The Stocklists - April 2022

Stocklists The

4 April 2022

with

FLOORINGNEWS

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

Tag & Share your #SednaCarpet @SednaCarpet WWW.SEDNA-CARPET.CO.UK

OSHUN

THE NEW SEDNA RANGE FOR 2022

A UK brand since 1964

WE CARE ABOUT OUR PLANET... HOW ABOUT YOU?

N EW S P C R I G I D CO R E W I T H 5G® PR E S S-FI T T ECH N O LO GY

Visit polyflor.com/visualiser

www.polyflor.com 2

Stocklists The

ISSUE 565 : APRIL 2022 Published by Mayville Publishing Co Ltd., 219 West Ella Road, West Ella, Hull HU10 7SD @thestocklists Tel: 01482 659396 Fax: 01482 659397 www.thestocklists.com Sales Director: Diane Martin. diane@mayvillepublishing.co.uk Publication Director: David Spragg Founded by Roy Spragg in 1973.

THE MAGAZINE THAT’S ALL ABOUT FLOORING

Advertisers

FLOORINGNEWS starts on page 29

Monthly ‘Stocklisters’ shown in BOLD Index

H ABINGDON FLOORING n ACG Ht ASSOCIATED WEAVERS

Why not join up?

Buying group shows strength in numbers • pages 43–50

Make an entrance

Happiness is an impressive hallway! • pages 54-55

Innovative craftmanship New options in Craft by Kährs page 36–37

Tech tackles the new challenges page 56–58

01422 431100 +31 38 386 1060

t BERRYALLOC

31

07940 455917

n BGNFS

53

0121 713 4486

10-11

01604 664855

o CARPENTER

76

01457 861141

H CAVALIER CARPETS

—

01254 268000

s COLUMBIA FLOORING

13

0208 443 3322

H CONDOR CARPETS

51

+31 38 477 8911

n CONDOR GRASS

35

+31 38 477 8911

H CORMAR

—

01204 881234

H DMS

14

01604 664850

H FELLS CARPETS

—

01977 662211

n F. BALL

12,58

01538 361633

n FITA

72

01159 506836

n FLOORWISE

71

01509 673974

n FOTY

59

0115 958 3077

15-17

01772 696787

43

01432 852000

t HATHAWAY FLOORING

18

0161 872 8003

H HUGH MACKAY

21

01429 892555

n INTERFLOOR

41

01706 213131

19,36-37

023 9245 3045

t KAHRS

Retail awards 2022

Tough titanium

Time for stores to step up page 42

Cushion vinyl steps up page 29

Building a rapport Leoline’s budget-savvy style page 30

Verona’s augmented reality page 30

The vinyl volunteers

F Ball supports community centre page 32

FlooringFactsheets

0115 958 3077

55

00353 61 339287

H STS

23

0345 899 1000

o TEXFELT

22

01274 905411

Business news

H THOMAS WITTER

28

01429 892555

s TRADECO

24

07833 660451

n UNIFLOOR

—

0845 6030906

n UZIN-UTZ

39

01788 530080

t VERONA

25

0113 244 4984

Ht VICTORIA FLOORING

26

01562 749300

H WESTEX

33

01274 861334

o WILSON UNDERLAYS

27

01924 451138

Strong rebound in sales page 40

50

LVT Options

65

Underlay

66–67

Wholesalers

70–71

Woolsafe: the Carpet Care Guide

68–69

ISSN 2046-7338 © Mayville Publishing Co. Ltd. 2022. Every care is taken in compiling this magazine, but the proprietors assume no responsibility in the effects arising therefrom.

DAILY HEADLINES ARE POSTED TO OUR NEWS WEBSITE AT WWW.THESTOCKLISTS.COM THE STOCKLISTS April 2022

01204 393539

72

floorwise help underlay choice page 32

Buying Groups

61

47

n NICF

01706 639866

64

Carpet Types

n METRO

0161 767 1111

LVT Directory

62–63

0161 443 0970

2

60

Carpet Trouble-shooter

01386 820 100

—

t POLYFLOR

The industry’s knowledge-bank

–

—

s KELLARS

20,49

Adhesives Carpet Company Directory

t KARNDEAN DESIGNFLOORING

o NOVOSTRAT

All about the bounce InSitu visualisation

01274 655694 01942 825520

9

n GREENDALE

LDP’s creative pile height design page 29

8 45,48 FC,4-7

H FURLONG FLOORING

Organic design

Contact No

H BETAP

t BRAMPTON CHASE

Digital developments

Page No

H PENTHOUSE CARPETS

Classified Adverts ...................................... pages 73-75 H carpets/rugs/tiles t woods/laminates/smooths n accessories/services/organisations = fibres o underlay s wholesalers/distributors l adhesives

FOLLOW @THESTOCKLISTS ON LINKEDIN + TWITTER FOR KEY ALERTS AND NEWS UPDATES 3

SUPER SOFT CARPET SAVING SEA LIFE Soft • Luxurious • Durable • Sustainable

regenerated

nylon

4

THE STOCKLISTS April 2022

WE CARE ABOUT OUR PLANET... HOW ABOUT YOU? Sustainability is at the heart of AW’s product development. Our company is increasingly opting for recycled materials for its products, thus helping to raise awareness by encouraging consumers to make eco-conscious choices..

With Sedna®, AW is the first to put a super-soft carpet made with Econyl® yarn on the market.

Econyl® yarn is a high performance nylon that’s made from waste materials such as discarded fishing nets, nets old carpets & production waste. Recovered from all over the world, this waste is regenerated through a depolymerisation process which ensures it has the same purity and performance as virgin nylon.

AND YES! A SEDNA® CARPET MADE FROM RECYCLED MATERIALS IS JUST AS HIGH QUALITY AS A CARPET MADE FROM VIRGIN MATERIAL!

DON’T HESITATE TO JOIN US ON OUR MISSION! SEDNA® THUS HELPS TO SAVE THOUSANDS OF BEAUTIFUL SEA CREATURES LIKE SEA TURTLES, DOLPHINS AND SEALS THAT WILL NO LONGER GET STUCK IN THIS LIFETHREATENING WASTE.

COME AND DISCOVER OUR PRODUCTS & CONCEPTS

WWW.FLANDERSFLOORINGDAYS.COM THE STOCKLISTS April 2022

5

COMMERCIAL FLOORING LUXURY VINYL FLOORING BROADLOOM CARPET CARPET TILES

COME AND DISCOVER OUR PRODUCTS & CONCEPTS

www.flandersflooringdays.com 6

THE STOCKLISTS April 2022

Share your #associatedweavers

@associatedweavers

ONE STOP SHOPPING - CARPET & FLOORING

RESIDENTIAL FLOORING LUXURY VINYL FLOORING BROADLOOM CARPET www.associated-weavers.co.uk

Associated Weavers is one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of tufted wall-to-wall carpet and a promising challenger on the luxury vinyl flooring market.

Now AW is taking up the challenge of becoming your go to supplier for both residential & commercial floorcoverings, with its luxury vinyl flooring, carpet tiles and broadloom carpet.

THE STOCKLISTS April 2022

7

IT’S ALL IN THE DETAIL. We have our finger on the pulse when it comes to trends, development and innovation. Keeping you ahead of the competition.

THE MARK OF

EXPERTISE

Get in Touch sales@abingdonflooring.co.uk www.abingdonflooring.co.uk 01274 655 694 8

THE STOCKLISTS April 2022

THE STOCKLISTS April 2022

9

Large Plank New in!

California Oak A beautiful new addition to our Herringbone best-selling Studio Designs Collection Large Plank

10

THE STOCKLISTS April 2022

01604 664855 bramptonchase.co.uk

Become a Protected

Gold R E TA I L E R

Available

now

Versatile Modular Stands Limited Availability Register your interest and pre-order now bramptonchase.co.uk/retailers 01604 664855

Studio Designs is a multi-format range, available as stunning large plank or a contemporary herringbone.

Gold Standard Full marketing support Showroom displays First class sales team Fast, flexible delivery

THE STOCKLISTS April 2022

11

MADE IN GREAT BRITAIN

YOU GET MORE

WITH BALL

REWARDS Earn 10% cashback on these selected products from our System LVT installation range this month.

10% CASHBACK

AVAILABLE ON STOPGAP 700 SUPERFLEX & STYCCOBOND F58 PLUS*

SIGN UP

TODAY AT F-BALL.COM/REWARDS *GET 2.5% CASHBACK ON EVERY F. BALL PRODUCT. 10% CASHBACK ON STOPGAP 700 SUPERFLEX AND STYCCOBOND F58 PLUS FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY. OFFER AVAILABLE 1ST APRIL - 30TH JUNE 2022.

REWARDS MEMBERS ONLY.

12

THE STOCKLISTS April 2022

Columbia Flooring plc

The Leading Country Wide Carpet & Flooring Suppliers We can supply you with virtually any make of carpet and flooring at GUARANTEED maker’s list price...

Delivered direct to business premises FREE OF CHARGE. For a Speedy and Efficient Service

Call US NOW!!!

020 8443 3322

sales@columbiaflooring.co.uk www.columbiaflooringplc.co.uk Opening Times: Monday - Friday 8.30am to 5.30pm Saturday 8.30am to 12 noon Tel: 0208 443 3322 Fax: 0208 805 2346 TRAFALGAR TRADING ESTATE, JEFFREYS ROAD, ENFIELD, MIDDLESEX, EN3 7TY.

THE STOCKLISTS April 2022

1970 – 2020

13

for the trade!

BIG BRANDS IN STOCK plus many more!

WHATEVER YOUR FLOORING NEEDS, we’ve got you covered!

CARPETS CARPET TILES LUXURY VINYL TILES DOMESTIC VINYL RIGID CLICK LAMINATES

FREE LOCAL

ENGINEERED WOOD

DELIVERY

ENTRANCE MATTING

and nationwide pallet delivery also available.

CONTRACT FLOORING UNDERLAY ARTIFICIAL GRASS NOSINGS & PROFILES ADHESIVES LEVELLING COMPOUND MOISTURE CONTROL TAPE & SEALANTS

Best trade counters Best deals and offers Best service and support

TOOLS SAFETY & PROTECTION CLEANING & CARE

NORTHAMPTON 01604 664850

MILTON KEYNES 01908 049006

HEMEL HEMPSTEAD 01442 502562

NORTH LONDON 0208 036 9945

NN4 7BD

MK13 0DX

HP2 7EB

NW9 0EW

Even more satisfaction SATISFACTION

There’s plenty to be satisfied with this Spring, as we expand our deep-pile luxury carpet collection, Satisfaction.

