The Stocklists - October 2023

Retail

FLOORINGNEWS starts on page 26

FLOORINGNEWS starts on page 19

Advertisers

Check out what was hot in Harrogate pages 30–34

Star achievers

We showcase the 2023 winners are of flooring's most prestigious awards scheme page 44-75

Wool Month mojo

It's Wool Month and wool is enjoying a resurgence of interest among consumers pages 76–79

Contract opportunity

Rita Bancroft looks at options for retailers to use commercial projects to grow their business pages 38-39

Fitting wood floors

F Ball"s guide to good practice page 37

Click campaign

Foundation builds on success page 22

Sad loss of legends

Obituaries: Peter Lynas, page 28 and Roger Oates, page 80

Circularity to reality

LDP's Ecorugs lead the way page 19

Patch fast

Mapei's new repair & skim page 24

Business news

Renewed optimism, soggy summer page 28

Add underlay

Building order value with add-ons page 40-42

Alpha innovation

Quick-Step style in vinyl page 20

Fittest fitter

Dean's done it at the FOTY page 35

AND NEWS UPDATES

" The buzz is back"

Image: Studio Designs Ebony Oak Herringbone CLH22

A GUARANTEED PERFORMANCE FOR LUXURY VINYL TILES

Our System LVT guarantee gives flooring contractors the reassurance needed for all LVT installations. Our range helps flooring contractors achieve the best results when a resilient, attractive finish is required.

To find out more visit f-ball.com or call 01538 361 633. A great finish starts with F. Ball.

Making a House a Home

Perfect Home is an 80/20 wool blend, constructed with our 100% British Wool Britannia Yarn, where every linear metre contains yarn from each of the four nations. This carpet is available in four and five metre lengths, and is suitable for heavy domestic use, including living rooms, bedrooms and hallways

Choose from 20 incredible colours: whether it’s the cool green Limestone, the deep blue Bloomsbury or the inviting grey Heirloom, there’s a perfect colour for everyone!

Get in touch

Kingsmead Carpets Ltd

Relay Park, Tamworth, Staffordshire, B77 5PR

T | 01827 831424

E | sales@kingsmead-carpets.co.uk kingsmeadcarpets.co.uk

Cromwell

COMING THIS AUTUMN

FLOORINGNEWS

Roots reinvents Classics

Moduleo has refined its Roots Herringbone collection, introducing a brand-new and more versatile plank size in trend-shaping wood effects like new Galway Oak.

Moduleo’s Roots now includes the new Herringbone Classic plank alongside Herringbone Short. Classic has refined proportions that make its Herringbone pattern suitable for a wide range of room sizes, letting Herringbone Short step in when rooms move beyond the average.

Herringbone Classic comes in a range of wood designs, including Moduleo favourites like Blackjack Oak and Country Oak, as well as the brand new Galway Oak that features Moduleo’s EIR (embossed in register) technology. Synchronising texture to deliver an authentic feel, EIR ensures that Moduleo Roots Classic Herringbone floors catch the eye for all the right reasons.

Matthew Brook, national sales manager, says: “Our new Herringbone Classic plank was introduced to ensure that more homes could enjoy the design diversity and quality of Roots Herringbone. Classic’s 40.6 x 10.7cm format is versatile and suitable for living spaces, bathrooms, bedrooms and hallways. It brings a better sense of proportion in smaller rooms than Herringbone Short, which is still the option if you need a floor for large rooms or open plan living.”

Every floor in the Roots Herringbone collection features Moduleo’s Protectonite finish for a floor that’s scratch and stain resistant. Along with a water-resistant construction, this makes for a practical answer to daily life in a floor with an impressive natural look and a surface which is wonderfully simple to look after.

Designed and made in Belgium, the refreshed Moduleo Roots Herringbone collection is now available as board updates for existing Moduleo retailers, or as part of any display package for new retailers.

T 01332 851 500 www.moduleo.co.uk

Star achievers

The showcase of 2023 winners in flooring's most prestigious awards scheme pages 44-75

Flooring Show review

Our first look at what was happening at Harrogate on trends and the latest launches pages 30-34

All about underlay

Flooring's unsung heroes pages 40–42

Local projects

Rita Bancroft sees commercial opportunities for retailers pages 38–39

Ecorugs bring circularity to reality

Louis De Poortere has always been associated with beautifully crafted cotton rugs for homes with a collection that references design archives, culture and heritage. With the launch of Ecorugs and the Take Care programme, it will now be known as a pioneer in the retail flooring industry. For the first time, customers will be able to return their rugs to Louis De Poortere for reuse or recycling.

To make this possible Louis De Poortere has moved away from cotton and now only makes its rugs from a 100% recyclable construction. Importantly, every part of the rug is made from the same material, even the label can be recycled. Alongside, it has set up the Take Care programme that makes it easy to return the rug directly to Louis De Poortere so it can control the recycling process.

The 100% polyester construction (currently with 20% recycled content) has been chosen for the material’s easy recyclability and because it stays close to the look and feel of the cotton that it replaces. Polyester can also be recycled without loss of integrity, meaning that Louis De Poortere can turn it back into a new rug without any degrade in design or quality – important in delivering a circular product.

Bert Schollier, Production & Development Director, explains more: “We have taken the decision to make our rugs circular, where the product can be recycled back into itself time and time again, so it was important to find a material that allowed us to do that with existing recycling technology. Even more so as we’ve set a target of seeing a transition to the first 100% recycled rugs in 2025. Polyester gives us that opportunity, while still being able to manufacture rugs that uphold our design and quality standards.”

While there are other ‘recyclable’ rugs on the market, these are commonly returned to household recycling points where there isn’t the infrastructure to ensure they are returned to new product. They are often downcycled into lower grade products or incinerated for energy recovery. Louis De Poortere has created Take Care to solve this problem. Once the rug has reached the end of its useful life for the customer, they simply scan the QR code on the label and Take Care continues its journey back into a new rug. Louis De Poortere’s entire rug collection has been transformed into the Ecorugs 100% recyclable construction, so from now on every rug sold takes the company one step closer to create a completely circular product. T

Make more of mats

Proving popular as an all-round solution for domestic duty, floorwise coir matting makes for a great add-on sale for new floors in hallways and kitchens with external doorways.

Excellent at scraping dirt from the bottom of soles and looking smart when installed into a mat well, floorwise coir matting features a waterproof vinyl back to protect floorcoverings and retain moisture within the matting until removal. Most popular in natural, coir matting is also available in a range of colour-fast colours.

In flat or rib styles, Java is a 100% polypropylene synthetic coir mat that’s ideal for tackling a range of entrance duties. With the crumb rubber backed Flat and latex backed Rib, it can tackle use in contract environments, so is perfect for smaller public and commercial buildings looking for a natural look. For heavy-duty commercial use, Alba’s scraper filaments are made from hollow polyamide for excellent water absorbency that ensures excellent dirt and moisture removal performance through all seasons. In a range of practical colours, the two-metre wide mat is ready for public and commercial entrances. Granati is a heavier weight of the polyamide mat that comes in five colours. For lighter duty applications, the contract grade of Viking brings the performance of 100% polyamide in four shades.

Made from polypropylene with a latex backing, Mat Rib and Mat Noppa are a low-cost solution for scraper duties in contract projects. Ideal for smaller public and commercial buildings, such as community centres, village halls, nurseries and mall primary schools, Mat Rib and Mat Noppa come in a variety of colours in 100 and 200cm widths.

T 01509 673974 www.floorwise.co.uk

Lion secures eco credentials

Giving the chance to compare and choose products based on environmental impact, EPDs are becoming increasingly important in flooring projects. As end users will increasingly demand sustainable products in specifications, the case for choosing installation products with verified environmental performance is stronger than it’s ever been.

Lion Boards - including Lion Floor, the only fibreboard specifically designed for flooring - can now be supplied with an EPD that is independently verified in accordance with international standards (ISO 14025). The EPD looks at the cradle to gate lifecycle of Lion Boards and provides calculations across material composition, manufacturing and packaging. The EPD is verified by EPD Hub, which internally reviews manufacturer data before verification.

For material composition, Lion Boards record a 98.4% secondary material input (wood industry by-product) and a 0% secondary material output, meaning that no material is wasted in the production of boards. For every cubic metre of Lion Boards produced (weighing 980kg), the Global Warming Potential (GWP) of Lion Floor’s lifecycle is -1,771kgCO2, significantly less than European made particleboard at -618kgCO2 or European made plywood at -888kgCO2

Because Lion Boards use wood by-product, itself a CO2 store that would have otherwise gone to incineration and have released CO2 back into the atmosphere, they lock-in more carbon throughout the product lifetime than products using virgin wood and this accounts for the exceptional GWP figure.

Peter Jones, Finnish Fibreboard, says: “Our LCA and resulting third-party verified EPD is one of the easiest and most transparent ways for specifiers and end users to gain a good understanding of the environmental performance of Lion Boards. It’s clear that choosing Lion Floor, as opposed to flooring grade plywoods, is a better environmental decision for any project and our EPD can be trusted by specifiers looking to make sound specification choices based on science.”

The EPD (HUB-0633) can be publicly accessed on epdhub.com and Finnish Fibreboard has also published a complimentary Carbon Handprint document in conjunction with Greenstep, a global business services company that specialises in giving companies the tools to grow and become more sustainable.

T +358 (0)20 110 3300 www.finfib.fi

Innovation from Alpha Vinyl

With new collections and innovations, Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl now brings more realism, easier installation and even better soundproofing and comfort. New Alpha Vinyl proves that in the world of Quick-Step, beauty and practicality go hand in hand.

Ciro is the Alpha Vinyl answer to herringbone flooring. The collection features a brand-new way to install vinyl herringbone floors with the innovative Unizip click profile. Unlike most systems that require two different planks, Unizip means that Ciro needs just one, allowing for a much simpler and faster installation. This revolutionary system also minimises installation waste, as it’s much easier to know how many planks are required. And of course, it means ordering an Alpha Vinyl Ciro herringbone floor is just as simple as any regular plank or tile.

The new Alpha Vinyl Bloom collection features an innovative surface structure that redefines authentic vinyl flooring. Whereas most vinyl floors have three or four depths of texture, selected designs in Alpha Vinyl Bloom now feature up to 75 depths. This means a floor that tracks the depth of every detail – the knots of the floor are particularly impressive – and a design that’s more realistic than any other vinyl on the market.

All Alpha Vinyl collections share Quick-Step’s integrated underlay that makes the floor even easier to install, more comfortable and much quieter. The underlay is precision made to fit seamlessly, so that there’s no concerns about gaps underneath and uses high-quality materials that ensure durability and stability. Combined with QuickStep’s innovative waterproof technology and it’s easy to see why Alpha Vinyl leads innovation in vinyl flooring.

With new Ciro, Bloom, Blos and Oro (as well as Blos Base and Oro Base without underlay); the Alpha Vinyl range offers a captivating blend of made in Belgium vinyl floors that elevate homes with QuickStep’s design excellence and product quality.

www.quick-step.co.uk

ALPHA VINYL

Beauty without compromise

Redefining premium luxury vinyl

A premium collection for contemporary living, new Alpha Vinyl brings unrivalled natural authenticity in a floor that’s waterproof, wonderfully silent and that lets homes mix and match between plank and herringbone. Now with attached underlay across the range.

quick-step.co.uk

AVHBU40364

Impressive authenticity

The Natural Trends cushion vinyl collection by LeoLine features 12 looks that bring the best in ultra-stylish natural floors. Herringbone, classic wood planks, luxurious marble and a concrete design for good measure; Natural Trends has it all.

With these attractive designs come LeoLine’s Natural Look & Feel for a floor that’s impressively authentic and Superguard for extra protection from dirt, stains and scratches. Because of this, Natural Trends is also brilliantly simple to look after. It’s the perfect natural look floor for any home that’s always on the go.

LeoLine has pulled out all the stops for Natural Trends. A specification that’s ready for offices, along with added slip-resistance and the comfort of cushion vinyl, makes this premium cushion vinyl collection a confident performer in every room.

Stuart Reeves, LeoLine, says, “If your customer is looking for the best natural looks, but doesn’t want the hassle of the real thing, the costly installation of planks and tiles, or just wants something that feels great underfoot, then Natural Trends is the perfect floor to recommend. It features nature’s best looks like the herringbone of our Patagonia design, but in a floor that’s easy to fit, comfortable, durable and simple to clean.”

The Natural Trends collection is part of LeoLine’s new collection, which along with a fresh new feel, is making LeoLine the serious choice for retailers looking to take full advantage of cushion vinyl’s affordability in a range of floors that feel uniquely premium. Natural Trends comes with a 15-year residential warranty.

T 0800 032 3970 www.leoline.co.uk

Masterful marketing for installers

Through sustained and consistent Google advertising, social media, and public relations campaigns, Quick-Step constantly drives traffic to its website, targeting considerers and purchasers at all stages of their research journey. The activity is important in raising the profile of the Master Installer network and provides a regular stream of enquiries for professionals across the country.

A listing on the Quick-Step website, which gets over 1,000 visits a month to its Find an Installer search, is just one of the benefits of training at the Academy for Excellence in Flooring and becoming a registered Quick-Step Master Installer. Alongside, qualified Master Installers enjoy free and fast technical support and access to a lifetime warranty on workmanship. There is also a range of high-quality Master Installer branded clothing to purchase.

Lee Thompson, Academy for Excellence in Flooring, says; “Every homeowner wants to know that they are selecting a trusted professional for the fitting of their floor and after three days of intensive learning and development, the Master Installer badge is proof of that. The marketing activity from Quick-Step, as well as the package that every Master Installer receives on successful completion, are just extra reasons to choose the Academy for Excellence in Flooring for your career growth.”

The Master Installer programme is available for wood and laminate and LVT floors. The pass or fail courses cover practical, technical, and theory knowledge to ensure that the programme represents the industry’s most highly skilled installers.

Master Installer and Foundation level courses are held regularly at the Academy for Excellence in Flooring’s new state-of-the-art training centre in Knowsley, Liverpool.

www.quick-step-academy.co.uk

Carpet campaign builds on success

A new Autumn carpet campaign is launched this month as the Carpet Foundation follow up the success of their online advertising in home interest magazines to boost consumer interest.

The campaign was first launched last year and saw visits to the Carpet Foundation's website pages nearly triple as consumers sought advice on buying flooring.

"The objective remains to promote Carpet Foundation independent retailers as the people to buy carpet from," says the organisation in its latest newsletter.

"We are using the same four leading home interest magazines with the same imagery in the same formats. We see no reason to change anything as we are outperforming all online industry benchmarks in terms of response," it said. "‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ so we go again at the end of September with our online consumer advertising campaign."

The new three-month campaign starts on September 25 and will run across the same four leading home interest magazines as last year –homesandgardens.com, livingetc.com, idealhome.com and realhomes.com – with the objective of promoting Carpet Foundation independent retailers.

There are four different advertisements, which utilise vibrant and eye-catching imagery and simple yet strong messages. The call to action is to ‘buy from one of our experts’ and directs consumers to the Carpet Foundation website. www.carpetfoundation.com

We’re proud of our Roots

Make more of luxury vinyl floors with new Moduleo Roots

Curated into six distinctive themes, Moduleo’s new Roots collection is appealing, aspirational and as diverse and vivid as nature itself.

Designed and Made in Belgium to handle whatever life throws at them as well as to be warm, comfortable and quiet; Roots is made from up to 50% internal recycled PVC from our own production waste.

To begin your journey with Roots, contact your ASM or visit moduleo.co.uk

Ultra-fast repair and skims

Mapei has launched new Planipatch Xtra – a fine-grained thixotropic cementitious patching compound for local substrate repair. Featuring an ultra-fast drying, moisturetolerant composition, Planipatch Xtra is suitable for floors and wall surfaces in all residential, commercial and industry environments and benefits from a very low VOC certified formulation.

Developed for local surface repair and skim coating down to a ‘feather edge’, Planipatch Xtra can be applied to interior floors, walls, steps and staircases, around corners and columns. It can also be used to fill voids, holes and cracks in stable substrates. The product is fast to dry, hardens without cracking and creates an exceptionally durable, resistant and smooth fine textured finish. When used for patching and local repairs, self-levelling compounds and floorcoverings can be applied after approx. 45–60 minutes.

The versatile compound is suitable for concrete slabs and walls, cement-based screeds and renders, anhydrite and magnesium-based screeds, heated floors, natural and engineered stone and tiles, and old substrates with waterproof adhesive and smoothing compound residue. When mixed with Mapei Latex Plus, it can also be used for feathering and patching prepared metal and wood surfaces, old substrates with paint, resin and bitumenbased adhesive residue and fully-adhered resilient and wood flooring. It can also be mixed with Latex Plus and used as a primer and bonding agent prior to application of a levelling compound onto impervious substrates.

Planipatch Xtra is GEV EMICODE EC1 Plus (very low emissions) certified and marked with the “Blauer Engle” according to DE-UZ 113. It is available in 5kg units. T 0121 5086970 www.mapei.co.uk

Recycling sorted for large projects

Jon joins to head GoodWeave

GoodWeave International has selected Jon Jacoby as the organization’s new chief executive officer (CEO).

GoodWeave is the leading global nonprofit organization working to end child, forced and bonded labor in global supply chains. Jacoby replaces Nina Smith, GoodWeave’s founding CEO, who led the organization for the past 24 years and announced earlier this year she would be stepping down. Smith will continue working with GoodWeave in a strategic advisory capacity through 2023 to ensure a smooth leadership transition.

Jacoby brings to GoodWeave significant expertise in responsible business, workers’ and human rights, and inclusive development, all areas central to the organization’s holistic approach to stopping child labor.

“After an extensive selection process by the board, I’m very pleased to welcome Jon to GoodWeave. His deep commitment to the fundamental rights of workers combined with business engagement and fundraising experience enable him to lead the organization into its new chapter,” said Siddharth Kara, GoodWeave International’s board co-chair. “As we welcome a new leader, the entire GoodWeave board and I also extend our heartfelt gratitude to Nina for her exemplary and transformative leadership in steering the organization for the past 24 years.”

