (commonly) it is made from synthetic fibres. The tight loop texture tends to hide marks so it’s a good blend between luxury and practicality.

Multi-level loop • The loops vary to two or sometimes three loop heights to create informal, random textures which are very forgiving for marks and stains and therefore very suitable for high traffic areas and busy family rooms.

CUT PILE Freize • Frieze (pronounced free-say) carpets are similar to saxony, but the yarns are more tightly twisted and should always be heat set. They have a dense, low pile surface which creates a coarse, pebbly texture. Frieze carpets are very durable and hide footprints, dust and dirt, which makes them suitable for heavy traffic areas.

Saxony • Saxony textures are made of twisted yarns, which should be heat set.The tips remain very distinct, rather than blending together to form a very elegant finish. Saxony textures show footprints and vacuum marks so are suitable for more occasional rooms in the home. More textured variations improve the practicality of saxonies.

WOVEN

Woven carpet may be in a tiny minority of today’s production but still produces some of the finest carpets which are used for prestigious installations.

Axminster • The pile of the carpet is inserted into the backing as it is woven and cut to length, creating U-shaped tufts to give a velvety surface.The process locks in the fibre to create a carpet of high durability and performance retention as well as a luxury feel. The process allows for intricate designs and colours to be used – although modern trends mean that the traditional patterned axminster has given way to current fashion trends for plain carpets.

Wilton • Wilton woven carpets are produced in a similar way to axminsters – the principal difference being that a continuous fibre is woven all the way through.The carpet can be sheared to create a range of cut and loop textured effects.The result is a high quality carpet of unrivalled durability. Flat weave • Manufactured in the same way as wilton, flat weave is a loop pile which allows the yarn to be woven across a wider area to created a flatter, more textured effect.

ends blend together which then further enhances the overall finish. These carpets tend to ‘shade’ with heavy use. Footprints show easily and the colour looks different from place to place because fibres lying in different directions reflect the light differently. A luxury for occasional rooms.

CUT AND LOOP When some of the pile is cut and other left as loop, a variety of surface textures and patterns can be created (in a variety of colours).The multi-level surface is excellent for hiding footprints and stains so cut and loop is good for high traffic areas and general purpose rooms in the home.

Shag pile • Shag pile has varied in popularity.The pile is up to 50mm long and the texture is casual and loose but the surface flattens easily and lacks durability.

Twist • The popular twist carpet is the cut-pile standard.The yarn is tightly twisted and often heatset to retain this feature and the result is BONDED Tip Sheared Level Loop Tip Sheared Level Loop Sheared Level Loop plain colours. a versatile, textured finish that is idealTipfor Bonded carpets (sometimes called ‘fibre-bonded’ or ‘fusion bonded’) are created by firing fibres into an adhesive material – the fibres are Velvet • Velvet textures (sometimes called ‘velour’ or ‘plush’) all have not stitched into the backing in any way. The technique is principally a level surface pile of approx 5mm to 10mm height, which is then used for commercial carpet tiles. sheared to give a smooth finish. With very little twist in the yarn, the Random Sheared Random Sheared

Random Sheared Multi-Level Multi-Level Loop Loop

Multi-Level Loop

Tip Sheared

Velvet/Plush Velvet/Plush Level Loop

Velvet/Plush Frieze Frieze

Frieze

Random Sheared

Twist TwistLoop Multi-Level

Twist BerberBerber

Berber

Velvet/Plush

SaxonySaxony Frieze

Saxony Shag Shag

Shag

THE STOCKLISTS October 2009

Twist

Berber

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Flooring factsheet Underlay In a tight market for margins, underlay for carpet and laminate flooring offers retailers one of the best opportunities to add value to every sale - with good profitability, trade-up potential once benefits are understood and high satisfaction levels with customers.

www.interfloor.com

But 50% of carpet is still sold without new underlay! Retailers should create an assumption that new underlay is always required, the only decision is which type. It’s also a good target-setter for sales staff.

www.interfloor.com

Setting up in-store demonstrations so customers can walk on samples with different grades of underlay and feel the difference has shown excellent results - some manufacturers offer point-of-sale units.

Benefits

Good underlay will... • Improve underfoot comfort • Increase appearance retention, reducing flattening • Absorb the pressure of foot traffic and reduce wear • Improve thermal insulation and warmth • Increase sound insulation • Smooth out sub-floor imperfections • Last the lifetime of the carpet Poor or old underlay will... • Feel hard and unwelcoming • Reduce carpet life • Cause wrinkling and premature wear spots • Cause carpet fibres to break down more quickly • Not meet British Standards

How thick? A maximum of 12mm is recommended (working with gripper will be difficult thereafter) but rooms with heavy traffic will need a thinner, denser pad.The combination of thickness and density is all important as a thick underlay with low density may not perform well. Typically, the thicker the underlay, the better quality it will need to be - 11mm is often used for luxury installations with 9mm and 7mm the common domestic thickness.

Sponge rubber

Combination

THE STOCKLISTS October 2009

Crumb

PU foam

Types

Sponge rubber The market’s most popular underlay is available in flat or waffle patterns in a wide range of weights for different applications. It performs well for comfort and has a durable spring retention. PU (polyurethane) foam PU foam is a relative newcomer to the market, typically made from recycled foam offcuts.The foam provides excellent comfort and performance levels with lots of thickness options - and its light weight helps handling. The product can be re-cycled again after use. Crumb rubber Flat and dense, crumb rubber is good for heavy footfall - offering maximum protection but a little less comfort (and very good over stair nosings). Laminate underlay There’s still an opportunity to sell underlay with laminate flooring, improving the acoustic performance of the floor and helping the boards float above any imperfections in the sub-surface. Combination A rubber crumb base with a felt top layer offers a good combination of protection, durability and comfort. It also allows carpet with seaming to bed into the top felt. Underfloor heating underlay Always ask if there is underfloor heating. Most manufacturers offer specialised products. Underlay and carpet with a combined tog rating up to 2.5 can be used - which means the underlay would normally have a tog rating of 1.0. Felt This traditional (but environmentally friendly) underlay is made from recycled fibres - wool, jute and synthetic - to create a firm, dense pad with excellent thermal insulation. Still a very popular choice among contractors when stretch fitting woven carpets Pre-tackified underlay A self-adhesive single stick underlay in both needlefelt and PU. A removable system for heavy use when comfort is desired

www.floorwise.co.uk

www.carpenter.limited.uk

www.underlay.com

www.texfelt.co.uk

Specialists in pre-tacked underlays, soft fibre boards & Roberts Tools. www.estillon.co.uk

www.numa-online.co.uk

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The Stocklists Pattern book changes The month’s changes are brought together on one page so that pattern books can be quickly up-dated. 4 New ranges/designs

Manufacturer

6 Withdrawn ranges/designs

AFS 6 ASPEN 35oz 6 ORION 32oz

BROCKWAY CARPETS OF KIDDERMINSTER CAVALIER EDEL TELENZO

4 CHAUMONT 4 AMBOISE

FELLS FURLONG LITTNER HAMPTON LTD LOUIS DE POORTERE MOHAWK 4 REVOLUTION - ROLL ONLY VINYL 6 PLANET EARTH 4m + 5m, SAHARA 4m + 5m, WORSTED WEAVE 4m + 5m in NATURAL EFFECT 6 MIDAS TOUCH 4m + 5m, VENTURA 4m + 5m in SAXONY/SHAG PILE 6 PREMIER HARVEST TWIST 4m + 5m, SHEPHERD TWIST in TWISTS 6 CAPITAL PRIMO in CARPET TILES 6 AVALON, MASTERPIECE in VINYL/SMOOTH FLOORING

RACKHAMS

SOLENT 4 CHISLEHURST in LANO 4 PRIMO ULTIMA in VICTORIA

STS

Wholesaler index

SUPERTEX

Wholesaler

Page

Telephone

Price list date

0208 805 8620

April 2009

0208 443 3322

—

01977 662211

—

0208 520 8474

—

s RACKHAMS

02085 319225

Oct-Dec 2009

s SOLENT

01243 774623

Sept/Oct 2009

0845 341000

July 2009

—

01772 457070

—

s AFS s COLUMBIA s FELLS

CARPETS

s LITTNER

s STS

FLOORING

HAMPTON

WHOLESALE CARPET CO. LTD

FLOORING DISTRIBUTORS

s SUPERTEX

FURNISHING

Regional Wholesale Distributors Directory See pages 11-13 for the Directory and page 58 to apply for a listing 10

THE STOCKLISTS October 2009

SL Front October 09

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7:35 am

Page 11

Are you a Wholesaler? If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not listed here, please call Diane Martin on 01482 659396.

The Stocklists Wholesale Distribution Directory

National Fells Carpets Goole 01977 662211

fellscarpets@aol.com www.fellscarpets.co.uk

North East

Carpet & Flooring Gateshead Gateshead 0844 824 3121 enquiries@cfgateshead.co.uk www.cfgateshead.co.uk

Delta Carpet Distributors Leeds Tel: 0113 240 4144 sales@deltacarpets.com www.deltacarpets.com Floorwise (North East) Ltd Birtley - see Floorwise p11 Vanguard Carpets Redditch 0845 601 1189 customer.services @vanguardcarpets.co.uk www.vanguardcarpets.co.uk Wood Floor Sales Redditch 01527 511888 sales@woodfloorsales.com www.woodfloorsales.com

North West A & A Carpets Ltd Manchester Tel: 01204 701188

A & S Carpets Bolton Tel: 01204 706401 Email: ascarpet@talk21.com John Evans Ltd Manchester 0161 368 2563 Fax: 0161 368 3039 Mobile: 07850 935301 Kellars Ltd Stockport 0161 443 0970 sales@kellars.co.uk

THE STOCKLISTS October 2009

Lee Floorstok Ltd Liverpool - see Floorwise p11

Lee Floorstok Ltd Manchester - see Floorwise p11

MCA Floorwise Ltd Morecambe - see Floorwise p11 Mytton Flooring Norwich - see Floorwise p11 Millbrook Carpets Darwen 01254 703999 millbrookcarpets@live.co.uk

Ovation Interior Flooring Design Ltd Oldham Tel: 01457 810987 sales@ovationflooring.com www.ovationflooring.com

Midlands

East

Carpet & Flooring Birmingham Birmingham 0121 421 9131 cfenquiry@cfbirmingham.co.uk www.cfbirmingham.co.uk

Beds Flooring Bedford 01234 341234 sales@bedsflooring.co.uk www.bedsflooring.co.uk

Betrex Flooring Birmingham Tel: 0121 333 3432 sales@betrex.co.uk

Floorwise D & J Ltd Southam- see Floorwise p11

J J Wholesale & Distribution Ltd Birmingham 0121 765 4994 jjwholesale@gmx.com

Preston Underlay Centre RPS Flooring Preston Mansfield Woodhouse Tel: 01772 556345 - see Floorwise p11 prestonunderlaycentre@fsmail.net STS Flooring Distributors R G N Flooring Supplies Watford Stockport 08454 342000 Tel: 0161 406 7557 sales@stsflooring.co.uk Email: sales@rgn.net www.stsflooring.com Web: see page 27 for details www.rgnflooringsupplies.co.uk Supertex Furnishings Lancashire 01772 457070 sales@supertexfurnishing.co.uk www.supertexfurnishing.co.uk See page 28 for details

Vanguard Carpets Redditch 0845 601 1189 customer.services@vanguardcarpet s.co.uk www.vanguardcarpets.co.uk

Walkwell Flooring Supplies Manchester 0161 786 6800 salesenq@walkwell-flooring.co.uk www.walkwell-flooring.co.uk Wood Floor Sales Redditch 01527 511888 sales@woodfloorsales.com www.woodfloorsales.com

Supertex Furnishings Leyland Tel: 01772 457070 sales@supertexfurnishing.co.uk www.supertexfurnishing.co.uk See page 28 for details

All In One Supplies Hatfield Tel: 0845 260 7044 sales@allinonesupplies.co.uk www.allinonesupplies.co.uk

Faithfull Floorcovering Suffolk 01473 822341 sales@faithfulls.co.uk www.faithfulls.co.uk

Flooring Supplies Anglia Limited Norwich Tel: 01603 427247 Web: www.flooringsuppliesanglia.co.uk

STS Flooring Distributors Ltd Cambridge Tel: 01954 781142 sales@stsflooring.co.uk www.stsflooring.com See page 27 for details The Essential Flooring Company Middlesex Tel: 01895 274436 essential@flooringco.freeserve.co.uk

T&R Floor Covering Distributors Ltd Nottingham Tel: 0115 925 7711 sales@trflooring.com

Vanguard Carpets Redditch 0845 601 1189 customer.services@ vanguardcarpets.co.uk www.vanguardcarpets.co.uk

Wood Floor Sales Redditch 01527 511888 sales@woodfloorsales.com www.woodfloorsales.com

Anderson Grant & Co Ltd Essex Tel: 01245 473927 andersongrant@headlam.com www.andersongrant.co.uk

Vanguard Carpets Redditch 0845 601 1189 customer.services@vanguardcarpet s.co.uk www.vanguardcarpets.co.uk

Woodall Brothers Ltd Shrewsbury - see Floorwise p11

Wood Floor Sales Redditch 01527 511888 sales@woodfloorsales.com www.woodfloorsales.com

continued overleaf....

SL Front October 09

25/9/09

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Page 12

Are you a Wholesaler? If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not listed here, please call Diane Martin on 01482 659396.

The Stocklists Wholesale Distribution Directory

South East

Acorn Carpet Accessories Bromley, Kent - see Floorwise p11 AFS Middlesex 020 8805 8620 info@afsenfield.co.uk

See page 16 for details

Beds Flooring Bedford 01234 341234 sales@bedsflooring.co.uk www.bedsflooring.co.uk

Carpet & Flooring London Camberley 01276 672100 enquire@cflondon.co.uk www.cflondon.co.uk CF Anderson & Son Ltd Colchester Tel: 01206 211666 Email: sales@cfanderson.co.uk Web: www.cfanderson.co.uk Columbia Flooring Middlesex 020 8443 3322 sales@columbiaflooring.co.uk www.columbiaflooring.co.uk See page 20 for details

Faithfulls Service Centre Kent 01322 285001

Faithfulls Service Centre Walthamstow 0208 498 3040 sales.walthamstow@faithfulls.co.uk Faithfull Floorcovering Suffolk 01473 822341 sales@faithfulls.co.uk www.faithfulls.co.uk

G J Flooring Wholesale Battle Tel: 01424 892411

J De Bruyn Ltd Leyton Tel: 020 8558 4725 Email: enquiries@de-bruyn.co.uk Web: www.de-bruyn.co.uk

Kent Flooring Supplies Ltd Chatham 01634 668668 sales@kentflooring.co.uk www.kentflooring.co.uk Littner Hampton London 020 8520 8474 littnerhampton@aol.com www.littnerhamptoncarpets.co.uk Potts & Ward, Woodcocks Ltd Brighton 01273 557211 pwwflooring@fastnet.co.uk www.pwwflooring.co.uk Rackhams London 020 8531 9225 sales@rackhamsltd.co.uk www.rackhamsltd.co.uk See page 25 for details

Salesmark Lancing, - see Floorwise p11

Solent Wholesale Carpet West Sussex 01243 774623 sales@solentwholesale.co.uk www.solentwholesale.co.uk See page 26 for details

STS Flooring Distributors Orpington/Croydon 0845 434 1000 sales@stsflooring.co.uk www.stsflooring.com see page 27 for details

South West

Wales

Carpet & Flooring Bristol Bristol 0117 966 798l orderenquiry@cfbristol.co.uk www.cfbristol.co.uk

Keepfers Flooring Accessories Cwmbran Tel: 01633 871162

Balley Carpets of Bristol Keynsham 0117 986 8431 Email: baileybristol@mcd.co.uk Web: www.baileybristol.co.uk

Clarks Wood Company Bristol Tel: 0117 971 6316 Email: stag@clarkswood.com Web: www.clarkswood.com Fitwell Flooring Ltd Redruth - see Floorwise p11

Fitwell Flooring Ltd Newton Abott - see Floorwise p11 Solent Wholesale Carpet West Sussex 01243 774623 sales@solentwholesale.co.uk www.solentwholesale.co.uk See page 26 for details

STS Flooring Distributors Thame (Oxford) 01844 213555 sales@stsflooring.co.uk www.stsflooring.com see page 27 for details

Carpet & Flooring Bristol Bristol 0117 966 798l orderenquiry@cfbristol.co.uk www.cfbristol.co.uk

Rhyl Flooring Supplies Ltd Rhyl Tel: 01745 354555 Roma Flooring Neath - see Floorwise p11

Vanguard Carpets Redditch 0845 601 1189 customer.services@ vanguardcarpets.co.uk www.vanguardcarpets.co.uk Wood Floor Sales Redditch 01527 511888 sales@woodfloorsales.com www.woodfloorsales.com

Ireland

Brooks Belfast Belfast Tel: 028 9074 4201 Email: brooks.belfast@brooksgroup.ie Web: www.brooksgroup.co.uk

Vanguard Carpets Redditch 0845 601 1189 customer.services@vanguardcarpet E C O Wood Ltd The Wood Floor Centre s.co.uk Co.Wicklow UK www.vanguardcarpets.co.uk Tel: 353 4046 2620 Leigh on Sea Email: eco@dol.ie Tel: 01702 479493 Wood Floor Sales Floorwise Ltd thewoodfloorcentreukltd@hotmail Redditch Dublin - see Floorwise p11 .co.uk 01527 511888 :www.thewoodfloorcentreukltd.co.u sales@woodfloorsales.com Floorwise Ltd www.woodfloorsales.com N. Ireland - see Floorwise p11 Vanguard Carpets Redditch Marketall Trading Ltd 0845 601 1189 Dublin 11 customer.services@vanguardcarpet Tel: 00 353 1 8308244 s.co.uk C. K. Davie Ltd Email: joe@marketall.ie www.vanguardcarpets.co.uk Aberdeen - see Floorwise p11 Web: www.marketall.ie Wessex Flooring C. K. Davie Ltd M C D Belfast Amesbury- see Floorwise p11 Dundee - see Floorwise p11 Belfast Tel: 028 9035 1624 Wood Floor Sales Neil Smith Ltd Email: mcdbelfast@mcd.co.uk Redditch Glasgow - see Floorwise p11 Web: www.merbelfast.co.uk 01527 511888 sales@woodfloorsales.com www.woodfloorsales.com

Scotland

THE STOCKLISTS October 2009

SL Front October 09

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Page 13

floorwise

National Network of Floorwise Distributors Acorn Carpet Accessories 15 Bromley, Kent Tel: 020 8462 0422 Fax: 020 8462 0927 C. K. Davie Ltd 1 Aberdeen Tel: 01224 820077 Fax: 01224 822344 C. K. Davie Ltd 2 Dundee Tel: 01382 226533 Fax: 01382 226544

Fitwell Flooring Ltd 19 Redruth, Cornwall Tel: 01209 214344 Fax: 01209 21162 Fitwell Flooring Ltd 18 Newton Abott, Devon Tel: 01626 835935 Fax: 01626 834334