Available as Satisfaction Ultra and Satisfaction Moods, this collection offers soft, warm, elegant carpet for every room.

ULTRA

A soft and more dense, sophisticated carpet that discerning customers will love.

• Heavyweight luxury carpet • Deeper fibres than any of our other ranges • Soft and warm to the touch and easy to maintain, offering the best of both worlds • An additional 7,362 tufts per square metre

SATISFACTION

MOODS

A completely new and affordable range for 2022 with 15 brand new colours to give home-owners outstanding choice across a cost-effective luxury range.

• Suitable for a variety of rooms • Market-leading bleachcleanable fibres • Contemporary shades and easy fitting

Bleach cleanable

Combi-bac® backing

FIRST CHOICE FLOORING FOR EVERY ROOM CARPET • VINYL • LVT • LAMINATE • HARDWOOD

www.furlongflooring.com Dartford 01322 628 700 • Preston 01772 316155 • Stonehouse 0845 520 0800 THE STOCKLISTS April 2022

15

Furlong Flooring.

The people who can deliver your success.

WE’RE ALL UNDER ONE ROOF TO SERVE YOU BETTER. ALAN CHEETHAM GTR MANCHESTER, CHESHIRE M 07966 263571

acheetham@furlongflooring.com MARK DOWSON PART LANCS, FLYDE COAST & CUMBRIA

GRANT MILLER WEST SCOTLAND

ALAN CAIRNIE EAST SCOTLAND

M 07970 163372

M 07976 311434

gmiller@furlongflooring.com BEN THOMAS MID & WEST WALES M 07794 048809

M 07980 786265

mdowson@furlongflooring.com JOHN GRAY MERSEYSIDE,

WIRRAL & NORTH WALES M 07957 459642

jgray@furlongflooring.com TIM BAILEY

SOUTH EAST WALES & HEREFORDSHIRE M 07794 048414

tbailey@furlongflooring.com

STEWART WAITHMAN

DEVON & CORNWALL M 07794 048413

swaithman@furlongflooring.com ZEE BILGRAMI SOUTH, SW & SE LONDON M: 07793 244620

bthomas@furlongflooring.com

JASON BRIMBLE AVON &

GLOUCESTERSHIRE

M 07794 041266

jbrimble@furlongflooring.com TONY CONWAY BEDS, NORTHANTS, OXON & BUCKS

M 07791 891025

tconway@furlongflooring.com PETER FLETCHER HAMPSHIRE & DORSET

M 07816 217561

pfletcher@furlongflooring.com JACK O’CONNOR SOUTH BUCKS, BERKSHIRE, WEST LONDON, SURREY

acairnie@furlongflooring.com DEAN STYLES NORTH EAST, EAST COAST M 07983 446969

dstyles@furlongflooring.com

MARTYN MORRIS SOUTH YORKSHIRE M 07973 403450

mmorrisr@furlongflooring.com TBA BIRMINGHAM/ STAFFORDSHIRE, SHROPSHIRE T 0845 520 0800

enquiries@furlongflooring.com

JAMIE BONE N.W, NORTH, EAST & CENTRAL LONDON

COLBY McMASTER NOTTS, STAFFORD, SOT, DERBYSHIRE & LINCS

M: 07816 217548

M 07872 964685

jbone@furlongflooring.com JOHN AKIEN EAST & WEST SUSSEX M 07791 891024

cmcmaster@furlongflooring.com MICHAEL MELBOURNE LEICESTER, WARWICKSHIRE M 07968 324598

jakien@furlongflooring.com DARREN SPENDIFF KENT M 07791 890861

dspendiff@furlongflooring.com MARTIN PRICE YORKSHIRE M: 07968 828516

(OUTSIDE M25)

mmelbourne@furlongflooring.com PAUL LOVELL NORFOLK, SUFFOLK & CAMBS M 07816 217549

plovell@furlongflooring.com ANDY THOMPSON ESSEX, HERTFORDSHIRE M 07816 217565

M 07816 217550

zbilgrami@furlongflooring.com

joconnor@furlongflooring.com

mprice@furlongflooring.com

athompson@furlongflooring.com

Competitive, best-selling products – all available right away from UK stock – with rapid logistics that ensure you get what you need, when you need it.

16

THE STOCKLISTS April 2022

FULL UK COVERAGE FROM STOCK. CARPET • VINYL • LVT • LAMINATE • HARDWOOD

Carpet

Vinyl & LVT

Laminate

Preston sales

tel: 01772 696787 fax: 01772 311921

Gloucester sales

tel: 0845 520 0800 fax: 01452 222515

London sales

tel: 01322 628707 fax: 01322 698733

Wood

Email enquiries

enquiries@furlongflooring.com

New website

www.furlongflooring.co.uk

Satisfaction guaranteed!

Don’t miss out on the major launch of 2022 - ask your rep now

THE STOCKLISTS April 2022

17

Beautiful floors for beautiful spaces

FOR THE BEST PALLET PRICING CONTACT HATHAWAY FLOORING

8MM & 12MM

EASY FIT

FAST DELIVERY

L2C LOC

V

4 BEVELS

0161 872 8003 I sales@hathawayflooring.com I hathawayflooring.com 18

REGISTER EMBOSS

SA O M RD PL ER ES F R TO EE DA Y

AGT Effect laminate flooring delivers impressive authenticity thanks to its deep register in emboss surface finish. Available in 8mm AC4 and 12mm AC5 specifications, Effect comes in 14 original looks. Available from Hathaway Flooring for delivery across the UK.

INTRODUCING: THE GROUND COLLECTION

Kährs Ash Coral

Kährs Oak Chalk

Kährs Oak Seed

Kährs Oak Sand

Kährs Oak Clay

Developed in collaboration with architects and designers, Ground is a brand-new collection of Oak and Ash engineered wood floors.

Inspired by earthy nuances - from white chalk to dark tones of clay - the Ground Collection was designed to bring harmony and balance to any interior. All floors are finished with a subtle matt lacquer, creating a strong shield against wear and tear while giving a natural, untreated look.

All floors are certified by the Nordic Swan Ecolabel, one of the toughest environmental certificates.

Contact Kährs UK today to find out more about the new Ground Collection: www.kahrs.com | sales@kahrs.com | 023 9245 3045 THE STOCKLISTS April 2022

19

ty. Penthouse quality – naturally.

Meet the team...

F I N D Y O U R L O C A L R E P R E S E N TAT I V E H E R E SCOTLAND & BORDERS

NORTH EAST, CUMBRIA & ISLE OF MAN

NORTH WEST & NORTH WALES

YORKSHIRE & THE HUMBER

Stephen Cawley

John Pringle

Ian Henderson

Christine Searle

07718 762236 stephen.cawley@ penthousecarpets.co.uk

07825 991405 john.pringle@ penthousecarpets.co.uk

07974 141919 ian.henderson@ penthousecarpets.co.uk

07939 051608 christine.searle@ penthousecarpets.co.uk

Areas covered: All Scottish regions

Areas covered: Cumbria, Kirby Lonsdale via. Carnforth, Isle of Man, Cleveland, Northumberland, Durham, Tyne & Wear

Areas covered: Lancashire, Merseyside, Cheshire (inc. SK9, SK10, SK11), Greater Manchester (inc. SK1 to SK8, SK12, SK14 to SK16), Clwyd, Gwynedd

Areas covered: North Humberside, West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire

WEST MIDLANDS, WORCESTER

SOUTH YORKSHIRE & EAST MIDLANDS

SOUTH EAST, LONDON HERTS & ESSEX

SOUTH EAST, LONDON

Sue Chapman

Chris Gee

Emily Davis

Guy Legg

07801 538763 sue.chapman@ penthousecarpets.co.uk

07919 047930 chris.gee@ penthousecarpets.co.uk

07753 983714 emily.davis@ penthousecarpets.co.uk

07801 357622 guy.legg@ penthousecarpets.co.uk

Areas covered: Herts, Essex, North & West London

Areas covered: Kent, South & Central London, Surrey, East Sussex, West Sussex

Areas covered: Gloucester, Avon, West Midlands, Shropshire, Hereford & Worcester

Areas covered: Humberside, Grimsby, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire,

EAST MIDLANDS & SOUTH EAST

EAST ANGLIA, CAMBS & BEDFORDSHIRE

SOUTH WEST

SOUTH COAST & CHANNEL ISLES

Simon Beeby

Martin Hunter

Graham Wood

Nigel Woollard

07775 913380 simon.beeby@ penthousecarpets.co.uk

07711 353982 martin.hunter@ penthousecarpets.co.uk

07825 171482 graham.wood@ penthousecarpets.co.uk

07767 213236 nigel.woollard@ penthousecarpets.co.uk

Areas covered: Somerset, Devon, Cornwall

Areas covered: Berkshire (Split), Hampshire, Wiltshire, Dorset, Isle of Wight, Channel Isles

Areas covered: Berkshire (Split), Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire

Areas covered: Cambridge, Bedford

NORTHERN IRELAND & REPUBLIC OF IRELAND

WALES

Herbie Montgomery

James Thomas

07774 695333 herbiehsm@gmail.com

07932 458032 juncture2002@aol.com

Areas covered: Northern Ireland, Southern Ireland

Areas covered: West Glamorgan, Mid Glamorgan, South Glamorgan, Gwent, Dyfed, Powys

Agent For Penthouse Carpets Ltd

Agent For Penthouse Carpets Ltd

Working for the independent retailer To find out more, call our sales team on 01706 639 866 or visit us at:

penthousecarpets.co.uk

Penthouse Carpets Buckley Carpet Mill, Buckley Road, Rochdale. Lancashire OL12 9DU • Fax: 01706 860 577 • Email: sales@penthousecarpets.co.uk 20

THE STOCKLISTS April 2022

THE STOCKLISTS April October 20222021

21

SPRING BOND ECO-ENGINEERED UNDERLAY

SAFE & SOUND…

in the knowledge that SPRINGBOND UNDERLAY is…

GREENER, CLEANER, QUIETER & SAFER • Guaranteed to be made from 85% recycled plastic bottles & 100% recyclable at end of life • Hypoallergenic – The only carpet underlay to be awarded the Allergy UK seal of approval • Tested and proven to be chemical free and virtually zero VOC’s • Industry leading acoustic properties – 57db • A sustainable and safer alternative to PU foam

Luxuriously comfortable underlay that won’t cost the earth Available in 11mm, 9mm and 7mm (double stick contract) variants with short lead times.