“I have long admired GoodWeave for its ground-breaking, grassroots-toglobal work within the business and human rights realm,” said Jacoby. “I am honored to be taking the helm at a time when the organization is positioned for even more impact and growth in new sectors. I look forward to rolling up sleeves with our partners and stakeholders across business, philanthropy, government and civil society to ensure the rights of highly vulnerable children and informal workers in South Asia and around the world are protected."

Prior to joining GoodWeave, Jacoby led global grant-making at the Open Society Foundations (OSF) advancing human rights for vulnerable workers and communities in corporate supply chains.

Previously, he managed U.S. and global teams at Oxfam while co-leading the successful Behind the Brands campaign and index that advanced social and environmental sustainability at the world's largest food and beverage companies.

www.goodweave.org

In recent years, the flooring industry has undergone a significant shift towards sustainability. For construction companies and building contractors working with vinyl flooring on large commercial projects, embracing recycling initiatives like Recofloor offers a simple yet effective solution to reduce waste generated from project sites and contribute to a greener environment.

Established in 2009 by flooring manufacturers Altro and Polyflor, Recofloor is a UK-wide take-back collection scheme that promotes vinyl flooring circularity. By participating in the scheme, construction firms, building and flooring contractors can ensure that waste vinyl flooring gets a second life, reducing the demand for raw materials and recovering PVC for future use.

Reducing environmental impact: Collecting waste vinyl flooring for recycling diverts it from landfill, helping to reduce the industry’s impact on the environment. By reusing the material in new flooring and other products, Recofloor helps to preserve resources.

Cost savings: Choosing recycling over landfill is also good for your business. Collecting acceptable commercial vinyl flooring waste for recycling can save up to 75% on waste disposal costs, such as skip hire and gate fees. The benefits and savings can add up on multiple projects.

Since its inception, Recofloor has collected a total of 6,740 tonnes of waste vinyl flooring, equivalent to nearly 2,500,000m2 of flooring – enough to cover 37,456 average-sized UK classrooms or 236 hospital patient wards. This remarkable achievement has resulted in CO2 savings of 7,909 tonnes, equivalent to taking 2,064 cars off the road each year.

Read the full report online at: www.thestocklists.com/recofloor10-2023

T 0161 355 7618 www.recofloor.org

Floors as unique as you are

The new LeoLine is ready for the colour, vibrancy and variety of every space. Drawing upon our flooring know-how, we’re making cushion vinyl the contemporary and savvy way to create the floor you want. After all, everybody deserves their perfect floor.

Smarter, faster vinyl

Suitable for use throughout all domestic areas, Beauflor Smartex Pro can be used as a comfortable and affordable flooring solution in new and refurbished housing projects. Equipped with a textile back that means it can be loose laid in rooms up to 36m2, Smartex Pro is also fast and easy to install. Multiple width options (2m, 3m, 4m) also help to cut down on installation waste and reduce the need for seams in large rooms.

There are 26 home-like looks to choose from within Smartex Pro. Ranging from warming oak effects and fashionable herringbone to stone tiles, modern concrete and classic ceramic tiles; Smartex Pro’s wide range means that it’s easy to find a look that matches the interior design of your project, and which will give a homely feel for residents.

Chris Roberts, sales director UK, Beauflor says: “A quality specification matched to the easy installation of our Tex Bac, multiple widths and homely designs make Smartex Pro a great choice for contractors looking for a floor that’s fast to install and which will provide homes with all-important homely comfort and design. It’s also one of our most affordable Pro level floors and is still made in Belgium, so you know your project will benefit from European quality while delivering a great looking floor that meets budget expectations.”

Featuring Beauflor’s Natural Look surface, Smartex Pro brings the best out of its designs while an R10 slip-resistant finish provides assured footing and means that it can be used in bathrooms without worry. In fact, with a Class 22 General Domestic rating, Smartex Pro can be used in hallways, living areas, kitchens and bedrooms too.

“Smartex Pro is a floor that ticks all the boxes when it comes to housing,” continues Chris Roberts. “It can be used throughout the home to bring an easy to look after finish in every room, whether that’s a herringbone wood in a living space and smart concrete in the kitchen, or the same look throughout an open plan downstairs. Smartex Pro makes a great looking floor affordable and easy to install.”

T +32 56 67 66 11 www.beauflor.com

F. Ball refreshes product packs Flooring Hut – leading the way

Flooring Hut is bucking the trend for more positive UK business and carpet and flooring company news, particularly in the light of rising prices, higher interest rates and general economic gloom, often referred in the media as the cost-of-living crisis.

Flooring Hut CEO, Paul Brewster comments “Our business model, remote working structure and the absence of any bricks-and-mortar stores puts us in a very favourable position to not just survive but thrive and prosper during these tough economic times.”

With a diverse range of flooring options, including carpets, vinyl, laminate, hardwood, and luxury vinyl tiles, Flooring Hut empowers customers to explore an extensive collection of high-quality products from the comfort of their own homes.

"Our mission has always been to provide exceptional flooring solutions with unparalleled convenience and customer service," said Paul Brewster, CEO of Flooring Hut. "By deploying a technology-led e-commerce service, we are transforming the traditional flooring purchase experience, offering our valued retail and trade customers a seamless and hassle-free journey from sampling to purchasing online.”

Chief Technology Officer at Flooring Hut, David Greaves comments “Flooring Hut reinvests its profits back into its growing business. As the economic outlook remains weak, our position, strength and turnover continue to grow. In the first 7 months of 2023 our turnover is up 33% over last year, 2022. Operating on a digital platform we can sell to both retail and trade/commercial customers, offer many categories of flooring and a comprehensive selection of accessories – all under the one Flooring Hut brand!”

"At Flooring Hut, we prioritise customer satisfaction and peace of mind," added Ashley Funnell, CTO of Flooring Hut. "Our after-sales support includes comprehensive warranties and dedicated assistance for any after sales queries, reinforcing our commitment to delivering excellence at every stage of the customer journey.”

T 01903 377027

www.flooringhut.co.uk

F. Ball and Co. Ltd. has redesigned the product packaging of its popular floor smoothing compounds to aid selection and achieve visual consistency across the range.

The simplified packaging makes prominent use of both the product name and its primary application, with key features highlighted by distinctive icons. Productspecific colour schemes complement strong F. Ball branding and support product identification and differentiation.

QR codes on the packaging provide a link to the product technical data sheet in the chosen language, in addition to a video demonstrating application.

The first product to feature the new packaging design is F. Ball’s recently launched, fast-drying, fibre-reinforced smoothing compound that is formulated especially for use over underfloor heating systems, Stopgap 1600. The new designs will be phased in for other smoothing compounds over the coming months.

Commenting on the new look packaging, F. Ball sales director Darren Kenyon said: “The idea behind the refresh was to enhance and standardise the appearance of our smoothing compound packaging, while introducing icons and colourways to help users identify the features they require, ensuring they purchase the optimum product for the job. We’re very pleased with the result, and the initial response has been extremely positive.”

T 01538 361 633 www.f-ball.co.uk

Major UK flooring retailer, Colourbank, is inviting retailers into a franchise partnership to create a powerful new force in flooring, with access to highly competitive pricing and a full support package.

Unique carpet and flooring franchise opportunity

One of the UK's most successful flooring retailers and distributors has announced a new franchise model to partner with independent businesses to "build a secure and profitable future."

Colourbank's superstore in Leicester is among the largest in the East Midlands and is backed by a major warehousing facility and a national distribution network.

The company enjoys substantial discounts as a bulk buyer from all the major manufacturers for its own operation and now franchisees will be able to buy at these prices – a major opportunity to enhance their margins far beyond what they could achieve individually.

“We have the buying power to ensure our franchisees are competitive and the expertise and resources to ensure they can offer a reliable, professional service to consumers,” says Trevor Johnson, chairman of Colourbank.

“This is a compelling retail investment opportunity.”

Franchisees run their own business independently but have access to Colourbank's 400 carpet and vinyl ranges plus wood, laminate and artifical grass.

their homes more luxurious and comfortable - all at guaranteed lowest possible prices”.

This franchise model is perfect for sales people, managers, company representatives or other persons within the carpet and flooring trade who would love their own business. It is also ideal for established carpet retailers who want to increase their profitability

“Franchisees could already be independent carpet and flooring retail operators looking to strengthen or extend their business," says Trevor.

"The extensive Colourbank benefits of our franchise and our entire supply chain and bulk buying power, with own-brand products make this a compelling proposition for independents. It will improve your competitiveness, strengthen your business, expand your customer base, sales, profitability, and cash flow," he said.

Established retailers can use the franchise to overhaul their existing business and streamline their operation, reducing hassle and improving financial security. Colourbank is an ideal model to refresh existing shop displays as well as displaying more profitable ranges.

A unique retail business opportunity to partner with the UK’s leading independent carpet & flooring retailer and build a business with a secure & profitable future.

A unique, professional franchisee support package designed to offer you a genuine profit opportunity and return on investment.

How the franchise opportunity works:

• As a franchise business owner, you will own and operate your own Colourbank carpet and flooring store in your chosen location.

• You will follow Colourbank's systems and processes, deploy its marketing and promotional campaigns, and use an agreed store design and layout

• Colourbank will be your dedicated supplier for everything you need for each and every customer order – from carpets & flooring to underlays, glues, and consumables.

• The franchise licence fee is £10,000 plus training fees and store fitting and POS costs.

• There are no stocking costs, Colourbank supplies just in time for every customer order.

The comprehensive support package from Colourbank includes:

• Guidance in selecting suitable retail premises and recruiting staff

• Advice on store fittings, displays and technology.

• An initial training programme, covering all aspects of the business

• Professional marketing activities, website and social media

• Market trends monitoring with continual updating of ranges

• Colourbank’s expert team is always at hand to advise & support you in all aspects of operations.

T 0116 274 7958 franchise@colourbank.net

MISSION STATEMENT: “To simply and effortlessly enable all our customers to make

Colourbank was established 30 years ago and is a leading "forward-thinking" brand with a reputation for quality, service and reliability.

Ring Trevor Johnson on 07973 345103 for more details how to apply for a Colourbank franchise.

"Renewed optimism" for consumer confidence

For the second month running, consumer confidence for purchasing "big-ticket" items such as furniture and floor showed a marked improvement, albeit from a low base.

GfK's highly regarded Major Purchase Index which asks how confident consumers are to buy appliances, furniture and cars rose four points to minus 20.

Last month, the Index recorded a substantial roise of 14 points from July's depressing level of minus 32 in what GfK's analyst Joe Staton called "renewed optimism."

In his comment this month, Mr Staton said that while results were more positive, many households are still struggling with the cost-of-living crisis and tough economic conditions. "The reality is that consumer confidence remains suppressed, and the financial mood of the nation is still negative," he added.

Sales up, volumes down

Flooring sales were up in value by over 6% in August but inflationary effects masked the fact that volumes fell slightly month on month.

The latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed retail sales in the floorcovering sector increased by 6.4% to £225m during August but volumes were down 0.7%,

This increase in sales value outperforms the furniture sector overall which saw a rise of 5.1%.

The previous month's data confirmed it as been a soggy summer for sales with the ONS reporting that flooring retail spend was down 7.1% in July to £228m from £245m the previous month.

But that was 12% up on this time last year and flooring is performing better than the furniture sector as a whole which was down a massive 20% to £1.20bn from £1.5bn in June.

Retailers reported poor footfall and the ONS said: "The summer washout combined with the increased cost of living meant sluggish sales."

Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium, said: “July’s poor weather dampened retail sales, with spend stalling in areas such as clothing and household goods."

Flooring inflation finally slows

Flooring retail prices remained high in August but overall the rate of inflation has eased from 9.9% in July to 7.6% last month.

Flooring has bucked the trend of furniture industry inflation but the latest data from the Office for National for National Statistics (ONS) finally showed some improvement. The 9.9% figure compares to 8.1% this time last year.

But floorcovering is still way ahead of other parts of the secor. Furniture and furnishing prices rose by 4.1% in August, down from 5.6% in July, while also declining from 15.2% compared to the same month last year. This marks the twelfth consecutive month of easing price inflation and the lowest rate in well over a year.

Sad loss of Peter Lynas

The death has been reported of Peter Lynas, a well-known and highly respected figure in the flooring industry for many years. He died on September 21 surrounded by his family.

Peter joined the buying group Metro in 1985 and spent many years as a Board member supporting independent retailers within the group.

He also spent many years working as part of the Carpet Foundation, working on behalf of independent retailers again.

" I have had the great fortune and pleasure to spend much time with him during my eleven years at Metro," said Steve Depport of Metro Group. "He was always very welcoming and friendly."

Peter was owner of the 200-year-old family business of Lynas Carpets in Hamilton, Scotland.

Carpet imports still subdued

Carpet imports into the UK are continuing to reflect a decline in demand with an 8% decline for July compared to the same month last year.

According to analysis compiled by The Furnishing Report from HM Revenue & Customs data, July imports totalled £75.2m, down 7.8% on July 2022.

Overall figures for 2023 since January show a 6.1 percent decline to £540.6 million with continued under-performance by Belgium which is down 22% to £109.9 million while Dutch imports match last year's total at £148.7 million.

Solihull trade show to change dates

A key date in the diary for retailers is changing, along with the format of the Buying Group’s National Flooring Show (BGNFS.)

The two-day event in Solihull is now scheduled to take place from April 30 - May 1. The show normally takes place in mid-May but the 2024 schedule clashes with the popular Flanders Flooring Days in Belgium which is planned for May 13-16.

Further details including an expected change of name for the event will be announced next month.

Happy Harrogate

The buzz is back at The Flooring Show!

The Flooring Show stormed back into business with one of the most most successful shows in recent years, with full attendance and a buoyant atmosphere among visitors and exhibitors.

After two years of Covid and last year’s event sadly compromised by closing a day for the Queen’s funeral, the trade relished the opportunity to get back to normal and the only complaints were that the aisle were so packed on days one and two that it was difficult to move through the halls – and at one point it was rumoured that visitors’ lanyard badges had run out on the reception desk. Good problems to have!

Organisers Ocean Media had worked tirelessly to bring over 400 brands together and generate visitor interest with key features such as a wool trends hub, an LVT Pavilion, an extensive demo zone and the ever popular fitter of the year competition. Exhibitors responded with a high quality of stand design and a plethora of new product launches to make the trip really worthwhile for visitors.

Event Director, Alex Butler commented: “We’re on cloud nine after some phenomenal feedback from The Flooring Show 2023. To achieve pre-pandemic visitor numbers is a great achievement and a solid foundation to build on for next year’s show. Watch this space for further news on our expansion into Hall Q as well as the development of the new ‘Designer Spotlight’ feature which will attract a new audience segment to the show. Thank you to everyone who attended, we can’t wait to see you all again in 2024”.

Market commentary

We always take the temperature of the market at the show as the trade enters its key fourth quarter but this task was a tough one this year as the upbeat atmosphere belies the uncertainty many major suppliers feel about current conditions and consumer confidence.

After the rollercoaster period of the pandemic, most suppliers and retailers will reckon to be up overall over the years since the start of 2020, boosted by the stay-at-home investment in interiors that exploded in 2021–22.

But 2023 has been difficult to call. After a sluggish start to the year that persisted for the first half, July and August were busier than usual for most suppliers – helped by the lousy summer that kept consumers indoors and restrained them from investing in garden furniture (some suppliers of which hit insolvency during the Summer).

September has started slowly and the issues of high interest rates, the end of cheap mortgage deals and uncertainty about winter fuel bills mean analysts are reluctant to predict sales performance as the cost-of living crisis drags on.

But the flooring industry has proven its resilience in great style in recent times and is investing in its future. Competitive new offers, added value trade-up ranges and exciting new designs to catch consumers attention are coming in thick and fast and our review of the happenings at Harrogate in the following pages and a full round up in our next edition will demonstrate!

LOTS MORE NEXT MONTH BUT NOW TURN TO PAGES 32 + 34 FOR SNAPSHOTS

LAUNCH PAD

Product development is all about making sales more valuable and enticing cautious consumers to spend.

See page 32

TRENDS

Here's some insight of the flooring trends that will be leading the market in the months ahead.

See page 34

3 5

1 2 4 8

LAUNCH PAD

Added value is the agenda of product development as every sale needs to generate optimum revenue.

1 Kingston is Cormar's competitve new tenth-gauge Easy Clean carpet with 11 heathers and 4 plain options

2 Furlong's new Beyond Wool concept for de-lustred man-made carpets made its debut with the Stanton and Callanish ranges

3 Luxury Weave is part of the expansion of Balta's elegance Woolmaster collection

4 Creo is a new bold statement LVT range in Victorian style from the growing j2 flooring brand that returned to Harrogate this year

5 F. Ball & Co's innovation is StopGap 1600, a fast-drying, fibre-reinforced smoothing compound for underfloor heating

6 Victoria Carpets has ventured into undyed wool with its Pure & Simple collection with 8 shades in cut pile and in loop

7 Alpha Vinyl Bloom from Quick-Step unveils ultimate authenticity with up to 75 depth of texture in its surface structure

8 Cavalier's new 80/20 Companions range looks like a real winner with suble tufted graphics in contemporary colours

9 Artisan are a new arrival in the luxury carpet sector with sophisticated new products including Allora and Positano

LOTS MORE LAUNCHES NEXT MONTH IN OUR SHOW REVIEW

6 7

9

Quick-Step's Alpha Vinyl Bloom

EcoSense from Furlong

Stopgap 1600 from F. Ball

Creo from j2 Flooring Balta's Luxury Weave

Cormar's new Kingston

Pure & Simple by Victoria

Allora by Artisan

Companions by Cavalier

WHAT'S TRENDING

LOTS MORE NEXT MONTH IN OUR FULL SHOW REVIEW

Harrogate is a great chance to check out the direction of tastes and trends in the flooring sector to see what you should be asking your reps about in the next few months. Much more detail in our next issue - but here are some snapshots to whet your appetite...