Floorwise D & J Ltd 12 Southam, Warks Tel: 01926 814922 Fax: 01926 817899

Floorwise (North East) Ltd 5 Birtley, County Durham Tel: 0191 410 7070 Fax: 0191 410 6116 Floorwise Ltd 9 Dublin 12, ROI Tel: 00 353 (0)1 4299455 Fax: 00 353 (0)1 4298529 Floorwise Ltd 4 Northern Ireland Tel: 028 094 34441

Lee Floorstok Ltd 8 Liverpool Tel: 0151 708 7420 Fax: 0151 708 7241

Lee Floorstok Ltd 7 Manchester Tel: 0161 231 8080 Fax: 0161 231 8787

MCA Floorwise Ltd 6 Morecambe, Lancashire Tel: 01524 33517 Fax: 01524 381852

1 2

Mytton Flooring 13 Norwich, Norfolk Tel: 01603 624387 Fax: 01603 612888 Neil Smith Ltd 3 Glasgow Tel: 0141 552 1141 Fax: 0141 552 0623

Roma Flooring 14 Neath, West Glamorgan Tel: 01639 633001 Fax: 01639 646116

3 4

INSTALLATION ACCESSORIES

14 18 19

13 15

HEAD OFFICE Floorwise Group Limited Floorwise House, 22 High Street, Kegworth, Derby DE74 2DA, UK

Tel: 0044 (0)1509 673974 Fax: 0044 (0)1509 674841

Award-Winning Flooring Accessories

ENTRANCE MATTING

Salesmark 16 Lancing, West Sussex Tel: 01903 750522 Fax: 01903 851111

Woodall Brothers Ltd 11 Shrewsbury, Shropshire Tel: 01743 441584 Fax: 01743 441629

RPS Flooring 10 Mansfield Woodhouse, Nottinghamshire Tel: 01623 624198 Fax: 01623 620931

Wessex Flooring 17 Amesbury, Wiltshire Tel: 01980 625888 Fax: 01980 676969

UNDERLAYS

ADHESIVES & SCREEDS

www.floorwise.co.uk www.floorwise.co.uk •• www.carpetunderlays.net www.carpetunderlays.net www.signaturewoodfloors.com www.signaturewoodfloors.com •• www.siennawoodfloors.com www.siennawoodfloors.com

THE STOCKLISTS October 2009

SL Front October 09

25/9/09

7:35 am

Page 14

The Stocklists Carpet Company Directory Abingdon Flooring

01274 655694

Adam Carpets Ltd Be Tu Tw W Ww

01562 829966

Associated Weavers Rw Tu

01422 431100

Avena Carpets Ltd Tu Ww

01422 330261

Axwoven Carpets Ltd Ax Be

0121 550 5788

Axminster Carpets Ltd Ax Be Tw

+32 56783250

Balta Industries NV Tu Tw W Ww

+32 56 62 2211

Betap Tufting BV Tu Tw W

+31 383 861 060

BIC Carpets Be Tw W

+32 56 23 54 10

Bizspoke Custom Carpets Be Tw W

01924 488882

Blenheim Carpets Ax Be Tw W Ww

020 7823 3040

BMK

0113 380 5333

Bond Worth Ltd Ax

01562 745000

Brintons Ax Tu Tw W Ww

0800 505055

Brockway Carpets Ltd

Edel Telenzo’s Rembrandt

Bronte Carpets Ltd Be Tu Tw W office@brontecarpets.co.uk www.brontecarpets.co.uk Burmatex Tu

Cadogan Carpet Co W

01282 862 736

01924 262525 01562 733610

01297 32244

Bajong Carpets NV Tu Tw W

Tw W sales@brockway.co.uk

Couristan Carpets Ax Tu W Ww

01562 828200 www.brockway.co.uk

Carpets of Kidderminster Ax Tu sales@carpetsofkidderminster.com www.carpetsofkidderminster.com Cavalier Carpets Ltd Ax Be Tu Tw W Ww Christy Carpets Tu

Clarendon Carpets Tw Classis Carpets Tu W Ww

Condor Carpets BV Tu

01299 827477

01254 268000 019078 308777 01675 433046 0870 020 1725 +31 38 4778911

Contemporary Life & Textiles Be Tw www.contemporarylife.co.uk

Cormar Carpets Ltd Tu Tw W info@cormarcarpets.co.uk www.cormarcarpets.co.uk

Mohawk’s Cherbourg Check

Craigie Carpets Be

Creative Carpets Ltd Be Tu Tw W Creatuft Carpets Tu W

Custom Carpet Company Ax Be Tu Tw W Ww Dan-Floor UK W

Domo International Be Pr Tu Tw W

Drury Lane Carpets Ltd Be Tu Tw W Dutton Carpets Be

E & WE Carpets W

800 223 6186 01294 558400 0116 284 1455 +32 56 35 4444 01737 830301 01454 858014 +32 92 41 4511 01484 550380 01254 672672 01562 825952

Edel Telenzo Carpets Ltd Tu Tw W sales@edeltelenzocarpets.co.uk www.edeltelenzocarpets.co.uk Enterprise Weaving Co Be Ww

01422 374 417

01562 745030

01254 296829

Fells Carpets 01204 881 234

Ww cummings@btinternet.com www.fellscarpets.co.uk

Fetcham Furnishings Ltd Tw

01977 662211

020 8944 6220

Brockway’s Vogue

THE STOCKLISTS October 2009

SL Front October 09

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7:35 am

Page 15

If you would like to be included in this section or upgrade your listing, please contact Diane Martin on +44 (0)1482 659396 or email diane@mayvillepublishing.co.uk

Every time you see a web or email address in The Stocklists, you can click straight to it from our online edition at www.thestocklists.com

KEY TO CODES: Be: Bespoke • Pr: Printed • Tu:Tufted • Tw:Twist • W: Wool • Ww: Woven Wilton Fletco Taepper A/S Tu W

Furlong Flooring

Tw W enquiries@furlongcentral.co.uk www.furlongflooring.co.uk Gaskell Tu Tw W

+45 96 60 3000

Godfrey Hirst (GB) Ltd Tu

Halbmond Teppichwerke Be Pr Tu Heckmondwike FB

01772 696 787

01827 831525

01827 831430 0800 526696 +49 037 421 420

01924 410544

John Lanham Watts Carpets Ax Tw Ww 01937 588511 John Evans Ltd Ax Tu Tw W

Joseph Hamilton & Seaton W Kingsmead Carpets Tu Tw W

Lano NV

Ax Pr Tu Tw W Ww marketing@lano.be www.lano.com

Le Tissage d'Arcade Ax Ww

0800 78 33 712

Leigh Spinners Ltd Tw

01942 673232

Louis de Poortere W

Gaskell Mackay Carpets Ltd Ax Tu Tw W 01642 242 423 Georgian Carpets Tu Tw W

Lecaflor Ltd Ax Be Pr Tu Tw W Ww

0161 368 2563 01827 831400 01827 831 424

+32 56 393 386

Lusotufo Tu

01388 664101

Manx Carpets Tw W

01827 831 434

Mayfield Carpets W

01706 639 866

MID NL Be

+31 38 851 8700

Mohawk Europe

marinagooch@mohawkeurope.com www.mohawkinternational.com Mr Tomkinson Tw Ww

01827 831 450

Ossfloor UK

01675 433031

Penthouse Carpets Tu Tw W

01706 341231

Phoenox Textiles Pr Tu

01484 863227

Roe Lee Carpets Be

01254 676766

Roger Vanden Berghe.NV Tu Ww

+32 56 65 4300

+32 05685 4747

Ryalux Carpets Ltd Be Tu Tw W

Sans Frontieres Ltd Be Pr Tu Tw W Ww

01480 479830 01480 471304

+32 56 73 57 11 0845 652 881

Shaw Home Foundations Tu

0844 5611977 01675 433 501

Bronte’s stand

Tapibel NV Pr Tu Tw Tasibel NV Tw

01623 481 221

The Alternative Flooring Co The Grosvenor Wilton Co W Ww The Sultana Carpet Co Ax The Wilton Carpet Co Ax W Ww

Thomas Witter UK Ltd Tu Tw

+32 52 499600 01264 335111

01562 701456 01299 822300 0845 296 8850 0870 1128318

Timzo Tufting Industry BV +31 38 385 4477 Tu Tisca Tiara Tu Ww

Ulster Carpets Ax Be Tu Tw W Ww

United Carpets & Beds Tw W Ww Victoria Carpets Tu Tw W Ww Vorwerk

Westex Carpets Tu

Whitestone Weavers Ltd Ax Be Tu Tw W Ww Wilkies Carpets Tw

William Pownall Tw W

Woodward Grosvenor Ax Tu Tw W Ww Wool Classics Tu Ww

+41 71 791 0111 02838 334433 01709 732 666 01562 749300

08700 104484 01274 861334

01429 892555 0113 307 9955 0845 652881 0800 526696 0207 349 1560

Carpets of Kidderminster’s Beaufort Court

Cormar’s Berwick

THE STOCKLISTS October 2009

SL Front October 09

25/9/09

7:35 am

Page 16

THE STOCKLISTS October 2009

UNDERLAYS

CARPETS NATURAL/LOOPS HIGH FLYER MARRAKESH NOMAD ZAHARA LYMINGTON

Tex Loop Natural 50/50 Nat Loop 100% Wool 3 Ply Yarn 100% Wool 3 Ply Yarn

SAXONY NOBLE Saxony ROYAL TOUCH STAINFREE SUPREME SENSATIONAL

40oz Saxony 45oz Saxony 55oz Saxony 58oz Saxony

80/20 WOOL TWIST ENTERPRISE TWIST ASPEN TWIST WESSEX TWIST

80/20 30oz 80/20 38oz 80/20 40oz

PP TWIST VIVA SALT N PEPPER STAINSAFE IMPERIAL EXTRA TWIST SPICY TWIST ELITE TWIST STAINFREE ULTRA

PP Twist PP Twist PP Twist Cut Pile Felt & Action PP Cut Pile Twist 100% PP Twist

LOOP PILE AND CORD PINCH felt + foam RAMBO RAMBO GALA CORD FB GALA CORD HB

Needle Punch Cord Loop Pile Cord AB Loop Pile Cord Felt Loop Pile Cord Loop Pile Cord

BATHROOM BOUDOIR BATHROOM NAT PASTURES

Bathroom Bathroom

CORMAR STOCKED STONE HAVEN MALABAR HEAVENLY NEW OAKLANDS NEW OAKLANDS NEW OAKLANDS PRIMO Saxony NEW HAMPSHIRE NEW HAMPSHIRE BERWICK HOME COUNTIES BUCHANAN BERWICK HOME COUNTIES HIGHLANDER PRIMO TWEED PRIMO PLUS PRIMO ULTRA

20% Wool Natural 100% Natural 100% Polyester Twist 32oz Twist 42oz Twist 50oz Twist Excellon Saxony 80/20 32oz 80/20 42oz 80/10/10 40oz Twist 42 oz Twist 80/10/10 40oz Twist 80/10/10 50oz Twist 50 oz Twist 50 oz Twist Excellon Twist Excellon Twist Excellon Twist

CORMAR CARPETS PENNINE WARWICK TOWN AND COUNTRY SALISBURY

3/5 DAYS DELIVERY 80/20 40oz 80/20 50oz 80/20 60oz 80/20 60oz

Roll Size

Full Roll EQ* Description

BRANDED TOP END RUBBER SPONGE RANGE ELITE 11 m2 129lb Textured Rubber Underlay Waffle Rubber Underlay MAJESTIC 11 m2 135lb Waffle Rubber Underlay 11 m2 135lb COLOURS RED DYNAMICS 11 m2 118lb Textured Rubber Underlay Textured Rubber Underlay NEW SUPREME 11 m2 115lb 15 m2 90lb WILLOW GREEN Waffle Rubber Underlay Waffle Rubber Underlay CRUSADER SUPREME 15 m2 100lb DUO 15 m2 60lb Waffle Rubber Underlay UNBRANDED TREADAIR SPONGE RUBBER AFS GOLD 15 m2 95 lb Rubber Underlay AFS SUPER 15 m2 80lb Rubber Underlay AFS STANDARD 15 m2 60lb Rubber Underlay PE UNDERLAYS GRAPHITE

14.4 m2

Light Weight PE

WOOD FLOOR UNDERLAYS BOARDWALK 15 m2 TIMBERMATE EXCEL 15 m2 SONIC GOLD 15 m2 COMFORT SILVER 15 m2 ACOUSTICA WHITE FOAM 15 m2

3.75mm 3.75mm 3mm 3mm 2mm

23dB Moisture Barrier 23dB Moisture Barrier 20dB PE Foam/Foil Overlap 18dB PE Foam + Foil PE Foam

PU UNDERLAYS COMFY LUXURY

15 m2 15 m2

8 mm 10mm

British Made PU British Made PU

TREDAIRE PU UNDERLAYS BRIO 15 m2 ZEST 15 m2 SOFWALK 15 m2 DREAMWALK 15 m2

8mm 10mm 9 mm 11 mm

Tredaire PU Tredaire PU Tredaire PU Tredaire PU

CARPENTERS PU UNDERLAYS DEEPSTEP 15 m2 11mm 15 m2 9mm RICHSTEP SUPER GREEN STEP 15 m2 10mm GREENSTEP 15 m2 8mm

PU Underlay PU Underlay PU Underlay PU Underlay

CARPENTERS CONTRACT UNDERLAYS FIRMSTEP 15 m2 7mm Contract PU POWERSTEP 15 m2 9mm Contract PU Contract PU IMO Rated 15 m2 7mm MARINESTEP DURALAY CONTRACT UNDERLAYS TREADMORE 11 m2 8mm SYSTEM 10 11 m2 10mm SUPER DURALAY MK 111 15 m2 6.75mm DURAFIT 650 15 m2 6.5mm DURAFIT 500 15 m2 5mm 15 m2 100lb DEFENDER HEATFLOW CARPET 15 m2 6mm * denotes full roll weight/thickness

Crumb dBL Stick Crumb Crumb dBL Stick Crumb dBL Stick Crumb Flat Sponge .75 TOG Sponge

AFS Unit 4 Baird Road, Enfield, Middlesex EN1 1SJ Tel: 020 8805 8620 Fax: 020 8805 6840 Email: info@afsenfield.co.uk

PLUS A VAST RANGE OF ACCESSORIES AND TOOLS FOR CARPETS AND LAMINATES Contact our sales office or your area representative for prices on any of the above ranges. We also offer a fast service on non stock items. Phone our showroom manager for prices and samples. Our latest price list is dated April 2009.

REP DETAILS: Ashley Best Nick Hart Karl Goult

Tel: 07976 916752 Tel: 07771 967609 Tel: 07957 685428

Surrey , Hampshire, South London Essex, East London North London, West London, North West London, Middlesex, Herts., Beds., and Bucks.

SL Front October 09

25/9/09

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Page 17

THE STOCKLISTS October 2009

Kidderminster Trading Estate Spennells Valley Road Kidderminster Worcs DY10 1XS

Telephones:

Sales (01562) 828200 Admin (01562) 824737 Fax: (01562) 752010

New trade price list effective 1st December 2008

ASPEN HEAVY/ EXTRA HEAVY DOMESTIC/GENERAL CONTRACT 50 oz PILE WEIGHT • Please note - the lighter weight in this quality has now been discontinued

80% WOOL/20% POLYPROPYLENE 4 & 5 METRE WIDTHS

AMORE EXTRA HEAVY DOMESTIC/CONTRACT 45oz PILE WEIGHT

80% WOOL/10% NYLON/10% POLYESTER 4 & 5 METRE WIDTHS

BERBER TWIST CLASSIC EXTRA HEAVY DOMESTIC/GENERAL CONTRACT

80% WOOL/10% NYLON/10% POLYESTER 4 & 5 METRE WIDTHS

CRAFTSMAN ELITE EXTRA HEAVY DOMESTIC/CONTRACT 50oz PILE WEIGHT

80% WOOL/20% NYLON 4 & 5 METRE WIDTHS

MASTER CRAFTSMAN FORTE EXTRA HEAVY DOMESTIC/CONTRACT 40oz PILE WEIGHT

80% WOOL/20% NYLON 4 & 5 METRE WIDTHS

CRESTA SUPREME EXTRA HEAVY DOMESTIC/CONTRACT 50oz PILE WEIGHT

80% WOOL/10% NYLON/10% POLYESTER 4 & 5 METRE WIDTH

CRESTA EXTRA HEAVY DOMESTIC/CONTRACT 40oz PILE WEIGHT

Cresta

80% WOOL/10% NYLON/10% POLYESTER 4 & 5 METRE WIDTH

E&WE CARPETS BY BROCKWAY

A choice of 28 stunning shades in contemporary and classic hues designed to complement almost any décor.