MADE IN UK

Get in touch – 01274 905411 www.springbond.co.uk 22

dB PROUD TO SUPPORT

Available from

SALES: 0345 899 1000

SALES: 00 353 61 227100

SALES: 01302 835 117

THE COLLECTION

THE COLLECTION

Only the most beautiful designs have been selected for the exclusive Elegance Aura collection, from traditional to contemporary there is a floor to suit every interior.

Only the most beautiful designs have been selected for the exclusive Elegance Aura collection, from traditional to contemporary there is a floor to suit every interior.

Coastal

Blonde

Vintage

Parkland

Richmond

Limed Oak

Oak

Grey Timber

Oak

Oak

3807

3477

3474

3804

3805

Traditional

Beaumont

Christchurch

Columbus

Edwardian

Grey Oak

Oak

Oak

Oak

Oak

3037*

3803

3481*

3075

3806

Coastal

Blonde

Vintage

Parkland

Richmond

Limed Oak

Oak

Grey Timber

Oak

Oak

3807

3477

3474

3804

3805

Plank Size:

Plank Size:

Plank Size:

Plank Size:

Plank Size:

Plank Size:

Plank Size:

Plank Size:

Plank Size:

Plank Size:

184.2 x 1219.2 mm

184.2 x 1219.2 mm

184.2 x 1219.2 mm

184.2 x 1219.2 mm

184.2 x 1219.2 mm

184.2 x 1219.2 mm

184.2 x 1219.2 mm

184.2 x 1219.2 mm

184.2 x 1219.2 mm

184.2 x 1219.2 mm

Plank Size:

Plank Size:

Plank Size:

Plank Size:

Plank Size:

184.2 x 1219.2 mm

184.2 x 1219.2 mm

184.2 x 1219.2 mm

184.2 x 1219.2 mm

184.2 x 1219.2 mm

Plank Size:

Plank Size:

Plank Size:

Plank Size:

Plank Size:

184.2 x 1219.2 mm

184.2 x 1219.2 mm

184.2 x 1219.2 mm

184.2 x 1219.2 mm

184.2 x 1219.2 mm

*Parquet available, see next page

29

28 Elegance 28/10/2019 12:15Aura 2019 BROCHURE-AW.indd 29

Elegance Aura 2019 BROCHURE-AW.indd 28

28/10/2019 12:16

Featuring authentic plank to plank contrast in shade

ur

es

a

m

ic

ro

be

ve

l

Featuring authentic plank to plank contrast in shade

l

Fe

at

ve

a

ro

ic

m

be

re Plank Size: tu ea s

F

184.2 x 1219.2 mm

Traditional Grey Oak Parquet | 3801

Features a micro bevel

Plank Size:

Plank Size:

184.2 x 1219.2 mm

184.2 x 1219.2 mm

Parquet Size:76.2 76.2 xx228.6 mm mm Parquet Size: 228.6

Plank Size:

Plank Size:

184.2 x 1219.2 mm

184.2 x 1219.2 mm

Features a micro bevel Features a micro bevel

Christchurch Oak Parquet | 3802

Parquet Size: 76.2 x 228.6 Parquet Size: 76.2 228.6 mm |mm Christchurch Oakx Parquet 3802 Parquet Size: 76.2 x 228.6 mm

Single Plank Parquet with Double Plank Border

Wood Block Parquet

(Traditional Grey Oak 3037) and Gold Feature Strip

Wood Block Parquet

Single Parquet with Double Plank Border (Traditional Grey Oak 3037) and Gold Feature Strip 16

Wood Block Parquet 22

Elegance Aura 2019 BROCHURE-AW.indd 16

THE STOCKLISTS April 2022

28

22

28/10/2019 12:13 Elegance Aura 2019 BROCHURE-AW.indd 22 Elegance Aura 2019 BROCHURE-AW.indd 22

28/10/2019 12:14

28/10/2019 12:14

23

TR ADECO NEW PRICE LIST – APRIL 2022

Updated Rates Exclusively for The Stocklists Magazine Trade Price List “DON’T FORGET” MAKE SURE TO REGISTER YOUR NEW TRADE ACCOUNT TODAY sales@tradeco.uk – 01144 000 120 or contact our operations manager Ms Chloe Wright on 07833 660 451 + We are also looking for new sales reps/agents to join our team, apply now to chloe@tradeco.uk

PATTERN BOOK RANGES

Cuts Unit Rate

Rolls Unit Rate

Westminster Saxony – 2200gr/m2 – 100% Millsoft Polypropylene Heavy Weight Saxony

£11.16/m2 +VAT

£9.50/m2 +VAT

Luxe Super Soft – 1450gr/m2 – 100% Polyester Micro Fibre Tech Soft Touch Fine Cut Pile

£8.53/m2 +VAT

£7.45/m2 +VAT

Wilder – 47mm Artificial Grass 70% Polyethylene / 30% Polypropylene Exterior Grade Monofilament Mix

£10.60/m

2

+VAT

—

Tradeco’s famous Grade A & second choice clearance job lots.

A. Category Clearance Roll Stock B. Category Clearance Roll Stock C. Category Clearance Roll Stock D. Category Clearance Roll Stock E. Category Clearance Roll Stock F. Category Clearance Roll Stock G. Category Clearance Roll Stock H to Z Categories are available in same pricing pyramid structure

N/A £1.50 m2 N/A £2.50 m2 N/A £2.99 m2 N/A £3.50 m2 N/A £3.99 m2 N/A £4.50 m2 N/A £4.99 m2 Continued as above

BULK DEALS DEAL 1

Grade A 100% polyester multi roll deal • Tradeco’s luxe super soft 4m width – 4 shade available.

• 100% microfibre polyester – dual backing.

• 8 roll minimum – DISCOUNTED package deal – while stocks last.

starting from

£5.45m

2

+VAT

DEAL 2

STAUF adhesive PUK447/D3/D8.

• Mixed load of STAUF adhesive.

• Limited stock availability.

• 125 tubs average.

£8.75

+VAT PER TUB

TRADECO IS NOW HIRING Are you looking for a sales career?

Come and join the fastest growing wholesaler in the carpet industry

Call 07586 993 821 to apply now Nationwide availability

MAKE SURE TO TRY TRADECO’S FAMOUS, SECOND CHOICE CONTAINER PACKAGES 2 Starting at just £1.63m +VAT With more then 7,000 Rolls of Job Lot & B Grade stock deals, Tradeco has become the leading name in the UK’s volume clearance carpet industry.

EVEN MORE QUICK CLEARANCE DEALS ENDLESS JOB LOT SPECIALS AVAILABLE ON ON 07833 660 451 OR 07586 993 821

INDUSTRIAL GRADE CARPET TILES (140M2 PER PALLET) • 1000 x 1000 mm Heavy Duty • 100% Nylon, PVC Backed Now just £8.99m2+VAT

WOOD FLOORING Door Bars and Beading • Grade A, old stock package • Mixed pallet deal – randomly selected

from 49p +VAT each per pallet – job lot only

GREY WOOD EFFECT ‘VALENTIA’ PORCELAIN TILES • 150mm x 900mm x 10mm – 1.08m2 per pack (46 packs per pallet)

from just £7.85m2+VAT

GRADE A CONTRACT SPEC CARPET • Variety of colours and types available • Majority 4m width

from £3m2+VAT

‘IMPORTANT MESSAGED FROM THE TRADECO TEAM – Due to the continued price increase in materials, energy, transport and labour - Tradeco Limited are subject to a 3%-5% price increase on all stock from Monday 4th April 2022. We hope to continue working with all of our customers during these times and thank you for being understanding. We appreciate your custom during these times.

THE UK’s LARGEST NATIONWIDE INDEPENDENT CARPET, FLOORING & ARTIFICIAL GRASS WHOLESALER Call Tradeco on 01144 000120 / 07833 660451 Visit our main warehouses at: Unit 1, Kiveton Park Ind Est, Manor Rd, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S26 6PB

(Based on 25 or more rolls – single roll prices from £3.99m2+vat) GRADE A 100 WOOL ‘WINDSOR VELVET’ AND 80/20 WOOL ‘NEXUS’ • 4m and 5m lengths • Average 7 colours per range

from £6.99m2+VAT

Limited stock availability - clearance deal

WHY SETTLE

FOR LESS? …when you can get style and versatility with the new water resistant laminate from Verona.

Laminate flooring can be used in any room of the house, plus it offers up endless style options with its wide range of colours and patterns. Durable, hard wearing and water resistant, HydroClick is a great choice for residential and commercial high-traffic entrance hallways, kitchens, bathrooms and more!

Get in touch today...

to find out about our extensive marketing materials and bespoke display stands.

Dean Smith National Sales Manager

07917 972 500 dean.smith@veronagroup.co.uk

Chris Lamb North/Scotland

07909 039 867 chris.lamb@veronagroup.co.uk

Adam Curran South

07786 047 776 adam.curran@veronagroup.co.uk

Scan here for more info or go to www.veronagroup.co.uk to browse more ranges THE STOCKLISTS February 2022

0113 244 4984 sales@veronagroup.co.uk www.veronagroup.co.uk

V E RO N A 25

NEW TUDOR TWIST Classic • Regal

POS available to order now

Classic

26 Twist, Denim Tudor

myvictoria.co.uk

TY

15

AR

N

WE A

TY N

BR

MOT

ENT

LI

T

EL

WARRA

ARRA RW

Y NT

AR

WE

WE

L LY R E S I

ARRA RW

Y NT

REE LIV HF

ING

WOO

ISH WO OL

M

RA

U

10%

WIDTHS

IT

N AT

10%

PP

ICH B

ND LE

LR

WE A

To find out more, contact 01562 749300 or email sales@myvictoria.co.uk.

WARRA

Regal THE STOCKLISTS April 2022

Get your free sample delivered today.