WARMING TO WOOL

A show centrepiece was the Wool Trends Hub with a 'Warming to Wool' theme and the fibre is certainly hotting up for retailers too with many mainstream mixed fibre manufacturers like Cormar, Abingdon and Cavalier adding extra wool ranges to their portfolio as this sector continues to perform strongly with attractive margins.

SUSTAINABLE FUTURES

Major initiatives are piling up in the industry to create more sustainability in the sector - partly because it's the right thing to do and partly to position for the inevitable regulatory issues that lie ahead for landfill. Key features at Harrogate included Furlong's launch of recycled EcoSense, Condor's impressive #tide initiative to recover ocean plastic and the mono-polymer agenda for truly circular sustainability that is being pursued by Lano, Betap, Condor, Ball & Young and others.

EASIER LVT AND LAMINATE

Have you noticed that LVT and laminate is getting easier to sell and install? Many retailers are still shy of smooths due in part to the complexity of suppliers range offers and installation options. Now many suppliers in the sector have taken a fresh look at their portfolio and curated it down to more manageable collections which focuses on best sellers and top quality performance. At the show, OneFlor, j2, Victoria, Furlong , Quick-Step, Moduleo Brampton Chase, and Lifestyle made it look easy - it is!

COLOURFUL

Colour is always talked up in the trade and looks good on your wall display but major companies are increasingly keen on colourand know that it can sell well to discerning consumers. Major colour presentations by Abingdon and Penthouse in Harrogate set the agenda and many more manufacturers like Adam, Cavalier and Victoria are also carrying the baton. And the warmer trend away from greys and back into beige is accelerating this year as natural shades dominate - but grey's days aren't numbered just yet!

BOLDER DESIGN

Strong design statements aren't for everyone but increasingly there is a pool of flooring fashionistas, egged on by stunning social media design influencers, that are paying high prices for eye-catching carpets, rugs and LVT. So be bold in at least one corner of your store and reap the rewards. Impressive presentations at Harrogate by Woven Edge, Fells Carpets, Adam Carpets, Hugh Mackay and Nicola Edwards gave a flavour of what's possible. Not to mention the stunning woven-to-order designs portfolio of Axminster Carpets for those that can afford it - it's worth it!

The fittest fitter!

Dean Dickenson beat a team of the U.K.'s most talented flooring fitters to take the first prize in the Fitter of the Year LVT Competition at The Flooring Show, Harrogate 2023.

Congratulations!

The competition, organised by the National Institute of Carpet and Floor layers (NICF) Is the country's most vigourous challenge for the trade and the pressure was really on this year as the finalists had to demonstrate their excellencein fitting a complex LVT instalaltion.

Left

Dean's installation demonstrates intricate craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Below left

Dan is presented with his award by Flooring Show director Alex Butler with senior NICG judge Iam James.

Below

The finalists line up is (left to right): Daniel Jones, Darrel Emery, Dean Dickenson, Wesley Brocklesby and Matthew Parkinson.

Bottom left The event attracts big crowds as the clock ticks towards the judges final decision.

Bottom right Each competitor has the same intricate challenge to complete in two days under the watchful eyes of the judging panel and visitors to The Flooring Show.

"I was delighted to be in this year's final for LVT Fitter of the Year.

I have been in the flooring industry since I left school. Outside of flooring, I am a husband, dad and uncle. I am lucky enough to work with my wife and nephew on a daily basis and our son is our number 1 fan.

Since setting up my own business in 2020, I have focused on developing my skills and attended several training courses. This gave me the confidence to enter the competition and I am pleased that my hard work and quality has been recognised.

I would like to thank The NICF for this opportunity and look forward to compete with all the other finalists."

Dean Dickenson

Joining the NICF has worked really well for my business and me. Customers can find me listed on the NICF website where they can read the reviews of my work, giving peace of mind that the job

FITA provides short training courses, workshops and assessments for both commercial and domestic markets. Both our fully equipped training centres at Loughborough and Kirkcaldy are run by seasoned professional instructors with specialist knowledge of the flooring industry.

TRAINING COURSES — 1 TO 4 DAYS

Carpet

Carpet Fitting — Basic Carpet Fitting — Intermediate Carpet Fitting — Advanced

NEW! Carpet — Borders

NEW! Natural Floorcoverings

Vinyl Sheet Vinyl Installation — Commercial — Basic/Intermediate Sheet Vinyl Installation — Commercial — Advanced

Sheet Vinyl Installation — Domestic

Sheet Vinyl — Wetrooms Installation — Advanced

Linoleum Linoleum Installation — Basic

Linoleum Installation — Intermediate

Resilient Resilient/LVT Fitting — Basic Resilient/LVT Fitting — Intermediate Resilient/LVT Fitting — Advanced

Wood Laminate and Floating Wood Fitting — Basic Wood Fitting — Intermediate Wood Fitting — Advanced Wood Sanding and Finishing

Subfloors Subfloor Preparation — Commercial Subfloor Preparation — Domestic

Supplementary

Cost-Effective Estimating and Planning — Commercial Profitable Measuring and Quoting — Domestic Moisture — Preventing Floor Failures

CARPET WORKSHOPS — ALL 1 DAY DURATION

Flooring Feature

GUIDE TO WOOD FLOORING INSTALLATIONS

Apart from being desirable for its natural appearance, wood flooring can outlast textile and man-made alternatives, potentially withstanding generations of wear and even improving with age providing it is installed properly. Neil Sanders, technical director at the UK’s leading manufacturer of subfloor preparation products and adhesives for floorcoverings, F. Ball and Co. Ltd., provides a guide to ensuring installations live up to their potential.

Achieving a long-lasting, visually attractive finish with timber floorcoverings demands that the same basic principles of floorcovering installation are followed as when installing other types of floorcovering. However, wood is more susceptible than textile or resilient floorcoverings to damage from moisture. It can also expand and contract significantly as a result of changes in atmospheric conditions, including temperature and humidity, exerting strain on adhesives and the surface to which floorcoverings are bonded. This demands a few unique considerations when installing this kind of flooring.

CHECK FOR MOISTURE

A subfloor must be suitably sound, smooth and free of any contaminants, including any old adhesive residues. Furthermore, it is essential that it is checked for moisture to determine if it is dry enough to receive a floorcovering by undertaking a moisture test. F. Ball recommends this as a routine procedure as part of any flooring installation. To comply with British Standards, subfloor Relative Humidity (RH) levels should be measured using a calibrated digital hygrometer.

If unmanaged, excess subfloor moisture will cause wood to warp and attack adhesives, potentially resulting in the floorcoverings cupping or buckling and, ultimately, complete floor failure.

Normally, a liquid waterproof surface membrane will be required to suppress excess subfloor moisture when subfloor RH levels are above 75%. However, the maximum permitted figure is 65% where wood floorcoverings will be installed because of the sensitivity of this type of floorcovering to moisture.

CREATE A BASE

After checking subfloor moisture and deploying a moisture management solution where necessary, contractors can proceed to apply a smoothingg compound to ensure a perfectly smooth base for the receipt of floorcoverings, remembering to prime the subfloor beforehand.

F. Ball usually recommends using a heavy-duty smoothingg compound, such as its Stopgap 300 HD, prior to the installation of wood floorcoverings because they are better able to withstand the added strain exerted by the natural movement of the wood.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT ADHESIVE

Finally, contractors must select a specialist wood adhesive to install wood blocks or planks. Utilising the latest technology, flexible wood floor adhesives provide an elastic but strong bond, which will accommodate natural movement of wood flooring over its lifetime, ensuring a long lasting, visually attractive floor finish.

One such flexible wood floor adhesive, F. Ball’s Styccobond B95, provides good initial tack whilst also allowing for repositioning of floorcoverings during the initial stage of drying, a particular advantage when installing wood blocks.

INSTANT ADVICE

To ensure the correct choice of adhesive for the floorcovering, F. Ball recommends checking the compatibility using its industryleading recommended adhesives guide (RAG®), which lists adhesives recommended for use with over 6,000 floorcoverings, produced by over 200 flooring manufacturers. The RAG® is available on the F. Ball website, downloadable as a free app, as well as a printed booklet. Alternatively, see floorcovering manufacturer’s instructions for advice. F. Ball guarantees that its products will perform for the entire lifetime of a flooring installation, as long as subfloor preparation and installation recommendations are followed.

F. Ball’s technical service department is also on hand Monday to Friday, 8.30am–5.00pm, to answer any questions you might have about installing wood floorcoverings or floorcovering-adhesive compatibility.

T +44 (0)1538 361 633 mail@f-ball.co.uk www.f-ball.com

Marketing insights

Retailers evolve into commercial projects

The world of retail flooring has evolved. As well as providing inspirational residential flooring solutions, many retailers are also geared to supply and fit local commercial projects in their area – these can range from independent hotels, guest houses, pubs, restaurants, holiday lets, and even schools.

This feature takes a closer look at flooring brands who have developed products and services to cater for both the residential and commercial sector. It’s time to go wild with Beauflor Create - the answer to cost-effective custom floors.

designs in the Studio library. They are a great way to add some fun to the floor and make it a standout feature of the interior design.”

Whether you choose Studio or Crea, your floor will be ready in double quick time, making Beauflor Create the fast and easy way to a custom floor.

Designed and manufactured by Amtico's in-house teams in Coventry, the Signature LVT collection delivers authenticity with designs that look as natural and realistic as possible. It offers an array of colours and textures that span from heavy timbers to the luxurious appeal of marble, perfect for hospitality, workplace and retail projects.

Signature is made-to-order and boasts a 1mm wear layer, the thickest of any LVT on the market, which gives excellent impact resistance and high clarity. The flooring also provides antimicrobial protection against bacteria and viruses, such as MRSA, E.coli and SARSCoV-2, while carrying a 20-year commercial warranty, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, including heavy commercial use. Signature can also be specified as 36+ safety flooring, with Acoustic impact sound reduction backing or Amtico's Bio offering, which utilises bio-attributed PVC, aligning with Amtico’s ‘Responsible Foundations’ sustainability plan.

With its high-definition digital printing technology that brings photorealistic designs to the surface of performance sheet vinyl floors, Beauflor Create lets projects make the most of their floor. So, whether you need a school motto in a reception area, a themed design for a leisure setting, a one-off art piece or a botanical wonderland; Beauflor Create makes it possible.

The flexibility of digital printing not only lets you run wild with the creative possibilities of Beauflor Create, but it also means a low minimum order quantity. In fact, you can use just a single 88m2 roll of Beauflor Create in your project and in any specification of Beauflor sheet vinyl. With acoustic, slip resistant and heavy-duty options, performance and design can be tailored to your exact requirements.

Create is available in Studio – where you can choose a design from an extensive library or submit your own image – and Crea, which puts you in touch with Beauflor’s design team to create a unique floor from your idea. Should you be installing Beauflor Create over a sizeable area, Crea will provide you with a roll distribution plan so that installation goes smoothly.

All Create floors are made in Europe using exactly the same construction as Beauflor’s standard ranges. This ensures you enjoy a floor that performs just like you expect from high quality vinyl, while also still being a cost-effective solution to bespoke flooring.

Chris Roberts, sales director UK, says: “Beauflor Create puts us in a unique position within the sheet vinyl market and makes it easy for everyone to enjoy a custom floor. Not just designers, but contractors and end users can enjoy the service, particularly with the fun and creative

Signature is an extraordinary collection of premium LVT flooring, crafted and hand-finished down to the smallest details. It is arranged into 18 refined and complementary palettes, encompassing Woods, Stones and Colour & Abstracts, providing exceptional design for demanding commercial spaces.

In addition to Signature, Amtico can work with a designer to achieve a completely unique and bespoke floor – from creating a perfect brand colour match to precision-cut shapes and logos – or even an entire scheme with CAD drawings.

If you are looking for hardwearing carpet and rug options for commercial projects such as hotels, offices or restaurants, Alternative have a great range of design-led quality floor coverings with a commercial rating. From natural textured and patterned wools to stylish sisal and faux choices. Alternative’s faux flooring Anywhere, is a sisal-style indooroutdoor collection. Being made from 100% polypropylene means it

Beauflor Create – Aquarium

The Bothy @ Wentworth Garden Centre by Amtico

“Beauflor Create puts us in a unique position within the sheet vinyl market and makes it easy for everyone to enjoy a custom floor."

"Signature is an extraordinary collection of premium LVT flooring, crafted and hand-finished down to the smallest details."

by Rita Bancroft

Rita is Director of Bancmarketing Ltd and has over 30 years of marketing experience with a proven track record in both business to business and business to consumer multi-channel marketing.

is suitable for hard tracked commercial spaces including corridors.

Alternative’s Plush Sheer Agate faux carpet is practical yet luxurious. With its soft colour tone and feel it is the perfect floor covering for boutique hotel spaces.

Wool is the wonder fibre that performs amazingly underfoot, easily cleanable and is available in

An impressive classification as heavy commercial underscores Trident's suitability for high-traffic residential and commercial spaces. Proudly manufactured in the UK, the range guarantees consistent availability. A remarkable 10-year warranty attests to Furlong Flooring's confidence in the durability of their product.

Ian Collacott, sales director at Furlong Flooring, expressed enthusiasm, stating, "Our new Trident range signifies our dedication to delivering diverse, easy-to-maintain, cost-effective, and aesthetically pleasing flooring options." The relaunched Trident line empowers consumers with an even broader array of budget-friendly, superior flooring selections.

Hugh Mackay is a British brand that has stood at the forefront of the carpet industry for over 100 years. Their Infinity bespoke Axminister design service delivers ultimate flexibility to create bespoke carpets and rugs. The minimum quantity of 20m2 means that custom carpets are accessible for even the smallest projects. You can recolour and amend any existing design in the Hugh MacKay archive, use the web-based design tool or send an idea to their designer team who can work with you to develop the final design.

many inspiring patterns and textures. The multi-award-winning Quirky collection of patterned carpet, made to measure rugs and runners bring comfort and joy to busy commercial spaces. Use their Choose from geometrics, florals, spots, tartans, herringbone stripes and animal prints. All available as wall-to-wall carpet and bespoke sized rugs.

Furlong Flooring, renowned for its resilient twist carpets, has unveiled the revamped Trident range, setting a new benchmark with its upgraded Commercial Class 33 specification. With a palette of 24 trendy hues, the relaunch seamlessly aligns with contemporary home décor preferences, showcasing Furlong Flooring's unwavering dedication to expanding consumer options.

The freshly introduced Trident assortment is a versatile solution catering to diverse interiors. Its selection of neutral shades effortlessly harmonizes with existing décor. The range is also available in Trident tweed for those that don’t want a plain carpet. Beyond aesthetics, Furlong Flooring prioritises functionality, ensuring hassle-free installation. Employing their pioneering Combi-bac technology, the carpets combine flexibility and strength, setting them apart from conventional backings. Enhanced stain resistance and easy maintenance further exemplify the company's commitment to practicality.

Once a digital version of the design is approved, Hugh MacKay can produce a design & colour sample in 3–5 days. There are six extensive colour palettes to choose from, and five qualities meaning there is a suitable specification for any area. Carpets are manufactured on their high-speed looms in 4m width using 80% wool, 20% nylon, the perfect combination for durability and comfort.

Furlong

Hugh Mackay 01429 892525

Alternative – Quirky Tartan To a Mouse

"The multi-award-winning Quirky collection of patterned carpet, made to measure rugs and runners bring comfort and joy to busy commercial spaces."

"An impressive classification as heavy commercial underscores Trident's suitability for high-traffic residential and commercial spaces."

"Hugh Mackay is a British brand that has stood at the forefront of the carpet industry for over 100 years."

Furlong Flooring – Trident Rose Quartz

Hugh Mackay – Infinity options

FLOORING FOCUS

Underlay – the unsung hero of tough times

Underlay can be the unsung hero to drive revenues in a tight market –provided you get your story right as a retailer!

Challenging economics may mean less people are buying, but those that are in the market want to buy better – ensuring they are getting quality and performance, and not wasting money. That means there’s an add-on and trade-up opportunity to every floor sale that can quickly enhance the profitability of the purchase.

Carpenter wants to help encourage conversations about underlay options instore, to ensure that consumers get the right product to fit their needs and that retailers can make the most out of upsell opportunities.

The new Carpenter POS Board is the answer – a stylish presentation of three underlay options, entirely customised to each retailer’s preference, which can then be used as a centrepiece to discuss the topic with consumers.

“The idea is simple really. We are trying to offer a solution to any retailer that would like to explore upsell opportunities on underlay. Engaging the consumers in a conversation surrounding their underlay requirements can help identify the right underlay to suit their needs,” says national sales manager Richard Booth. He wants retailers to ask consumers what are they looking for from their underlay - do they want to upgrade their underlay to enhance the comfort and luxury feel underfoot or do they want to improve the performance and longevity of their carpet?

“As well as maximising the consumer experience, the retailer also capitalizes on their upgrade and sales opportunities, which in this current market could be crucial.”

“These questions help discover a need with the consumer and helps them select the right solution for them,” says Richard. “As well as maximising the consumer experience, the retailer also capitalizes on their upgrade and sales opportunities, which in this current market could be crucial.”

Trading up is so key in a tight market and it’s often a mistake to be too humble in handling underlay as part of the sale – many consumers want to know they are getting a better product for their money.

Combining comfort, insulation and noise reduction, industry experts importance of new underlay should never be overlooked.

A new underlay is well-known for its ability to dramatically prolong the look and feel of a carpet by acting as a ‘shock absorber’, minimising the effects of wear and tear. However, the primary reason to use underlay is for the superior underfoot feel. Luxury underlays such as Interfloor’s Tredaire Premier range offer exceptional underfoot cushioning, durability, as well as outstanding sound insulation.

"Combining comfort, insulation and noise reduction, industry experts Interfloor say the importance of underlay should never be overlooked."

Another important factor for consumers when selecting underlay is environmental impact. For the energy-conscious individual, selecting an underlay is essential to making a home more thermally efficient. Products like Interfloor’s renu, which use 98% recycled materials and is 100% recyclable in itself, also helps consumers select sustainable options that benefit both their home and the planet.