Ranges include: Lakeland Herdwick Flatweave Collection Modena Verona

FAIRFIELD TWIST EXTRA HEAVY DOMESTIC/GENERAL CONTRACT 40oz PILE WEIGHT

80% WOOL/10% NYLON/10% POLYESTER 4 & 5 METRE WIDTH

CAVENDISH

FLORIAN EXTRA HEAVY DOMESTIC/GENERAL CONTRACT 60oz PILE WEIGHT

80% WOOL/10% NYLON/10% POLYESTER 4 & 5 METRE WIDTH

HEAVY DOMESTIC/GENERAL CONTRACT Choice of 18 Stylish Shades

ORION TWIST/MAJOR 60oz

SHETLAND

EXTRA HEAVY DOMESTIC/GENERAL CONTRACT 80% WOOL/10% ACRYLIC/7% POLYESTER/ 42oz PILE WEIGHT (ORION TWIST) + 60 oz (ORION MAJOR) 3% POLYPROPYLENE • Please note - the lighter weight in this quality has now been discontinued 4 & 5 METRE WIDTH

EXTRA HEAVY DOMESTIC/GENERAL CONTRACT Made with a natural mix of undyed Shetland & Norwegian Wool

TWINFOLD FINE TWIST

VOGUE

EXTRA HEAVY DOMESTIC/CONTRACT 50oz PILE WEIGHT

80% WOOL/10% NYLON/10% POLYESTER 4 & 5 METRE WIDTH

100% PURE NEW WOOL 4 & 5 METRE WIDTHS

100% TWO PLY PURE NEW WOOL 4 METRE WIDTHS

EXTRA HEAVY DOMESTIC/GENERAL CONTRACT 80% PURE NEW WOOL, 20% NYLON TWO FOLD YARN PLAIN 4 & 5 METRE WIDTHS, STRIPED 4 & 0.66 METRE WHIPPED RUNNER

REPRESENTATIVES: Mr. T. Bradley Tel: 07968 835201 S. Humberside, Lincs., Notts, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Cambridgeshire, North Hertfordshire. Mr. S. Perks Tel: 07968 835205 W. Midlands, Northants., Beds, Warwickshire, Worcs, Herefordshire, Shropshire Mr. S. Stead Tel: 07968 835204. North Humberside, Yorkshire, The North East

Mr. R.I. Hart Tel: 07968 835202. Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Kent, S.E London Mr. M. Humphreys Tel: 07968 835203 Hampshire, Dorset, Berkshire, Isle of Wight, Channel Isles, parts of Surrey Mr. R. Venn Tel: 07968 835206. South Wales, Bristol, South West, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Devon, Cornwall

Mr L. Little Tel: 07918 081782 Mr. A. Finch Tel: 07970 693752. Sussex, parts of Surrey, South Lancashire, Cheshire, North Wales, Cumbria, North Staffs Central & South West London

Mr D. Milstead Tel: 07841 565349 Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, South Beds, South Herts, North London

AGENTS: Mr. T. Tindal, Helensburgh. Tel: 01436 671421, mobile: 07836 705620, fax: 01436 671939 Scotland Mr. D. Moran Tel: 07710 882421 N. Ireland & Eire

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THE STOCKLISTS October 2009

Registered office: Wilden Lane, Stourport-on-Severn, Worcs. DY13 9LW Tel: 01299 827 477 Fax: 01299 827 052 sales@carpetsofkidderminster.com

Visit our website on: www.carpetsofkidderminster.com

CLASSIC AXMINSTER COLLECTION

SARAKHAN BERBER COLLECTION 80% WOOL, 20% NYLON Grade 5, Very Heavy Wear,

The Axminsters

supplied in 3.66m and 91cm

Distinctive Design Classic Saxony Luxury Saxony

SM - Sarakhan Maroc SM - Sarakhan Saxony SM - Sarakhan Royale

All three styles made in the same 13 colourways

The Tufteds SS - Sarakhan Shingle

80% WOOL, 10% NYLON, 10% POLYESTER Grade 5, Very Heavy Wear

supplied in 3.66m and 91cm Design No. 41/2822 44/2822 66/2822

Buckingham Colour KIRMAN ISPHAHAN BOUQUET ROCOCCO

Design No. F00001 F00002 F00007 F00008

Repeat 36” 36” 36”

Match H/D H/D H/D

supplied in 3.66m and 91cm Repeat

Match

34”

H/D

34”

H/D

34”

H/D

34”

S/M

supplied in 4m and 5m

Heavy 50oz-sq.yd 2ply twist Available in 19 colourways

100% WOOL Grade 5, Very Heavy Wear, Loop pile

Sarakhan Rustique

supplied in 4m and 5m

Heavy 52oz-sq.yd 4ply loop pile 6 colourways all made in 3 styles RD - Rustique Diamente RL - Rustique Linear RB - Rustique Boucle

80% WOOL, 20% NYLON Grade 5, Very Heavy Wear

Natural Elegance Extra Heavy Luxury twist 65oz-psyd In 14 colourways, 7 Heather Berber & 7 Classic Plain Shades

Tweedsdale

KASHMAR Colour BEIGE BERBER BROWN BERBER GOLD BERBER

supplied in 4m and 5m

NEW

80% WOOL, 20% SYNTHETIC with Meltbond Heavy Domestic

A 40oz-sq.yd FIne Twist at an attractively modest nett price in 12 subtle natural heather shades

supplied in 4m and 5m

NEW

FLORENCE

Colour RED PERSIAN DAMSON SAMARKAND BLUE SAMARKAND KIRMEN PANEL GREEN QUADRILLE

supplied in 3.66m and 91cm Design No. 11/4398 10/5281 3/5281 2/403 2/4647

GRENABY Design No. 16/8950 14/8018 23/8036 26/803 10/8207

Colour PERSIAN JEWEL GREEN CHINTZ CLEOPATRA

Design No. 10/8127 25/627 60/8745

Match set

36”

set

43”

set

36”

self

36”

self

Repeat

Match

41 1/4”

H/D

41 1/4”

H/D

41 1/4”

H/D

supplied in 3.66m and 91cm Design No. 72/746 48/763 23/759 23/9036

TARTANS Colour MURRAY OF ATHOLL LINDSEY McKELLAR BLACKWATCH (sm) BLACKWATCH (lg) ANCIENT HUNTING ROSS MACPHERSON MACLEOD OF MACLEOD

Repeat 36”

supplied in 3.66m and 91cm

L a xey Colour GREEN ISPHAHAN FAWN ELIZABETHAN PERSIAN GARDEN EMIR TURKEY

Match H/D H/D H/D S/M H/D

supplied in 3.66m and 91cm

Colour SHAH ABBASS JACOBEAN RED TURKEY RED KASHAN NATURAL KASHAN

Royalty

Repeat 34” 34” 34” 34” 34”

Repeat

Match

27”

H/D

36”

H/D

36”

H/D

36”

self

supplied in 3.66m and 91cm Design No. 5626 360/7 5555 5487S 5487L 5527 5173 5609

Repeat 12” 12” 18” 18” 36” 12” 18” 18”

Match self self self self self self self self

ALL AXMINSTERS WOVEN IN KIDDERMINSTER

ROWE company

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THE STOCKLISTS October 2009

Registered office: Wilden Lane, Stourport-on-Severn, Worcs. DY13 9LW Tel: 01299 827 477 Fax: 01299 827 052 sales@carpetsofkidderminster.com

Visit our website on: www.carpetsofkidderminster.com

CONTEMPORARY AND TONAL AXMINSTERS

Chateau Royale

80% WOOL, 20% NYLON Grade 5, Heavy Wear,

supplied in 3.66m

3 ply well established pindot in 12 colours with 2 border options

Beaufort Court

80% WOOL, 20% NYLON Grade 5, Heavy Wear,

supplied in 3.66m

3 ply modern simple designs on pindot ground available in 12 colourways, 2 designs Mazarin & Crystal

Florenza

NEW 80% WOOL, 20% NYLON Grade 5, Heavy Wear,

supplied in 3.66m

3 ply subtle natural tonal textured yarns

NEW

AGENTS & REPRESENTATIVES Rodger Adams mobile: 07970 023 159

Scotland North East /Cumbria Lancashire, Yorkshire & North Wales Lincolnshire, East Midlands East Anglia, Essex & Hampshire

John Reid mobile: 07973 741 445

Martin Lees mobile: 07974 413 992

Natural Elegance

Mario Sorano mobile: 07989 589 124

The Ultimate in style and luxury Robin Rowberr y mobile: 07831 434 244

West Midlands North & West London, Home Counties & Bedfordshire South West/South Wales South London/Surrey/ Sussex & Kent

Lee Palmer mobile: 07774 101640 Andrew Jefferies mobile: 07831 457 102

Tony Cook mobile: 07860 205 377

Contract and bespoke service available. For all commercial enquiries please refer to sales reps/agents. For information or visit our new user friendly website www.carpetsofkidderminster.com

We would like to remind all customers that we have our own DEDICATED TRANSPORT FLEET offering a timely and efficient delivery service.

CURRENT PRICE LIST DATED: AUGUST 2008

Beaufort Court

Mazarine Crystal â&#x20AC;˘ Available in two designs

a ROWE company

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THE STOCKLISTS October 2009

The Leading Country Wide Carpet & Flooring Suppliers We can supply you with virtually any make of carpet and flooring at GUARANTEED maker’s list price....... Delivered direct to business premises FREE OF CHARGE. For a Speedy and Efficient Service

CALL US NOW!!! 020 8443 3322 Columbia Flooring plc

Trade Show Rooms Available • Specialist advice and terms available on contract enquiries •

TRAFALGAR TRADING ESTATE JEFFREYS ROAD ENFIELD MIDDLESEX EN3 7TY

Tel: 0208 443 3322 Fax: 0208 805 2346

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THE STOCKLISTS October 2009

Thank you! Thanks to all our customers for visiting us at Harrogate. It’s always great to meet in person and we hope you liked all the exciting new things we’ve got coming up. We can already see that Xpress (below), Windsor and Chelsea are going to be BIG. The revamped Greenwich also went down very well.

WHAT’S NEW Look out for sample books of Chaumont and Amboise, new 100% polypropylene twists unveiled for the first time at the show. We’re very excited about these, the first of a number of new ranges planned featuring our own very hardwearing, nonfade Edelon Protect yarn, which locks the colour into the product to produce superior stain and bleach resistance as well as being moth proof and non allergenic. Amboise is a 1300g weight available in 4m width with actionbac backing, in a really contemporary palette of six earthy shades, ranging from cream to dark brown. Chaumont is a 960g weight, also in 4m width with actionbac backing. It’s available in rolls and cut lengths and has a wide colour palette, including fashionable solid shades such as purples, blues and pinks.

OUR SALES TEAM Greater London as far as N. Circular on north side of Thames and as far as M25 on south side, Surrey, some of Bucks, Middlesex Berks, Oxfordshire. John A Constable T: 01622 685397 M: 07836 734322 Kent, Sussex, Hampshire Robin Croughton T: 01892 669699 M: 07710 393966

Avon, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire (part of), Somerset, Wiltshire Doug Gilmour T: 01373 462503 M: 07970 950276 West Midlands, South Wales Paul Brewer T: 0121 4277117 M: 07798 745181 East Anglia, Bedfordshire, Cambs, Essex, Herts, Norfolk, Suffolk Jonathan Hart T: 01621 817992 M: 07889 264466

YOUR HEAD OFFICE TEAM CONTACTS Sales Director Philip Hopkins M: 07738 813734 Operations Manager Lesley Inman M: 07703 337989

Congratulations To Ian Chappell of Rackhams Ltd in Highams Park, East London, who is the winner of the Floorshow prize draw and the lucky recipient of a case of champagne.

Special Promotion We currently have a special offer on New Mars, one of our gelbac contract ranges in 100% polypropylene in 16 colours. Contact Head Office or your local representative for more details.

Lincs, Leics, Northants, Notts, Derbyshire Jim Osborne M: 07738 642934 Lancashire, Cheshire, North Wales Philip Hambleton T: 01925 740050 M: 07966 397676 Yorkshire & North Lincs John Alsop T: 01904 762471 M: 07860 572220

Cumbria and North East Jimmy Thomson T: 01835 863180 M: 07767 702928 Scotland Tim Tindal T: 01436 671421 M: 07836 705620 Channel Islands, Isle of Wight John Eastlake T: 01323 896141 M: 07885 398858 Northern Ireland Jim Osborne M: 07738 642934

Tel: 01422 374417 or 01422 371226 Fax: 01422 377452 Email: sales@edeltelenzocarpets.co.uk Edel Telenzo Carpets, 2- 4 Southgate, Elland, West Yorkshire HX5 0BW

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We tick all the boxes!

Best-selling products at every price point As a UK manufacturer and distributor, Furlong’s objective is simply to offer its customers the best of all worlds in terms of price, service and quality - a partnership that retailers can rely on and a comprehensive product range that consumers will respond to.

Furlong’s nationwide distribution network operates across three depots – London, Preston and Newport – using a dedicated fleet to carry rolls and cut lengths to our customers usually within 24 hours.

A long-term programme of substantial investment has created a major production facility for both 4m and 5m wide carpet and the new backing plant commissioned last year is now fully on line.

Furlong’s product development team has created a portfolio of products matched to the diverse needs of different customer groups, rooms styles and performance requirements. Regency’s stain-resistant ranges use their own ‘Carefree’ fibre which is bleach cleanable and offered with a warranty for absolute confidence. New ranges are introduced several times a year to keep the offering fresh and interesting and respond to consumer trends and colour shifts.

As a result, the company can produce hundreds of thousands of square metres of carpet every week, covering all the key sectors – stain resistant polypropylene, wool twist, wool natural and many others.

the aim is simply to offer customers the best of all worlds in terms of price, service and quality

Being in control of its manufacturing means Furlong can control the cost base and the quality to provide a range of products that is competitive at each of the price points. Manufacturing also means they can manage stock more closely and respond to changes in demand so that the right carpet is always ready for dispatch.

Furlong have paid particular attention to the presentation of the product range to consumers with a market-leading modular POS system which they will deliver and design to suit your store.

Furlong’s wholly-owned manufacturing company, Regency Carpets, is one of the UK’s top three tufters with a modern plant located in Bangor, Northern Ireland.

Furlong believes in working in partnership with their customers to provide products and services that ticks all the boxes.

Investing in quality and service

Extensive tufting expertise

Effective service systems

Large group stock-holding

Fast delivery fleet

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! Here are the people who try harder London & Home Counties SIMON BRENNER M: 07791 891024 S.W LONDON, SURREY (INS. M25) IAN COLLACOTT M: 07816 217550 MIDDLESEX, W. LONDON BERKSHIRE DARREN SPENDIFF M: 07791 890861 KENT

High impact POS Furlong’s innovative new modular displays have been launched with the top 10 Regency stain-resistant carpet ranges to suit every style and consumer budget.

RAY SMITH M: 07816 217565 ESSEX ADAM HOLLYOAKE M: 07816 217548 N, N W & E LONDON

Wales ALLAN MCDONALD M: 07872 941036 SALES MANAGER SAMANTHA EVANS M: 07973 389799 S./MID & W. WALES JASON BRIMBLE M: 07912 879796 AVON & GLOUCESTERSHIRE

• Mix and match up to10 units. • Islands, triangles, corners and walls. • Unique, stylish, interlocking design. • Total service - design, delivery and installation.

The Regency range of stain-resistant carpets ticks all the boxes:

✓ quality ✓ choice ✓ availability ✓ service ✓ price

TIM BAILEY M: 07841 204657 S.E. WALES & HEREFORDSHIRE STEWART WAITHMAN M: 07854 968144 DEVON & CORNWALL

London Sales tel: 01322 628707 fax: 01322 698733

South East

North West

PAUL LOVELL M: 07816 217549 NORFOLK, SUFFOLK & CAMBS

GEOFF ABERNETHY M: 07970 229717 CUMBRIA, POTTERIES, CHESHIRE & FYLDE COAST

KRIS KOBYLKA M: 07816 217563 E & WEST SUSSEX TONY CONWAY M: 07791 891025 BEDS, NORTHANTS, OXON & BUCKS PETER FLETCHER M: 07816 217561 HAMPSHIRE, DORSET & SURREY (OUTSIDE M25)

ALAN CHEETHAM M: 07966 263571 GREATER MANCHESTER BOB CHRISTIE M: 07980 786264 MERSEYSIDE, WIRRAL & N. WALES

Yorkshire & North East

Scotland

DES BEST M: 07968 828516 NORTH EAST

GEORGE WISELY M: 07967 148665 SCOTTISH SALES DIRECTOR

RAY ANDREW M: 07973 719801 EAST LANCS/W.YORKS

COLIN RICHFORD M: 07970 163372 WEST SCOTLAND & CUMBRIA ALAN CAIRNIE M: 07976 311434 EAST SCOTLAND

REG SYKES M: 07973 403450 SOUTH YORKSHIRE

Midlands Vacancy NOTTS & DERBYSHIRE

Wood Floor Specialists JOHN POWERS SALES MANAGER M: 07792 477312

MIKE SHUTT M: 07970 158594 BIRMINGHAM/ STAFFORDSHIRE, SHROPSHIRE

RICHARD RICHMAN AREA SALES MANAGER M: 07791 891044

MARTYN REA M: 07968 324598 LEICESTER/ WARWICKSHIRE/LINCS

Preston Sales tel: 01772 696787 fax: 01772 311921

Newport Sales tel: 01633 283959 fax: 01633 275454

Email: enquiries@furlongflooring.co.uk

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100% recycled carpet Mohawk International takes old plastic bottles and turns them into beautiful, luxurious carpet... Hard to believe we know, but a plastic bottle you drink from today could one day become fibres in Mohawk’s carpet.

Make the most of the consumer’s love of all things green with the new Environmental Tombola featuring carpet manufactured from 100% recycled material

Polyethylene terephthalate (P.E.T) is the top quality resin required in the production of plastic drinks bottles. When recycled, it can be extruded into fibres that are far superior to lower-grade synthetic virgin fibres used in making other brands of carpet yarns. Mohawk recycles over 3 billion plastic bottles each year. By controlling every aspect of “Mohawk recycles over 3 billion the recycling plastic bottles each year.” process, Mohawk guarantees the highest standards of performance in its luxurious and beautiful carpet. From bottle to floor - that’s how we do it.

EUROPEAN STOCK RANGES American Velvet

3.66m I 65oz

New Century

4.0m I 100oz

True Winner*

3.66 & 4.57m I 62oz

100% StainmasterTactesse Nylon

100% Polyester with Scotchgard

100% PET Polyester with Scotchgard

Butter Pecan*

Paint Box*

Tula Rosa

3.66m I 52oz

3.66 & 4.57m I 65oz

3.66m I 65oz

100% PET Polyester with Scotchgard

100% StainmasterTactesse BCF Nylon

Casual Allure

Park Avenue II*

Vivid Luxury

3.66m I 48oz

3.66 & 4.57m I 80oz

3.66m I 70oz

100% Ultrastrand Nylon with Scotchgard

100% PET Polyester with Scotchgard

100% Ultrastrand Lissé with Advanced Repel

Certain Success*

Rainbow Sherbert*

Weston Hill*

3.66 & 4.57m I 42oz

100% PET Polyester with Scotchgard

Coastal Charm*

3.66m I 55oz

Carpets marked * on Environmental Tombola

Royal Palace II

4.0m I 95oz

100% Polyester with Scotchgard

Sera Bella

UK Sales Office 3.66m I 91oz

100% StainmasterTactesse Nylon

100% Ultrastrand Lissé with Advanced Repel

Eloquence

Shag-A-Delic

3.66m I 86oz

100% ANSO Caress

Knightsbridge

3.66m I 50oz

100% Ultrasrand BCF Nylon 3.66m I 65oz

100% Wear-dated Durasoft Nylon

3.66m I 30oz

100% PET Polyester with Scotchgard

3.66m I 29oz

100% Everstrand PET Polyester with Scotchgard

Colour Cachet

3.66 I 52oz

100% Mohawk Everset PET with Scotchgard

Shimmering Sands

Mohawk United Kingdom 1 Chester Road Colmworth Business Park Eaton Socon, St. Neots Cambridge

PE19 8YT 3.66m I 46oz

100% Ultrastrand Lissé with Advanced Repel

Tel: 01480 479830 Fax: 01480 471304

MOHAWK ALSO MANUFACTURE COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS UNDER THESE BRANDS

MOHAWK INTERNATIONAL

MohawkPET_A4.indd 1

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16:28:27

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THE STOCKLISTS October 2009

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nearly the pantomime season!?! Check out our Autumn price guide for more details. CUT & LOOP PILE Revival Kreta Everglades GRAPHICS / CONTRACT GELS Arena Cherokee Sapphire Senator Sentinel Statesman

NATURAL EFFECT Agadir Ancona Craftwork Berber 4&5M Harvester Hopscotch Ivory Coast Marrakesh Natures Writing Rustic Treasure San Salvador 4&5M

SAXONY / SHAG PILE Big Softie Chamonix Mont Blanc Montana 4&5M Half Century New Century Nobility Splendour Stainfree Saxony 4&5M Stainblock Supreme 4&5M Tennessee

CORD & NEEDLEPUNCH

VELOUR / VELVET

Gala Gala Gel Rackcord Scorpio Supacord

Urban Life

TWISTS - STAINFREE Chislehurst Cosmopolitan Clyde Easy Heathers Easy Twist Heathertwist / Heathertwist Supreme Herdsman Twist Portman Stainsafe Touch 4&5M Startwist / Startwist Supreme Stanford Summer Skies Supatwist

TWISTS - WOOL Classic Twist Dundee Twist Eden Twist 30/40/50 4&5M High Life 4&5M Iconic Twist 40/50 4&5M Inspirations 40/50 4&5M Paramount 30 Paramount 40 The Berber Twist Collection 40/50 4&5M Ultimate Textures 4&5M Ultimate Berber Twist 4&5M Ultimate Twist 40/50 4&5M Ultimate Tweed

WILTON / PATTERNED CUT PILE The Arabica & Ceylon Wilton Collection 4&5M New Heritage Collection Renaissance

VINYL / SMOOTH FLOORING Arte Della Ceramica Casino Celtic Stone Eclipse Econoflex Medley Mojo Revolution - Roll Only Vinyl Sherwood Oak

CARPET TILES Capital Plus Electron Magnesium Neutron Oxygen Positron Proton Quark Titanium We also stock Ball & Young Underlays, Accessories, Entrance Matting and offer a Special Order Service on products from virtually every flooring manufacturer in existence! 48 hour Delivery Service on all Balterio Laminate Ranges.