Call 01924 451 138 or email sales@wilsons-underlays.co.uk wilsons-underlays.co.uk

10mm thick feels fantastic underfoot

Incorporates memory foam providing astonishing comfort Excellent compression recovery helps to resist furniture indentation marks

Astonishing comfort.

DPM membrane acts as a moisture barrier, perfect for areas which might encounter damp

OFFI CI

I DESIGNED

GDOM KIN

THE STOCKLISTS April 2022

SPONSOR O AL

C

D FORMA AN

DE EHY LD

U THE NITED

ITA FF

N

LOW VO

Memory foam provides exceptional comfort, whilst the DPM membrane acts as a moisture barrier

27

Accolade This superb heathered range is made from quality British wool in a perfect 80/20 blend. Available in 2 weights (40oz & 55oz) and 20 shades, this range adds effortless style to any home.

SCOTLAND MARK VINTER M: 07775 902 376

NORTH WEST & CUMBRIA JOHN ROSTRON M: 07973 733208

NORTH EAST BECKY GIBBONS M: 07970 491 215

EAST MIDLANDS STEVE FURNISS M: 07773 384 787

YORKSHIRE ALDO BERETTONI M: 07971 173 560

WEST MIDLANDS DEAN STANLEY M: 07572 758010

SALES DIRECTOR

SOUTH WALES, BRISTOL, & GLOUCESTERSHIRE PAUL POWELL M: 07968 186150

OXFORDSHIRE, WILTSHIRE, HAMPSHIRE ANDREW JEFFERIES M: 07831 457102

SOUTH EAST & LONDON ANDREW GOLDSMITH M: 07432 119 220

NORTHERN IRELAND GARY O’BOYLE M: 07831 220 675

CORNWALL/DEVON/ SOMERSET/DORSET BRENDAN HART M: 07850 130221

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND LARRY WHITE M: 0862 594 126

KEITH MORGAN M: 07710 701063

SALES OFFICE

T: 01429 892537

THOMAS WITTER Support your British manufacturer

VIEW LOGI ST I CS, PARK V I EW ROAD EAST, H ART L E P O O L, TS 25 1HT

E: SALES @THO MASWITTER.CO M

T: 01429 892537

WWW.T H O M ASW I T T E R .CO M 28

THE STOCKLISTS April 2022

FLOORINGNEWS Organic design Featuring Baobab and Trammel, Structures Collection by Louis de Poortere uses altered woven loop pile heights, yarn thickness and densities to create a deep relief effect.

Bringing depth to the organic design in Baobab and the linear net-like formation of Trammel, the pronounced effect is distinct and apparent at every angle.

Baobab is the tree symbol of Senegal, which its inhabitants believe has magical powers. The spirits of ancestors are thought to live in the trunks of these gigantic trees and Louis de Poortere’s design is inspired by the bark. Baobab perpetuates the tree’s magical spirit across a palette of rich green, copper, blue, black, oyster, gold and beige. The rug also comes in a brand-new circle shape (240cm diameter).

“ Featuring Baobab and Trammel, Structures Collection by Louis de Poortere uses altered woven loop pile heights, yarn thickness and densities to create a deep relief effect.”

Where’s the catch?

There isn’t one with buying groups says Jon page 48

A legend with a legacy at Victoria - Barry Enever page 52

Echoing the structure of a fishing net, Trammel’s distinct layers create volume as if filtering the sea and catching the eye. Tone on tone, Trammel’s timeless design is presented in expanses of blue, beige, white, black, gold and green. This style is also available in Louis de Poortere’s new circle shape, as well as a standard collection of rectangular styles.

Both Baobab and Trammel are made from polyester, for a shimmering quality that catches light to accentuate the depth of each structured design. An anti-slip latex backing is standard. Part of Louis de Poortere’s Rug Collection 2022, the Structure Collection is ready to view in the new brochure can now be downloaded from the company’s website. www.louisdepoortere.com

New head of Headlam Chris Payne steps up page 40

Titanium toughs it out With design variety and superb durability, Avenue’s Titanium XT cushion vinyl collection is ready to be enjoyed in any home.

With designs such as the gold lined hexagon of Treviso and the futuristic geometric of Jester, the Titanium XT collection from Avenue is certainly a cushion vinyl floor that’s ready for today’s design conscious homeowner. Add in classic limestone tiles, herringbone woods, classic oak planks and concrete effects, and this is a rounded collection that holds something for everyone.

Titanium XT’s cushion vinyl construction is made for the toughest spaces, so whether an open plan living space or a home office that’s used more than ever, it’s stylish looks stay looking that way. Supremely durable, Titanium XT is the Avenue floor to choose for homes that need a long-lasting and easy to look after finish. Equipped with Superguard for better resistant to stains and a surface that’s simple to keep clean, as well as featuring added slip resistance, Titanium XT’s performance is among the very best.

“Titanium XT has always been a popular option for homeowners that wanted something tougher than the norm,” says Stuart Reeves, sales manager, IVC Group. “Its super modern designs look really sophisticated, and there’s also a good range of classics in the wood and tile looks that have made it such a popular part of our collection.”

Titanium XT comes with a 15-year warranty and free samples can be ordered through the website.

www.avenuefloors.co.uk

THE STOCKLISTS April 2022

29

FLOORINGNEWS Selling reality InSitu As part of its ongoing commitment to supporting sales for independent retailers, Verona has recently launched a new augmented reality (AR) room visualiser, InSitu. A highly effective selling tool, InSitu is set to transform the way in which consumers buy tiles, supporting them in making more confident wall and floor design choices.

Designed to complement Verona’s extensive product range and supporting POS materials, InSitu has been developed in conjunction with leading visualisation specialists to provide retailers with an additional sales tool. Through harnessing the power of modern technology, InSitu will enhance the tile buying journey for retailers and their customers alike, whether sourcing tiles for kitchens, bathrooms, hallways or outdoor spaces.

Optimised to work on any device including mobiles and desktops, users can upload a photo of their room and experiment with various designs and layouts to see what suits their space. There is also the option to choose from a selection of stylised room sets for those who don’t want to upload their own image. The final look can then be emailed or printed and sent to a local retailer to streamline the buying process and drive more conversions.

There are currently around 200 products to choose from within the InSitu tool, with the rest of the portfolio set to be added in the coming months.

Building a rapport Leoline’s Rapport cushion vinyl floor is a range that delivers on style and value for today’s budget-savvy home In a selection of classic wood stone and tile effects giving a modern makeover with on-trend colours, Leoline’s Rapport cushion vinyl range delivers a stylish floor that’s also exceptional value. With Superguard protection for better cleanability and resistance to stains and scuffs, Rapport is ideal for busy family areas and can also be used in bathrooms thanks to its added slip-resistance.

“ Rapport’s a great entry into the quality of Leoline cushion vinyl floors. It brings comfort and some value-added features that can really make a difference when it comes to liveability and designs that are ready to bring a stylish and appealing floor throughout the home.”

Jayne Adamson, Marketing Manager at Verona comments: “Customer support is one of our top priorities which is why we’re always looking for new ways to innovate and make sales easier. With the industry becoming more digitally driven, now is the time to invest in a room visualiser, offering a clever alternative to traditional tile samples.

“We plan to start small as we gather feedback, but we will soon be rolling this out to its full capacity with our entire product collection to ensure it’s a successful tool for our customers. With InSitu, visons are made a reality and retailers will be able to give their customers the confidence to find the perfect tile for their space.”

T 0113 244 4984

The range comes in 15 different design options, covering ceramic tile looks – great in bathrooms and utility areas – to natural stone tiles, herringbone wood patterns and rustic wood planks. With Leoline’s Natural Look and Feel, which includes a realistic texture and matt surface finish, each design brings a great looking floor that’s also warm and comfortable underfoot.

Stuart Reeves, sales manager, says: “Rapport’s a great entry into the quality of Leoline cushion vinyl floors. It brings comfort and some valueadded features that can really make a difference when it comes to liveability and designs that are ready to bring a stylish and appealing floor throughout the home.”

www.leoline.co.uk

www.veronagroup.co.uk

Roll up to the carpet museum!

Now that travel is opening up again for tourism, flooring people might consider an adventurous option – Baku in Azerbaijan and its amazing carpet-shaped construction.

The Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum on Baku Boulevard gets a 4.5 start rating on Trip Advisor and one reviewer commented that it was “beautifully presented in a way that only oil money can buy – the contents are, quite simply, fabulous - an amazing collection of subtle art and craftsmanship spanning centuries.”

Baku is regarded as a cultural capital of the Caucasus region and Azerbaijan is an ancient centre of carpet-weaving with archaeological evidence indicating carpet-weaving dated to the 2nd millennium BC. The building was conceived in the sixties – but we’ve only just discovered it so we thought we’d share the eccentric enjoyment!

30

www.azcarpetmuseum.az

THE STOCKLISTS April 2022

For those ‘think big’ moments.

grand majestic.

Celebrate the majesty of nature with our extra-long and super-wide planks. Designed & made in Norway, Grand Majestic represents the latest evolution in the progressive technology of BerryAlloc® High Pressure Floors. Merging trend shaping aesthetics with high performance, Grand Majestic is the pinnacle of our HPF innovation: the world’s strongest laminate floor in a plank of extraordinary dimensions that remains easy to fit and simple to care for.

extreme scratch & impact resistant extra long & extra wide THE STOCKLISTS April 2022

water resistant

Get in touch with us North: Richard Comboy T + 44 7496 293150 richard.comboy@berryalloc.com Midlands & South West: Ross Tooth T + 44 7949 151269 ross.tooth@berryalloc.com

London & South East: Guy Ferguson T + 44 7940 455917 guy.ferguson@berryalloc.com

high pressure floors. 31

FLOORINGNEWS It’s all about the bounce With bouncebackability, floorwise is helping everyone to better understand how selecting the right carpet underlay can be the start of a fantastic floor.

With any carpet underlay, there is a balance between comfort and durability; achieving the perfect balance between these characteristics is what bouncebackability is all about. By matching the ratio of density and thickness of the underlay to the specific application, floorwise can help consumers fine-tune performance to deliver the perfect combination of comfort and recovery at any price point.

“ Choosing the right underlay can be confusing for many consumers and we see bouncebackability as a great way to provide helpful guidance to make the right selection at any price point.”