Due to the popularity of the renu concept, Interfloor now has three options in the collection – the original 9mm thick/160 kg/m3 version plus two more at 9mm/120 kg/m3 and 11mm/160 kg/m3

Wilson Underlays’ Plushwalk continues to rise in popularity within the trade offering improved performance and increased revenues through up-sell opportunities the product presents.

“This is a big win all round, huge customer satisfaction and improved turnover and profits for the retailer.”

Wilsons Plushwalk

Interfloor – renu green

“By explaining the benefits of Plushwalk against standard underlays, retailers report how more readily their customers choose Plushwalk against cheaper standard underlays, despite the increased costs,” says Richard Wilson. “This is a big win all round, huge customer satisfaction and improved turnover and profits for the retailer.”

Plushwalk’s branding is visibly impressive when shown to customers and it can demonstrate excellent performance credentials with a DPM membrane to help protect from spillages and a high TOG and dB rating, keeping more heat in, and more noise out. The product also incorporates memory foam for a softer feeling underfoot and better recovery.

All these improvements leading to repeat business through the customer’s house, generating additional profitable opportunities.

Plushwalk is also appreciated by installers too who enjoy smoother, faster cutting than standard PU underlays and the glided top backing helps move carpets into place quicker for a faster, easier installation.

Anglo Recycling is a pioneer of “giving textiles a second life” and working alongside Carpet Recycling UK collects waste from fitters and

carpet factories to scavenge back the wool content to convert into usable fibre for underlay manufacturing.

Now they have announced an exciting new partnership with The Floor Room which will take Anglo’s latest Circoll recycled underlay into 34 John Lewis stores from October.

General manager of The Store Room, Jeanette Hopkins comments: “I was told about the Anglo Recycling offer, but I wanted to see for myself, so I visited the factory in Lancashire. The team explained to me that they could take virgin wool rich carpet offcuts from our UK carpet factories and fitters and make them into retail underlays that meet all the technical and performance standards we require.

“Our customers will have a keen focus on sustainability and the product Anglo Recycling offers provides a sustainable choice within our suite of underlay options,” says Jeanette. “I am delighted to be partnering with Ango Recycling , a British business , and look forward to seeing their product instore and online.”

Anglo chairman Simon Macaulay adds: “We have developed the Circoll brand to emphasize our commitment to the circular economy and also our collaborative approach. We are excited to see the reaction of customers when the first Floor Room store opens in John Lewis."

Eco credentials are moving much higher up the consumer agenda for major purchases but so are performance expectations. “The overall trend is that consumers are looking for products that are better for the environment but critically must perform to the same or better standard as previous options,” says Danny Shortall of underlay manufacturers Texfelt

Anglo's new Circoll brand

Underlay’s energy-saving advantage

Looking for another, topical angle to engage customers, floorwise are conscious of helping hard-pressed families with their ever-increasing bills.

“With a poorly insulated, ageing housing stock and rising energy costs finding ways to reduce heating bills is high on the list for homeowners,” says Andrew Gill, group product manager of floorwise.

...continued on page 42

Typically, it’s estimated that up to 15% of a home’s lost energy is through its floor, so taking a considered approach to its thermal performance is worth considering. When refurbishing flooring in all but the newest homes, carpet is often laid directly onto a concrete slab or suspended timber floor. By recommending a combination of carpet and underlay with a high combined tog value, retailers can help homeowners to minimise heat loss through these substrates and save on their energy bills.

It will also stop drafts through suspended timber floors and help to make homes feel warmer, also giving homeowners the option to turn down the temperature on thermostats.

If you’re looking to recommend an underlay with the best insulation to a homeowner worried about their energy bills, then turn to floorwise Maxi, an EHD+ 11mm recycled PU underlay that’s among the brand’s best thermal performers. With a 3.5 tog value, it maximises the insulation ability of carpet and underlay ‘systems’, as well as providing great underfoot comfort and lasting support.

Right across the range, floorwise provides tog values in its underlay recommendation guide, downloaded from its website at https://www. floorwise.co.uk/product/recommendation-guide. With the guide at your side, whether you need recycled PU, sponge rubber or felt; you can help your customer make an educated choice.

“When replacing carpet, thinking carefully about the underlay can make a discernible difference in energy bills.”

Floorwise – Maxi

FLOORING FOCUS

Underlay – the unsung hero of tough times continued from page 41

The company has had a record year of sales with their flagship Springbond underlay, 85% of which is made from recycled PET plastic bottles and other single use plastics. It’s sustainable, chemical free and low in VOCs for better air breathability – but what about its performance?

The company can answer that question following Springbond’s specification for Atlantis The Royal in Dubai – the most prestigious hotel launch of recent times. It’s also driving strong eco revenue for Tapi and John Lewis where underlay sales are growing significantly ahead of other products, and housebuilders such as Bellway and Taylor Wimpey as customers trade up to better quality products that will outperform others while protecting the environment.

Textfelt will be building on this strength as they introduce additional ranges of specialist underlays for laminates, underfloor heating and other options..

Cloud 9, the flagship brand of Ball & Young, is at the forefront of innovation and is presenting the latest FR Range (Flame Retardant) as an ideal solution for installations with underfloor heating. This UK-manufactured product is available in three options: FR 4 mm with a tog rating 0.9; FR 6 mm, tog 1.4; and FR 8 mm, tog 1.6.

“This is a product we are rightly proud of as our innovation team has worked together our technical and operations staff to deliver excellent performance,” says Ball & Young chairwoman Ann Shaw. “Its quality is already recognised by our marine customers and now it has new dynamics, offering additional benefits for underfloor heating.”

2023 has been an outstanding year for Ball and Young, achieving accolade after accolade as the home of Cloud 9 carpet underlays. Highly respected in the flooring trade for its sustainabilty credentials, the company achieved the ultimate endorsement with the globally recognised Ecovardis Gold Accreditation.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Anglo Recycling • 01706 853513

Ball & Young • 01536 200502

Carpenter • 01457 861141

Floorwise • 01509 673974

Interfloor

Springbond

Wilsons

Large amounts of carpet,vinylclearanceand LVT available from stock

Texfelt Springbond at Harrogate

This month we’re celebrating the winners of the Flooring Innovation Awards 2023 – the showcase of the industry's best and brightest ideas.

The 2023 flooring industry all-stars!

The rich diversity of winning submissions in this year’s award scheme shows how the industry is channelling its product development with increasing intelligence to make the most of tight resources.

Entries to this year’s Flooring Innovation Awards scheme were up 35%, so the judges had plenty of top quality options to consider across 10 categories for the distinction of these prestigious awards, covering all flooring types, design, accessories, installation products, environmental, marketing and technology.

“When resources are constrained by the tight marketing conditions, the activity of product developers and marketing departments is more closely focussed,” says awards organiser and judge Bridgette Kelly. “The result is that quality comes to the fore and budgets are applied more selectively.”

“This year’s entries were smarter than ever,” says awards judge David Spragg, of the scheme’s sponsors, The Stocklists magazine. “Consumers need reasons to buy in the current climate and companies need a return on investment they can count on. The result is fewer but more carefully planned launches which have been carefully thought through.”

“Companies are backing winners by investing in a more targeted approach – focussing on new collections which can be developed for maximum market appeal or extending options in their bestselling portfolios. The days of ad-hoc, catch-all launches is over.” Although there is a distinct environmental category in the Flooring Innovation Awards, the topic of sustainability is emerging as a recurrent theme across the flooring industry. “The judges were impressed by how many entries have developed their

Our FIA 2023 judges

"Once again, the standard and quality of entry was extremely high which just goes to prove that the FIA Awards is valued by all sectors within the Flooring Industry. As well as highlighting the main elements of the various products, it was particularly noticable that many of the entries also featured some green and sustainability advantages which were obviously taken into consideration at the development stage. I think that this is a trend that will continue to become more important in the future especially when linked to trade and consumer promotional activity"

environmental credentials as a given, a key attribute in the features list of their latest products,” says David.

“This is a hugely positive trend as it is not only the most responsible approach, it is also a competitive advantage consumers increasingly recognise and demand. And most importantly from a commercial point of view, it makes a product range more future-proof," he said. The National Flooring Innovation Awards are designed to be different to the usual ranked prizes given out across the industry and instead sets out to identify products and services that are genuinely new and exceptional in the sector.

MEET THE STARS

See what makes a winner in our special feature showcasing the innovation across the industry

See pages 45–75

Chris Moffat, chairman of the judges

The “star” judges line-up (l to r): Chris Moffat, Wendy Adams, Laurance Bird, Bridgette Kelly, Brian King (NICF President and our new judge for 2023) and David Spragg.

Pembroke by

A classic, heavyweight wool twist carpet in 18 stylish shades. Made with 80% Pure New Wool, Pembroke combines the natural beauty of wool with long lasting looks.

The worthy winners of 2023

Category 1 • Carpets, Natural

Wilton Royal Sovereign by Abingdon

Pembroke by Cormar Carpet Company

Durham Alternates by Hugh Mackay Carpets

Seasonal Views by Manx Tomkinson

Category 2 • Carpets, Man-Made

Runswick Bay by Fells Carpets

Enso - Collection by Lano

Thinking Beyond by Kingsmead Carpets

EasiCare Vision by Victoria

Category 3 • Smooths Riviera by LeoLine

Basketweave Premium Click by Luvanto

Roots by Moduleo

Alpha Vinyl by Quick Step

Category 4 • Design, Carpets

Geometrics by Adam Carpets

Axminster Infinity by Hugh Mackay Carpets

Natural Choice Textures by Ulster Carpets

Tropical Collection Rugs by Ultimate Home Living

Category 5 • Design, Smooths

Parquet Stone by Associated Weavers

Beauflor Create by Beauflor

The Walbrook Collection by Harvey Maria

Workshop 55 by OneFlor UK

Category 6 • Underlay & Accessories

Plush Walk by Wilson Underlays

Ezy-Rug Gripper by IOBAC UK

Luxe Silk Memory by Luxe Underlay

Springbond Underlay by Texfelt

Category 7 • Installation Products

Uzin Remur by Uzin Utz UK

DCM Free Range by Gekko Flooring Adhesives

ThermoSphere Ultimate by ThermoSphere

Category 8 • Environmental

Re-Verse Yarn in Gaia by Associated Weavers

Ecovardis Gold Accreditation by Ball & Young

#tide Initiative by Condor Group

Next Gen PARQ Artificial Grass by Betap

Category 9 • Marketing

Beyond Wool Collection by Furlong Flooring

Alva LVT by Kellars

Celebrating the Coronation by Victoria Online Consumer Advertising Campaign by The Carpet Foundation

Category 10 • Digital Technology

Floorfit by BerryAlloc

Trade Portal by Brampton Chase

Roomviewer by Furlong Flooring

BP60 Vacuum Cleaner by SEBO

WINNER • CATEGORY: NATURAL CARPETS

Wilton Royal Sovereign by Abingdon Flooring

Wilton Royal updates from Abingdon Flooring

As the country-look texture of loop pile carpets returns as a firm styling favourite, Abingdon Flooring has boosted the loop pile wool-rich carpets of the Wilton Royal family.

With the recent launch of Royal Sovereign and an update to the treasured Royal Windsor, Abingdon Flooring is responding to the increasing demand in loop pile carpets. As loop pile textures return to favour with stylists and influencers locking into the unyielding popularity of nature in design themes, homeowners too are embracing one of nature’s finest flooring looks.

Now, thanks to the addition of Royal Sovereign and the reinvigorated New Royal Windsor, consumers can pick from two 100% wool loop pile carpets that are made in Britain and come with the quality and value of styles made by Abingdon Flooring. In the 100% wool Royal Sovereign, homeowners will find a laidback style with a medium loop pile, while New Royal Windsor provides a smaller loop for a more refined and elegant look. The styles enjoy the extra comfort of Abingdon Flooring’s fleece backing, which also makes installation easier.

Both Royal Sovereign and New Royal Windsor are presented in a palette of modern natural colours that are chosen to work in today’s homes. Characterised by wool’s unmistakable dye take, each colour is given a depth and richness that feels uniquely British.

As with all Abingdon Flooring carpets, the two styles are available in 2.5m, 4m and 5m widths, bettering value in any size of home or room. Moth-resistant and with a 10year wear warranty, they are a durable and comfortable choice for anybody looking for a natural carpeting option.

New Royal Windsor

Wilton Royal Royal Sovereign in Smoke

WINNERS • CARPETS, NATURAL

Abingdon • Wilton Royal Sovereign

Royal Sovereign is a new 100% wool medium loop pile with a laidback style, sitting alongside the company’s updated Royal Windsor which has a smaller loop design. The country-look texture of loop pile is becoming increasingly popular and these carpets have a palette of modern colours and Abingdon’s soft fleece backing.

See page 47 for more…

WINNERS • CARPETS, MAN-MADE

Fells Carpets • Runswick Bay

Runswick Bay is a new collection of attractive, geometrically patterned carpets which have the rare distinction of being a wilton construction woven from recycled PET – 120 plastic bottles makes every square metre. So impeccable environmental credentials and distinctive design sit alongside all the comfort, appearance and performance that is expected from polyester.

See page 50 for more…

Cormar Carpet Company •

Pembroke

Pembroke is Cormar’s latest wool twist offering and comes at the perfect time as consumers look for value for money coupled with the durability that wool carpets offer. Resilient and luxurious, Pembroke combines the natural beauty of wool with long lasting looks and is available in a strong palette of 18 contemporary colourways.

See page 45 for more…

Hugh Mackay Carpets • Durham Alternates

Durham Alternates is a 3-ply wool loop in New Zealand yarn which has been created in two designs - a boucle and herringbone loop which coordinate with the cut-pile plains of Hugh Mackay’s popular Durham Twist range. The company’s five best-selling natural shades and five top greys have been combined to build its attractive colourbank of 10.

Manx Tomkinson •

Seasonal Views

The Seasonal Views carpet collection is made with 100% British yarn, Wool Britannia, with 16 colours across a range of organic tones inspired by the landscapes, the people, the towns, cities and countryside of the UK. The construction uses natural materials which support British farmers and local communities centred around rural businesses.

See page 49 for more…

collection

The ensō portfolio is at the centre of Lano’s commitment to sustainability. ensō means circle in Japanese and here the circularity refers to the 100% recyclability, achieved by making the carpet in mono polymer, including the backing. And the collection shows off Lano’s other passion – colour! Newly-launched silky plain range Fame and its heathered sister Jade come in 14 vibrant options.

See page 52 for more…

Kingsmead Carpets • Thinking Beyond

Thinking Beyond is Kingsmead’s first sustainable carpet yarn made using Econyl, a regenerated nylon made from recycled waste. Super soft to touch with a luxurious appeal, it is reassuringly covered by a 10 year wear warranty. Kingsmead says the collection marks the beginning of the next step forward in sustainability for generations to come.

See page 51 for more…

Victoria • EasiCare Vision

Vision is an exciting and exceptional addition to the Victoria EasiCare collection – a unique construction in 6-ply yarn – created by spinning three 2-ply yarn strands together to make a thick and extra strong saxony carpet. It is launched this summer in nine shades from deep browns to heathered beiges.

Lano • ensō

WINNER • CATEGORY: CARPETS, NATURAL

Award winning

Seasonal Views is an award winning wool twist carpet featuring the exclusive 100% British yarn – Wool Britannia® – sourced from all four countries within the British Isles, spun in Yorkshire and manufactured in Lancashire.

Wool Britannia® encompasses a concept that utilises both great quality fibre and British made yarn. You can positively impact our environment and local communities by choosing the Wool Britannia yarn.

Place your order via our transactional app allowing you to trade with your Manx Tomkinson carpets account on the go via your phone or tablet.

Scan the QR code to download the app.

www.manxtomkinson.co.uk

WINNER • CATEGORY: CARPETS, MAN-MADE

Runswick Bay by Fells Carpets

Runswick Bay Wilton – made from recycled plastic bottles

Runswick Bay is a new collection of attractive, geometrically patterned carpets which have the rare distinction of being a wilton construction woven from recycled PET. So impeccable environmental credentials and distinctive design sit alongside all the comfort, appearance and performance that is expected from polyester.

Runswick Bay is produced with 100% recycled yarn made from plastic bottles, on average 120 plastic bottles produce 1 square metre of yarn.

This collection has the very latest colour tones and will sit in any modern home.

Construction – 100% PET Recycled Polyester

Width – 4 Metres

Backing – Woven

Suitability – Heavy Domestic

Runswick Bay Collection

Runswick Bay Wilton

WINNER • CATEGORY: CARPETS, MAN-MADE

Thinking Beyond is a collection marking the beginning of the next step forward for generations to come.

Sustainable living can mean to recover, regenerate, re-purpose and re-love the elements we put into our homes. This collection is made using Econyl ® a regenerated nylon, a yarn made from recycled waste to make a luxurious carpet.

Super soft to touch and reassuringly covered by a 10 year wear warranty, providing you with a collection that marks the beginning of the next step forward for generations to come.

Get in touch

Kingsmead Carpets Ltd

Relay Park, Tamworth, Staffordshire, B77 5PR

T | 01827 831424

E | sales@kingsmead-sales.co.uk kingsmeadcarpets.co.uk

WINNER • CATEGORY: CARPETS, MAN-MADE

recyclable qualities

With the ecological range ensō we go one step further: we give the artificial turf and carpet a second life

Considering Lano Carpets has been around for almost 100 years, to say we are passionate about carpet is an understatement Carpet literally and figuratively adds warmth to a room and improves air quality and acoustics The fact that it also has a positive impact on your energy bills is a nice bonus We can produce quality products that last but one day the carpet will be replaced We need to look ahead!