Area Sales Managers No rt h, Ea s t & C e ntr al . Londo n, E s s e x & Mi ddx ( wi thi n M2 5) Paul Henson 07881 502506

Sal es O ffice Antony Stapleton 0208 498 2845 M. 07881 502505

E s se x (ou t si de M 25) , C ambri dge s hir e, Suf fol k Richard Chappell 07837 295379

Kent, Surrey, Sussex, S.E. London Chris Walker 07881 502507

Her ts, B e dfordshi re, Es s e x (w es t of M 11) , P t M id dx James White 07881 502508

SW, W & NW London, South Middx, West Surrey, Berks, Bucks John Imbrey 07875 714269

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THE STOCKLISTS October 2009

Solent Wholesale Carpet Company Ltd CARPET, FLOORCOVERING & ACCESSORY WHOLESALE DISTRIBUTORS Telephone: 01243 774623 Fax: 01243 533636 E -mail: sales@solentwholesale.co.uk Website: www.solentwholesale.co.uk Zola Park, Barnfield Drive, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 6UX Oxford, Berks, Bucks, Beds, Hants, Middlesex & Herts . . . . . . . . . . . . Ian Cardrick Tel: 01235 535070, mobile 07973 406329 Sussex E & W, Surrey, South London & Kent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John Robson Tel: 01323 504798, mobile: 07973 898453 Hants, Wilts, Dorset, Somerset, Gloucs, & I.O.W. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Adam Ayling Tel: 01202 683257, mobile 07973 406799 VICTORIA Baronet Berber Stripe Castillion Celtic Heathers Crown Twist Duchess Elite Gaelic Heathers Kelso Natural Accents Natural Companions (Sisal, Chenille, Ridge) Regal Twist Rustic Jewels Suede Tudor Twist Coll Tudor Manor LANO Bolero Campus X-treme Chiselhurst Greenfield Havana Heathertwist Coll Inspiration 40/50oz Pembridge Twist Rustic Berber Rustic Sensations Scala Scala Tonals Sentinel Startwist Coll Twilight Coll Wilton Naturals Xtra Twist BALTA Berga Birnam Twist Cobblestone Desert Twist Diva Fiesta Fusion High Flyers Gala Cord-all options in stock Rustic Twist Supreme Shepherd Twist Spicy Twist Stainsafe Tweed Stainsafe Comfort Stainsafe Favourite Stainsafe Heathers Stainsafe Olympic Super Wiltax Techno Tempo/Salsa Twisty Versailles BROCKWAY Amore Cavendish Craftsman Collection (Elite/Forte) Cresta 40/Cresta 50 Orion/Orion Major

CORMAR Berwick 40/50 Buchanan Home Counties 42/50 Malabar Oaklands 32 Oaklands 42 Oaklands 50 Pennine Twist Primo Plus Warwick

TARKETT Salsa 14mm Combi-loc - limited stocks Viva 8.5mm Ultra-loc - limited stocks

DOMO Absolut Luxury Alpina Auvergne Merino Metropolitan Ocean Breeze Orlando Planet Playground Portofino Scorpio Traditionals Weavers Twist

BEAULIEU INTERNATIONAL Adventure Twist Arte Del Ceramic Athena Celtic Stone Vinyl Comfort Grip Vinyl Dublin Durham Twist Fashion/Gallery Grass Collection Heavy Tread I-Twist Isis/Mentu Majestic - limited stocks Natural Life Pronto Selections Sherwood Oak Vinyl Studio Vinyl Sonata Vinyl Supreme Twist 3m/4m Sweet Homes Texalino Sup Vinyl Urban Vinyl laminates Essentials (previously Casa) Cottage - new range

VINYLS Living New Optic Oasis Prestige Rustic Living So Tropical

ITC Check Checkmate Concerto Consul Heritage Collection Jaguar - new colours Kreta New Dimensions Palace Sophistication Stainblock Berber Stainblock Heathers Stainblock Tweed TAPIBEL Cachet Chiltern Melody Nevada Reeds Sysoltex Homested/Aran/Crofter Toscana HALO CARPET MILLS Barbados Genua Halifax Padua Panama Salamanca Sydney

We carry other products not listed above, and can also provide a swift special order service on non stock lines. Our reps and sales office would be pleased to answer all enquiries. Our last Price List is dated September/October 2009.

BAJONG Home Twist Supreme Montana Montana Twist Sahara MISCELLANEOUS IVC Master Grip Presto CAVALIER Country Collection Hamlet Parish and Village LEIGH SPINNERS Atlas Velour

NOW IN STOCK

MEMORY FOAM MATTRESSES AND PILLOWS

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THE STOCKLISTS October 2009

DID YOU KNOW? STS Flooring Distributors Ltd stock a large range of carpets and carpet tiles via our 5 depots ORPINGTON • CROYDON • WATFORD • CAMBRIDGE • OXFORD (THAME) 08454 341000 08454 342000 01844 213555

NEW PRICE LIST DATE JULY 2009 STS GOLDLINE STOCK CARPETS Arundel Twist Aston Twist Bernwood Twist Bernwood Supreme Bernwood Forest Bernwood Heather Bernwood Heather Supreme Blenheim Twist 40 Blenheim Twist 50 New Cavendish Cherwell Cord Chislehurst Dorchester Gladiator Supreme Harrier Felt Harrier Gel Heathdale Hillcroft Magnum Gel Meadowbrook Medicare Milton Collection Multicare Impervious Multicare Classic New Valley Twist Opus Twist Radley Twist Ravensbury Twist 32/40/50 Ruskin Twist Supersava Twist

LANO STOCK CARPETS Bolero Chislehurst Coral Cove Havanna Heather Twist Heather Twist Supreme Pembridge Twist Rustic Berber Sapphire Startwist Startwist Supreme Twilight CORMAR STOCK CARPETS Berwick 40/50 Malabar New Hampshire 32 New Hampshire 42 New Oaklands 32/42/50 Primo Plus Primo Tweeds Primo Ultima Warwick BALTA STOCK CARPETS Shepherd Twist

N E X T DAY D E L I V E RY

CARPET STOCK TILES Ascot Beckenham Chelsfield Cheltenham Clipper Croydon Croydon Stripe Inspiration Keston Latour New Horizons Saturn Saturn Plus Selsdon Tivoli 24 STOCK UNDERLAYS Goldtred Collection Cirrus Cumulus Nimbus Silver Lining Cloud Nine Contract Cloud Nine Super Contract Durafit 500 Durafit 650 Cosi 8mm & 10mm Heatflow Collection Roma Blue Heaven Willow Green Treadmore

Peter Gregor y 07789 770093

STS Area Managers Martine Tournay 07738 329714

Dana Baldock 07801 762725

Essex, Cambs, Suffolk, Norfolk

Northants, Oxfords, Berks, Glos, Wilts, Warks, Worcs

SE London, Kent, E Sussex, Part Essex

Rachel Sherwood 07801 762724

John Batts 07711 735638

Vicky Langley 07962 646847

NE London, Bucks, Beds, Herts, Middx, North River Thames

Beds, E Berks, Bucks, Middx, N Hants, N Surrey (retail)

SE London, Kent, E Sussex

Ian Mellor 07801 762720 SW London, W Sussex, Berks, Hants, Surrey

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5 October 2009

FlooringNews

National Floor Show

2009

Harrogate Review Optimism is back in fashion

To the relief (and surprise) of many, this year’s National Floor Show was bright, busy and optimistic leading one enthusiastic exhibitor to comment “maybe we’re going to have a run up to Christmas like we used to.”

But the blue skies and brisk business that marked the three day event were marred by a darker cloud for many. Just days before the show opened, organisers announced that this event would be the last at Harrogate. A switch to the National Exhibition Centre was welcomed by some but condemned by many as Harrogate has been the cherished home of the show since 1960. Being the flooring industry, the rumours and plots began immediately and are reported in full on page 36. Harrogate is always a good opportunity to tap the barometer of trading conditions in the real flooring world.

“We didn’t know what to expect this year,” said Steve Elliott of Associated Weavers “but much to my surprise it has been a good show with strong sales. Maybe there’s some re-stocking finally going on.” Cormar’s David Cormack commented: “Compared to this time last year, there is a lot more positive attitude about and people are generally relieved that things haven’t turned out as bad as they thought they might be. There is still a lot of nervousness but things have definitely improved in the last couple of months.”

continued overleaf

“There’s still a lot of nervousness but things have definitely improved”

The complete Harrogate news service

• National Floor Show Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 - 40

• Where next? NEC plans, Harrogate plots . . . . 36 - 37 • Net gain? Web seminar sets the agenda . . . . . . 38 - 39

• Company reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 - 35 MORE NEXT MONTH

• Colour and design trends at Harrogate • More company reports

Brontë like to lay a little more luxury into people’s lives and have launched a

sumptious new 100% wool product which uses felted yarn to give a chunkier, comfier shag pile. “We wanted to do something different,” said Andrew Broughton, “so rather than look at design, we have turned to texture.” The product is as yet unchristened and was rolled out at Harrogate to get a reaction from retailers – it got one and it was good.

Heckmondwike FB carpeted their Harrogate stand with

Momentum, a new addition to their ‘Creative Flooring’ range which has proved so successful in academic and business environments. Available in tiles and rolls of 2 and 4m, innovative Momentum has a criss-cross pattern in 12 colourways with a mix of new contemporary tones. Like sister product Montage which has also just undergone a colour update, Momentum has a distinct random texture surface design which works well across large floor areas. British made, the carpets use Heckmondwike’s clever two-layer technology to offer high-traffic performance with excellent thermal and acoustic insulation.

Being the custom carpet specialists, Brontë will be offering the felted yarn carpet in any colour with special dyes and any width up to 12m – and depending how deep you like your luxury, you can choose from a 70, 90, or even 115 gsm weight – who needs underlay!

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Harrogate Review Lano likes to have plenty to

talk about when it comes to the National Floor Show and among the new launches was Portman, a multicolour heather twist, and the very latest FairField which had all the signs of being a successful new entrant – a high contrast 3-tone stainless twist in two weights. Lano’s Bernard Coorevits commented: “We are being a bit more creative with colours” and demonstrated an updated colour pallete for the popular Scala and a lot of new colours in the top quality Startwist and its heavier weight Startwist Supreme.

Novostrat’s underlay products shine out with their distinctive foil film coating in gold and silver. A relative newcomer to the business, the company has seen rapid growth and Harrogate was the first time for many to see the Sonic Gold Excel product launched earlier this year – a 5mm high density foam underlay for wood and laminate floors which offers exceptional impact resistance and sound insulation. The foil provides an effective moisture barrier and rolls come with an overlap skirt to maintain the integrity of the seal. The very latest from Novostrat is a budget underlay for carpets called Graphite – a high density polyethylene foam. “In these difficult times we thought the market would appreciate an economy underlay with good performance characteristics,” said Michael Hanranhan.

While the early summer was slow for most, many major players were reporting strong sales coming through later in July and August.

Victoria’s Sean Lewis said at the show that the market looked “generally encouraging” and Kingsmead’s Martin West said: “We have been doing a lot of business and overall August was a great month for trading after a quiet July. We see more optimism out there and with more positive news coming through about the economy. In general, consumers are a little less guilty about spending money.” A number of factors are thought to be at work here: strengthening consumer optimism, re-stocking among retailers, the ‘Allied effect’ of their closure of more than 160 stores, and some minor recovery in the the housing market for both sales and new-build.

The sense that consumers are investing a little more in their homes rather than moving house or going abroad on expensive holidays is also part of the equation.

And while no-one dare suggest they think the recession is really over, two or three manufacturers wondered if there would be sufficient stocks to meet demand in the pre-Christmas period given the level of de-stocking that has been happening in the retail trade over the last year.

“August was a great month for trading after a quiet July. We see more optimism out there and with more positive news coming through about the economy”

Stairrods is a highly innovative

operation and regularly rises to the challenge of having the most interesting new product at the National Floor Show. This year, they had fitters queuing in the aisles to see their patented Easy-Shim product launched earlier this year – wedges of MDF machined to a variety of thickness and gradients to overcome differences in floor height at doorways of up to 35mm, for example.

“Everyone who has seen it has been stunned,” said master fitter Martin Southerton who was demonstrating the system. “It solves a real problem and saves fitters messing about with ply, adhesive and screed – and makes the floor easier to vacuum too.”

October 2009

Adore has leapt onto the vinyl stage with a debut that generated much applause and

many new friends at the National Floor Show – and a well-deserved best stand award for stunning presentation.They are the first manufacturer worldwide to offer vinyl planks (with tiles to follow) with a click technology for glueless easy fitting.

The substantial 6mm luxury vinyl planks looks and fits like laminate and has high tech performance for heavy wear.They are fully recyclable. “In five years time, nobody will want to stick down vinyl,” says Paul Brady who has driven the UK market launch. “This product ticks all the boxes and we have been flooded with interest at the Show,” he said. The Adore products are manufactured by the massive Daejin corporation in Korea – the largest luxury vinyl tile maker in the world – and the ‘adore touch’ click-fit technology is licensed from industry leader Unilin.

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Harrogate Review

However, the rugs sector appears to be less buoyant for some companies – both in terms of trading at Harrogate and the market generally – with higher ticket items suffering most. Received wisdom says a change of rug is seen as a highly discretionary spend which has seemed too indulgent in these troubled times. While visitor numbers at Harrogate were not at the levels of the glory days, most exhibitors said they were pleased with the quality of business and the lack of timewasters. Some big names were missing such as Axminster and Brintons but Ryalux were back in the halls and flagship designer stands such as Cormar, Ulster, Karndean, Asiatic and Contemporary Life set high standards for presentation together with this year’s best-stand award for newcomer Adore with their revolutionary click-fit vinyl products.

Georgian Carpets and Victoria had also invested in modern new stands which were very fresh, open and appealing. Major players Furlong, Associated Weavers, Abingdon, Brockway, F Ball and and Edel Telenzo had extensive stands to display their ranges.

Organisers UBM Live added new features such as a Top Ten Product Showcase and a varied seminar programme that featured design guru Jeff Banks, trend forecaster Victoria Redshaw and a lively panel debate on e-retailing hosted by The Stocklists which is more fully reported on page 38 & 39.

Cormar often sets the standard and carefully positions its product launches to

offer retailers benefits they can really sell to consumers. For the National Floor Show, four new ranges were showcased including Lindisfarne and Avebury, 100% wool loops in 4 and 5 metres and the ‘posh polypropylene’ Primo Ultra – the fourth in the Primo Easy Clean range which offers a wool-like feel with excellent practicality. “Retailers really like selling these benefits and they can trade-up on these carpets. Both the trade and the consumers have an increasing appetite for easy-clean products,” says Cormar’s David Cormack. The fourth new range was Natural Berber Twist – an 80/10/10 in 12 colours and three weights up to 55 oz which is set to become a popular seller with its competitive price structure.

continued overleaf

Carpenter

cosied up to its customers with a soft pair of slippers and a good story to tell. The slippers were made in the company’s latest Ultrastep and Extrastep underlays which offer the UK’s densest PU product for superb comfort. These products are at the top end of the UK domestic market with Ultra’s 9mm thick and Extra’s 6mm foam with a density of 180kg/m3 – that compares to the 100kg density of Carpenter’s best-selling Richstep 9mm underlay.

Edel Telenzo set out their stall in style

with new launches across the range to appeal to retailers. The newest arrival is Chelsea, a top quality tighter loop in 3-ply 100% wool and eight colours. Lesley Inman commented: “This range has been very well received. It’s very Edel Telenzo – we’re known for the quality of our yarn and Chelsea shows this off in a very modern, contemporary loop.” In the wool blends there are new colours to see in Greenwich and the tastefully subtle stripes of New Windsor but maybe more surprising was Edel Telenzo’s ‘return to Saxony’ with two new ranges in 100% polypropylene – Excellence, a rich frisee with a lustrous look, and silky-feel Chantilly Soft-Touch. Both products are made with the company’s own Edelon Protect fibre which is highly stain resistant, hard-wearing and cleanable.

from The Stocklists

British Wool are flying the flag in an increasingly patriotic consumer market but the key focus of their promotion at the Show was this years ‘Origin is Everything’ campaign which underlines the importance of yarn integrity. “It is clear that not all spinners and manufacturers always know the composition of their wool yarn and product quality such as resilience and appearance retention can be compromised if inferior blends creep in,” says Bridgette Kelly.

British Wool teamed up with Leeds University to undertake a Life Cycle Analysis of wool fibre that can trace the pedigree of each source of fibre and guarantee its integrity to the manufacturer, retailer and consumer under a ‘Platinum’ certification scheme. It also underwrites the credentials of British Wool throughout its processing as a sustainable, environmentally responsible product.

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2009

Harrogate Review The National Floor Show gives retailers and industry operators a unique opportunity to sample the trends as they emerge across the sector. We’ll be reporting on this in more detail in our next issue but a snapshot reveals some clear themes. Designers are more in evidence as influencers on design and colour and manufacturers are getting smarter about colour with the presentation of more subtle, sellable colour palettes rather than heroic colour options that one suspects are just there to make the POS look good.

Yes, beige remains big but a noticeable difference was the creativity that has gone into the naturals colour bank. Certain colours have a consistency across many companies that is much more than co-incidence – warm greys, aubergine and avocado. Quality is on the increase in two directions. Cheaper carpets are getting better with fibre and manufacturing improvements while more expensive carpets are getting thicker and heavier with a top performer – the wadethrough luxury ofBronte’s felted-yarn product.

Ulster’s quality shines through and their stand made the most of their success in

the Country House Collection which was previewed at last year’s show and is building a huge reputation in the trade. The stand floor was the Osprey plaid (pictured below), part of a co-ordinating collection of three designs which comprise Melrose, an elegant floral pattern; Beaumont plaid; and Kazan, an opulent antique Persian design. “The plaids have proved to be extremely popular,” said Ulster’s Dalreen Buchanan, “and the different styles work so beautifully together.” But maybe the biggest buzz about the company this year is the launch of the eagerly anticipated 5-metre wide wiltons, woven on new looms at the company’s plant in Craigavon. Ulster is the first UK manufacturer to offer premium quality, plain woven wilton carpet at this width and this means that the popular York Wilton and Ulster Velvet ranges are now available in 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1 metres in all 42 colours, from stock.