Increasing density gives a firmer feeling underfoot but improves long-term recovery, so for the most demanding areas – such as in many commercial environments – floorwise UHD+ underlays are the best option, delivering bouncebackability that won’t fade over time even under high-levels of foot traffic. In contrast in domestic bedrooms, where foot traffic is far lower and often barefoot, comfort is the priority. Here a thicker, lower density underlay will give a much greater feeling of comfort, meaning that

11 or 12mm thick underlays in HD+ or MD+ can deliver just the right level of bouncebackability.

Richard Bailey, managing director, floorwise, says: “Choosing the right underlay can be confusing for many consumers and we see bouncebackability as a great way to provide helpful guidance to make the right selection at any price point. So, whether choosing an underlay for a hallway, staircase or landing in a luxury home or for a bedroom in a first property, with bouncebackability customers will always find the right balance of comfort and durability.” floorwise provides a range of carpet underlays in PU, blown rubber, rubber crumb and wool felt to provide a solution with the ideal bouncebackability for any subfloor and carpet combination.

T 01509 673974

www.floorwise.co.uk

F. Ball supports vinyl volunteers Products donated by F. Ball and Co. Ltd., including the company’s Stopgap 1200 Pro levelling compound, have been used to prepare subfloors as part of the renovation of the Coventry Caribbean Community Centre prior to its reopening to coincide with Coventry’s UK City of Culture status last year.

Opened in 1983, the centre was established as a permanent base for what was the ‘Coventry West Indian Association’, which aimed to promote integration of members of the Windrush generation and the wider community. Apart from serving as a meeting place, the centre hosted events, including weddings, charity fundraisers and Caribbean music performances. However, it had fallen into disrepair prior to the coronavirus pandemic.

A call-out for volunteers and sponsors was issued, with the aim of revitalising and relaunching the centre in 60 days. This was answered by instructors from the Amtico Training Academy in Coventry, who came forward to install Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVTs) in the 150m2 function room for free, with F. Ball supplying the subfloor preparation products.

Firstly, they removed old floorcoverings, revealing a rough screed. A moisture test also indicated that subfloor relative humidity levels were above the 75% maximum threshold for installing floorcoverings. Installers therefore opted to use F. Ball’s Stopgap 1200 Pro to smooth subfloors. The levelling compound can be applied directly over minimal, well-bonded old adhesive residues. In such applications, there is no need to prime surfaces beforehand.

It is also moisture tolerant, meaning that it can be used to smooth rough or uneven subfloors prior to the application of a waterproof surface. This avoids the liquid waterproof surface membrane pooling in undulations and necessitating a greater quantity of the product to achieve full coverage. It is walk-on hard in as little as 60 minutes and ready to receive floorcoverings from four hours.

F. Ball’s Stopgap F77 one-part waterproof surface membrane was then applied “We were very pleased to offer our expertise to to prevent excess subfloor moisture attacking floorcoverings and adhesives, help with this invaluable community project.” potentially causing complete floor failure. The product dries in as little as three hours to create a barrier against moisture values of up to 98% RH with a single said Paul Ager, Amtico technical training instructor. coat application. Once dry, the surface was primed using F. Ball’s Stopgap P141, which is designed especially to promote the adhesion of levelling compounds to non-absorbent surfaces, including waterproof surface membranes, and coloured yellow to help guage coverage. Another layer of Stopgap 1200 Pro was then used to create a perfectly smooth base for the receipt of new floorcoverings.

Once the levelling compound had cured, Amtico Spacia ‘Metropolis Smoke’ stone-effect LVTs were installed in the majority of the floor area, with premium Amtico Form ‘Opal’ hexagonal tiles positioned around the bar area for visual interest.

Commenting on the project, Paul Ager, Amtico technical training instructor, said: “We were very pleased to offer our expertise to help with this invaluable community project. Using F. Ball’s Stopgap 1200 Pro meant that we didn’t have to mechanically prepare the subfloors, saving time and avoiding disruption to other trades, helping to complete the renovation in the allocated time frame.”

T 01583 361 633 32

www.f-ball.co.uk THE STOCKLISTS April 2022

Create your own bespoke colour with ‡ our unique dye service

B A R R I N GTO N LO O P C O L L EC T I O N

Standard Colours 12 to choose from

3 Fold Loop Yarn helps prevent crushing

Suitable for Underfloor Heating please check with your system manufacturer before installation

100% Premium Wool natural, renewable, durable insulating, soft & beautiful

5 Widths Available

1m, 3.66m, 4m, 4.57m & 5m all widths an exact colour match

To order samples and visualise your flooring choice visit westexflooring.com THE STOCKLISTS April 2022

‡ For Bespoke Colours a minimum order quantity applies. Special Dyes must meet your approval before full production is started.

33

FLOORINGNEWS A badge with benefits Undergoing the Master Installer programme at the Academy doesn’t just improve your installation credentials, it also opens access to a range of business benefits.

After successfully passing the Master Installer programme, installers not only become Quick-Step approved installation professionals, but they can also start to enjoy a range of exclusive business benefits, most notably a manufacturer-backed lifetime warranty on workmanship that gives peace of mind for homeowners.

Alongside the warranty, all Master Installers feature on the Quick-Step website, which received more than 13,000 searches for installers in 2021. As online shopping grows exponentially, this number is likely to increase and is just another great reason to sign-up for a course at the Academy.

Lee Thompson, technical and procurement manager, Academy for Excellence in Flooring: “Undoubtedly, the lifetime workmanship warranty is a big reason for consumers to select a Master Installer to fit their new Quick-Step wood, laminate or vinyl floor, but being listed on the Quick-Step website, which received over 100,000 stockist enquiries in 2021 alone, is also a big reason to become a Master Installer. The pandemic has changed shopping habits, and this has been felt in the flooring industry. Online enquiries offer an increasingly valuable stream from customers looking for quality workmanship. Online is now not necessarily about hunting out the lowest price.”

Alongside the website listing, Master Installers are also given access to the Quick-Step stockist database within their area, allowing them to build links with any of the brand’s outlets listed on the website and forming valuable relationships that can provide a regular flow of work.

Other perks of the Master Installer scheme include a free technical helpline, marketing packs, ID card, quotation guidance and warranty forms. As Lee is keen to point out, it is a compelling package: “The professionalism of installers is hugely important for consumers as they are often spending considerable amounts on a new floor, so having the right tools available to build confidence shouldn’t be underestimated..”

The Master Installer programme is available for laminate, vinyl and wood floors. The three-day pass or fail course covers practical, technical and theoretical knowledge to ensure that the programme represents the industry’s most highly-skilled installers. All Master Installers are required to refresh their skills every three-years to ensure that high standards of workmanship are upheld.

www.quick-step-academy.co.uk

London calling for Mary Kährs UK are delighted to promote Mary Clark to Commercial Sales and London Studio Manager.

Mary has been supporting project sales and project customers within her internal role for the last 5 years at Kährs UK. Mary will manage and steer all commercial project sales on wood & LVT flooring within key project sectors from the Kährs Design Studio in London Clerkenwell.

Kährs wish Mary great success in her new role.

T 023 9245 3045 www.kahrs.com

Developing Dutch expertise F. Ball and Co. Ltd., has appointed Kees-Jan van Eeren as technical support advisor for the Netherlands.

In his new role, Kees-Jan will provide expert technical advice, training and on-site assistance to flooring contractors, wholesalers and retailers in the Netherlands to enable them to get the most out of F. Ball products.

This will include producing case-specific reports advising on the best course of action for particular flooring installations.

Kees-Jan has been involved in flooring since he was a child, when his father, also a flooring contractor, taught him the basics of subfloor preparation and flooring installation. He later spent 14 years in the Netherlands Marine Corp, during which time he was deployed on various missions worldwide, before starting his own flooring business. He has been a flooring contractor for the last 10 years.

Commenting on his appointment, Kees-Jan said: I’m really excited about the chance to use my knowledge and experience to inspire flooring professionals, in particular instilling fitters a sense of pride in their work, and help them to achieve better results using F. Ball products. I used them exclusively in my previous role, and I’ve always been impressed by how well thought out the range is and how their quality and user-friendliness makes tasks easier and more efficient.”

F. Ball export business manager for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Jonathan Goold, added: “Kees-Jan has shown a track record of commitment to promoting the highest standards of floorcovering installation. This experience and knowledge of F. Ball products, makes him the ideal technical support advisor.” A family man, Kees-Jan has two children, a daughter (17) and a son (15). In his spare time he enjoys hiking, swimming and football.

T 01538 361 633 www.f-ball.co.uk 34

THE STOCKLISTS April 2022

Premium quality. Guaranteed

Condor Grass bv Euroweg 3, 8061 SB | P.O. Box 21, 8060 AA | Hasselt, The Netherlands T +31 (0)38 477 89 11 | F +31 (0)38 477 89 22 | E info@condorgrass.com

W W W . C O N D O R - G R O U P. E U THE STOCKLISTS April 2022

35

CRAFT by Kährs - coming in May 2022 Passion for timeless flooring Founded in 1857 in Sweden, Kährs is one of the oldest manufacturers of wood floors in the world. Kährs’ key to success is their passion for creating timeless floors with a constant focus on quality. All wood knowledge, accumulated over the years, has been passed down from generation to generation, with a constant focus on finding new ways to make Kährs floors stronger, easier to install and more sustainable.

Armed with solid knowledge, innovative spirit and craftmanship, Kährs has drawn from existing knowledge and expertise in wood flooring to create a brand-new range of Luxury Vinyl Tiles.

The CRAFT by Kährs range includes three new collections in natural wood patterns and colours.

All floors feature the trusted Kährs ceramic surface, giving outstanding protection against wear and tear, as well as damage from moisture and liquids.

All floors are easy to install with a 5G Click system, providing excellent stability. The built-in soundreducing system makes the floors soft to walk on and contributes to a calm, quiet room atmosphere.

With an even greater focus on a natural appearance, the three collections include Kährs’ most popular LVT wood design floors, as well as floors in brand-new colours and designs.

Kährs UK Ltd Unit C5 Endeavour Business Park, Penner Road, Havant, PO9 1QN Tel: 023 9245 3045 sales@kahrs.com www.kahrs.com

BREEZE COLLECTION

Featuring natural colours ranging from light to dark, the Kährs Breeze Collection is characterised by a sophisticated look that works in harmony with any interior. The breath of nature has been the inspiration for this collection, made up of six different floors in calm grade wood designs.