In recent years, Lano Carpets put a lot of effort into recycling and ecology in the broadest sense of the word We re not going to talk about our production, energy or waste streams since we were one of the pioneers in the industry in that area but rather about the products

The qualities Jade, Fame and Midori were developed within the ensō brand and have the following additional strengths: Low cost upcycling - Recycled content - Comfort - Cost efficiency

since 1929 carpets

WINNERS • DESIGN, CARPETS

Adam Carpets • Geometrics

Geometrics is an impressive collection of four designs varying from discrete textures to bold statement styles – any of which could be a “must have” choice for a contemporary consumer. The four styles are the organic curves of Cascade, the playful lines of Nexus, a 3D retro Parquet and the vintage, abstract micro pattern of Enigma.

See page 56 for more…

WINNERS • SMOOTHS

LeoLine • Riviera

LeoLine has unveiled a smart new brand feel, bringing vibrancy and energy to its market-leading collections, with a vision to make cushion vinyl the contemporary and savvy way to create the floors modern consumers want. The Riviera range captures this mood with bold ceramics, smart stone tiles and warm woods in planks and herringbone.

See page 57 for more…

Hugh Mackay Carpets • Infinity Axminster

The development of Hugh Mackay’s fast track axminster offer Infinity is pushing the boundaries of design capabilities in bespoke axminster for just 20m2 minimum order volumes. Any design from an iconic archive of 70,000 can be created using any of the six different stock yarn palettes, bringing the possibility of unique and bespoke designs to every household.

See page 54 for more…

Ulster Carpets • Natural Choice Textures

The beauty of 100% wool Natural Choice Textures is that the eight colourways are completely natural, blending the different coloured fleeces from different sheep to create a broad colour. Cheviot, Southdown and Woodland provide warm colours, while Teeswater, Drysdale and Jacob offer a neutral base. Finally, Swaledale and Hebridean tend towards cooler greyer shades.

Ultimate Home Living • Tropical Collection Rugs

These outdoor/indoor rugs offer a distinct vibrant design creating a wow factor wherever they’re placed, be it in the garden area or within the home. Polypropylene yarn and a form of weaving quite different from regular rug looming ensures the rugs durability will withstand all weather conditions outside and high traffic areas indoors like conservatories and hallways. 25 bold designs don’t disappoint.

See page 55 for more…

Luvanto • Premium Click Basketweave

Luvanto has delivered the sophistication of a basketweave in the style of Versailles parquetry in a pre-formed panel in the company’s Click Plus system. The fast, hasslefree benefits of click installation along with the newest drop lock technology and the added benefit of built-in underlay.

See page 60 for more…

Moduleo • Roots

Moduleo, has launched Roots - a new luxury vinyl flooring collection which reimagines the company’s classic styles. The collection has been created with the future in mind – floors which embrace the newest interior trends and are manufactured with the latest technology to create enhanced realism and powerful performance – all fully recyclable and made from up to 50% recycled materials.

See page 58 for more…

Quick Step • Alpha Vinyl Ciro

Ciro is the Alpha Vinyl answer to herringbone flooring. The collection features a brand-new way to install vinyl herringbone floors with Unizip. Unlike most systems that use two different plank connections, Unizip means that Ciro needs just one, for simpler and faster installation which minimises waste as it’s much easier to know how many planks are required.

See page 59 for more…

The infinite possibilities

The development of Hugh Mackay’s fast track axminster offer Infinity is pushing the boundaries of design capabilities in bespoke axminster for just 20m2 minimum order volumes.

Any design from an iconic archive of 70,000 can be created using any of the six different stock yarn palettes, bringing the possibility of unique and bespoke designs to every household.

Hugh Mackay is using high speed computerised Jacquard looms for maximum production flexibility - delivering truly unique carpets to the consumer in just eight weeks.

Designs can be chosen from a gallery brochure of options and re-coloured as required or buyers can work with the vastly experienced Hugh Mackay design team to access and re-define the thousands of traditional, abstract and contemporary designs in the archive.

The process is supported by an web-based design tool and POS including tuft boxes, sampling and both electronic and printed brochures. Custom graphics and logos can be incorporated and as well as 4-metre wide 80/20 (with nylon) broadloom, rugs are also available.

Logos and graphics

POS poms of yarn palettes

Rugs

AWARDS 2023

TROPICAL OUTDOOR ULTIMATE HOME LIVING by

Introducing the Stunning Tropical Indoor / Outdoor Collection. This bright and varied outdoor collection sets itself aside from the regular ‘outdoor rug’. Loomed using a very different method to regular stock, this collection excels at being Premium! These rugs bring a difference in design and concept, looking equally fabulous on outdoor stone or within the home, plus it’s durability will ensure it’ll still look good in those high traffic area’s.

With over 50 years' experience, specific to the rug industry in the UK, Ultimate Home Living and its strategic partners in all the major rug producing areas in the world are perfectly positioned to bring you the product you need. We offer a comprehensive collection covering the needs of independent specialists and multiple retailers.

Our dedicated team of professionals coupled with large stock holdings in our North West warehouses can bring you the perfect solution to your rug requirements.

CATEGORY: SMOOTHS

WINNER • CATEGORY: DESIGN, CARPETS

Geometrics by Adam Carpets

From the company that has an intensive focus on contemporary design and sophisticated colour choices, comes a distinctive new collection that promotes pattern to discerning consumers.

Geometrics is Adam Carpet’s impressive collection of four designs varying from discrete textures to bold statement styles – any of which could be a “must have” choice for a contemporary consumer.

The four styles range from the organic curves of Cascade, the playful lines of Nexus, a 3D retro Parquet and the vintage, abstract micro pattern of Enigma.

There are four to eight different colourways in each design to give a total 23 variants in each of two widths. The availability of both a 4m and 5m widths means that joins can be avoided in most installations.

The ranges benefit from a 2-ply yarn which is made from 80% accredited UK wool and 20% premium nylon 6.6 for outstanding performance for longer and to get the most benefit from the “spring back” in the wool. It is also insect resistant to the industry gold standard Woolmark Level 2 for consumer peace of mind.

Cascade CA05 Lagoon

Nexus NX06 Cyan

Parquet PA01 Lemongrass

The carpet is machine-made and hand finished at Adam’s Kidderminster factory - from careful sourcing of the wool through design to dyeing the yarn and creating the carpet.

Riviera by LeoLine

WINNER • CATEGORY: SMOOTHS

LeoLine brings the energy

The LeoLine collection brings vibrancy and energy as the brand looks to make cushion vinyl flooring the contemporary and savvy way to give people the floor they want.

Across nine cushion vinyl flooring collections, homeowners can now discover a LeoLine floor that’s as unique as they are. So, whether they are hunting out herringbone or tracking down tiles, the LeoLine collection holds the perfect look.

Among the impressive line-up is Riviera. With modern renditions of wood, stone and tile designs that breathe new life into classic styles, this is a floor that’s reassuringly familiar and yet fabulously fresh.

Alongside, Riveria, Aspire is ideal for homeowners looking for an affordable option that’s all about being individual. It’s range of tile and ceramic designs makes a bold statement. Riviera keeps the affordable theme, this time with warm wood looks mixed in with smart stone and the Mediterranean style of the Es Vedra tile.

There’s also a wide range of textile backed floors with loose lay fitting for makeover projects. The all-round Comfytex PU, versatile Velvetex and premium Comfytex Deluxe Pro give homeowners a fantastic choice of looks all with the added comfort and easy going nature of LeoLine’s Luxatex backing.

LeoLine has also thought of those that are super serious about performance. Atomic XT, Diamond XT and Natural Trends are all castor chair resistant and come with a commercial warranty, so make the ideal choice for garden

offices, studios and more. There’s a stunning selection of designs to pick from across these ranges, including herringbone wood and hexagon stone, Italian marble, bamboo strips and endless wood.

The LeoLine collection also features Premium, which blurs the boundaries between cushion vinyl and LVT. Featuring an embossed texture, matt finish and defined grooves in a range of authentic plank designs, as well as smart architectural finishes, Premium is the ticket for homes needing the very best looks.

Stuart Reeves, sales director, LeoLine: “The LeoLine brand has been completely reinvented to appeal to a new generation of householders and tenants looking to add style to their home in a way that’s accessible and affordable. Across nine collections, it provides a wide range of designs and options at all price points, so that there’s a LeoLine to suit every customer’s sense of style.”

Riviera – Patagonia

Riviera – Es Vedra

The LeoLine collection is designed and made entirely in-house in Belgium.

Riviera – Lumber

Roots by Moduleo

WINNER • CATEGORY: SMOOTHS

Moduleo reimagines core luxury vinyl collection with Roots

actually feel, and cloudlike concrete colours which stir the senses.

Enhanced realism comes to the forefront of the collection with refined surface types, including perfect gloss levels and, when it comes to functionality, floors are soft and silent underfoot as well as being slip and water resistant.

Moduleo’s new luxury vinyl flooring reimagines its classic styles to bring a collection created with the future in mind – floors which embrace the newest interior trends and are manufactured with the latest technology.

Comprising six distinct themes and a choice of 130 different SKUs to appeal to a broad variety of tastes, Roots offers floors designed for self-expression that are appealing, aspirational and in tune with nature. Each come with their own unique aesthetic and feel with the ability to combine different styles. The company’s home of Belgium is a country with designorientated people at its roots, and this comes through in the manufacturing of Moduleo luxury vinyl flooring.

True to life

Evoking a true to life sense, Roots luxury vinyl floors are made to last, with a natural look and touch.

Inspired by biophilic design - the concept of bringing the outside in - floors contain real oak grooves you can

Two different wear layer options of 0.40 mm and 0.55 mm are available and improved scratch and stain resistance is also a key standout, providing peace of mind for retailers that floors will stand the test of time.

Matthew Brook, national sales manager for Moduleo, commented: “With the reimagining of our core collection, we wanted to show that we haven’t forgotten our roots and are investing in the future.

“Retailers can now provide customers with classic Moduleo designs but with a modern twist, manufactured with the latest technology to suit changes in interior trends. Our six themes allow boldness and exploration without sacrificing on strength or longevity.

Sustainable strength

Floors in the Roots collection are fully recyclable and made from up to 50% recycled materials at the company’s factory in Avelgem, Belgium. One third of the energy powering the factory comes from wind turbines and Moduleo uses water from the River Scheldt to naturally cool machines in the facility.

Mood Oasis

Roots Fiastra 46534

Roots Fiastra 46935 & Nashville 88279

WINNER • CATEGORY: SMOOTHS

Alpha Vinyl range by Quick-Step

Quick-Step brings innovation to Alpha Vinyl

Quick-Step has introduced innovations and new collections to its Alpha Vinyl range of premium floors.

With new collections and innovations, Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl now brings more realism, easier installation and even better soundproofing and comfort. New Alpha Vinyl proves that in the world of Quick-Step, beauty and practicality go hand in hand.

The new Alpha Vinyl Bloom collection features an innovative surface structure that redefines authentic vinyl flooring. Whereas most vinyl floors have three or four depths of texture, selected designs in Alpha Vinyl Bloom now feature up to 75 depths. This means a floor that tracks the depth of every detail – the knots of the floor are particularly impressive – and a design that’s more realistic than any other vinyl on the market.

Ciro is the Alpha Vinyl answer to herringbone flooring. The collection features a brand-new way to install vinyl herringbone floors with the innovative Unizip click profile. Unlike most systems that require two different planks, Unizip means that Ciro needs just one, allowing for a much simpler and faster installation. This revolutionary system also minimises installation waste, as it’s much easier to know how many planks are required. And of course, it means ordering an Alpha Vinyl Ciro herringbone floor is just as simple as any regular plank or tile.

All Alpha Vinyl collections share Quick-Step’s integrated underlay that makes the floor even easier to install, more comfortable and much quieter. The underlay is precision made to fit seamlessly, so that there’s no concerns about gaps underneath and uses high-quality materials that ensure durability and stability. Combined with

Quick-Step’s innovative waterproof technology and it’s easy to see why Alpha Vinyl leads innovation in vinyl flooring.

With new Ciro, Bloom, Blos and Oro (as well as Blos Base and Oro Base without underlay); the Alpha Vinyl range offers a captivating blend of made in Belgium vinyl floors that elevate homes with Quick-Step’s design excellence and product quality.

Bloom in Elegant Oak Natural

Ciro in Caramel Oak

Ciro in Pure Oak Blush

WINNER • CATEGORY: SMOOTHS

Premium Click Basketweave

by Luvanto

Quick & quality

Luvanto’s Basketweave Panels are part of Premium Additions - a new collection of premium wood and stone designs for the most authentic natural look.

Key features include:

• An easy-to-fit click format which take away the headache of installing these complex patterns in dryback format, but without detracting from the realistic engineered wood look.

• All wood colours in the range will have registered grain embossing for an extremely realistic wood look.

• All products in the Collection will have 0.55mm wear layer so are suitable for heavy domestic and commercial use.

• The Collection will carry the Luvanto 25 years Domestic and 10 years Commercial warranty.

T 0161 427 6000 www.luvanto.com

WINNERS • DESIGN, SMOOTHS

Invictus

• Parquet Stone

The Invictus LVT collection from Associated Weavers goes from strength-to-strength and the collection is carefully created to stay ahead of the curve of consumer design trends. The latest innovation takes a stone design and turns it into an eye-catching parquet – aptly named Groovy Granite. The ‘planks’ are 15cm wide and 75cm long.

See page 62 for more…

WINNERS • ACCESSORIES & UNDERLAY

Wilsons Underlays • Plushwalk

Plushwalk is one of the latest ranges from Wilsons Underlays which now incorporates memory foam to provide exceptional levels of comfort and softness underfoot. Under compression testing, standard foam recovers 78% as opposed to memory underlays which perform up to 92%. Plushwalk also features a DPM membrane as a moisture barrier on damp sub-floors. See page 65 for more…

Beauflor • Beauflor Create

Beauflor Create is a design concept, using the flexibility of the its highly advanced high-definition digital printing technology to create endless possibilities and true-tonature floors with no visible repeat. With a minimum order quantity of just 60m2, consumers can have a floor that is truly special, original and different.

See page 63 for more…

Harvey Maria • The Walbrook Collection

This original new design from Harvey Maria is a celebration of the creative process – of combining patterns from an historical context, whilst employing today's manufacturing technology – Victorian inspired, but thoroughly modern in design. The Walbrook Collection reimagines the authentic beauty of Arts & Crafts encaustic floor tiles, to complement today’s contemporary homes.

OneFlor UK • Workshop 55

The Workshop 55 project aims to bring nature’s beauty indoors and transform the home with authentic, accurate embossed-in-register decors across a selection of five wood colours with herringbone and chevron options. The durable, 100% waterproof planks are available in two formats including a rigid core click system with a built-in acoustic pad for easy installation on most floors with minimum preparation.

IOBAC UK • Ezy-Rug Gripper

Suitable for use on all hard flooring, Ezy-Rug Gripper Kits hold rugs and mats strongly and securely in place, with no slipping, sliding or lifting, using a unique 2-part magnetic rug gripper system. This patented, adhesive-free approach is easy to install and reposition, and removes cleanly for damage-free floors and rugs.

Luxe Underlay • Luxe Silk Memory

The Luxe Silk Memory 11mm 130kg is a premium hybrid memory foam underlay which offers exceptional load bearing and stress dissipation properties, helping reduce the signs of wear, and furniture indentations. It also inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungi responsible for creating unpleasant smells, staining and degradation to create a warmer. drier, healthier home. See page 64 for more…

Texfelt • Springbond Underlay

Springbond already has excellent environmental credentials with 85% of the underlay made from recycled PET plastic bottles and other single use plastics. Now it has achieved an Allergy UK seal of approval based on a number of factors but especially that zero chemicals are added during production, it has exceedingly low levels of VOC's and the product is naturally flame retardant.

WINNER • CATEGORY: SMOOTHS

Parquet Stone by Invictus LVT

Groovy Granite for the fashionistas

The Invictus LVT collection from Associated Weavers goes from strength-to-strength and the collection is carefully curated to stay ahead of the curve of consumer design trends.

The latest innovation from Invictus is no exception and takes a natural grey nuances of granite and turns them into an eye-catching parquet – aptly named Groovy Granite.

This style exudes sophisticated modernity and consumers can select from two contemporary colours in Steel and Shadow. The bevelled ‘planks’ are 15cm wide and 75cm long and can be laid in straight or herringbone configurations.

With its ultra-strong coating and highly efficient top layer, Invictus luxury vinyl flooring offers outperforming wear protection. The Scratchmaster top layer will withstand busy family life with kids and pets and Invictus offers a 25-year wear warranty and a 15-year commercial warranty.

Consumers can see how this range will look in their own interiors or a choice of sample settings by using the greatly acclaimed Invictus Room Visualiser platform online or built into AW’s award winning POS displays.

Groovy Granite – Shadow

Groovy Granite – Steel Groovy Granite – Shadow

WINNER • CATEGORY: DESIGN, SMOOTHS

Beauflor Create by Beauflor

Go wild with Beauflor Create

With its high definition digital printing technology that brings photorealistic designs to the surface of performance sheet vinyl floors, Beauflor Create lets projects make the most of their floor. So, whether you need a school motto in a reception area, a themed design for a leisure setting, a one-off art piece or a botanical wonderland; Beauflor Create makes it possible.

The flexibility of digital printing not only lets you run wild with the creative possibilities of Beauflor Create, but it also means a low minimum order quantity. In fact, you can use just a single 88m2 roll of Beauflor Create in your project and in any specification of Beauflor sheet vinyl. With acoustic, slip resistant and heavy duty options, performance and design can be tailored to your exact requirements.

Create is available in Studio – where you can choose a design from an extensive library or submit your own image – and Crea, which puts you in touch with Beauflor’s design team to create a unique floor from your idea. Should you be installing Beauflor Create over a sizeable area, Crea will provide you with a roll distribution plan so that installation goes smoothly.

All Create floors are made in Europe using exactly the same construction as Beauflor’s standard ranges. This ensures you enjoy a floor that performs just like you expect from high quality vinyl, while also still being a cost-effective solution to bespoke flooring.

Chris Roberts, sales director UK, says: “Beauflor Create puts us in a unique position within the sheet vinyl market and makes it easy for everyone to enjoy a custom floor. Not just designers, but contractors and end users can enjoy the service, particularly with the fun and creative designs in the Studio library. They are a great way to add some fun to the floor and make it a standout feature of the interior design.”