And texture continues to grow in importance in both individual carpets and combinations that a marketd in themed collections. And the retailer is king. Everyone has woken up to the influence that each independent retailer has as a gatekeeper to their brand and is trying to love them a little harder than the next guy.

more from Harrogate on the following pages…

Ryalux have been re-inventing themselves with considerable success in the last two

years with a design-led programme to establish their prominence in quality carpet. And above all, they’ve been listening to retailers and analysing the market in serious detail. “We are really passionate about this,” says designer Darren Clanford. “You can’t play at it and we have been talking to everybody in depth to ensure we understand their needs. We want flooring to be the main focus for consumers when they re-design a room.” The result is a cleaner, less complex promotion that plays to the companies strengths and retailers will see this in the attractive new point-of-sale presentations – a fresher feel for Pownall ranges at the affordable end and a modern, colourful presentation of core products in the ‘Simply Ryalux’ collection.The company’s heritage is reflected in the new ‘William Classics’ collection, inspired by Ryalux founder Bill Lomas, and featuring the best of British design in four textures – twist, velvet, loop and stripe – and 72 colour options.

Contemporary Life are in the business of ‘not being boring’ and develop their approach to the market with great care, research and consideration.The latest launch targets a younger audience – the Urban Life collection is about ‘Carpets with Attitude’.The Urban Living 80/10/10 range has 12 ‘go-anywhere’ heather tones and 12, ‘no nonsense’ plains in four weights from 40 – 70 oz. Urban Chic is an upmarket 100% wool carpet with 12 colours in twist and velvet option and for the most savvy consumers there is an Urban Chic ‘fashionistas’ range with a limited edition of absolutely on-trend colours. Promotion imagery is edgy and exciting. “We feel we are pursuing a fashion trend,” says Steve Evans. “We want these carpets to be something you aspire to not just something you walk on and there is a younger audience out there with that kind of attitude and young executives who still have disposable income. The retailers have loved the presentation.”

October 2009

FlooringNews

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Harrogate Review

Furlong Flooring goes from strength-to-strength and the National Floor Show brought in substantial new business. “This is our best-ever show,” said Neil Valentine. “I said that last year and I would not have believed we could better that but this event has surpassed anything on record.”

Three new stain resistant Regency ranges were part of the attraction – Devotion, Trident and Spectrum, offering a modern Saxony, a textured polypropylne twist and a contemporary heather. But a surprise launch was Broughton Twist, Furlong’s first foray into wool for some yeares with an 80/20 twist in 4 and 5m in ten shades. “We have been very, very pleased with the feedback on this,” said Neil.

Brockway has had tremendous ongoing success with its Vogue stripes launched last year and an added benefit has been an uplift of sales in the colourful plains that coordinate with their designs. “Vogue has surpassed our expectations,” says Charles Annable. “The POS has proved to be very easy to use and consumers have been attracted to less beige and more interesting colours such as aubergine and avocado. This has helped us be more confident with colour generally,” he said. As a result, popular Brockway ranges including Cresta, Florian and Amore have new colour palettes and the company is working with renowned colour designer Joanna Ramsden of Wools of New Zealand to set the pace for future trends.

Mohawk is taking a lead with its environmental

credentials. The luxury carpets recycled from PET plastic bottles set the scene but now there’s a new fibre that will revolutionise the green story alongside remarkable performance. Mohawk have launched Smart Strand with DuPont’s Sorona fibre which comprises 37% corn sugar. “The PET story was good but this is even better,” says Howard Lindsay. “The recovery rate from crushing is incredible, it’s the ultimate stainfree and it has a luxury touch with none of the oily feel of polypropylene.” Two saxonies, Intelligent Style and Fashion Knowledge, and a shag pile, Mama Mia, are being launched for the UK with an ‘environmental’ POS unit that allows retailers to places them sideby-side or back-to-back with the PET products.

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National Floor Show

News

The Estimators enjoyed a busy show with strong sales of their

advanced planning and estimating system for carpets, tiles and laminates which now has almost 800 installations across the UK. “We have added a lot of new features which customers have asked for,” says Dan Bloor, “and it’s more competitively priced with our new sale or return policy which takes the risk out of investing in the system.” The software sets out to save time and money by almost instant, accurate estimating of complex installations and gives a professional feel to quotations. Two packages are available – one for carpet by roll and another for tiles, strips, planks and similar materials. “We had one customer whose system paid for itself in two hours when it recalculated a job he had already planned up and revealed an error that would have cost him hundreds of pounds,” says Dan.

Associated Weavers is all about quality with MD Steve Evans convinced that consumers are looking for better products as well as value. “Quality is becoming more important as we emerge from the recession and consumers expectations will be higher,” he says. “Retailers and consumers still buy the butterfly, the AW logo, because they understand the values we place on that – products that look and feel better but with competitive pricing.” New launches at the show included 3 new products with the 10-year stainfree warranty, Crossland Berber, Santorini and Everest Twist – the latter a rare 5m wide tufted from AW which is available with ActionBac or felt in response to anticipated demand in the housing market. Scottsdale Twist launched in June in a2,3,4,and 5m also made its debut together with a heavier weight Tuftex Twist – a polypropylene heather which AW has beefed up by 40% in response to trade demand.

Abingdon

responded to the recession with a positive strategy of building up the ranges with more competitively priced products and stocking for what they hope will be a busy fourth quarter. Twelve new ranges with a lot of new textures and cooler colours were launched. “We focus on the positives of polypropylenes and the yarn just gets better and better,” said Martin Peace.

F Ball’s

big thing this year is their new loyalty card which has enjoyed an excellent response from the trade since its launch in June and was a big draw at the show. The scheme, operated through a website at www.f-ballrewards.co.uk offers a 2.5% cashback on the company’s market-leading range of Stopgap underlayments, Styccobond adhesives and a full range of products plus other member benefits. “This has been a tough year for the trade and we wanted to do our bit to ease the pain,” said Richard Harris. “We have had an excellent response and are looking to grow the scheme further.”

from The Stocklists

For the company that almost invented stainfree 20 years ago, Abingdon celebrated the anniversary with the introduction of a novel POS stand – a test centre to demonstrate how stains can be removed. The unit goes to retailers with samples of pale carpets and a bottle of blackcurrant juice. “This will help retailers get the stainfree message across to customers – it’s easy to prove that stainfree really works,” says Martin.

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Harrogate

Harrogate International Centre, North Yorkshire PROS

✔ The spiritual home of the flooring industry since 1960!

✔ Massive networking in the bars and restaurants around the exhibition.

✔ Most hotels within walking distance

✔ Attractive town motivates stop-overs CONS

✘ Less Southern audience

✘ Difficult access from road and rail systems - and poor parking

✘ Cramped and confusing show layout in several halls ✘ Limited space for expansion or ‘feature’ areas

Show Stopper!

The show will go o “Harrogate is the essence of the carpet industry” said Richard Harris of F Ball who captured the mood of many on the announcement that next year’s event is planned to move to Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre (NEC). If Manchester United were to forsake Old Trafford and the Queen swap Buckingham Palace for the Barbican, the sentiment would be the same. National Floor Show organisers UBM Live feel flooring now has no future in Harrogate. But not everyone agrees and counter bids to preserve the Yorkshire venue for the trade are being actively discussed. UBM interiors boss Andrew Vaughan said visitors have voted with their feet and audience numbers have steadily declined: “Harrogate is a super place but support for the show has been reducing steadily and the return on investment doesn’t stack up for exhibitors.”

UBM is one of the country’s biggest event organisers with 40 trade shows and runs the NEC’s huge and highly successful Interiors show. “As experienced event organisers, we are confident that the NEC is the right place for the industry to do real business. Harrogate is a show going backwards and we are concerned it could die in two to five years there. It’s time to halt the slide and create a really great show at another venue”, says Andrew.

“Harrogate is a show going backwards. It’s time to halt the slide and create a really great show at another venue” Visitor numbers have been falling at Harrogate by up to 10% annually and this year are expected to decline towards 3,000. Andrew expects 5000 plus at NEC in future years.

Harrogate isn’t about to throw in the towel just yet. During the show and in the days following, two serious proposals were being canvassed with exhibitors to keep the show in town. The plot thickened with the appearance of David Wildman on site, a well-known industry fogure who ran the Harrogate show from 1993. By 2001 he was attracting some 4,500 visitors to the event before he sold the business to UBM.

David has not commented on alternative proposals although many exhibitors have confirmed to The Stocklists that they have discussed the options with the former organiser and they believe that he has very strong support to run a show at Harrogate. A second alternative Harrogate option was also being promoted by a regional exhibition contractor.

Some exhibitors were also angry that they only found out about the NEC proposal a few days before the show opened, many with just a brief email, and there was a strong feeling that UBM had failed to communicate the change properly – a charge denied by the organisers who said they worked hard to try to talk to every exhibitor personally in the week before Harrogate opened.

The relative success of the 2009 event – with strong business albeit with reduced audience numbers – has made many companies concerned about the NEC move. Lee Parker of Dickinson Moore said: “We are not happy about the move.The reason the show works is Harrogate itself. Everywhere you go in the town this week you meet carpet people.” Richard Harris at F Ball added: “Harrogate is an exceptionally good show and we are not impressed by the NEC.”

At Cormar, David Cormack is not rushing to judgement and the company is running a survey of its customers to get their views. “We have not yet decided and we’re taking soundings. On current levels of business at Harrogate it doesn’t need to move as this year’s show has been good even though it has not been strongly marketed.

“The last time this event was at the NEC was a long time ago but it was desperate and we don’t want to repeat that mistake.”

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by David Spragg

go on - but where? He added: “Ease of access at the NEC can be a downside as people tend to only come for a day and they don’t stay over.That means less social contact and also means visitors are more likely to cancel if something else comes up.”

But others are backing the Birmingham plan. Steve Elliott of Associated Weavers has welcomed the change: “We’re positive towards the move to the NEC and we’ve already signed up to go. We don’t come to Harrogate for the social side. I like the town but I am here to do business. I am happy with the new move to Birmingham.”

Steve Upperton of Axminster decided not to exhibit at Harrogate but said he was more likely to look favourably on the NEC option. Georgian’s Peter Kimmins commented: “It is important there is some kind of show and we as an industry have to support it - that means it has to have the support of the retailers. Numbers have been falling at Harrogate and that has been disappointing.” A smaller exhibitor who had better remain anonymous commented: “Harrogate is a tired old show full of duffers. A fresh place might bring a fresh audience.”

Andrew of UBM cites compelling reasons to move to NEC. For one, he believes it’s likely to be more ‘National’ and attract more retailers and buyers from the South – although failed shows in Hammersmith, Olympia and Brighton suggest this audience isn’t keen to venture out even if it’s local.

And access is much better with a decent motorway network close at hand together with a fast rail link and an international airport adjacent to the site. “The NEC is the natural progression for National Floor Show, as it allows us to implement product categorisation, as well as new and extended feature areas, which have proved very popular at this year’s event.This, along with the improved hall layout, will make for an enhanced exhibitor and visitor experience.”

PROS

✔ Central location for wider geographic audience

✔ Excellent access from motorways and adjacent rail station and airport ✔ Open, flexible layout in show halls ✔ Room for growth CONS

✘ ‘Sterile’ atmosphere

✘ Less opportunities for social networking

✘ Isolated location - 20 minutes from Birmingham and other centres ✘ Expensive on-site hotels

Birmingham

National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham

“Harrogate is the essence of the flooring industry. It is an exceptionally good show and we are not impressed by the NEC” But the ‘enhanced experience’ that appeals to many flooring people is to be found in the bars and restaurants that are in abundance within a few hundred yards of the Harrogate exhibition centre. Apart from the social atmosphere, many value the networking and business opportunities that this environment provides and one described the NEC as ‘sterile’ by comparison. Commenting on Birmingham’s social side, Andrews said: “While people are at the NEC they are focussed, which is better for business. After the show, the Metropole Hotel bar is a great place to meet people and it has a lot of buzz. Also, we’ll be organising the hotel package around the popular areas in Birmingham such as Broad Steet. The flooring trade is waiting to see what happens – pencilling in their stands at the NEC while talking to the Harrogate promoters to see which idea gains traction most quickly.

Meanwhile, the NEC dates announced by UBM of June 22 – 24 are no longer firm.The timing caused consternation with some, citing the early summer as a bad time to sell rolls and fearing a clash with World Cup quarter-finals taking place that week. But major manufacturers thought June was a good time to launch ranges for the peak Autumn buying season where September is seen as too late to achieve this effectively. UBM have been listening to those arguments and have said the dates are not fixed and are canvassing views on a range of dates between Spring and Autumn. A shared January date with their Interiors show has been ruled out however.

Join the debate. Inform the industry. It’s anonymous and takes just 4 minutes. Visit www.thestocklists.com and click the Forum panel - more details of this survey on page 43.

from The Stocklists

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Net gain?

New standards n Fears about the lack of a level playing field between online retailers and conventional high street stores dominated a sometimes stormy seminar at last month’s National Floor Show. The fact that it was also the Show’s busiest seminar by far - with 50% more delegates than seats - also indicates the depth of feeling.

Seminar chairman, David Spragg of The Stocklists, commented: “The flooring sector has been late to embrace the internet and only now is e-retailing a hot topic.The huge attendance showed that interest in online retailing– or maybe more accurately the fear of it – has reached a point where retailers have to consider the threats and opportunities more seriously. “The issue is not about protection against the net but maintaining reasonable price margins and a level playing field for the trade and high standards across the industry for the consumer,” he said. “There are reasons to be positive about the internet – but retailers must take the initiative and not wait for the web to overtake them” said e-commerce specialist Nick Pratt.

The seminar’s expert panel comprised Laura Cohen of online retailer yourfloors.com, Chris Moffat of buying group SMG, Nick Pratt of e-commerce specialists Sitemakers UK and Jeremy Wilson who has led internet policy at Ulster Carpets. The debate was positive towards internet promotion of both flooring in general and retail outlets but there was suspicion and hostility towards low-budget online operations. Chris Moffat summed up the mood of the meeting in regarding the operations of budget e-retailers as a threat to High Street independents whose stores were in danger of becoming ‘showrooms for the net’ – a trend all too prevalent in the electrical goods sector. Chris was keen for the industry in general and manufacturers in particular to adopt trading practices that excluded the less scrupulous online players.

“I am certainly not opposed to online retailing and I do believe that there are genuine advantages in adopting technology to enhance the future promotion of carpets and flooring to the general public,” he said. “SMG actively encourages its retail members to have websites as part of their normal advertising and consumer information programme.

“e-retailers that slash overheads and lack investment can lead to low margins, unacceptable service levels and unfair competition”

“But, in view of the complex issues involved in the supply and installation of flooring products, I do believe that it is in the interests of the industry and consumers generally, that online trading is conducted by ‘bona-fide’ professional retail specialists operating from showrooms that are open to the public and who are prepared to adopt an industry approved ‘Code of Practice’, he said. Ulster Carpets is one of the most forward-looking manufacturers in this regard and has undertaken a detailed review of e-retailing. Jeremy Wilson citied research that shows up to 50% of internet sales on quality carpets could lead to complaints and that manufacturers were expected to pick up the pieces.

Jeremy highlighted a sale which went disastrously wrong when a consumer bought from an online retailer and then used a fitter who had never fitted an axminster carpet before. Ulster was called out when the e-retailer refused to help. Ulster have changed their terms of trading to try to raise the standards of anyone selling Ulster products – on the net or not. “We don't feel the internet is the right avenue for selling wall to wall patterned goods in particular,” said Jeremy. “The main reason for this is the high service element on premium priced patterned products which are required to ensure we will have a satisfied customer at the end – a customer who gets the quality of install they deserve.”

Ulster feels an on-site measure is essential and needs to be done by an experienced estimator. “At the simplest level there are colour and pattern match issues. Beyond this there are a whole host of issues from the state of the subfloor to ease of access on site and so on. Retailers will also use experienced fitters and if anything goes wrong they will inspect on site to see what the issue is. If it is thought to be manufacturing related then the manufacturer will be involved at that point. “Many online retailers offer none of these services.They provide detailed descriptions of how to do some of this highly technical work on the website, along with a raft of disclaimers, meaning the consumer is highly likely to make a mistake or not get the quality of install they deserve,” said Jeremy.

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National Floor Show seminar report

National Floor Show

s needed to control net sales L to R: Chris Moffat, Nick Pratt, Laura Cohen and Jeremy Wilson

However, Phil Poser of the National Institute of Carpet and Floorlayers (NICF) provoked some adverse reactions when he suggested that his members could facilitate online sales by ensuring a national network of qualified installers.

The lack of a level playing field is a key issue that finds it’s way through to price discounting. Jeremy added: “All of the service costs money so by avoiding it the online retailer can cut the price of the carpet. On-line retailing, with all of the service removed, passing all of the risk on to consumers and or manufacturers is not a healthy situation for the industry in our view.”

The responsibility of manufacturers’ approach to e-retailing will be a key issue, says Chris Moffat: “Manufacturers of prominent branded products must play a major part in protecting their existing and supportive retailers in the installation of displays and POS, etc. and I believe that it is not unreasonable to expect that the manufacturers concerned do everything in their power to ensure that their products are not made available or ‘sold on’ to unknown individuals.

“Manufacturers must play a major part in protecting their existing retailers. Without this commitment, our retail network will seriously diminish” “Without this commitment, our retail network will seriously diminish leaving consumers with limited options to view what is generally described as essentially a ‘touchy feely’ product.”

He also highlighted the price-driven nature of much e-retailing: “One doesn’t need to be a genius to know that slashing overheads and lack of investment can inevitably lead to low margins, unacceptable service levels and unfair competition. Price is the main issue and this is the major objection and criticism levelled at the ‘online traders’ by SMG retail members,” he said.

But other speakers from the floor of the seminar pointed out that at the lower end of the market, retailers were still too keen to sell on price themselves.

The industry’s criticism is directed at the budget e-retailers, many of whom are fitters with a website and few other resources. At the other end of the internet, professional e-retailing operations such as yourfloors.com and floor-sites.com have invested in exemplary levels of stock, service and consumer support to move online selling upmarket.

Expert panellist Laura Cohen of yourfloors.com said: “Already 30 – 40% of carpets brought from major high street retailers are bought as self measure so many consumers are confident to measure and purchase without a retailer visit.The same applies to the web.” Information was all important together with effective tools for measuring, calculating and selecting colour, she said.

“Buying a new floor can be daunting and complex for consumers so being able to aid them with information so they can do their research prior to purchase is a major benefit.They are not then entirely reliant on the retailer’s advice which empowers them.

“The average consumer won’t order halls, stairs and landing online and will visit a retailer for this large purchase and we recognise that. But consumers will order for areas in their home that they feel comfortable measuring - bedrooms, living rooms, etc.,” says Laura.

Yourflloors offers a full sampling service for consumers and a postcode-driven select-a-retailer service and so the site is as likely to drive consumers to a high-street store as to sell online. Retailers are encouraged to register with yourfloors.com

from The Stocklists

Laura added: “The internet only becomes a threat when retailers go into a price battle, setting silly low prices with no margin - but the same can be said offline in store.The web isn’t there to just price compare it’s there to use for research before a sale and to buy online.

“Having a web presence drives extra sales either online or into store. Either way there is a sale. It’s not taking away extra business from the high street but offering the consumers a different method of purchasing, she said. That theme was picked up by Nick Pratt of e-commerce specialists Site-Makers UK who have been building websites for retailers for several years and Nick was keen for retailers to seize the opportunity of the internet to provide more information to consumers and create a relationship online that would lead to footfall across their door. “Many retailers view the internet as a threat to their existing business and are often told by web companies that they need to ‘switch’ to selling online. I don’t believe that ‘switch’ is the right approach - it should be ‘integrate’. Retailers need to incorporate the internet into their business model in a way that adds value to their service.