Tiveden

Fontin

Hanmer

Tiveden

Wentwood

Whinfell

Yukon

Contact your local Kährs UK representative for more information:

North, Central West and Wales Mark Aitken: mark.aitken@kahrs.com Central East and Northern London Marcus Bowes: marcus.bowes@kahrs.com South and Southern London Peter Lewis: peter.lewis@kahrs.com

36

THE STOCKLISTS April 2022

NATURE COLLECTION

NORDIC CLASSIC COLLECTION

The Kährs Nature Collection features warm, calming colours and a characterful wood design, enhanced by realistic grain, knots and cracks.

The soothing colours and patterns of nature inspired this collection, including seven different LVT floors with a lively wood grading design.

Inspired by the timeless beauty of Scandinavian nature, Nordic Classic is the most rustic collection in the CRAFT by Kährs range. The realistic wood design of the nine different wood-design floors is enhanced by registered embossing for an authentic look and feel.

Sapo

Blaiken

Aspen

Oulanka

Akkelis

Blaiken

Didnok

Redwood

Sapo

Foloi

Irati

Kilsbergen

Otago

Pando

Takayna

Sarek

THE STOCKLISTS April 2022

Saxon

Taiga

37

FLOORINGNEWS Super sampling centre ADP Distribution has announced that their sister company SampleWorx, will now be joining the ADP Distribution superhero team to offer the very best sample fulfilment service.

SampleWorx is based at the same location as ADP Distribution in Cradley Heath, West Midlands, offering a fantastic central location for providing a dedicated flooring industry sample production and fulfilment service. The new champion for the sample fulfilment service is Sample Girl and we welcome her to the ADP Distribution team.

SampleWorx has over 50 years of combined specialist experience working with companies to produce innovative and creative sampling solutions including display boards, folders and swatches for various types of materials such as Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT), carpet tiles, vinyl, laminate flooring, wooden flooring and accessories. They offer a versatile service for various sized projects and their creative team are able to manage your project, budgets and deadlines. Their sample fulfilment team services clients in every market, from retail and contract to international commercial markets and can distribute your sampling projects both in the UK and Europe direct to the consumer.

ADP Distribution provides seven main services including distribution, carpet distribution, installation, merchandising, project management, fulfilment and overnight & international parcel deliveries. The merge of the two companies has strengthened our network and created a valuable one stop solution for our retail and commercial flooring market customers, which is supported by our excellent customer care service and client satisfaction record.

T 0121 559 6783

www.adp-distribution.co.uk

Classy classic cork Combining the comfort benefits of natural cork with the classic looks of wood and stone, Vita Classic by Granorte has been updated to include new looks.

Capturing the unique textures of natural wood and stone, Vita Classic uses state-of-the-art digital technology to print directly onto a layer of highdensity cork, bringing the look of more conventional natural finishes but with the comfort, sustainability and performance of cork.

Granorte has updated Vita Classic with five new wood looks and a brand-new concrete design in five colours, bringing the collection up to an impressive 46 unique designs. In Sparkle, Silk, Essential, Crispy and Chill, Granorte introduces an elegant wood décor in five warming natural shades. Concrete Warm, Concrete Light, Concrete Grey, Concrete Dark and Concrete Cream bring the modern look of concrete. All designs come with an embossed finish and matt surface.

“Granorte has updated Vita Classic with five new wood looks and a brand-new concrete design in five colours, bringing the collection up to an impressive 46 unique designs.”

Each design is protected with Granorte’s WearPlus coating for scratchresistance and protection from stains. Achieving Class 23 and Class 32 in accordance with EN ISO 1874, the floor can be used in both residential and commercial projects.

The multi-layer Vita Classic features a HDF core and cork underlay with integrated Microban protection that helps to improve sound performance and walking comfort. Available in Uniclic floating or gluedown specifications, Vita Classic by Granorte is a great way to introduce the benefits of cork into projects looking for a natural wood or stone floor finish.

T 01785 711131

www.granorte.co.uk

Rolling out innovation BerryAlloc exhibited at KBB Birmingham 2022, revealing its Wall&Water concept to visitors at Europe’s leading kitchen, bathroom and bedroom event.

BerryAlloc joined distributor International Decorative Surfaces to unveil Wall&Water at KBB Birmingham 2022, as well as to show recent updates to its HPF, Ocean+, Chateau and DreamClick flooring collections. The event attracted visitors from across the country, many visiting the brand’s impressive show truck as they looked for inspirational products for kitchen, bathroom and bedroom projects.

Scott Arundell, sales director, says: “We joined IDS (International Decorative Surfaces) for the launch of Wall&Water that brings a tiled look in no time at all. The smart, time-saving system has 10 designs in seven sizes that can be quickly installed in bathrooms, either onto a wooden framework or glued onto solid walls. The response the collection received was really pleasing and we’re looking forward to delivering it to market with IDS.” The show was also an opportunity to show KBB visitors that BerryAlloc has a range of floors for kitchen, bathroom and bedroom use. Innovations such as the water-resistant Ocean+ laminate and DreamClick – a rigid vinyl flooring that’s quiet and easy to install – housed in the brand’s show truck, demonstrated an impressive range of flooring that’s unmatched in today’s market.

Attendance at KBB was part of BerryAlloc’s fast growth strategy for the UK as the Belgian company looks to expand its retail network and build specification relationships across the country.

T +32 56 52 84 80 38

www.berryalloc.com THE STOCKLISTS April 2022

CUSTOMER LOYALTY SCHEME POINTS MEAN PRIZES! Collect points on your favourite UZIN products and exchange them for WOLFF Tools, Gift Cards or Merchandise!

See www.uzin.co.uk for more details

THE STOCKLISTS April 2022

39

FLOORINGBUSINESSNEWS “Strong rebound” sees 15% sales boost at Headlam

Flooring inflation powers ahead

Headlam, Europe’s biggest flooring distributor, has reported a strong rebound in sales and a return to profits, describing 2021 as a “very positive year.”.

Consumer price inflation in non-carpet flooring is running at 20% - well ahead of the 6.2% increase in general inflation.

The UK-based plc said sales for 2021 were up 15.4% to £667.2m in their final results for the year. Gross margin increased to a record 33.0% “owing to the inflationary environment through much of the year”.

Profits were £24.4 million in the year to December 31, which compared with a £20.3m loss due to Covid impacts in 2020.

Philip Lawrence, non-executive chairman, commented: “2021 was a very positive year for the Company on a number of fronts. Financial performance rebounded strongly from 2020, when the first half was materially impacted by the emergence of COVID 19; industry-wide issues were able to be largely mitigated; and significant progress was made in implementing the business change strategy “The Company enters 2022 a far more focused, capable and modern business, with greater opportunity and competitive advantage to support customers and grow financial performance,” he said.

The latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows record inflation for the furnishing sector of 14.7% in February - continuing a trend that has seen prices rises every month since last July.

Carpets and rugs are more or less in line with general inflation at 6.6% but non-textile categories are running at 20.1% compared to 14.3% in January, reflecting a greater reliance on the cost of imported goods.

Double digit growth for flooring retail in 2021 Flooring retailers saw double-digit growth in 2021 despite lockdowns in the first quarter of the year as consumers switched back to physical stores and invested in their homes.

Research by The Furnishing Report says the sector’s sales grew to £9 billion in 2021, up nearly a third on the previous year with more than 80% of those purchases in-store. Internet sales were a third lower, reflecting the return to face-to-face retailing, but online was still 73% ahead of pre-pandemic levels.

Headlam noted in its report that the performance of new and improved trade counters under a national roll out programme was exceeding initial expectations, with good customer feedback and would accelerate.

The Furnishing Report says double-digit increases were seen across beds and carpets between October and December on a year-over-year basis with more modest single-digit rises for cabinet and upholstery.

The company’s enhanced digital offer, including a new mobile app launched in November 2021, had generated a “pleasing customer response,” it said.

A full report on flooring retail sales for Q4 and the full year 2021 is available from The Furnishing Report.

Supply chain issues hold back ScS

New head of Headlam

Supply chain issues at major furniture and flooring chain ScS held back performance with the group recording a loss for the second half of last year, but the order book is booming.

Chris Payne is stepping up permanently to the chief executive role at Europe’s largest flooring distributor Headlam plc, and the group has appointed a new chairman.

Steve Carson, Chief Executive Officer of ScS, commented: “Like many retailers, supply chain disruption has impacted the Group’s first half results. Whilst this has been frustrating, it has enabled the business to accumulate a strong order book and we are focused on delivering it through the second half of the year.”

That demand is demonstrated by a like-for-like order intake up 16.6% in the first half and growing to 37.7% up in the 33 weeks to March 19, 2021, though this compares to a period when stores were partly closed.

Mr Carson said he was pleased with the current trading performance and expects that the strong order book will support a profitable second half of the year, but he added; “We are mindful of the ongoing impact of inflationary pressure on the Group, its customers and suppliers.”

The Board’s confidence in the future of the Group is demonstrated by the 50% increase in the interim dividend and the commencement of a £7m share buyback programme. “Financially the Group remains strong, with good cash flows and a strong balance sheet. Given the Group’s positive trading, we remain on track to meet full year market expectations,” said the Group’s statement to shareholders.

DAILY HEADLINES ARE POSTED TO OUR NEWS WEBSITE AT WWW.THESTOCKLISTS.COM

40

Mr Payne has been Interim chief executive and chief financial officer during the extensive independent search to replace Steve Wilson who announced he was stepping down last October.

Philip Lawrence, non-executive chairman, said: “We are delighted that Chris has been appointed chief executive. In the five years since he joined the Company, he has been a highly effective and commercial Chief Financial Officer, and a key architect of the business change strategy.

“Chris has provided strong leadership over the last five months as Interim Chief Executive which has seen continuing success coming through from the strategy, and we are confident he will lead the Company in achieving its aims,” he said.

Mr Lawrence also announced he has decided to step down after seven years on the group’s board. “I have enjoyed my time with Headlam, and as chairman in the last four years have presided over some notable changes with the Company in a significantly better place to grasp the opportunities of organic growth and scale,” he said.

Headlam plc are now recruiting for a chief financial officer to fill the role vacated by Chris Payne’s promotion.