Whether you choose Studio or Create, your floor will be ready in double quick time, making Beauflor Create the fast and easy way to a custom floor.

Hexagon

Galaxy

Aquarium

Banana Leaves

Luxe Silk by Luxe Underlay Group

Buying new floor coverings for a home is a serious investment that gives it a new look and feel. How long this new look lasts however is reliant on the underlay you choose. Knowing what constitutes a quality product, and the features to look for are extremely important if you are going to make the right choice.

THE BENEFITS OF LUXE SILK

Hybrid Foam Construction

Exceptional Stress Dissipation Properties

Luxe Moisture Barrier

Superior retention properties

"The long-term appearance of carpet, no matter the quality, is reliant on an underlay's performance, not the other way around.”

Reinforcement Grid

Isolated Foam Formulation

Superior Sound Insulation

Exceptional Thermal Insulation

Superior Retention

Ultra fresh Antimicrobial Treatment

100% Recyclable Product

Superior Tensile And Elasticity Properties

Consistent Weight, Thickness, And Density

Lifetime Of The New Carpet Guarantee

Luxe Silk is treated with Ultra-fresh antimicrobial protection eliminating mold, mildew and odor causing bacteria.

WINNERS • INSTALLATION PRODUCTS

Uzin Utz UK • Uzin Remur

Uzin Remur provides a superior method of installing skirting, coving and capping compared to hot-melt glueing, nailing or bonding with solvent-based adhesives. Unlike other contact tapes, Uzin Remur is metal reinforced to prevent plasticiser migration, which helps prevent gapping and shrinkage. It's fast and clean and will not dry out or become brittle.

Gekko Flooring Adhesives • DCM Free Range

Go DCM-free in 2023 says Gekko. Its products are renowned for innovative formulations that deliver exceptional performance but they’re also passionate about the safety. Dichloromethane (DCM) is a solvent that’s linked to respiratory health problems, including lung cancer, so Gekko has developed a range of new DCM-free options for almost every flooring application.

See page 68 for more…

ThermoSphere • Ultimate Membrane Heating Cable

ThermoSphere’s Membrane Heating Cable is a first-of-its-kind jointless underfloor heating cable set to transform the installation process. Joints are the top cause of underfloor heating faults and their bulk causes installation issues that can damage sub-floors, waterproofing membranes and insulation.

ThermoSphere has invisible joints and a cable that’s uniform in thickness from end-to-end. See page 67 for more…

See what the judges have selected as the "best of the best" in the Flooring Innovation Awards

WINNERS • ENVIRONMENTAL

Ball & Young •

Ecovardis Gold Accreditation

Associated

Weavers • Re-Verse Yarn in Gaia

Gaia, Associated Weaver’s highly successful brand for smooth, luxurious polyester carpet has now proudly launched the next step for its brand. A new Re-Verse Yarn, a high quality polyester made entirely from recycled PET materials, is being introduced throughout the Gaia range. These carpets also benefit from AW’s ECO FusionBac backing, made from recycled PET bottles.

See page 69 for more…

Ball & Young has been championing sustainability for over 25 years and has helped its parent company The Vita Group become the first foam manufacturer to achieve a Gold rating in 2022 from EcoVadis, the world’s most trusted provider of business sustainability ratings. Ball & Young’s contribution includes the development of its Cloud 9 carpet underlay, which has stopped over 250,000 tonnes of foam from being sent to landfill.

Condor Group • #tide initiative

Condor Group has launched a partnership with Swiss-based company Tide Ocean SA to support solutions against plastic pollution and poverty. Products labelled #tide ocean material are made with a yarn derived from ocean-bound plastic waste collected by fishermen in Southeast Asia and Mexico. The project contributes to fair wages for fishermen, clean coastlines and reduced CO2.

See page 70 for more…

Betap •

Next Gen PARQ Artificial Grass

Betap is very active in the introduction of recycled PP and PET yarns and now it is also introducing “next-generation” monopolymer constructions across its collections for full recyclability. Betap’s have its first grass products under its PARQ brand to take up the monopolymer approach for its construction, using a dispersion backing without latex for fully circular recycling.

See page 71 for more…

The award-winning cable everyone’s talking about

When installing underfloor heating, you hope to never go back to a project. ThermoSphere Ultimate® is quick and easy to install, plus it’s the most reliable underfloor heating cable on the market. That’s because Ultimate combines a TwistedTwin cable, and in-line joint technology. This removes the risk of damaging the cable during installation, as cutting into the membrane and substrate is no longer required.

When you need reliability, fit ThermoSphere Ultimate® You’ll never go back

THE FUTURE’S DCM-FREE THE FUTURE’S GEKKO!

Floor fitters - what’s the one thing that’s more important than your reputation? Your health.

That’s why Gekko Adhesives is on a mission to kick dichloromethane out of flooring, replacing it with DCM-free formulations that reduce health risks without compromising on performance.

Dichloromethane is a solvent linked to a whole range of health problems ranging from skin burns and headaches right through to lung cancer. Disease typically occurs many years after exposure – so we’re taking steps now to protect your future health.

From contact adhesives to carpet and vinyl sprays, we’ve got a DCM-free product for almost every application – and the range is growing all the time.

Our spray application system is designed for optimal e ciency and ergonomic performance that makes working with Gekko Adhesives faster, easier and safer than anything else you’ve tried.

It’s the reason our products were crowned winners in the Installation Products category of the 2023 Flooring Innovation Awards!

Scan our QR code to find out more information or to find your nearest Gekko stockist.

WINNER • CATEGORY: ENVIRONMENT

New yarns sustaining the planet

Gaia, Associated Weaver’s highly successful brand for smooth, luxurious polyester carpet, has now proudly launched the next step for its brand, incorporating the manufacturer’s new Re-Verse yarn.

This high quality polyester yarn is being introduced throughout the Gaia range and it is created entirely from recycled PET materials, creating a new polymer that is equal to the appearance and performance of virgin material.

“Gaia has had a very successful launch in the UK and the sustainability story will add to the appeal,” says AW marketing manager Emmanuel Lioen.

This innovation was launched at the Flanders Flooring Days event in Belgium earlier this year and shown in three of the top selling Gaia ranges: Orinoco, Parana & Rio Grande.

Moreover, a carpet with Re-verse yarn also comes with an ECO FusionBac (carpet backing), a textile backing made from 100% recycled PET plastic bottles.

These initiatives are all part of Associated Weavers’ strong push towards environmental responsibility across all its operations including significantly reducing energy consumption and waste and also ensuring efficient (re)use of water. In addition, AW uses green energy from its on-site solar plant.

The company actively contributes to raising consumer awareness by developing products made with responsibly sourced materials such as Gaia and Sedna, a carpet made with regenerated nylon waste from abandoned fishing nets and industrial waste. AW is “Sustaining our planet one thread at a time” it says.

Re-Verse Yarn in Gaia by Associated Weavers

Rio Grande

Orinoco

Parana

Maximus Highlander

Condor Group & Tide Ocean join hands to recycle ocean-bound plastic waste

Condor Group is launching a partnership with Swiss-based company Tide Ocean SA to support solutions against plastic pollution and poverty. Products labelled #tide ocean material are made with ocean-bound plastic waste collected by fishermen in Southeast Asia and Mexico. The project contributes to fair wages for fishermen, clean coastlines and reduced CO2.

Condor Group is launching a partnership with Swiss-based company Tide Ocean SA to support solutions against plastic pollution and poverty. Products labelled #tide ocean material are made with ocean-bound plastic waste collected by fishermen in Southeast Asia and Mexico. The project contributes to fair wages for fishermen, clean coastlines and reduced CO2.

Read more on our website! »

Read more on our website! »

WINNER • CATEGORY: ENVIRONMENT

Next Gen PARQ Artificial Grass by Betap

PARQ by Betap support sustainability

PARQ by Betap are delighted to have been awarded a National Flooring Award in the Environmental category.

Recycling artificial grass is a big challenge and made harder by mixed polymers and bonding agents.

The NEXTGEN collection uses an innovative dispersion backing to enable a mono polymer product making this collection 100% recyclable at end of life.

The collection incorporates an array of constructions and specifications including Mona Lisa a 35mm pile height with 25 stitches and Grand with its 38mm pile height and 25 stitches.

The NEXTGEN collection by PARQ is 100% recyclable

Parq’s innovative dispersion backing

Mona Lisa 35mm

WINNERS • MARKETING

Furlong Flooring • Beyond Wool Collection

Furlong’s new Beyond Wool collection is a new concept comprising man-made luxurious loop and twist pile carpets that impressively look and feel like real wool but with the benefits of easy care stain resistance and bleach cleanability. The collection includes Amesbury and Castlerigg which are Furlong’s first carpet ranges manufactured using 100% recycled polypropylene yarn. See page 73 for more…

Kellars • Alva LVT

Kellars have developed a comprehensive marketing programme for Alva LVT, one of the latest additions to its portfolio, with 10 wood planks, 10 matching herringbones, and four tiles. A distinctive brand style under the banner “Feel the passion” is carried through in three POS stand options, branded packaging and boxes, social media concepts and A4 sample books.

WINNERS • TECHNOLOGY

BerryAlloc • Floorfit

Floorfit is the brand-new online floor visualiser from BerryAlloc that gets rid of the guesswork and makes imagining a new floor intuitive and simple. Floorfit works for any room and all of BerryAlloc’s parquet, vinyl planks & tiles, laminate and high pressure floors are available to view in the consumer’s own room once they have uploaded a photo.

Brampton Chase • Trade Portal

Brampton Chase has launched a new trade portal exclusively for account holders offering access and control over orders, instant stock information and professional tools to help customers manage their account. The portal also allows fast-tracking to open new accounts - Brampton Chase can open and verify a new account and have flooring delivered within 24 hours. See page 75 for more…

Victoria • Celebrating the Coronation

Royal Warrant holders Victoria Carpets marked the coronation of King Charles III by creating a giant portrait mosaic using 3cm x 3cm squares of carpet. At over four metres square and utilising over 3,000 individual pieces of carpet, the finished portrait took over 16 hours to produce, and is based on an official portrait released to celebrate the then Prince of Wales’ 60th birthday.

The Carpet Foundation • Online Consumer Advertising Campaign

The Carpet Foundation returned to national consumer advertising with the launch of a brand-new online advertising campaign to promote the Foundation’s independent retailers as the people to buy carpet from. The most recent burst of advertising in four leading home interest magazines online saw visits to the CF consumer advice website up 273%.

Furlong Flooring • Roomviewer

Furlong’s new roomviewer is designed to allow users to select flooring options, take a picture of their room and see how it would look with the chosen style and it works across their whole flooring range, covering carpet, hard wood, laminate, vinyl and LVT ranges. This interactive tool is available from the website and directly from stores via QR codes on Furlong point-of-sale. See page 73 for more…

SEBO • BP60 Vacuum Cleaner

Premium vacuum cleaner

manufacturer SEBO has developed the BP60 – a new cordless upright for commercial use, avoiding the shortcomings of many cordless machines. It has a big 308Wh battery that can run at full power for 60 minutes and a large 5.5l bag. It’s full of innovations in impeller technology, power efficiency and filtration and with easy access for blockage clearance.

See page 74 for more…

WINNER • CATEGORY: MARKETING

Beyond Wool Collection by Furlong Flooring

Customer-centricity

Furlong Flooring's outstanding achievement in winning the best marketing award at the Flooring Industry Awards is a testament to their innovative and customer-centric approach. Their Beyond Wool collection, featuring luxurious loop and twist pile carpets that emulate the look and feel of real wool while boasting enhanced durability and ease of maintenance, is a true gamechanger in the flooring industry.

What sets Furlong Flooring apart is their commitment to sustainability, exemplified by the introduction of the Amesbury and Castlerigg carpet ranges, manufactured using 100% recycled Polypropylene yarn. These carpets transform the look of any room, showcasing Furlong's versatility and dedication to quality.

The award-winning combi-backing incorporated in all carpets from the Beyond Wool collection not only ensures easier fitting but also provides moth-proof, stain-resistant, and bleach-cleanable properties. This innovation aligns perfectly with modern lifestyles and demands.

Furlong Flooring's multi-faceted approach, incorporating digital, social, and traditional marketing elements, combined with effective outreach activities, has clearly resonated with consumers and industry experts alike.

This prestigious award recognizes Furlong Flooring's unwavering commitment to excellence, sustainability, and innovation in the flooring industry. It's a welldeserved honour that highlights their dedication to providing top-notch products and services to their customers.

WINNER • CATEGORY: DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY

Roomviewer by Furlong Flooring

Game-changer for selection

Furlong Flooring's Room Viewer is a cutting-edge online tool designed to revolutionise the way customers choose flooring options. This innovative technology allows users to seamlessly visualise how different flooring styles would look in their own living spaces. By integrating a user-friendly interface, customers can effortlessly select flooring options, capture images of their rooms, and superimpose their chosen styles onto the images.

Room Viewer boasts a comprehensive range of flooring choices, encompassing carpet, hardwood, laminate, vinyl, and LVT, catering to various design preferences and needs. The convenience factor is further elevated as this interactive tool is accessible both via Furlong Flooring's website and in physical stores through QR codes located on their points-of-sale. This technology not only enhances the customer experience but also adds value to Furlong Flooring's retailers and commercial partners. It becomes an integral part of their sales process, aiding in showcasing products with real-world applications. Customers benefit from a visual medium that empowers them to make well-informed flooring decisions. The Room Viewer's accuracy, achieved through advanced technology, ensures that customers receive a true-to-life representation of their flooring choices.

Furlong Flooring's commitment to exceptional customer service and innovation is evident in Room Viewer, making it a valuable tool for anyone in the market for flooring solutions.

BP60

MORE THAN CORDLESS

MORE THAN CORDLESS

The SEBO BP60 offers durability and performance in a high quality cordless vacuum cleaner with a full 60 minutes runtime from its powerful 308 Wh battery.

The SEBO BP60 offers durability and performance in a high quality cordless vacuum cleaner with a full 60 minutes runtime from its powerful 308 Wh battery.

No sockets, no problem - The BP60 is ideal for cleaning non-stop, without needing to plug and unplug.

No sockets, no problem - The BP60 is ideal for cleaning non-stop, without needing to plug and unplug.

The 4-layer microfibre bag has such high filtration that no other filter is required. The highly efficient toothed timing belts are fully protected by an auto-shut-off system. The battery and motor are located at the base of the machine, so the BP60 has a very low handle weight for comfortable use.

The 4-layer microfibre bag has such high filtration that no other filter is required. The highly efficient toothed timing belts are fully protected by an auto-shut-off system. The battery and motor are located at the base of the machine, so the BP60 has a very low handle weight for comfortable use.

Scan the QR code for more information

Scan the QR code for more information

WINNER • CATEGORY: DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY

Trade Portal by Brampton Chase

Making account management faster and easier

Introducing the new Trade Portal from Brampton Chase, designed to simplify your transactions. This portal puts you in control of ordering, invoicing, and

and provides quick access to important stock information, pricing, and technical data.

Ordering is now a breeze, whether you're on the move or at the office. Just a few clicks and you're done. Choose your delivery dates, update delivery details, and enjoy industry leading next-day delivery service.

The advanced order system ensures swift and accurate order processing, so your products reach you faster with the service you'd expect from Brampton Chase.

Wool Month – October 2023

CARPET COMPANIES SET THE TRENDS FOR WOOL MONTH AT THE FLOORING SHOW

The recent edition of The Flooring Show in Harrogate got off to a great start thanks to The Campaign for Wool (CFW) and The Wool Carpet Focus Group (WCFG) who came together on a unique installation of inspirational trends. In line with the show's focus on sustainability, CFW and WCFG put together a special showcase demonstrating how wool is one of the oldest fibres and the natural choice. It is the simplest and yet most effective way to insulate homes and keep rooms and spaces warm at a consistent temperature for longer. From visually warm colour palettes featuring shades such as cappuccino, biscuit and caramel, to sophisticated cosy and chunky loops and twists, some of the swatches selected for the trend area in Hall C were also chosen for their 'easy clean' properties.

There was an emphasis on craft inspired patterns such as broken stripes and zig-zags and colours also taking their inspiration from sea and land.

KEEP WARM WITH WOOL

The Campaign for Wool brings together all of its supporters in celebration of Wool Month 2023. Until 2021, this was known as Wool Week, but due to the growing number of supporters and more people than ever looking for sustainable, natural fibres, this annual event now takes place over a month, with ahost of pop up events planned.

From farmers, processors, weavers, designers, manufacturers and brands, a host of industry names will be getting involved, all with the aim of promoting and educating people on the many benefits wool has over synthetic fibres.

This year's strapline of 'Keep Warm With Wool' is very apt given the recent rises and volatility in energy costs. Wool has so many applications from insulation, floor coverings, interior furnishings, rugs, throws and fabrics through to what we wear, it is a smart and versatile fibre, durable and fit for many products and end uses.

Log onto www.campaignforwool.org to keep an eye on what's happening during Wool Month.

Inset image: Aqua mood board. Photography @ Lloyd Almond Productions, Styling @JoannaRamsden, JRStudio.

Wool carpets

KEY TRENDS AND BENEFITS trends...

NATURALLY STYLISH

More than ever consumers are looking for longterm solutions to help staywarm in light of increased energy costs. Wool offers extra protection from the cold, as well as feeling warm underfoot.

COSY COLOURS

Natural colours that take their calming cues from botanicals and foliage and are 'beyond trends' as they will never date. Pair with visually warm colours in biscuity tones forthat extra 'cosy feeling'. Look for British wools with bounce and a durable crimp which offer long-lasting luxury.

UNDYED

Typical of 'cottage core' style, undyed wool carpets not only look and feel warm and cosy but provide the perfect pared-back foundation for bigger room scheme designs. Juxtapose natural craft inspired patterns such as zig zags or broken stripes with undyed carpet yarns.