“This may well mean the introduction of an e-commerce website, but it may well be a case of simply using a website to find new customers,” says Nick. “In businesses where there is a significant value added element to the transaction, such as carpet, an e-commerce website can be used effectively to showcase products and encourage customers to begin a dialogue.The relationship may often then be started online and the transaction completed in-store.” Ulster agrees. “The internet is a fantastic vehicle to get closer to consumers and retailers,” says Jeremy Wilson. “Driving consumers into retailers is the prime target for most good manufacturers’ websites and the internet is a very effective medium for this when done properly. So retailers should be looking to promote themselves online too.

“The internet is a fantastic vehicle to get closer to consumers. Retailers should be looking to promote themselves online” “Being visible on line is particularly important when a consumer is searching for information and with regard to finding retail outlets in their local area,” says Chris Moffat. “We at SMG, recognised this need some time ago and a specific ‘Online Trading and Web Technology Service’ is available to our member retailers as part of the standard SMG package.” “It is pointless plotting against the internet,” commented David Spragg. “The web is an inevitable and growing part of the retailing environment so the industry needs to figure out how it works with the technology to achieve more interest around flooring and more sales opportunities.

“A customer who cruises a retailer’s displays to select ranges only to run off to the net with names and numbers is still a customer. While he’s in the store he can be sold to and can be told about some of the service issues. Some sales will be won and lost as ever. We’re still lucky that carpets, especially, are a touchy feely thing and a relatively complex sale where consumers lack confidence. If we were selling microwaves or music, there would be less reasons to be cheerful,” he said.

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The British Wool column Life Cycle Analysis gains industry support British Wool opened discussions on the environmental impact of wool carpet with key industry players at the National Floor Show in Harrogate; following the successful peer review of their 12month Life Cycle Analysis report.

The study which was completed by the team at Leeds University to ISO 14040 standard – the internationally recognised standard for LCA studies – covers the environmental impact of British Wool from the sheep in the field to the end of the scouring (washing) process.The report has returned to the Bradford based British Wool Marketing Board (BWMB), environmentally favourable results for British scoured wool in comparison with synthetic fibres.

‘British is back’

British Wool displayed a high profile British theme at this year’s National Floor Show, with an eclectic collection of British themed images that were artfully displayed to portray the Union Jack. Praise for this interpretation was high with some stand visitors stopping to take a photograph on their mobile phones! But many leading manufacturers commented that the British trend is really growing since the recession took hold.

Mr Richard Poole, European Business Manager at the BWMB who led on the LCA project said, “We held discussions on our stand with several companies wanting to know more because they have already felt the impact of environmental scrutiny on their products and business. Manufacturers are concerned about avoiding the damaging accusation of ‘green-washing’ – the term given to unproven claims regarding environmental status. “They are also keen to establish ways in which they can improve their products in advance of any government enforced regulations. We have already seen tightly regulated enforcement affect the scouring and dyeing part of the industry and the government has indicated that this approach to reducing environmental impact will impact on the extended manufacturing process by 2050.” Interest came from UK and European manufacturers, trade bodies, wool merchants and spinners, which Poole believes is a clear measure of the way the industry has shifted on the eco agenda.

“A few years ago, when we muted the LCA, we were told that it was not a major issue and that it was just a passing trend. We took the view that we should be prepared for any evaluation of our fibre and the information that has resulted from the study is highly favourable for British Wool and is beneficial to any company actively pursuing a measured environmental approach to their products.” Manufacturers wishing to use the LCA on product will have to buy under the British Wool platinum certification scheme, which guarantees the origin of the fibre from the point of auction.

“We have now put in place a system for acquiring this status for products. It is effectively a verifiable guarantee of fibre content which manufacturers can request from spinners and merchants and this secures the Life Cycle Analysis standard for British Wool fibre within finished product,” concluded Poole. For further information contact: BWMB on 01274 688666

Marriott promotion starts

The new British Wool Marriott Prize Draw promotion will commence in November. Retailers wishing to take part in this free promotional campaign, which offers weekend breaks at a Marriot hotel of individual choice as a prize, should contact British Wool’s Marketing team on 0800 028 8673 or e.mail interest to marketing@britishwool.org.uk 40

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Martin West of Kingsmead Carpets confirmed that “The British aspect is important and retailers and consumers are asking about it more.”They now manufacture their British Wool ranges in the UK to offer a product that fits that trend and showcased three new British Wool ranges including Triple Twist Heathers which had enjoyed an excellent response.

Cormar, a pioneer of tufted carpet manufacturing in the UK, takes great pride in their ‘Britishness’ and promote heavily that their ranges are British–made and are raising awareness of their home grown heritage with a brand new ‘British Made by Cormar’ logo. “We noticed that there was a surge of support for British produced goods and the label is a reassurance to retailers and consumers.” David Cormack, marketing director at Cormar Carpets said. They introduced their fifth British Wool range – the Natural Berber Twist Collection at the show.

“Enquiries about developing British Wool ranges have been steadily building up in the last twelve months and there has been a lot of support for our new ‘Origin is Everything’ campaign since we refreshed our core message earlier this year. The high profile flag flying on the show floor at the event clearly upholds the trend,”Tim Booth, product development manager at the BWMB commented.

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retailers respond to industry issues

Harrogate or NEC? The show must go on - but where? One of the most controversial debates in the flooring industry has begun - again! Where should the trade meet annually for the National Floor Show?

There’s been an event at Harrogate since the sixties. Now the organisers think the NEC Birmingham would be a better, more business-like venue - see page 36-37. You can tell them where to go!

There is also an issue about the timing and the original dates for the new venue in June areup for discussion too with a variety of schedules on offer.

Do you attend? If so, would you prefer the North, the Midlands or the South? Should it be three days and include a Sunday? What can be done to improve the event?

If you don’t attend, why not? What’s it missing? What would make you want to visit? Would you rather manufacturers came to you instead of you visit them?

Join the debate. Inform the industry. It’s anonymous and takes just 4 minutes of your time. Visit www.thestocklists.com and click the Forum panel.

Flooring Forum - Let’s hear it!

Our new platform for retailers to respond to trade issues and inform the industry about the problems and opportunities they face on the High Street.

Each provocative topic for debate is linked to an anonymous online survey and there’s a soapbox feature where retailers can sound off about the subject. A full report and analysis of the results will feature in the next month’s magazine. If you have a topic you would like debated, let us know.

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News Double the designer look The latest launches from Cormar Carpets are the 100% pure new wool, twin collections, Avebury and Lindisfarne, which are being marketed as ‘designer carpet at high street prices’. “Consumers want a certain look without the exclusive price tag and that’s why we have developed Avebury and Lindisfarne,” says David Cormack of Cormar Carpets. “The textured ranges are excellent value-for-money retailing around the £28-30 per sq m mark: half the price of comparable ‘designer’ textured carpets.”

Avebury and Lindisfarne are both available in four and five metre widths, use a three fold yarn and are branded with the company’s British Made logo as well as the Woolmark logo. In a fine textured loop design tufted on 5/32nd gauge, Avebury is available in 12 contemporary neutrals – eight plain and four heather whereas Lindisfarne comes in a choice of six natural colours, in two different textures: a level loop and a textured loop. It uses a coarse chunky yarn and is tufted on 1/4 gauge. T 01756 795374

www.cormarcarpets.co.uk

Step up to sturdy stairs Stairs take a pounding day after day after day and thanks to the narrow passage, carpets can become ragged very quickly and even naked stairs can soon become worn. Thanks to its super tough nature, laminate provides a durable surface that is ideal for stairs, but until now it has been a difficult surface to install, requiring expert input. Now with Stair Make-Over there comes a true DIY solution that makes life easy for both retailer and consumer.

Using the simple measuring kit, clear instructions, installation accessories and a two tread pack, Stair Make-Over can be readily installed by any budding DIYer as a weekend project making it the ideal in-stock to take away today product for the retailer.

Available in five different finishes – oak, cherry, maple, wenge and beech – Stair Make-Over is suitable for use on straight and curved staircases and with packs available in 100 and 140cm widths, it can accommodate most staircases. Homeowners can also select from matching, off-white or brushed metal risers.

Like laminate flooring, Stair Make-Over is simple to maintain and features a special slip-resistant surface that becomes grippier as pressure is applied – perfect for stairs – and with a 10 year warranty, Stair Make-Over offers peace of mind for retailer and homeowner alike. T +31 40208 6222

October 2009

www.stairmakeover.com

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News IVC invests in US expansion With the first foundations already laid, IVC Group has announced the beginnings of a new state-of-the-art production facility in the US, which will cement the group’s position as a world leader in the manufacture, and supply of vinyl floorcovering products.

A major investment by the firm has seen the acquisition of new land in Dalton, Georgia, the centre of floorcovering production within the United States, to build a high-tech manufacturing plant that will provide approximately 520,000 sq ft of production, storage and office space and that will be capable of manufacturing over 30 million square metres of flooring a year. Since 2002, IVC Group has had a distribution facility and administration offices in the region, allowing it to exploit the excellent transportation links to the rest of the US. However, the company’s decision to increase production of US-specific ranges is testament to its growing presence within the country.

“Although the facility will not go live until the end of 2010 - early 2011, it underlines our commitment to becoming one of the world’s leading producers of cushioned vinyl flooring,” says Jan Vergote, CEO, IVC Group. “It will also open up new employment possibilities for the area and under full operation we estimate that we will benefit Dalton, Georgia with approximately 150 new jobs.”

The company currently manufactures US-specific products in its Belgian plant before shipping to the US for storage at a dedicated distribution centre.The new US-based manufacturing unit will be double the existing size and will also allow IVC Group to expand its product offering to this important sector as well as further develop its European operations: “The knock on effect in Europe is that new capacity will be freed up, allowing IVC to maintain its leading position in the residential sector, and open new doors in the commercial market”, says Jan Vergote. T +32 5665 3211

www.ivcgroup.com

Bright design cheers children Cheery seagulls, giant starfish, seahorses, dolphins and colourful circular waves are among the seaside themed designs inset into flooring from commercial floorings specialist Polyflor at the new emergency department for children at the Derby City General Hospital.

The creation of the new children’s emergency department is the latest development for the £334 million hospital that opened to patients in 2006 and it will bring together for the first time the children’s and adult’s emergency departments.

Senior Matron Anne Denness said: “The aim of making the whole area more child friendly and introducing an element of fun to the unit was at the heart of the work.The flooring has created a warm, friendly and welcoming environment which will appeal to youngsters of all ages and from all backgrounds. Many of the unit’s patients have conditions which may necessitate regular visits to the CED making it all the more important that they are as comfortable as possible in their surroundings.” A detailed flooring design on computer was created by the Polyflor Expressions Design Service that accurately interprets the shapes and dimensions of every element of the designs, transforming them into a precise flooring ‘jigsaw’. T 0161 767 1111

www.polyflor.com

Sweet corny story SmartStrand from Mohawk International is set to raise the bar in carpet performance and appeal, offering unbeatable stain protection, time-tested durability, incredible softness and eco-smart technology. Now available on a dedicated point-of-sale stand, SmartStrand carpets bring stunning textures and a great range of colour to the home, with everything from shaggy styles to rich purples up for grabs - backed by lifetime stain resistance and a 25 year wear warranty.

Carpets made from SmartStrand with DuPont Sorona fibres also feature renewably sourced polymer, making them a smart choice for homeowners looking for carpet that not only works hard in the home, but that also does its part for the environment.

SmartStrand fibres feature Bio-PDO which is produced from quickgrowing and readily available corn. 37% of the fibre can be made from the corn sugar derivative, replacing the more limited petrochemicalbased ingredients used in most other carpets.The production uses 30% less energy and produces 63% less CO2 emissions than the equivalent amount of nylon type six.

Howard Lindsay, Mohawk International concludes: “This is a revolution in carpet fibres for the home, drawing upon readily renewable natural resources that can be easily harvested and which also lower the impact of carpet production without limiting style.” T 01480 479830

October 2009

www.themohawkgroup.com

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News Vorwerk’s towering style Vorwerk Carpets positioning as a high style residential carpet brand has been underlined with the introduction of a striking point of sale unit. Reflecting the lifestyle-driven ethos behind Vorwerk Carpets’ residential offering, the elegant premium display stands tall, occupying a small footprint to maximise shop floor space. Samples on the display stand have been carefully selected to stand out in terms of colour and texture.

“We selected individual textured, plain and patterned carpets for the stand to re-affirm Vorwerk’s position as a trend leading carpet manufacturer,” says Ian Hammond. “With stunning colours, textures and patterns that bring a unique feel to the stand, retailers can make it a real focal point of the store. In fact, one existing Vorwerk Carpets retailer is considering placing it in the shop window in an attempt to attract untapped style savvy consumers.” Striking photography in both traditional and contemporary room settings breaks up the samples and helps consumers to visualise the lifestyle enhancing potential of a carpet from Vorwerk Carpets. In addition, the solidly constructed stand will also carry advisory leaflets, designed to inform the consumer of the advantages of carpet as well as the use of polyamide fibres in residential carpet. The display is available to purchase under a rebate scheme and will come with full marketing and sales support. T 020 7096 5090

www.vorwerkcarpets.co.uk

Salsa makes Tarkett tasty Tarkett’s Salsa Oak Nature engineered wood flooring was recently installed to create a warm, welcoming environment in the newly refurbished restaurant within Gateshead Civic Centre. Now known as the Bewicke Suite, around 340m2 of Tarkett Salsa was installed throughout the main seating areas.

Sandafloor of Gateshead carried out the complex installation. “The wooden flooring had to be fitted to a lot of curves and angles where it butted up against either ceramic or carpet tiles” commented one of the Directors. “We knew there would be very little, if any, room for expansion of the wooden floor so it was decided to fully bond the hardwood to a prepared subfloor.”

Whilst it is designed for floating floor installation,Tarkett’s engineered wood flooring can be bonded in this way. Salsa is available with the choice of an Ultraloc or T-lock mechanical glue-free locking system, which bond the boards closely and evenly together without edges. Its three-layer construction provides excellent dimensional stability, eliminating 70% of the woods natural movement.

The Salsa range, available in over ten different wood species, is 14mm thick with a 3.6mm wear layer of genuine species wood.This means the floor can be re-sanded up to 4 or 5 times giving greater longevity and lifetime value. T 01622 854151

www.tarkett-floors.com

Axminster turns to virtual pages Axminster Carpets has worked with web-based multi-media consultants to display its stunning new brochure on computer screens throughout the country.

Now simply by logging onto www.axminstercarpets.co.uk and clicking on the home page link, visitors can view the stunning lifestyle photography and swatches, as well as learning a little about the company and its fleece to floor operation, as if flicking through real pages of the 84 page brochure. “The introduction of the online brochure allows consumers and retailers to view the brochure while taking a break in front of their screens,” says Richard Lawrence, Group Marketing Manager, Axminster Carpets. “With time increasingly precious and the internet playing an ever important role in home interest research, interactive features such as this support our established website and present a valuable opportunity to secure extra brand recognition with consumers even before they have entered the store.”

With the online and fully searchable brochure, only the pages of interest need to be printed off, helping to conserve resources and fitting well with Axminster Carpets’ environmental policy to reduce its carbon footprint wherever possible. Underlined with the recent introduction of the carbon neutral Swaledale range, this ethos is central to Axminster Carpets’ presence within the market. T 01297 630650

October 2009

www.axminstercarpets.co.uk

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“We are going to get carpets noticed in a big way.”

£2m ‘Fun’ campaign sets the agenda “We can break out of the beige box,” says interiors trend forecaster Victoria Redshaw and the carpet industry has planned a £2m media blitz under its Fun On the Floor campaign to make it happen. “We are going to get carpet noticed in a big way,” says Associated Weavers boss Steve Elliott who is on Fun On The Floor’s expert panel with Victoria. “We have a lot to say, a lot that is positive and we have planned a detailed campaign to make sure more people change their carpets more often,” he said. This is the second wave of an industry-wide promotion that lit a firework under the flooring industry at its launch last year and is now all set to build on that success.

Last year’s approach was high impact – including a memorable and dramatic outdoor poster campaign and the opening of the stunning Fun On The Floor House to showcase carpets in central London.

This year’s campaign concentrates on the consumer press and a series of senior-level press briefings is already underway with top magazines such as Woman & Home, Period House,Your Home and Elle. The campaign has also teamed up with the leading home interest publisher IPC in a total immersion PR event that covers flagship titles such as Ideal Home, Homes & Gardens & Living Etc. At the core of this pitch is a specially commissioned ‘Trend Report’ from leading forecasters Scarlett Opus which is seen as an agenda-setting insight into future interior design.

It highlights five key trends under titles such as the exotic Eastern Odyssey, the patriotic King & Country, dramatic Imperial Glamour and the more subtle Magic Garden. Finally there’s the Plain & Simple trend. Each of these is discussed in terms of design culture, colour and tone.

Headlam’s Tony Judge who is also prominent in the campaign commented: “The Trend Report will be a major influence. Colour is a very prominent aspect and the images are fantastic.” One features editor at the launch, Claudia Baillie of Living, Etc, commented: “This is the best imagery we have seen in a long time. In fact this is the greatest photography we have ever seen!”

5 key trends

The editorial engagement should result in a constant stream of features in home interest titles and also in the Daily Mail who are part of the campaign. Also there’s a substantial schedule of advertising in these titles in the run up to Christmas under the copyline: “Carpet.The look you can really feel.” A major online promotion is also planned which promotes the line: “Nothing transforms like a new carpet.”

“The timing is perfect,” says Steve Elliott. “Media prices are cheaper than last year so we should get more bang for our bucks.This will make a real impact. Now its up to the members and the industry to get behind it and make it count,” he said. Fun On The Floor has a broad mix of industry interests in its membership of 13 including leading UK manufacturers like Abingdon, Brockway, Cormar, and the Headlam group. Carpetright is also a member together with Belgian-based companies Associated Weavers, Balta, Beaulieu, Domo and Roger Vanden Berghe.

“Nobody has dropped out among the supporters of the campaign and I think that is a very positive sign in the current climate,” said Steve Elliott. “For the wide good of the carpet industry, they recognise how important this kind of activity is. I think this will end up being a campaign that the industry can’t do without.”

Retailers are strongly encouraged to join up through the web site so they can join the postcode-driven Store Locator. “Everyone is the industry needs to be part of this,” says Steve.

Imperial Glamour

Magic Garden

Steve’s partners on the FOTF Expert Panel in addition to Victoria Redshaw of Scarlett Opus are Danielle Proud, the style guru who was largely responsible for creating the Fun On The Floor house, and interior designer Andrea Maflin. Press and public are actively encouraged to fire questions at the panel at funonthefloor.com www.funonthefloor.com

King & Country

Eastern Odyssey

Plain & Simple from The Stocklists

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News Leolan meanz Roomz Bringing fashion to the floor, Roomz SR is the latest product to roll off the Leolan development lines. Interpreting stone, ceramic and wood designs in outstanding clarity, Roomz SR features Leolan’s unique Comfort Foam to improve underfoot comfort over traditional cushioned sheet vinyl. Giving a softer and more welcoming feel to vinyl, Comfort Foam is ideal for homes looking to use vinyl in bathrooms or relaxation areas. Featuring a seven-year wear guarantee and available in two, three and four-metre widths, Roomz SR also features several other innovations that help to aid realism and boost performance.