FOLLOW @THESTOCKLISTS ON LINKEDIN + TWITTER FOR KEY ALERTS AND NEWS UPDATES

THE STOCKLISTS April 2022

Award Winning!

From

Made from

98% recycled materials 100% recyclable no ’ to waste

Say ‘

We asked consumers...

renu® underlay uses ethically sourced and genuinely recycled materials; keeping waste from landfill and being fully recyclable itself.

We conducted our own research and asked homeowners about the importance of recyclable and recycled products and found...

88% would choose a carpet underlay that is recycled/recyclable over one that is not.

99% of respondents recycle some if not all of their household waste.

‘Can be recycled at end of life’ is ranked most important when choosing any product for the home.

Survey commissioned by Interfloor in Nov’ 2020

Discover More www.interfloor.com/renu Underlay Manufacturer of the Year

THE STOCKLISTS April 2022

Best Underlay Manufacturer

Call Us 01706 238810 41

FLOORING INNOVATION AWARDS

Are you a ‘star’ retailer?

A And would your business benefit from national star status displayed in your advertising, internet and shop front presentation?

Reach for the National Retail Star Awards!

Following the huge success of the Flooring Innovation Awards, we’re launching an exciting new category for 2022, in association with The Flooring Show, to recognise exceptional retailers.

We’re asking readers and also sales reps from the leading flooring companies to nominate innovative retailers – or you can nominate yourself and tell us why you should be a retail star!

The judges will be looking for: • Innovation in sales techniques and technology • Inspiration in shop window display and presentation • Aspiration in new developments and/or staff initiatives The judges will pick eight winners from five English regions plus Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Innovation Awards organiser Bridgette Kelly, commented: “Many retailers have re-invented themselves during the pandemic and now is the time to get the recognition and an award will help boost the promotion of your business.”

The winners will be invited by The Flooring Show to a special event to receive their star trophy with a free overnight stay at the Majestic Hotel, Harrogate, for the occasion.

SALES REPS: Nominate your favourite retailers now and get them the recognition they deserve for being your best customer!

In association with THE FLOORING SHOW

BUYING GROUPS: Nominate those members who have made the most difference to their business in the last two years.

Nominators remain anonymous in award scheme publicity!

Manufacturers & suppliers - what’s new for you?

The Flooring Innovation Awards are back to build momentum for the best products and services in the business.

The National Flooring Innovation Awards sets out to identify products and services that are genuinely new and exceptional in the sector. Award categories cover not only flooring products, but also recognise achievements in service, technology and marketing.

Last year there were more than 100 submissions to the award scheme despite the challenges of Covid-19 and 34 shortlisted entries received the coveted Innovation Star. The judges then went on to select the Innovation Gold in each of 10 categories to receive the ultimate award.

Sponsored by THE STOCKLISTS

The awards scheme website is at www.flooringinnovationawards.com and gives full details of all the categories for 2022 and has an entry form for companies to make their first submissions to the judges.

ENTRIES OPEN NOW! at www.flooringinnovationawards.com 42

THE STOCKLISTS April 2022

WHY SHOP AROUND FOR CARPETS WHEN WE HAVE THEM ALL IN ONE PLACE?

• Greendale is a “not for profit” member owned cooperative. We make money for you

not from you.

• With over 200 ranges at best prices from top suppliers all renamed to colour level and

carpets from your own warehouse delivered by a top industry carrier.

• And as you have your own exclusive area and no internet competition you have full

control of your Greendale business.

PE CAR TS & F LE

ING OR LO

GREEN DA

FIND OUT MORE AT WWW.GREENDALECARPETS.CO.UK Telephone: 01432 852000

YEARS

1962

- 2022

43

FLOORING FOCUS

Independents all together. Not why, but why not?

Each year we take a closer look at the role of buying groups in our industry and explore the reasons why retailers should join. Maybe we are asking the wrong question – not why you should join, but why not?

Jon Richardson at the Associated Carpet Group comments: “I’m been in sales all my life I think I have been privy to every style of sales pitch there is – when offered something that sounds too good to be true, I would inevitably reply ‘where’s the catch’. This, I think, is the most common response I receive when discussing the benefits of membership with a curious retailer.”

Depending on how you work out figures, about a quarter of mainstream independent retailers have joined one of the five main buying groups in flooring, so what is holding the rest back? The clearest clue is in that word “independent.”

Retailing is most often a proprietorial business and the independence of its practitioners is strongly defended. But the buying groups totally get this and go out of their way to complement the activities of a retailer rather than take them over.

Joining a buying group is not like a set of marriage vows to love, honour and obey – the groups accept that their members may want to do things their own way and preserve a relationship they have with a particular rep or a special deal with the supplier.

The groups’ mission is to woo their members with even better deals and special promotions as well as a whole basket of other benefits that go beyond the basic advantages of bulk buying in group.

“We’re not a management company, we want you to run your business your way,” it says. “Our objective is to secure the best trading terms with the best selection of flooring suppliers.”

The Group is a not-for-profit organisation and works on a subscription fee basis and encourages its members to place as many orders as possible with the group’s preferred suppliers. Members receive 100% of the advantageous, pre-negotiated rebates which are paid directly to retailers by the suppliers.

ACG also prides itself on a highly professional, exclusive group label scheme under the three brands Smart Choice, Special Ediition and finesse.

Attractive, consistent point of sale units present competitive ranges of exclusive flooring – and, more importantly, avoiding the increasing threat of internet price comparison and retailer-to-retailer competition.

See also ACG the interview on page 48.

Metro is a group of independent retailers from the smallest operation to multiple-outlet businesses. Retaining independence is vital to Metro members, which is why all group activity is always optional, allowing members to select the best benefits of group membership while being 100% in control of their own businesses.

Since 1995 the group has had an own-label brand, Carpet 1st, encompassing the bestselling and best performing products. Members can maximise profits while supporting the group and authorised suppliers, under the Carpet1st brand or suppliers own branding.

New Group Member Nigel Mace chose to re-launch his business as Carpet 1st Plymouth following his Group membership.

The pandemic demonstrated much of this safety in numbers – while business was brisk for many retailers, the situation was always exceptionally demanding and buying groups played a significant role in helping businesses navigate the challenges, from social distancing, to supply chain issues, price fluctuations and enhanced internet competition.

And core to the appeal of many buying groups is the ability to use ownlabelling to protect margins from price comaprisons and internet window shopping. Members can deploy this marketing approach as much or as little as they wish to get the balance right between supplier brands, buying group brands and their own store’s branded specials.

The Associated Carpet Group (ACG) is one of the fastest growing groups with over 300 members across the UK and sets its pitch at generating greater profits and business growth – without risk.

The Group also offers a central buying facility with authorised suppliers, allowing members without direct accounts to order product from those suppliers.

Metro has a dedicated Marketing Department with over 30 years of retail flooring experience, specialising in bespoke solutions for independent flooring retailers. This service allows retailers’ showrooms, to be transformed, on-site, with remarkable results inside and out. The service particularly appeals to new members that have previously not had access to professional and impartial marketing advice, design and production of material.

ACG’s own flooring show in Warwick 44

Members qualify for £600 of free, bespoke marketing support each year.

This allowance can be spent on anything the Marketing Department can provide including display stands.. continued on page 46

THE STOCKLISTS April 2022

ACG IS AS EASY AS 1, 2 , 3…. ...TO GET THE MAXIMUM RETURN FROM YOUR MEMBERSHIP ENSURE THAT YOU HAVE ALL THE GROUP SUPPLIER ACCOUNTS THAT SUIT YOUR BUSINESS

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR SPECIALLY AGREED TERMS AND REGULAR PROMOTIONS WITH THE UK’S TOP SUPPLIERS

PROTECT YOUR BUSINESS FROM INTERNET AND HIGH STREET COMPARISONS BY UTILISING THE GROUPS OWN SMARTCHOICE BRAND.

The exclusivity of the Smart Choice brand protects and enhances members margins to a far greater extent Professional ‘own labels’ are created exclusively for ACG members to help protect against the growing number of internet and man in a van sellers. This allows us to offer significantly reduced and subsidised costs for in store display units from both preferred suppliers and ACG alike.

THESE PRINCIPLES WILL HELP YOU EARN SIGNIFICANT REBATE, INCREASE YOUR PROFITS AND PROTECT YOUR ORDERS. Tel: 01942 825520

www.acgcarpets.com 45

FLOORING FOCUS Independents all together. Not why, but why not? ...continued from page 44 SMG has something for every retailer, large or small, long established or just starting out. Members run their business as they see fit but gain advantage from the most comprehensive package of benefits around and, all for the lowest annual membership fee.

With over 450 retail outlets throughout the UK, SMG is the largest flooring buying group and can offer independent retail members a package of benefits which include preferential Group pricing, rebates, promotions, a central ordering facility and options for own branding.

Along with that, SMG offers retailers the opportunity to purchase furniture and beds from some of the top industry suppliers.

SMG offers members a selection of own branded unitary/product should they wish and the protection that offers retailers has made the Pure label a huge success.

Greendale’s showroom and warehouse not sold online. This offer is complemented by savings on manufacturer branded ranges giving members enhanced margin.

Other support includes a website, advertising and instore ticketing plus membership of the British Independent Retail Association which offers a range of support services for members including advantageous credit card and finance offers.

SMG’s impressive “pure” presentation Mike Reed, Head of Operations says

“Independent retailers are attracted to join SMG as the Group guarantees that members can retain their complete independence but at the same time benefit from preferential discounts, rebate schemes and promotions from a comprehensive range of approved suppliers.”

“On top of this, members can also access products from any Approved Supplier via our Central Purchasing Scheme, even without a direct account. And now with ‘Pure’ they can access an exclusive own brand range should they wish to – to any extent that suits their own business.

“Not only do Members benefit from great terms but SMG offers a fantastic business support package that is second to none. With a free of charge business support helpline, bespoke SMG retail insurance, interest free credit options, discounted utility brokerage and preferential credit card rates; it really is an all-round great deal,” he says.

Greendale Carpets & Floorings is a 130 store, members-owned group, a “not for profit” cooperative. Uniquely among the buying groups, Greendale has its own warehouse in Hereford which stocks over 2,000 rolls of carpet from top British and Continental manufacturers. Members share profits created via preferential prices, promotional activity and other support from the group.