ALL THINGS BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL

Carpets with New Zealand naturally whiter wools are perfect for lighter and brighter gentle soft pastel colours. Soft and lustrous, these floorcoverings are elegant and sophisticated.

benefits...

A NATURAL INSULATOR

More than ever consumers are looking for long-term solutions to help stay warm in light of increased energy costs. Wool offers extra protection from the cold, as well as feeling warm underfoot. Wool can also help reduce carbon emissions, through heat loss prevention.

ALL ABSORBING

With an increase in those living in apartments and flats, ambient noise can be an issue, wool floorcoverings help to absorb high and lowfrequency sounds.

IMPROVE INDOOR AIR QUALITY

With more pollution in cities, wool flooring can act as a natural air filter,helping to absorb and lock away VOC's in the atmosphere, (Volatile Organic Compounds). It helps improve the latent air quality.

EASY CLEAN

Wool has always been a great natural repellant of fluids, brilliant when it comes to managing spillages as they tend to sit on the surface long enough to mop up. Wool carpets can now be cleaned using just water and 1% detergent.

The Campaign for Wool – a showcase of quality

Hampstead – Fossil by Cormar Carpets

Cormar Carpet Company’s latest addition to their popular wool twist collection, Hampstead, is available in two hardwearing qualities – Supreme and Deluxe, providing the ideal resilience for all areas of the home, alongside desirable warmth and comfort. The new range has a strong palette of 20 on trend plain and heather shades, blending seamlessly with almost any interior.

Durable, resilient and luxurious, Hampstead is a premier, fine quality, tenth gauge carpet, combining the natural beauty of wool with long lasting looks to create a quality feel underfoot that is both stylish and effortlessly practical.

01204 881234 www.cormarcarpets.co.uk

Flare by Adam Carpets

The range “Flare” shown here in colourway FL12 Mocha is made using yarn spun from 80% best quality accredited UK-grown wool. The 2-ply yarn brings the greatest benefit to the end user from the “spring back” characteristics in the wool that keeps the pile standing up strong. Adam's insect resistant treatment to the industry gold standard Woolmark Level 2 provides complete protection for consumer piece of mind.

Adam Carpets is a family business, with the fifth generation making beautiful wool-rich carpet entirely in its own factory in Kidderminster.

T 01562 82 99 66 www.adamcarpets.co.uk

Wilton Royal Updates from Abingdon Flooring

With the recent launch of Royal Sovereign and an update to the treasured Royal Windsor (pictured), Abingdon Flooring is responding to the increasing demand in loop pile carpets.

In the 100% wool Royal Sovereign, homeowners will find a laidback style with a medium loop pile, while New Royal Windsor provides a smaller loop for a more refined and elegant look. Both are presented in a palette of modern natural colours, characterised by wool’s unmistakable dye take, with a depth and richness that feels uniquely British.

The two styles are available in 2.5m, 4m and 5m widths, and are moth-resistant and with a 10-year wear warranty.

T 01274 655694 www.abingdonflooring.co.uk

Perfect Home by Kingsmead

Perfect Home is an 80/20 wool blend, constructed with Kingmead's 100% British Wool Britannia Yarn, where every linear metre contains yarn from each of the four nations. This carpet is available in four and five metre lengths, and is suitable for heavy domestic use, including living rooms, bedrooms and hallways. Choose from 20 incredible colours: whether it’s the cool green Limestone, the deep blue Bloomsbury or the inviting grey Heirloom, there’s a perfect colour for everyone!

T 01827 831424 www.kingsmeadcarpets.co.uk

The Campaign for Wool – a showcase of quality

Luxury Weave by Balta

Luxury Weave within Balta's Woolmaster collection is the epitome of luxury and elegance. With a palette of 12 natural colors and available in both 4 and 5-meter widths, this 3-ply structured loop offers unmatched versatility for any interior design. Its 100% natural wool composition ensures durability and comfort, making it an investment that not only adds sophistication but also longevity to your space. Experience the advantages of Luxury Weave, where style meets comfort in every fibre.

T 03303 411 410 www.balta-carpets.com

Pure & Simple by Victoria Carpets

Pure & Simple is Victoria’s first un-dyed wool collection. Designed to encapsulate the origins of wool, the range will showcase 8 untainted shades of natures rawest colours such as browns, beiges and cool neutrals.

As well as being available in a 4 and 5 metre width, the range also comes in 2 designs, Plain and Loop. With a cut velvet finish, Plain has been constructed using 80% British Wool and 20% PA which will sit alongside a rustic Loop, made with 100% British Wool.Boasting a 15-year wear warranty, Pure & Simple is sure to be a showstopper.

T 01562 749300 www.myvictoria.co.uk

Companions by Cavalier Carpets

Set to be the new rising star in Cavalier's award winning wool rich twist line-up is an exciting new subtle 1/8th gauge tufted graphics. Companions has been cleverly designed to co-ordinate with Cavalier's outstanding Cosmopolitan range, or any of its other twist ranges.

With a delicate three tone palette of stipple effect yarns for each of its colourways, Companions shows off an air of sophistication alongside any plain carpet.

T 01254 268000 www.cavaliercarpets.co.uk

Wool Britannia® from Manx Carpets

Introducing Calendar Trail, the first wool loop made with Wool Britannia yarn. Available in 12 colours inspired by the calendar year, seasonal changes and our ever-changing landscapes.

Wool Britannia® encompasses a concept that utilises both great quality fibre and British made yarn sourced from all four countries within the British Isles. By choosing a Wool Britannia® yarn can positively impact our environment and local communities.

T 01827 831424 www.manxtomkinson.co.uk

Camaro builds on success

Following the hugely successful launch of the Camaro Rigid Core collection in Spring 2022 - and after only 18 months on the market, Polyflor has announced an extension to the range.

It now includes 12 stunning new designs to complement its 18 original shades, creating a contemporary collection of 30 options covering the most popular plank, tile, and herringbone designs.

The development of each shade ensures that they complement a variety of residential and light commercial interiors whilst reflecting current interior trends, as identified by the in-house design team at Polyflor. All designs feature a micro bevel and realistic emboss that replicates authentic materials.

The collection continues to feature Välinge 5G ‘Press-fit’ locking technology. Proven to be the optimal locking mechanism for rigid LVT, Välinge 5G is quick and easy to install without a mallet. An audible click sounds when the planks and tiles are press-fitted together and engaged correctly. Furthermore, a new smaller plank size of 150mm x 910mm is now available.

Camaro Rigid Core also boasts a durable, 100% waterproof, SPC construction, plus an integrated 1mm IXPE acoustic backing that offers an impact sound reduction of 18dB. Also, the range is compatible with underfloor heating and can be laid over suitable existing subfloors without adhesive or underlay. Polyflor has created its first-ever Camaro Rigid Core retail display unit, further elevating the presence of the collection in retail environments.

To help customers envisage Camaro Rigid Core flooring within their desired location, the innovative Room Visualiser from Polyflor provides an instant in situ presentation of its products using the latest technology.

T 0161 767 1111 www.polyflor.com

Sad loss of Roger Oates

The death of Roger Oates, co-founder of the legendary flooring and design company that bears his name, has been announced. He died on 30 August.

‘He has left behind many examples of his creative talents as lasting memorials,’ says a statement.

The business was founded by Roger and his wife Fay Morgan Oates. The couple met at the Royal Collage of Art and began designing and working together and in 1977 founded the partnership Morgan & Oates designing rugs, throws and scarves.

In the late 1980s, the owners of a large country residence approached them with an historic flatwoven fragment discovered hidden under the floorboards. These types of coverings, common in the 18th century were usually plain in colour and void of pattern. This unique piece, worn and heavily faded, revealed vibrant colour choice and deliberate pattern design. Instantly inspired, the couple began a journey that would see them develop Venetian Flatweave into the highly distinctive decorative floorcovering it is today.

The company's very first runners were hand woven, before traditional Hattersley fabric looms were modified to weave the heavy wool flooring, retaining the distinctive hand-woven quality and selvedge. The captivating striped designs quickly became popular, re-inventing flatweave flooring for the 20th century.

The company became best known for stair runners and in later years the brand expanded into rugs, furnishings and furniture.

In 2016, Roger Oates Design was acquired by Ulster Carpets.

Roger is survived by his wife Fay Morgan Oates and their son Daniel.

Boost to bridge skills gap

Polyflor Ltd has partnered with F. Ball and Co. Ltd. to provide free training courses for flooring installation apprentices to address growing labour shortage concerns within the UK construction industry.

This series of four standalone training courses focus on floor installation. Each four-day course is aimed primarily at first-year apprentices hired by Polyflor’s numerous flooring contractor customers, with numbers limited to twelve attendees per course.

All four apprentice courses are free of charge and run in partnership with F. Ball and Co. Ltd., known for their flooring adhesives and subfloor preparation products.

The skills-focused initiative was successfully launched this Spring at the Centre of Excellence for F. Ball and Co. Ltd. in Cheddleton, Staffordshire.

In June 2023, the second course ran at the Polyflor Training Academy, Whitefield, Greater Manchester. The third course returned to Whitefield in September 2023. The final course will return to Staffordshire in early 2024, with exact dates to be confirmed imminently.

Chris Landon (Head of Customer Training and Installations, Polyflor Ltd) leads the courses alongside Tim Green (Head of Training, F. Ball and Co.)

“Apprentices will become the lifeblood of our UK contract flooring industry,” says John Buchanan, International Technical Manager, Polyflor Ltd.

“As market leaders in the UK flooring industry, Polyflor Ltd and F. Ball and Co. Ltd. wanted to do something positive to help ease the current crisis by supporting those contract flooring customers willing to hire apprentices.”

T 0161 767 1111 www.polyflor.com

FLOORING FACTSHEET ADHESIVES

SELECTION CHECKLIST

The criteria to select an adhesive will cover the following points. Larger manufacturers offer detailed guides to select the correct adhesive – even indexing floor manufacturer’s products by name to ensure an accurate match. For accurate and up-to-date information consult the F. Ball Recommended Adhesives Guide.

Open Time:

The time you have to fit the flooring into the adhesive after which the bond will no longer be ideal. The time until the floor may be walked on should be checked.

Odour:

Low odour, solvent-free and low VOC products are increasingly favoured and now have the same performance characteristics of older products.

Coverage: How thick and how far can the adhesive be spread.

Application Method: Different adhesives may be applied by roller, trowel or spray.

Strength:

Including how quickly the adhesive will “grab” the floor covering and its strength when fully cured.

Underfloor Heating:

A lot of modern adhesives are suitable for use with underfloor heating but this criteria must be checked where appropriate.

To find out more visit f-ball.com/training

ADHESIVE TYPES

Acrylic/Resin: Ideal for plasticised PVC and most modern flooring.

Bitumen: A tar-like material, bitumen has a high degree of moisture resistance and is used for damp-proof membranes and installing tiles, wood blocks and mosaics.

Epoxy Resin: A two-part chemical curing system that is used in aggressive environments such as conservatories, wet rooms, commercial kitchens and exterior installations.

Polyurethane: An adhesive with rapid bonding characteristics, typically used for wood floors.

Polyvinyl Acetate: Typically used for close fitting joints in timber, laminate floors and panels.

Subfloor: What surface will the adhesive stick to most effectively including concrete, sand cement screeds, levelling compounds, plywood and chipboard.

While there are multi-purpose adhesives, specialist products will be better suited to certain surfaces.

The porosity of the floor is a key determinant of the type of adhesive to be used and its performance during installation.

Special Performance:

Certain adhesives are more suitable for damp, humid or high temperature environments.

Air Quality and the Environment:

The old wisdom that the more it smells, the better it sticks is no longer acceptable to modern consumers and solvent-based products are increasingly replaced by water-based adhesives.

Tackifier: An adhesive for carpet designed to increase the tackiness – or the tack range –of an adhesive.

Water-based Adhesive: Many different types of adhesives now use water as their carrier to avoid odours and flammability issues which are common with chemical solvents.

Buying Groups

Pick the right one

How to decide whether to join a buying group – and which one…

• Evaluate all buying groups as they all work differently

• Talk to the main marketing contact and/or a member of the committee

Why join?

Buying groups have been a highly successful feature of the floor retailing scene in the last decade or so, giving independents the extra edge they need to compete effectively with the retail park chains.

More than 1000 retailers are now members of one of the several buying groups which operate in our sector and the numbers are slowly, but steadily growing.

While the benefits of bulk buying power are self-evident, the resistance to the buying group concept among nonmembers appears to be centred on fears of surrendering some control to a committee – and most particularly compromising long-established relationships and negotiated terms with current suppliers.

The bottom line is the bottom line. A retailer selling across a broad range of products is likely to improve margins within a buying group – but you don’t need a leap of faith to join up. Ask the buying groups for answers...

Key benefits

Increase margins

• Group purchases to get beneficial rates

• Rebates

• Exclusive higher-margin products

• Special promotions

One of the key reasons to join a buying group is to benefit from the discounts they negotiate as a bulk buyer from manufacturers. The way discounts and rebates are passed on to members varies between groups so make sure it’s absolutely clear how this will be done. You’ll need to work out how this compares with discounts you have already negotiated locally with preferred suppliers.

Access professional services

• Business and financial services

• IT and internet support

• Training and workshops

• Professional bodies

Some buying groups offer an excellent range of other services which may be valuable to your business. Financial services include invoice factoring, credit, loans and insurance. Some of the more sophisticated groups offering marketing packages, software systems to help you run your business operations and customised websites ready to use. Relationships with professional and training organisations can also offer discounts.

• Get a list of members and call up two or three for a ‘real-world’ view

• Establish your territorial exclusivity – where’s the next nearest member of each buying group

• Ensure you understand the financial arrangements, any fees that would relate to your membership, how the bills are paid and whether your fees are refundable if it doesn’t work out. Ask the buying group for a consultation to estimate your potential savings

• Review all the extra benefits and services to see what you would actually use

• Check out the product ranges offered including the own-label options and the UK/European mix

• Ensure you understand any rules that may limit your flexibility to run your business the way you want

Increase sales

• Best of both worlds’ proposition

• Wider ranges and exclusive products

• POS, displays and merchandising support

Your customers will like the proposition that you are independent but with the buying power of a group –this gives them (and you) the ‘best of both worlds’ with personal service and competitive pricing. Most groups will also offer you ‘own label’ ranges and support with pointof-sale, merchandising and displays. Central stockholding may also be on offer.

Network with other independents

• Members-only exhibitions with preferred manufacturers

• Regular meetings and supplier presentations

• Regional workshops

• Helpline

A lot of retailers enjoy the buying group environment of being independent but not alone out there on the High Street. Groups hold regular meetings and some have their own trade shows, regional meetings and workshops to help you develop your business. The network gives you someone to call when you need advice on, for example, an unusual installation, a technical consumer complaint, legal issue or business dilemma.

www.flooringone.co.uk

Peter Karra Tel: 0121 683 1426 peter.karra@flooringone.co.uk

Metro Group www.carpet1st.co.uk

Contact: Jill Coward Tel: 01204 393539 jillcoward@carpet1st.co.uk

www.smg-group.co.uk

Contact: Mike Reed Tel: 0118 932 3832 info@smg-group.co.uk

Associated Carpet Group www.acgcarpets.com

Contact: Jon Richardson Tel: 01942 825520 jon@acgcarpets.com

www.beautifulflooring.co.uk

Contact: Carl Harris Tel: 01892 549050 charris31@sky.com

THE STOCKLISTS Feburary 2022

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.

BONDED

Bonded carpets (sometimes called ‘fibre-bonded’ or ‘fusion bonded’) are created by firing fibres into an adhesive material – the fibres are not stitched into the backing in any way. The technique is principally used for commercial carpet tiles.

CUT PILE

Freize – Frieze or frisée (pronounced freesay) 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.

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 a versatile, textured finish that is ideal for plain colours.

Velvet – Velvet textures (sometimes called ‘velour’ or ‘plush’) all have a level surface pile of approx 5mm to 10mm height, which is then sheared to give a smooth finish. With very little twist in the yarn, the 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 can flatten easily and may lack durability.

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.

Flooring factsheet

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

Vinyl + LVT Supplier Directory

Abingdon SoftStep info@abingdonflooring.co.uk

01274 655 694 www.abingdonflooring.co.uk

Adoretouch +1.631.843.0900 www.adorefloors.com

Alsapan g.folkes@alsapan.com

03 88 59 29 89 www.alsapan.com

Altro enquiries@altro.com 01462 489 516 www.altro.co.uk

Amtico info@amtico.com 0121 745 0800 www.amtico.com

Aspecta

+31 (0) 88 1662500 www.aspectaflooring.com

Beauflor sales@beauflor.com

+32 56 67 66 11 www.beauflor.com

BerryAlloc +32 56 52 84 80 www.berryalloc.com

Brampton Chase support@bramptonchase.co.uk 01604 664855 www.bramptonchase.co.uk

Earthwerks

saleseurope@earthwerks.com

0800 689 1657 www.earthwerks.eu.com

Forbo Flooring info.flooring.uk@forbo.com 01773 744 121 www.forbo.com

Furlong enquiries@furlongflooring.com 01772 316155 www.furlongflooring.co.uk

Harvey Maria info@harveymaria.com

0330 330 1231 www.harveymaria.com

Interface interface.uk@interface.com 0800 313 4465 www.interface.com

Invictus Info@invictus.co.uk

01422 431100 www.invictus.co.uk/lvt

Kährs UK sales@kahrs.com

023 9245 3045 www.kahrs.com

Karndean Designflooring 01386 820100 www.karndean.com

Kellars sales@kellars.co.uk 0161 443 0970 www.kellars.co.uk

Kraus sales@qep.com 01283 245430 www.krausflooring.co.uk

Lifestyle Floors info@lifestyle-floors.co.uk 01827 831448 www.lifestyle-floors.co.uk

Leoline info@leoline.co.uk www.leoline.co.uk

Moduleo salesuk@moduleo.com

01332 851 500 www.moduleo.co.uk

Polyflor info@polyflor.com

0161 767 1111 www.polyflor.com

Tarkett communication@tarkett.com

01622 854040 www.tarkett.com

Quick-Step 08448 118 288 www.quick-step.co.uk

Victoria Design Floors (Distinctive Flooring/Universal Flooring) info@myvictoria.co.uk

01562 749300 www.myvictoria.co.uk

Wineo info@wineo.de +49 (0) 5237 6090 www.en.wineo.de

Westex info@westexflooring.co.uk

01274 861334 www.westexflooring.com

Landscape Parquet by Victoria Design Floors

Victorian Treasure by Invictus Van Gogh Classic Oak by Karndean Designflooring

Studio Designs by Brampton Chase

Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl is a fast growing sector of the flooring market due to its durability at relatively low cost and huge range of designs available. Sheet vinyl and cushion floor by the roll are popular but the sector is dominated by LVT. In reality, most of the products sold today are “LVP”, Luxury Vinyl Planks, as wood decors are more popular than ceramics and stone but the term LVT is still used to cover the whole non-sheet market.