Enhancements to boost the usability of the floor include the Leogrip treatment that provides added slip-resistance to make Roomz SR safer to use in bathrooms and any other moistureprone areas in the home. Added to this is Leolan’s Quick Clean technology that makes cleaning up spills and dirt a breeze. In terms of design, Roomz SR features Natural Look & Feel technology that varies the depth of the product according to the variances in the natural material it replicates:

“Vinyl flooring brings many practical benefits to the home and with Roomz SR we are making it an even more appealing choice,” says Ortwin Top, Marketing Manager, IVC Group. T +32 5665 3211

www.ivcgroup.com

Lano’s colourful couture Portman Twist is the latest carpet to underline the position of Lano Carpets as a manufacturer delivering value centric residential soft flooring solutions.

Unveiled at this year’s National Floor Show, Portman Twist is an 1/8th gauge cut-pile, felt backed carpet manufactured from 100% polypropylene to aid ease of maintenance. In fact, such is the performance of Portman Twist that it features Lano Carpets’ Stain Resistant 10 year warranty. Available in a four-metre width and in 14 tones ranging from purple and carmine to ebony and silver, Portman Twist brings a mixture of rich and vibrant colours and tonal neutrals to the home. Birger Karlsson, UK and Ireland Sales Manager for Lano Carpets comments: “Portman Twist has been conceived to offer those colours that are favoured by the fashion sensitive, but at a price point that makes them a realistic proposition.Traditionally, colour banks such as these have only been accessible on premium price point carpet and we felt it was time to address the balance.” T 00800 5266 5266

www.lano.com

Claridges rolls out red carpet 159 guests packed into Claridge’s for the 9th Red Carpet Awards organised by the Carpet Foundation.Top figures from the magazine and TV world joined with leading figures from the UK carpet industry to mark the editorial exposure given to carpet in the last 12 months in the national media. 100 journalists attended from 20 magazines in total including Homes & Gardens, Good Housekeeping, 25 Beautiful Homes, Woman & Home, Living Etc, House Beautiful and Your Home as well as 2 TV programmes and 24 freelance journalists.

In the last 12 months, the Carpet Foundation has generated over £1million of free editorial coverage for carpet in the media.The Awards are now recognised as the ‘awards’ in the home interest market and every year articles, features, decorating items and makeovers are specifically undertaken in an attempt to win an award (pictured left).

Pictured with Rupert Anton are the victorious Period Living team of (from left to right) Maggie Stevenson, Homes Editor, Rebecca Fishenden, Shopping Editor and Carolyn Bailey, stylist. 50

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Rupert Anton, Carpet Foundation Marketing Director said: “The UK carpet industry has never had so much written about it – it is one of the hidden jewels of the Carpet Foundation’s work and one that is frequently commented upon by retailers when they are shown some of the coverage we generate by our On the Road representatives.” T 01562 755568

www.carpetfoundation.com

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STAINSHIELD KEEPS PACE WITH MARKET TRENDS The combination of Stainshield’s wool-friendly stain protection treatments with the internationally acclaimed allergy and hygiene product Actigard has now reached conversion rates in excess of 85%. To back the growing influx of polyproplene and felt backing, Stainshield have introduced a new quick-drying, user-friendly aqueous-based protector. • Products now ideally suited to both on-site and warehouse applications. • Greater penetration, faster drying and user-friendly. • Quality and safety assured. Qualities for OKO-TEX 100 class IV and in compliance with BS EN 24940. • Low material overheads to the retailer. Costs between 32p and 60p per square metre. Group and bulk purchasing discounts by arrangements. • Choice of product to compliment all carpet fibres, furnishing fabrics plus aniline and semi-aniline leathers. • A dedicated ‘Help’ line for your customers. Smart point-of-sale material available together with in-house refresher training.

Stainshield Ltd. Email: james@stain-shield.ltd.uk Web: www.stain-shield.ltd.uk Tel: 01372 841467

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News Top spec Supacord UK carpet manufacturer Heckmondwike FB has achieved the highest rating from the BRE (Building Research Establishment) for its market-leading Supacord range.

Using the 2008 BRE Environmental Profiles Methodology, Supacord sheet achieved an ‘A+’ rating whilst Supacord tiles achieved an ‘A’ rating, both for education and commercial buildings.These results put Supacord at the top of the list for specifiers looking for floorcoverings with strong environmental credentials along with a proven track record. Supacord is widely specified for many education buildings across the UK, as well as retail outlets, offices and public sector buildings and this latest achievement serves to strengthen its position as one of the most environmentally responsible floorcoverings available.

“We are pleased with the recent results of the BRE assessment,” explains Bob Mortimer, Sales Director of Heckmondwike FB. “This just confirms what we have long recognised - that our Supacord range is a real sustainable choice as well as being one of the best value carpets on the market.”

Heckmondwike products were assessed under the BRE’s Environmental Profiles Methodology, which studies the environmental effects associated with building materials over their life cycle.This includes their extraction, processing, use, maintenance and eventual disposal.This method is designed to give suppliers the opportunity to present credible environmental information about their products, compared to others in the industry. T 01924 406 161

www.heckmondwike-fb.co.uk

Walk sure on Yorkshire Independent carpet producer Whitestone Weavers has taken the ‘Buy British’ move one step further! The Hartlepool-based company has developed a ‘Made in Yorkshire’ logo for its ever expanding range of tufteds which are manufactured in the county. Said sales director Phil Hartley: “We’re very much focused on supporting our British manufacturers and as well as developing a ‘Made in Britain’ logo which will be used nationally, we’re doing a limited edition ‘Made in Yorkshire’ run for selected stockists and retailers based there. We believe the consumer has come to value products made in this country – and particularly those made even more locally.” T 01429 892555

www.whitestone.co.uk

Cash-back card for Christmas As part of its successful Loyalty Card Scheme, F. Ball and Co. Ltd. has extended its offer of 2.5% cash back on all purchases of F. Ball products by scheme members until 31st December 2009.

Additionally, contractor members can now also claim 5% cash back on purchases of the latex-free Stopgap Green Bag and Blue Bag powders, as well as the associated Stopgap 114 and 128 liquids, providing exceptional value. Available to all flooring contractors, the Loyalty Card Scheme offers exclusive benefits and discounts to reward F. Ball’s customers for purchasing its high performance subfloor preparation products and adhesives.

Further benefits available to members include exclusive competitions, such as the new ‘Spot the Ball’ competition. Offering members the chance to win a Makita site radio in the monthly draw, the competition is accessible through the loyalty scheme website, www.f-ballrewards.co.uk. T 01538 361 633 52

October 2009

www.f-ball.co.uk

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Stand out from the crowd and have a say in the future of your industry

www.nicfltd.org.uk

The NICF covers all types of flooring including carpet, laminate, luxury vinyl tile, timber and sheet vinyl fitting, and are the driving force behind raising standards of floor covering installation. By supporting the NICF and becoming an active member you can have a voice in the future of your chosen industry along with all the other benefits you see listed below:

• Enhance your company image • Free listing on the NICF website and broaden your opportunities for work • Free business support helpline with Croner Consulting • Technical advice line • Great discounts on FITA training courses • Discounts on quality workwear and tools • Keep up to date with industry news with Free subscriptions to Stocklists and the Contract Flooring Journal • Free newsletter

NICF 4c St. Mary’s Place, The Lace Market, Nottingham NG1 1PH Tel: 0115 958 3077 Fax: 0115 941 2238 Email: info@nicfltd.org.uk

Sharpen up your fitting skills with fita Are you working in the flooring industry but need further skills to widen your client base? Or perhaps you are a new beginner in flooring and need training to go one step further? If so, then why not contact FITA, the Flooring Industry Training Association. Co-founded by the Contract Flooring Association (CFA) and the National Institute of Carpet and Floorlayers (NICF), FITA has courses to suit not only real beginners just getting started in the industry but upskilling courses aimed towards seasoned professionals too!

BOO K EA RLY TO

AVO ID D ISAP POIN TME NT

FITA has a fully equipped training centre at Loughborough in Leicestershire. Our wide range of courses are presented by experienced instructors with specialist knowledge of the flooring industry. All course content can be used as evidence towards an NVQ in Floorcoverings.

Visit www.fita.co.uk for details of all FITA training courses available along with our booking form which is available for download. CALL TODAY FOR MORE INFORMATION ON:

0115 950 6836 or visit www.fita.co.uk

FITA - kindly sponsored by

Fita Training Centre Loughborough Unit 10, Windmill Road Loughborough Leicestershire LE11 1RA.

from The Stocklists

October 2009

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Fitting the Bill Ryalux, introduces its stunning new William Classics collection: a confident, contemporary range named in honour of the company’s founder,William Lomas, a legendary carpet innovator, who is still highly regarded in the flooring industry today.

William Classics is a collection of twists, velvets, plain and striped loops made from finest quality wool.These four textures have been created to work perfectly on their own or to coordinate, bringing a classic or contemporary look to any home.

Creative director, Darren Clanford, explains that the 72 colours and textures of the collection are a true celebration of classic British style: “William Classics has been tailored to suit a discerning market, with every single colour selected to appeal to a wide range of customers and their spectrum of tastes.The fresh colour palette has been designed to allow the creation of beautiful, stylish interiors with a quintessential British feel. After all, the collection is named after Ryalux’s founder,William Lomas, who was a true British gentleman.”

Available in 4 and 5 metre widths,William Classics will replace the Lomas Chatsworth and Devonshire ranges.

www.ryalux.com/williamclassics

October 2009

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oice V

OF THE TRADE

Steve Upperton

Sales Director of Axminster Carpets

The economic situation.There is no doubt that we are in the middle of the toughest retail environment I have ever experienced.We have seen the end of several well known high street retailers and our industry has seen double digit decline. In spite of the downsizing of Allied Carpets I am impressed by the resilience of the independent trade as we have seen very few independent retailers fail. Obviously, with only a finite amount of carpet being sold, it is now more important than ever for retailers to ‘trade up’ in order to increase the cash profit per square metre.After all it’s cash that pays the bills at the end of the day.

“

Is price winning over design/quality?

No, like any classic market there is room for lots of differing market positions, its all about what consumers are looking for. Some would like the cheapest carpet whilst some prefer quality.The problem with a price oriented strategy is that in my experience some one else can always do it cheaper. Axminster has always set its strategy at the upper end of the market and differentiated its self through quality of product, service and design, it is a policy that has worked well and one which we continue to pursue.

What’s the next big thing – in terms of design or colour?

Now that is the 69 million dollar question! I expect evolution not revolution. However we are seeing a real trend in stronger fashion colours at the moment. I believe this indicates that consumers are seeing carpet as more of a statement item in interior design as opposed to recent times where the beige twist set a neutral tone, which was styled with furniture, wall coverings and accessories. As we, as an industry, begin to inspire consumers to view carpet as one of the key elements of their interior design I would expect to see more textured and patterned sales over time.

What’s the most important key to success in flooring?

It’s the same as in many different industries, understanding your market.We have spent a lot of time researching our consumers and ensuring our brand, products and values tie in with what the market needs. I think that both manufacturers and retailers need to be clear about who their customers are and build up their own offering to fulfil their needs.

How much do consumers care about ‘British-made’?

According to our research it is becoming increasingly important.We see this already in food shopping and in many other spheres of life. The reasons are a complex mix of several factors including the instinctive perception of British quality and style. One area is the effect on the environment as a result of importing and another is the desire to support British industry and jobs. However consumers will only be persuaded to buy British if the product they are buying supports those key values.They will not buy an inferior product just because it is British.

Are too many people making carpet now?

No, competition is good and ensures we all strive to excel at what we do. I think there are some excellent competitors in this industry and the fact we still have a thriving British carpet manufacturing sector is testament to that. from The Stocklists

“With only a finite amount of carpet being sold, it is now more important than ever for retailers to trade up in order to increase the cash profit per square metre.” Do you think consumers are prepared to pay extra to protect the environment?

There are clearly some consumers who do and I believe that they are growing as a percentage of the population;The Toyota Prius is more expensive than other cars of similar size because it has environmental benefits. However if we are going to have an impact on the environment then companies in every industry will have to take the lead.We at Axminster are committed to reducing our environmental impact and reducing our CO2 emissions but this doesn’t necessarily mean higher prices to consumers as reducing energy usage and wastage leads to more efficient manufacturing.We have recently invested in a new effluent treatment plant where we can now use each drop of water in scouring and dyeing 40 times, this has cut down on our impact on the environment but also our costs. A good example of our environmental drive is our latest launch Swaledale, which is a Carbon Neutral product, however, it is also the most price competitive range we have ever launched with all the inherent quality you would expect from an Axminster Carpet.

“

What’s the key market issue/challenge today?

If you could ask retailers to change one thing...

Sell more Axminster Carpets! Apart from that it is difficult to generalise as there are excellent retailers in the industry. However I think a key issue would be to improve their in-store presence.There is a lot of duplication in store and retailers could cut down on the number of ranges they show, less is more.We need to make showrooms more inspirational for consumers which is hard to do when climbing over 92 tombolas.

In all your time in the trade, what has most surprised you?

I have only been in the industry for two and a half years but I have been surprised by its complexity, there is so much to learn from sheep breeds through the yarn manufacturing process, through to weaving and that is only to get the product into stock.The estimating, selling, installation and after sales service is also more complex and fragmented than any other industry I have known. I think this is one of the reasons we will always have a strong independent sector as there is so much knowledge required to keep customers satisfied.

If you didn’t work in this industry, what would have been your second choice career? (Should it have been!?)

I have worked in a few industries before I was lucky enough to find the carpet trade, one of which was selling ladies lingerie so it’s a tough one! I wanted to work in the surf business when I was younger but I wasn’t good enough to become professional so I am delighted to be in this industry, living and working in Devon and surfing at the weekend! October 2009

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Flower on Flooring Secrets of the Orient

Since the first explorers returned from the Orient with their treasures and excited the interest of traders and their customers, the market for Oriental design has continued unabated. Initially, of course, it was the only the wealthy that could afford the rugs and carpets that found their way to Europe, resulting in Oriental style flooring appearing in many of the grand residences including palaces, chateaux and mansions. While the price of some of the top quality hand-knotted rugs and carpet continues to restrict their appeal to the more well off, the emergence of mass production techniques and man-made fibres has additionally resulted in the development of appeal to the mass market. The appeal has long been noted by UK manufacturers and Axminster Carpets is a prime example of this. Group marketing manager Richard Lawrence told The Stocklists magazine that Oriental design is benefiting from patterns enjoying a revival in popularity, while further explaining the extensive portfolio of options within the company's own library. He said. “Axminster Carpets is famed for intricate designs, so when it comes to the influence of the Orient we are a natural port of call. For example, our Oriental Silk pattern is a derivative of Persian Bakhtiari tribal carpets from the early 1300’s and is produced in our Royal Dartmouth Extra Heavy Domestic 100% wool quality.”

'Using the rich blue, green and rust tones so favoured in the period, Oriental Silk is about as close as you can get without having to spend literally thousands of pounds on a handmade rug with a history that is hard to define. For consumers who love the detail to be found in these designs, but who are looking for more subtle colourings, Oriental Silk is also available in a soft cream tonal creation that provides a more neutral backdrop.'

by Dennis Flower

With a constant supply of over 1,000 handmade rugs, the company states that it is able to supply to any trade or interior designer, regardless of the design specification or budget.

From popular designs to one off works of art, Little-Persia reports that it is able to source rugs for any requirement. With ever rising prices for knotted rugs in Iran, the company has, in more recent times, concentrated on widening its range to include a number of economy options to meet the desires of those looking for handmade rugs on a budget. With rugs sourced from traditional destinations such as Iran, India,Turkey, Afghanistan, Pakistan, China and Nepal, the company states that retailers can satisfy the demands of their customers regardless of whether their requirements include one-off items or standard designs. Gaskell Mackay is another UK manufacturer to have recognised that oriental-inspired patterns have been incorporated into the designs of interiors products for many years. Many of the striking wallpaper patterns and eye-catching carpets available today draw on oriental influences to a greater or lesser extent, it said.

Stephen Donlan, sales director for Gaskell Mackay, said: 'We’ve noticed this style feeding into the bold floral prints that are popular at the moment. Rather than the traditional floral patterns. we have seen a growth in striking large print using only a few colours to make an impact.

'We have also used cherry tree blossom and peacock feather prints.The ornate detailing of this work has many aspects of typical Asian designs.'

Oriental influences can be seen in other examples of the company's offerings, including Chirvan, Dark Damask and Turkish Splendour within its Classic Production collection. 'But for true authentic style it has to be Oriental Silk,' Lawrence concluded.

The emergence of mass production techniques and man-made fibres has additionally resulted in the development of appeal to the mass market. The more traditional suppliers of oriental designs, those that import their product from source, were reluctant to contribute to this article, but two were more forthcoming. I Nemetnejad is one of those that imports directly from most major rug producing centres in Persia, Afghanistan, China, India and elsewhere.The company states it has always looked for the best weavers who use the finest materials and humane, child-free labour methods, and over the years has built a reputation for supplying high quality rugs and carpets at competitive prices.

Its ranges fall into three design categories of traditional, ethnic and contemporary.Traditional designs include classical Persian floral medallion or all-over palmette designs. Ethnic rugs are made by nomadic and village weavers with interesting geometric designs.The company's contemporary designs, influenced by the art deco and the modernist movements, have also proved popular as they work well with modern interiors. However, the company states that more recently it has detected a revival of interest in traditional styles, both floral and geometric, as homeowners once again look for colour and texture in their design schemes. Little-Persia offers a wide selection of unique, hand-knotted Persian and Oriental rugs.

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News Time bomb on tick According to recent reports, 73% of companies in the UK fail to carry out a credit check on new customers. This is the most basic form of protection against bad debt and possible business failure, warns leading business information provider, Equifax.

Bad debts are on the increase, with figures showing a 20% rise in late payments, while small businesses have had to write-off almost £5 billion of bad debt over the past year . Equifax is therefore urging businesses to take precautions to avoid falling foul of the recession.

3M making an entrance 3M, the diversified technology company, unveiled its new generation of matting for entrances, Nomad Aqua Plus at this year’s National Floor Show that took place earlier this month at the Harrogate International Centre, North Yorkshire.

Nomad Aqua Plus has been developed to meet a range of key criteria including functionality, aesthetics, health and safety and sustainability. It also delivers outstanding performance for water absorbency and retention. This combination of features offers a real benefit in the form of safer floors as well as a cost-effective alternative to conventional matting. To celebrate the launch of Nomad Aqua Plus, visitors were given a demonstration of the new product and had the opportunity to enter a prize draw to win a 3M MPro110 micro projector. The lucky winner of the LED-driven device, which has been developed for a laptop with connectivity to a range of other multimedia devices, was Charlotte Trudgen from Igloo Interiors, based in Leeds.

Nomad Aqua Plus is offered in a full range of new colours, patterns and widths. www.3M.co.uk/nomad

Equifax Portfolio Monitoring provides peace of mind for businesses through monitoring a wide range of events including new CCJs, change in registered address or company director and decrease or increase in credit limit.