Benefits

• Huge choice in terms of decors across wood, ceramic, stone and geometric designs

• Impressive realism – not just in the design but infinishing techniques that allow for wood knots you can feel, tiles you can grout, etc. See appearance options.

• Excellent performance in durability for high traffic areas, scratch resistance and cleanability. Vinyl also tends to be much more nonslip than natural materials. Some products are water resistant for bathrooms and kitchens.

• Warm and soft to touch compared to ceramic and stone floors - and a good heat insulator anyhow, and suitable for use with underfloor heating systems.

• Sound reduction – vinyl has neglible impact sound compared to the tap/click of laminate and transmits less sound and vibration compared to solid floor.

• Considerably cheaper than the ‘real’ thing – both to buy and to fit – and tile/plank approach minimises wastage.

Installation

Installation preparation

Vinyl requires a dry, sound, level subfloor as the relative thinness of vinyl and its light reflection performance will quickly reveal imperfections after installation as well as cause potential wear issues.

Exisitng wooden/MDF floors may need a plywood underlay up to 6mm thick and then the joints will need to be skimmed or taped. Non-wood sub-floors will need a self-levelling screed to be laid to ensure a suitable base for the floor. A damp-proof membrane may be required depending on sub-floor moisture levels.

However, new rigid core products are less flexible and can be laid more easily over existing floors – see Construction.

Product options

• Dry back – a sheet or tile that needs to be fixed to the sub-floor using an adhesive.

• Self-adhesive – tiles with a peel-off backing paper to stick to the sub-floor. Some tiles have adhesive overlaps to stick to each other rather than the sub-floor.

• Loose lay vinyl – tiles that simply drop onto the floor and rely on a high friction backing to keep them in place – they demand a very sound, level sub-floor but are the easiset type of tile to lay or replace.

• Click – tiles that have a mechanical jointing system to attach to one another (like a locked tongue and groove system) and ‘float’ on the sub-floor without being glued down. There are many proprietary versions of the click system which offer fast, clean installation and stability.

Appearance options

Vinyl tiles and planks cover a hugh variety of sizes and shapes and can be mix-and-matched to achieve an infinite number of designs. Current fashions include extra wide and long planks for wood through to very small planks for wood. Border effects can be easy to achieve in LVT. Other notable options include:

• Embossed – this is where the top clear layer of the tile has been embossed to create a realistic texture that matches the style of the stone of wood decor. Registered embossed is the most authentic –the texture matches the design so that, for example, a wood knot or hand-scraped element in the wood design can be felt on the surface of the flooring.

• Grouting and grooving – vinyl tiles can be laid with grouting inlay strips or beads of vinyl for addewd realism – and there are acrylic grouts that can be applied. In wood decors, planks are available with v-grooves or bevelled edges between planks for added realism.

LVT construction

Top coating – A polyurethane or aluminium oxide coating provides protection against scratches and stains and gives enhances anti-slip.

Wear layer – This is a key layer - determining the performance and resilience of the product. A 0.3mm (12 mil) wear layer is a good for heavy wear areas. Commercial installations need 0.5mm wear layers or above with 0.7mm at the top end. The wear warranties and guarantees carried by products will be based on this thickness.

Decor layer – This is the decor itself - in essence it is a paper- or filmbased photographic inkjet print. (A few LVT floors have the image printed directly to the surface of the floor but this implies less image definition and different wear characteristics.)

PVC and fibre glass layers – The construction ‘sandwich’ can vary between products but a combination of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) layers for strength and flexibility and fibre glass layers for structural stability may be used. Any click-system profile will be incorporated into these layers. Products often use a combination of recycled vinyl which is cheaper and virgin PVC which lasts longer and is more stable.

Rigid core LVT has a solid, less flexible PVC layer with maximum stability which means it can be laid over exisiting, less even flooring without showing imperfections and therefore avoiding wear problems.

Base (or backing) layer – The final high density PVC layer varies according to the installation requirement and is designed for taking adhesive or as an ‘underlay’ for loose-lay and click installations.

The Stocklists

Wholesale Distribution Directory

NATIONAL

Fells Carpets

Leeds - see page 50 0113 3071900 carl.cummings@fellscarpets.co.uk www.fellscarpets.co.uk

Kellars

Shildon, Stockport, Rugby, Glasgow, and Wales 0161 443 0970 Sales@kellars.co.uk www.kellars.co.uk

TCS “The Carpet Specialists”

Morecambe 01524 840177 info@tcsthecarpetspecialists.com www.tcsthecarpetspecialists.com

Xylo Wood Flooring

London 020 8368 8122 infouk@xyloflooring.com www.xyloflooring.com

NORTH WEST

A&A Carpets

Manchester 01204 701188 sales@aandacarpets.co.uk www.aandacarpets.co.uk

Hathaway Flooring

Manchester - see page 12 and Floorwise page 89

Kellars Limited Manchester 0161 443 0970 sales@kellars.co.uk

Lakes Flooring Supplies

Kendal - see Floorwise page 89

Millbrook Carpets

Darwen 01254 703999 millbrookcarpets@live.co.uk

Preston Underlay Centre Ltd

Preston/Lancashire - see Floorwise page 89

EAST

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

Salesmark Ltd

St Neots Tel: 01480 212888 sales@salesmark.co.uk www.salesmark.co.uk

STS Flooring Distributors

Cambridge - see page 15 and Floorwise page 89

NORTH EAST/YORKSHIRE

Fells Carpets

Leeds - see page 50 0113 3071900 carl.cummings@fellscarpets.co.uk www.fellscarpets.co.uk

Kellars Limited Darlington 0161 443 0970 sales@kellars.co.uk

Fells Carpets

Goole - see page 50 0113 3071900 carl.cummings@fellscarpets.co.uk www.fellscarpets.co.uk

RBV Flooring Bradford - see page 42 01274 670011 rbvflooring@yahoo.com

Trade Carpets and Floors Ltd Rotherham 01709 437723 sales@tradecarpetsandfloors.co.uk

MIDLANDS

Birch Distribution Sheffield - see Floorwise page 89

Birch Distribution Leeds - see Floorwise page 89

Birch Distribution Hull - see Floorwise page 89

Cornerstone Flooring Supplies Doncaster - see Floorwise page 89

Cornerstone Flooring East Midlands and Warwickshire 01159 444711 sales@cornerstoneflooring.co.uk www.cornerstoneflooring.co.uk

DMS Flooring Supplies

Northampton - see page 9 01604 664850 sales@dmsflooringsupplies.co.uk

Floorwise D & J Ltd

Southam - see Floorwise page 89

Kellars Limited

Rugby 0161 443 0970 sales@kellars.co.uk

Matty’s Wholesale Carpets

Birmingham 01675 433072 sales@mattys.co.uk

STS Flooring Distributors

Hemel Hempstead - see page 15 wand Floorwise page 89

Trade Counter Carpets Leicester 0845 604 3055

tradecountercarpets@gmail.com

Woodall Brothers Ltd

Shrewsbury - see Floorwise page 89

SOUTH WEST

BL Flooring Supplies

Bristol - see Floorwise page 89

BL Flooring Supplies

Gloucester - see Floorwise page 89

Fitwell Flooring Ltd

Redruth - see Floorwise page 89

Fitwell Flooring Ltd

Newton Abott - see Floorwise page 89

Flooring Supplies (Wessex) Amesbury 01980 625888 orders@flooringsupplieswessex.co.uk

R & M Wholesale

Bristol 01179 531222

Tiverton 01884 258266 sales@rmwholesale.co.uk

Salesmark West Ltd

Amesbury - see Floorwise page 89

Tel: 01980 880933 mail@salesmark-west.co.uk www.salesmark-west.co.uk

Solent Wholesale Carpet

West Sussex 01243 774623 sales@solentwholesale.co.uk www.solentwholesale.co.uk

SOUTH EAST

Ashmount Flooring Supplies

Tottenham 0208 808 2158 sales@ashmountflooring.co.uk www.ashmountflooringsupplies.co.uk

Ballister London 020 8570 1668 london@ballister.co.uk www.ballister.co.uk

Ballister Reading 0118 931 3535 reading@ballister.co.uk www.ballister.co.uk

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

Clifford Floors Strood 01634 285900 sales@clifford.uk.com

Culpeck Strood 01634 299000 sales@culpeck.uk.com

Columbia Flooring

Middlesex 020 8443 3322 sales@columbiaflooring.co.uk www.columbiaflooring.co.uk see page 8 for details

DMS Flooring Supplies

Hemel Hempstead - see page 9 01442 502562 sales@dmsflooringsupplies.co.uk

DMS Flooring Supplies

Milton Keynes - see page 9 01908 049006 sales@dmsflooringsupplies.co.uk

DMS Flooring Supplies

Colindale, North London 0208 036 9945 - see page 9 colindale@dmsflooringsupplies.co.uk

Flooring Storage UK

Potters Bar 01707 245999 sales@flooringstorage.com www.flooringstorage.com

Littner Hampton London 020 8520 8474 littnerhampton@aol.com www.littnerhamptoncarpets.co.uk

John Palmer Carpets

Fareham 01329 221933 sales@johnpalmercarpets.uk.net

Potts & Ward, Woodcocks Ltd Brighton 01273 557211 sales@pwwflooring.com www.pwwflooring.com

Salesmark

Lancing - see Floorwise page 89 Tel: 01903 750522 sales@salesmark.co.uk www.salesmark.co.uk

Solent Wholesale Carpet

West Sussex 01243 774623

sales@solentwholesale.co.uk www.solentwholesale.co.uk

STS Flooring Distributors

Basildon - see p15 & Floorwise p89

STS Flooring Distributors

Croydon - see p15 & Floorwise p89

STS Flooring Distributors

Orpington/Croydon - see page 15 & Floorwise page 89

Trade Carpet London

Wimbledon 0208 247 3891 sales@tradecarpet.com www.tradecarpet.com

IRELAND (NI + ROI)

Flanagan Flooring Distributors

Saintfield, Belfast 028 9751 0932 sales@flanagan-flooring.com www.flanagan-flooring.com

Flanagan Flooring Distributors

Republic of Ireland 048 9751 0932

sales@flanagan-flooring.com www.flanagan-flooring.com

Provincial Floorcoverings Ltd Dublin - see Floorwise page 89

Provincial Floorcoverings Ltd

Belfast - see Floorwise page 89

Provincial Floorcoverings Ltd

Limerick - see Floorwise page 89

TCS “The Carpet Specialists” Co. Louth 00353 429 351 351 info@tcsthecarpetspecialists.com www.tcsthecarpetspecialists.com

SCOTLAND

Flanagan Flooring Distributors

Baillieston 0141 773 1122

scotland-sales@flanagan-flooring.com www.flanagan-flooring.com

Kellars Limited

Glasgow 0141 647 7685 sales@kellars.co.uk

MCD Scotland Uddingston

Glasgow 01698 808000 mcdscotland@mcd.co.uk www.mcdscotland.co.uk

Neil Smith Ltd

Glasgow - see Floorwise page 89

WALES

CBW Flooring Supplies

Pontypridd 01443 492510 www.cbwflooringsupplies.co.uk

Floorwise Wales

Merthyr Tydfil - see Floorwise page 89

Are you a Wholesaler? If you’re not listed here, please call Diane Martin on 01482 659396

0161 872 8003

sales@hathawayflooring.com

10 Cornerstone Flooring Doncaster, DN3 3FE

Tel: 01302 835117

Fax: 01302 302542

cornerstonefloor@ btconnect.com

11 Birch Distribution Sheffield, S9 5PH

Tel: 0114 243 1230

Fax: 0114 243 5118

s.sales@birchdistribution.co.uk

12 Woodall Brothers Ltd Shrewsbury, SY1 3JE

Tel: 01743 441584

Fax: 01743 441629

sales@woodallbrothers.co.uk

13 Floorwise D & J Ltd Southam, CV47 0DR

Tel: 01926 814922

Fax: 01926 817899 sales@fwdj.co.uk

14 Floorwise Wales Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 4TQ Tel: 01685 374243 sales@floorwise-wales.com

15 BL Flooring Supplies Ltd

Gloucester, GL2 5HY

Tel: 01452 223355

Fax: 01452 371284

info@blflooring.co.uk

16 BL Flooring Supplies Ltd Bristol, BS2 9SH

Tel: 0117 955 5454

Fax: 0117 955 2626 info@blflooring.co.uk

17 Salesmark West Ltd Amesbury, SP4 7LN Tel: 01980 880933 mail@salesmark-west.co.uk

18 Salesmark Lancing, BN15 8UN Tel: 01903 750522

Fax: 01903 851111 sales@salesmark-floorwise.co.uk

19 Fitwell Flooring Ltd Newton Abbot, TQ12 6TR

Tel: 01626 835935 sales@fitwell.co.uk

20 Fitwell Flooring Ltd Redruth, TR15 1SS Tel: 01209 214344 sales@fitwell.co.uk

21 STS Flooring Distributors Ltd Cambridge, CB23 8UD Tel: 0345 899 1000 sales@stsflooring.co.uk

22 STS Flooring Distributors Ltd Hemel Hempstead, HP2 7ER Tel: 0345 899 1000 sales@stsflooring.co.uk

23 STS Flooring Distributors Ltd Basildon, Essex, SS14 3DW

Tel: 0345 899 1000 sales@stsflooring.co.uk

24 STS Flooring Distributors Ltd Croydon, Surrey, CR0 4WP

Tel: 0345 899 1000 sales@stsflooring.co.uk

25 STS Flooring Distributors Ltd Orpington, Kent, BR5 3SS Tel: 0345 899 1000 sales@stsflooring.co.uk

In a tight market for margins, underlay for carpet and hard 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 customer satisfaction levels.

The Carpet Foundation and its Consumer Code of Practice approved by the Trading Standards Institute (TSI) recommend that new carpet underlay is bought with every new carpet.

Many consumers are now aware of the benefits of underlay but more needs to be done to provide information about the different types available and their suitability for different areas of the home.

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 and foot testers.

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.

Types

PU (polyurethane) foam • This is now the market’s most popular underlay and is typically made from recycled foam offcuts. The foam provides excellent comfort and performance levels with lots of thickness options and densities and provides great insulation – and its light weight helps handling.

Sponge rubber • A more traditionally manufactured underlay 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.

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-floor.

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 of 2.5 can be used – which means the underlay would normally have a tog rating of 1.0.

Felt • This traditional (but environmentally friendly) undelay 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.

Underlayment for LVT • This provides a smooth surface on which you can glue down immediately. If there is a time or acoustic issue or a problematic underfloor, a stable, smooth dual underlay system will provide the best solution.

Sponge rubber

Crumb

Combination

PU foam

We’re Hiring...

Territory Manager

Merseyside & North West

Attractive Salary Package + Excellent Company Benefits

Cormar Carpets is the UK’s leading manufacturer of tufted carpets, supplying stylish, quality carpets to the retail, contract and wholesale trade throughout the UK.

Due to promotion, we are looking for an enthusiastic and committed individual with the ability to realise the full potential of the territory. Knowledge of the carpet trade is not essential, however previous sales experience is required as applicants must be able to demonstrate a proven successful sales record.

The ideal candidate would live within the areas described, although the defined territory will be subject to the successful candidates location. Previous applicants may apply.

Please send your CV and covering letter summarising your relevant skills and experience for the attention of:

Carla Grant, HR Manager

Cormar Carpets, Brookhouse Mill, Greenmount, Bury, BL8 4HR Or email carla.grant@cormarcarpets.co.uk

ANTI RUG SLIP

Join a major international LVT brand to drive UK sales

We have a reputation as a leader in quality and innovation across Europe and the US, plus more than four decades of expertise in class-leading vinyl and LVT flooring products.

Now we need a high-calibre individual to accelerate our sales to distributors and wholesalers in the UK and Ireland.

YOUR ROLE

You will develop a sales journey with prospective customers – Identifying opportunities, gathering insights, and introducing exciting products. Travel and direct customer contact is a key aspect of the role.

YOUR SKILLS

• Strong communication skills to build and maintain strong customer relationships.

• A background in flooring with previous customer-facing sales experience, giving you an edge in understanding client needs.

• Highly motivated with commercial awareness, with a flexible approach to deliver results.

THE BENEFITS

• A competitive commission structure.

• Complete coverage of business expenses.

• Excellent prospects to grow your career with an established brand

DISCOVER A NEW WORLD OF OPPORTUNITY

Apply now to recruitment@thestocklists.com

quoting reference: SVAC-1023

SHOWROOM MANAGER / ESTIMATOR

Well established, high end flooring specialists are looking to add a showroom manager / estimator to our team based in Surrey.

We are looking for someone with experience in the flooring trade, dynamic, friendly and motivated person able to work on their own initiative. Good package / vehicle for the right applicant.

Please send your CV to Caroline at info@periodflooring.com or call 01737 823053

COMBINATION UNDERLAYS NEEDLEFELT UNDERLAYS

For orders and further information, please ring P&R Ratcliffe (Underlays) Ltd.

Burnley, Lancashire BB10 3BH Tel: 01282 421026, Fax: 01282 412321 www.foxirugtamer.co.uk