Email and SMS alerts inform users of any changes as soon as they become available, allowing businesses to act quickly. In addition, the Equifax Full Report Service provides instant online access to critical business information on limited companies.This allows businesses to make intelligent business decisions – crucial in a recession. Nic Beishon, Head of Equifax Commercial Information Solutions adds: “Trading in a recession opens a business to all kinds of risk. Indeed our most recent report on business failures showed that 8,874 businesses went bust in the second quarter of 2009 and for many of these the payment record and financial stability of existing customers is likely to have been a contributing factor in their downfall.

“It is crucial to remember that not all new business is good business. It only takes one or two customers going bust to jeopardise a company’s own financial standing.Yet it only takes a few simple credit checks and the monitoring on key customers to help a business safeguard against bad risk and secure a good financial future.” www.equifax.co.uk

Classic Carpets snaffle raffle prize Mercado managing director Keith Yates (pictured right) and Yorkshire representative Richard Banham presented a state of the art laptop computer to Craig Holdsworth (pictured centre), a director of Classic Carpets of Halifax, West Yorkshire who won Mercado’s business card raffle at the National Floor Show in Harrogate, last month.

Mercado would like to thank all the visitors to their stand for their support. T 01113 3802900 www.mercado.co.uk

from The Stocklists

October 2009

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Regional Wholesalers Directory The Stocklists Wholesalers Directory National

Fells Carpets Goole Tel: 01977 662211 Email: fellscarpets@aol.com Web: www.fellscarpets.co.uk See page 20 for details

Scotland

Bathgate & Co. Ltd Edinburgh Tel: 0131 554 5485 Email: bathgateco@aol.com

Fyfe & McGrouther Glasgow Tel: 0141 552 4966 Email: glasgow.029@decco.co.uk

McMillan Flooring Distribution Edinburgh Tel: 0131 202 0030 Email: info@mcmillanflooring.com Web: www.mcmillan-floors.com Neil Smith Ltd Ayr Tel: 01292 287948

North East

Adamms Wholesale Carpets North Shields Tel: 0191 296 0074 Artfloor Ltd Huddersfield Tel: 01484 540099

Barnsley Flooring Barnsley Tel: 01226 321316

Carpet Line Direct Ltd Hartlepool Tel: 01429 892523 Email: info@carpetlinedirect.co.uk

Delta Carpet Distributors Leeds Tel: 0113 240 4144 Email: sales@deltacarpets.com Web: www.deltacarpets.com Fells Carpets Goole Tel: 01977 662211 Email: fellscarpets@aol.com Web: www.fellscarpets.co.uk See page 20 for details

Floorwise (North East) County Durham Tel: 0191 410 7070

M S Contract Carpets & Carpet Tiles Shelf Tel: 01274 691511

Supertex Furnishings Lancashire Tel: 01772 457070 Email: sales@supertexfurnishings.co.uk Web: www.supertexfurnishings.co.uk See page 26 for details

North West A & A Carpets Ltd Manchester Tel: 01204 701188

Sweeney Todd Blades Ltd Worsley Tel: 0161 790 7850 enquiries@sweeneytoddblades.co.uk

Flooring Supplies Anglia Ltd Norwich Tel: 01603 427247 Web: www.flooringsuppliesanglia.co.uk

Beds Flooring Bedford Tel: 01234 341234 Email: tim.groves@bedsflooring.co.uk

South East

Midlands

Myton Flooring Norwich Tel: 01603 624387

Acorn Carpet Accessories Bromley Tel: 020 8462 0422 Email: acorncarpetsacc@btconnect.com

A & S Carpets Bolton Tel: 01204 706401 Email: ascarpet@talk21.com

Floorwise D & J Ltd Southam Tel: 01926 814922 Email: fwisednj@aol.com Web: www.floorwise.co.uk

Dyne Carpet Tile Company Salford Tel: 0161 877 8877 Email: info@dynecarpettile.com Web: www.dynecarpettile.com

McManus Wholesale Midlands Tel: 02476 635856

AFS Middlesex Tel: 020 8805 8620 Email: info@afsenfield.co.uk See page 13 for details

St.Ann’s Warehouse Ltd Stoke on Trent Tel: 01782 717200 Email: st.annes@totalise.co.uk

Beds Flooring Bedford Tel: 01234 341234 Email: tim.groves@bedsflooring.co.uk

Carpet Fitters Supplies Blackburn Tel: 01254 51661

Haldon Thompsons Stockport Tel: 0161 430 1420 Email: haldonthompson@headlam.com HBS Floortrade Stockport Tel: 0161 430 1435 Email: Gary.Prophet@hbs-sales.co.uk

John Talbot Wholesale Flooring Blackpool Tel: 01253 751777 Lee Floorstok Ltd Liverpool Tel: 0151 708 7420 Email: leefloorstock@aol.com Web: www.leefloorstock.co.uk

Pennine Flooring Carlisle Tel: 01228 591002 Email: enquiries@pennineflooring.com Web: www.pennineflooring.com R G N Flooring Supplies Stockport Tel: 0161 406 7557 Email: sales@rgn.net Web: www.rgnflooringsupplies.co.uk

Supertex Furnishings Lancashire Tel: 01772 457070 Email: sales@supertexfurnishings.co.uk Web: www.supertexfurnishings.co.uk See page 26 for details Sundream Enterprises Ltd Manchester Tel: 0161 236 1020 Email: info@sundreamenterprises.co.uk

J J Wholesale & Distribution Ltd Birmingham Tel: 0121 765 4994 Email: jjwholesale@gmx.com

Sheffield Wholesale Lino & Carpet Sheffield Tel: 0114 272 8116 Email: sales:swlltd@btconnect.com

Supertex Furnishings Lancashire Tel: 01772 457070 Email: sales@supertexfurnishings.co.uk Web: www.supertexfurnishings.co.uk See page 26 for details Westfold Products Ltd Sheffield Tel: 0114 287 9638 Email: westfoldinfo@aol.com

Woodfloor Trade Supplies Rugby Tel: 0870 241 8847 sales@woodfloortradesupplies.co.uk www.woodfloortradesupplies.co.uk

East

Beds Flooring Bedford Tel: 01234 341234 Email: tim.groves@bedsflooring.co.uk Faithfulls (Hadleigh) Ipswich Tel: 01473 822341 Email: faithfulls@headlam.com Web: www.faithfulls.co.uk

All In One Supplies Hatfield Tel: 0845 260 7055 Email: sales@allinonesupplies.co.uk Web: www.allinonesupplies.co.uk

Ashmount Flooring Supplies Tottenham Tel: 020 8808 2158 Email: sales@ashmountflooring.co.uk Web: www.ashmountflooring.co.uk

Carvall Group Flooring Supplies Chelmsford Tel: 01245 451461 Email: chelmsford@carvallgroup.com Web: www.carvallgroup.com

Columbia Flooring Middlesex Tel: 020 8443 3322 Email: sales@columbiaflooring.co.uk Web: www.columbiaflooring.co.uk See page 17 for details Faithfull Floor Coverings Dartford Tel: 01322 285001

Flooring Supplies (London) Chelmsford Tel: 01245 451461 Email: chelmsford@carvallgroup.com Web: www.carvallgroup.com Flooring Supplies (London) Tottenham Tel: 020 8808 3011 Email: sales@carvallgroup.com Web: www.carvallgroup.com

Flooring Supplies (London) Greenwich Tel: 020 8853 5581 Email: greenwich@carvallgroup.com Web: www.carvallgroup.com

Garrod Bros Ltd Enfield Tel: 020 8805 6767 Email: garrodbroslondon@btconnect.com Hall’s Flooring Ltd London Tel: 020 8803 1400 Email: sales@hallsfloorings.co.uk

J De Bruyn Ltd Leyton Tel: 020 8558 4725 Email: enquiries@de-bruyn.co.uk Web: www.de-bruyn.co.uk

Littner Hampton London Tel: 020 8520 8474 Email: littnerhampton@aol.com Web:www.littnerhamptoncarpets.co.uk P F C Flooring Supplies Ltd Romford Tel: 01708 378801 Email: sales@pfcflooring.co.uk Rackhams London Tel: 020 8531 9225 Email: sales@rackhamsltd.co.uk See page 25 for details

STS Flooring Distributors Ltd Watford Tel 01923 222790 Email: sales@stsflooring.com Web: www.stsflooring.com STS Flooring Distributors Ltd Orpington Tel: 0845 434 1000 Email: sales@stsflooring.com Web: www.stsflooring.com

South West

Ireland

Wales

Beach Bros Ltd Devon Tel: 01392 421000 Email: wholesale@beachbros.co.uk

E C O Wood Ltd Co. Wicklow Tel: 353 4046 2620 Email: eco@dol.ie

3 D Flooring Supplies Ltd Cardiff Tel: 029 2070 6706 Email: cardiffsales@3dflooringsupplies.co.uk

Balley Carpets of Bristol Keynsham 0117 986 8431 Email: baileybristol@mcd.co.uk Web: www.baileybristol.co.uk

Clarks Wood Company Bristol Tel: 0117 971 6316 Email: stag@clarkswood.com Web: www.clarkswood.com

CF Anderson & Son Ltd Colchester Tel: 01206 211666 Email: sales@cfanderson.co.uk Web: www.cfanderson.co.uk G J Flooring Wholesale Battle Tel: 01424 892411

Brooks Belfast Belfast Tel: 028 9074 4201 Email: brooks.belfast@brooksgroup.ie Web: www.brooksgroup.co.uk

Marketall Trading Ltd Dublin 11 Tel: 00 353 1 8308244 Email: joe@marketall.ie Web: www.marketall.ie

M C D Belfast Belfast Tel: 028 9035 1624 Email: mcdbelfast@mcd.co.uk Web: www.merbelfast.co.uk

3 D Flooring Supplies Ltd Swansea Tel: 01792 797970 Email: swanseasales@3dflooringsupplies.co.uk

Keepfers Flooring Accessories Cwmbran Tel: 01633 871162 Rhyl Flooring Supplies Ltd Rhyl Tel: 01745 354555

Are you a Wholesaler? If you’re not listed here and would like to be, please call Diane Martin on 01482 659396

Nutland Carpet Accessories Poole Tel: 01202 681929 Email: enquiries@nutlandcarpets.co.uk Web: www.nutlandscarpets.co.uk

Nutland Carpet Accessories Chandlers Ford Tel: 023 8026 7322 Email: enquiries@nutlandcarpets.co.uk Web: www.nutlandcarpets.co.uk Solent Wholesale Carpet West Sussex Tel: 01243 774623 Email: sales@solentwholesale.co.uk Web: www.solentwholesale.co.uk See page 25 for details

STS Flooring Distributors Ltd Croyden Tel: 020 8659 0971 Email: sales@stsflooring.com Web: www.stsflooring.com Solent Wholesale Carpet West Sussex Tel: 01243 774623 Email: sales@solentwholesale.co.uk Web: www.solentwholesale.co.uk See page 25 for details

The Stocklists Wholesalers Directory National

Fells Carpets Goole Tel: 01977 662211 Email: fellscarpets@aol.com Web: www.fellscarpets.co.uk See page 20 for details

Scotland

Bathgate & Co. Ltd Edinburgh Tel: 0131 554 5485 Email: bathgateco@aol.com

Fyfe & McGrouther Glasgow Tel: 0141 552 4966 Email: glasgow.029@decco.co.uk

McMillan Flooring Distribution Edinburgh Tel: 0131 202 0030 Email: info@mcmillanflooring.com Web: www.mcmillan-floors.com Neil Smith Ltd Ayr Tel: 01292 287948

North East

Adamms Wholesale Carpets North Shields Tel: 0191 296 0074 Artfloor Ltd Huddersfield Tel: 01484 540099

Supertex Furnishings Lancashire Tel: 01772 457070 Email: sales@supertexfurnishings.co.uk Web: www.supertexfurnishings.co.uk See page 26 for details

North West A & A Carpets Ltd Manchester Tel: 01204 701188

Carpet Line Direct Ltd Hartlepool Tel: 01429 892523 Email: info@carpetlinedirect.co.uk

Floorwise (North East) County Durham Tel: 0191 410 7070

M S Contract Carpets & Carpet Tiles Shelf Tel: 01274 691511

Flooring Supplies Anglia Ltd Norwich Tel: 01603 427247 Web: www.flooringsuppliesanglia.co.uk

Beds Flooring Bedford Tel: 01234 341234 Email: tim.groves@bedsflooring.co.uk

South East

Midlands

Acorn Carpet Accessories Bromley Tel: 020 8462 0422 Email: acorncarpetsacc@btconnect.com

Floorwise D & J Ltd Southam Tel: 01926 814922 Email: fwisednj@aol.com Web: www.floorwise.co.uk

Dyne Carpet Tile Company Salford Tel: 0161 877 8877 Email: info@dynecarpettile.com Web: www.dynecarpettile.com

McManus Wholesale Midlands Tel: 02476 635856

AFS Middlesex Tel: 020 8805 8620 Email: info@afsenfield.co.uk See page 13 for details

St.Ann’s Warehouse Ltd Stoke on Trent Tel: 01782 717200 Email: st.annes@totalise.co.uk

Beds Flooring Bedford Tel: 01234 341234 Email: tim.groves@bedsflooring.co.uk

Carpet Fitters Supplies Blackburn Tel: 01254 51661

Haldon Thompsons Stockport Tel: 0161 430 1420 Email: haldonthompson@headlam.com HBS Floortrade Stockport Tel: 0161 430 1435 Email: Gary.Prophet@hbs-sales.co.uk

John Talbot Wholesale Flooring Blackpool Lee Floorstok Ltd Liverpool Tel: 0151 708 7420 Email: leefloorstock@aol.com Web: www.leefloorstock.co.uk

J J Wholesale & Distribution Ltd Birmingham Tel: 0121 765 4994 Email: jjwholesale@gmx.com

Sheffield Wholesale Lino & Carpet Sheffield Tel: 0114 272 8116 Email: sales:swlltd@btconnect.com

Woodfloor Trade Supplies Rugby Tel: 0870 241 8847 sales@woodfloortradesupplies.co.uk www.woodfloortradesupplies.co.uk

East

Beds Flooring Bedford Tel: 01234 341234 Email: tim.groves@bedsflooring.co.uk Faithfulls (Hadleigh) Ipswich Tel: 01473 822341 Email: faithfulls@headlam.com Web: www.faithfulls.co.uk

The Wood Floor Centre UK Leigh on Sea Tel: 01702 479493 Email: thewoodfloorcentreukltd@hotmail.co.uk Web: www.thewoodfloorcentreukltd.co.uk

Myton Flooring Norwich Tel: 01603 624387

A & S Carpets Bolton Tel: 01204 706401 Email: ascarpet@talk21.com

Tel: 01253 751777

Barnsley Flooring Barnsley Tel: 01226 321316

Sweeney Todd Blades Ltd Worsley Tel: 0161 790 7850 enquiries@sweeneytoddblades.co.uk

All In One Supplies Hatfield Tel: 0845 260 7055 Email: sales@allinonesupplies.co.uk Web: www.allinonesupplies.co.uk

Ashmount Flooring Supplies Tottenham Tel: 020 8808 2158 Email: sales@ashmountflooring.co.uk Web: www.ashmountflooring.co.uk

Carvall Group Flooring Supplies Chelmsford Tel: 01245 451461 Email: chelmsford@carvallgroup.com Web: www.carvallgroup.com

Columbia Flooring Middlesex Tel: 020 8443 3322 Email: sales@columbiaflooring.co.uk Web: www.columbiaflooring.co.uk See page 17 for details Faithfull Floor Coverings Dartford Tel: 01322 285001

Your local service guide - see pages 11-13 Wholesalers: To list your wholesale business for a nominal monthly charge, please faxback the form below to 01482 659397 or telephone 01482 659396 or email diane@mayvillepublishing.co.uk and we’ll send you all the details. Name:

Business name:

Telephone number: Email address:

Stocklists The

October 2009

we reach further so you can aim higher FlooringNews

Stocklists Classified

SL Cover October 09

25/9/09

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The

UNDER RUGS

FOXISuper Plus The Rug Tamer! Keeps Rugs In Their Place

flooring.uk.com ltd

COMBINATION UNDERLAYS NEEDLEFELT UNDERLAYS EGALSOFT STICKDOWN UNDERLAY

Laminate accessories - ie Scotia from 65p for 2.4m list

RUG ANTI-SLIPS Allstop and Allstop Plus, RUGSTOP and anti slip rubber underlays and felts in rolls or cut lengths, unbeatable service

For orders and further information, please ring P&R Ratcliffe (Underlays) Ltd. Burnley, Lancashire BB10 3BH Tel: 01282 421026, Fax: 01282 412321

FREEPHONE: 0800 035 6677 Fax: 0870 751 1182 22-24 Hart Street, Southport PR8 6BT serving the trade for 54 years

CARPET TILES

FOR SALE

Dyne Carpet Tile Company Ltd

ATTENTION CARPET SUPPLIERS

200,000 tiles available from stock 8 current stock lines Clearance lines less than half price

Turn those remnants into cash! New and reconditioned carpet/rug whipping, fringing and taping machines available for immediate delivery. For further details contact

Unit 16 Kansas Avenue, Salford M50 2GL

DAVID ALMOND LTD.

Tel: 0161 877 8877 Fax: 0161 877 5610 e-mail: ged@dynecarpettile.com

davidalmondltd@btconnect.com Union Works, Bacup Road, Waterfoot, Rossendale, Lancs. BB4 7LN Fax. 01706 214819 Tel. 01706 214817

FREE SAMPLES SENT 1st CLASS

Floorsites

Plug-in an ‘instant’ flooring industry website branded for your store or business for just £390 set-up + £90 per year

Flooring stores don’t generally need elaborate websites – most of the time, visitors are just trying to find out your phone number, your opening hours or where they can park! Or they’re just checking you out to see how professional you look. Here’s the quick fix! Check out our dummy site at www.thestocklists.com/floorsites

Advertise here!

from The Stocklists

Call Diane Martin on 01482 659396 September 2009

SL Cover October 09

25/9/09

8:00 am

Page 1

Is your existing website letting your business down? Do you still not have a ‘proper’ website?

Floorsites

Plug-in an ‘instant’ flooring industry website branded for your store or business for just £390 set-up + £90 per year*

A special offer from

Stocklists The

The Floorsite package offers:

● 7 ready-made pages of flooring industry content covering the key sectors of carpets, vinyls, laminates, etc. ● Instant online editing - you can customise these pages yourself anytime using our online editor for latest offers and new ranges … or leave them as they are – we’ve already put in your name, business details and contact information. ● Choose photos from our library to make your site unique – or upload your own images. ● Link to Google Maps – let visitors find you quickly and see where to park ● Auto-email form to let customers contact you direct

You can re-direct internet users from your current web address or set-up a new domain name.

Check out our dummy site at www.thestocklists.com/floorsites You can fill out the contact form on this site to enquire further or to order a Floorsite – or contact David Spragg at davidspragg@thestocklists.com or call 01845 573241. * Per domain name. Excludes VAT.

NO OBLIGATION ‘TEST DRIVE’... we set up your site free-of-charge for a month. If you don’t like it, you don’t pay. There’s nothing to lose!