Greendale offers it’s members a choice from over 200 ranges across all product categories which are all own labelled to colour level. This includes brand leading ranges as well as selected special products which offer outstanding value. The group’s large stockholding facility ensures its retailers can make more profit.

Members have their own geographic areas and Greendale products are 46

BRM (Bond Retail Marketing) prides itself on its history, experience and agility to navigate and keep pace with the ever-changing flooring marketplace – offering a bespoke personal service which can be tailored to serve each retailers individual needs, allowing the retailer to carry on with the day to day running of their business.

BRM has no joining fees and a family feel within the group. Its buying and marketing function has many years of experience negotiating with all types of suppliers/manufacturers both large and small in the UK market across all flooring product groups, with the addition of an online presence via www.beautifulflooring.co.uk where consumers are directed to BRM’s national retailer network.

“De-branding and profit engineering are all attributes we are skilled in developing with individual retailers to create successful and profitable business models that will stand the test of time,” says Carl Harris of BRM. “Designer initiatives such as the Daisy Alexandra Subert collection gives our retailers unique and exclusive selling opportunities with enhanced margins.”

Flooring One offers a friendly and highly professional service to independent flooring retailers throughout the UK with the aim of increasing their profitability. Flooring One offers great financial benefits such as specially negotiated rebates from key suppliers, with some of the lowest prices and terms in the market.

The group is in partnership with over 50 of the finest key suppliers and works with them to offer members margin protection on rebranded products with dedicated support from its expert field merchandisers.

Flooring One is a subsidiary of Associated Independent Stores (AIS) which is the UK’s largest non-food buying group for independent retailers.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ACG • 01942 825520 • www.acgcarpets.com BRM • 07403 442229 • www.beautifulflooring.co.uk FLOORING ONE • 0121 683 1426 • www.flooringone.co.uk GREENDALE CARPETS • 01432 852000 • www.greendalecarpets.co.uk METRO GROUP • 01204 393 539 • www.carpet1st.co.uk SMG • 0118 932 3832 • www.smg-group.co.uk THE STOCKLISTS April 2022

THE STOCKLISTS April 2022

47 47

BUYING GROUP FOCUS

Where’s the catch?

By Jon Richardson, Group Development Manager of ACG.

Having been in sales all my adult life from B2C to B2B, I think that I have been privy to every style of sales pitch there is. When offered something that sounds too good to be true, I would inevitably reply “where’s the catch?”

This I think, is the most common response I receive when discussing the benefits of ACG membership with a curious retailer. Trying to promote a concept rather than a tangible item can prove to be frustrating, especially when you know that the retailer would benefit significantly from group association.

To this end, I thought I would try and address some of the initial concerns and common misconceptions retailers still have regarding buying groups and in doing so, hope that they consider their position and explore the opportunity of ACG membership.

Question: We don’t want to lose our independence as we pride ourselves on being a family run business?

Answer: ACG is non-intrusive and does not dictate in any way how you run your business. We purposely shy away from corporate policies in order to retain an approachable and friendly demeanor. The majority of our members are, in fact, independently run family stores.

Question: What’s in it for you?

Answer: ACG is run solely for the benefit of its members and not for profit, unlike some other groups. By continuing to strengthen the membership we reaffirm our partnership commitment with the industry’s major suppliers, cementing our trading relationships.

Question: How much is the subscription?

Answer: Our annual subscription is £949.00+ vat and runs from September 1st – August 31st. We are not the cheapest buying group to join, nor are we the most expensive. We are however, confident that ACG offers the best returns for your business against your subscription investment.

Question: Do I have to order my products through the group?

Answer: No. You continue to place orders directly with suppliers and your relationship with them remains unchanged. You do not have to alter any of your current inhouse routines.

Question: What does the group buy?

Answer: Although we are termed a buying group, we don’t actually buy anything. We use the combined purchasing power of our membership to broker the best industry buying prices and rebates for our members.

Question: How many members are there within ACG? Answer: As I write, ACG has 366 member stores across the UK and Northern Ireland.

Question: Does ACG pay the annual turnover rebates?

Answer: The group is very transparent regarding rebates earned by its members. Therefore, rather than accumulate these in house and then redistribute them to member stores, ACG insists that rebates are paid by the supplier direct to the member.

Question: Do I have to change my showroom to group branded products?

Answer: Although the group has its own very successful

Smartchoice brand identity and unitary, it is not a condition that member stores have to embrace it. The choice is up to the

48

Jon Richardson

“ ACG is run solely for the benefit of its members and not for profit, unlike some other groups,” says Jon. “By continuing to strengthen the membership we reaffirm our partnership commitment with the industry’s major suppliers, cementing our trading relationships.” retailer – however, it is becoming more and more relevant, as it allows members to maximise margin whilst protecting their sale against the annoyance of high street and online price comparison.

Also more recently, with the increase of trade counters offered by distributors, it offers price protection from the man-in-a-van too.

To summarise, a retailer should never be worse off by becoming a member of the Associated Carpet Group. The group provides many initiatives and benefits from which the member selects the ones that suit their business best.

The ACG ethos is simple, if you place the majority of your business with the industry’s main suppliers rather than alternative manufacturers and distributors, you should recover your subscription cost, earn additional rebates and generate more margin for your business on an annual basis.

It really is that simple.

“Where’s the catch you ask?” I can honestly say there isn’t one!

T 01942 825 520 www.acgcarpets.com

THE STOCKLISTS April 2022

Stateside UNDERSTATED

ELEGANCE Colour shown: Goldsboro

Stateside from Penthouse Carpets; our beautiful plain dyed, pristine cut pile carpet comes in 18 gorgeous contemporary colourways, designed to complement today’s interiors. Made using only the finest raw materials, to give the superb quality and finish for which we are renowned. Offered in 40oz and 50oz options, in guaranteed full 4m and 5m widths, this durable easy to fit 80% wool, 20% synthetic fibre carpet, will stand the test of time. Penthouse quality – naturally.

For samples and further information please call 01706 639 866 or visit penthousecarpets.co.uk

Flooring factsheet 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

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

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 THE don’t need a leap of faith STOCKLISTS Feburary 2022 to join up. Ask the buying groups for answers...

• 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

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

• 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

Associated Carpet Group www.acgcarpets.com Contact: Jon Richardson Tel: 01942 825520 jon@acgcarpets.com

Key benefits Increase margins • Group purchases to get beneficial rates • Rebates • Exclusive higher-margin products • Special promotions ne of the key reasons to join a buying group is to O 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.

50

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.

www.beautifulflooring.co.uk Contact: Carl Harris Tel: 01892 549050 charris31@sky.com

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

www.greendalecarpets.co.uk Contact: Rob Harding Tel: 01432 852000 Fax: 01432 852005 rharding@greendalecarpets.co.uk

THE STOCKLISTS April 2022

Premium quality. Guaranteed

Condor Carpets bv Euroweg 3, 8061 SB | P.O. Box 21, 8060 AA | Hasselt, The Netherlands T (+31) 38 477 89 11 | F (+31) 38 477 89 22 | info@condorcarpets.nl

W W W . C O N D O R - G R O U P. E U THE STOCKLISTS April 2022

51

Voice of the trade Barry Enever

Area Sales Manager, South West, Victoria Carpets The legend that is Barry Enever is leaving a legacy of thriving business in the West Country for Victoria, the company he has served for 25 years!

Here, he takes a look back – and forward...

Q When did you start with Victoria?

A Rather depressingly September 1st 1997.

QH ow did you get into the trade?

A I had a friend who ran an employment business in Bristol, and he got me onto a final interview process with a Dutch vinyl floorcovering company. I worked for them for a few years and then the UK MD left to run a carpet company called Bergoss. They only had agents and he offered me the opportunity to become an agent for them which is what I had wanted to do.

Q What’s kept you with the Company so long?

A T he opportunity to work for Victoria Carpets came around as these

things sometimes do. As a result of losing another agency. I had a call from John Duncan, the then MD of Victoria Carpets, to ask if I wanted to see him as they were struggling to find someone to cover the South West for them. I saw it as a golden opportunity as VC were a very well-respected brand in the trade. It was a bit of a gamble for John as at that time they only employed salespeople and I was the first ever Agent they took on. Victoria Carpets have always been brilliant to me and I always thought that they were capable of achieving far more than they had done at that time. It was only when Geoff Wilding came on board that things really changed!

QH ow has the industry changed during your time in it?

A I t has become far more professional, I think. And I guess the

main change in product is the ascendency of LVT which is in many houses now.

52

Q What will you miss?

A A real cliché this one, but I have a good number of customers like

Bruce Robertson at Trago Mills and the owners of Moorlands, to name just a couple that I call my friends. And so not seeing them regularly will seem strange although socially I know we will keep in touch!

Q What will you not miss?

AO ops, another cliché… the driving!

Q Favourite part of the job?

A S eeing the turnover in your area grow when you and the company have put in a lot of hard work.

QH ow do you plan on spending your retirement?

A I have always done a lot of exercise so will probably ramp that up a

bit. I go to Spain a lot golfing. My son lives in New York and so will be able to visit him more regularly and my daughter who already has a two-year-old son is now expecting twins and so my family life will no doubt became a lot busier!

Q Anything else you would like to share with us?

A I can honestly say without any need (now!) to ingratiate myself to

anybody, that Victoria Carpets is probably in the best hands that it has ever been in. Notwithstanding the era of John Duncan when he was MD. Although it was, of course, a different animal then. Putting the whole group to one side, which is clearly becoming more and more successful, under the current management team, a lot of very good things have, and are happening within Victoria Carpets and Design Floors and there is more to come, I am sure.

THE STOCKLISTS April 2022

REGISTER NOW

17-18 May 2022 Exclusive show for all flooring buying group members Discover over 60 leading brands at The Buying Groups’ National Flooring Show. If you’re a member of a buying group, register for your free ticket to see the latest in carpets, rugs, laminates, woods, vinyl, LVT’s, underlays and accessories.

Register now at www.bgnfs.co.uk Proudly supported by:

select collection

CARPETS & FLOORINGS

For exhibitor enquiries visit www.bgnfs.co.uk or email info@bgnfs.co.uk Cranmore Park Conference and Event Centre, Cranmore Avenue, Shirley, Solihull, B90 4LF THE STOCKLISTS March 2022

53

Marketing insights Making an impressive entrance Our hallways probably withstand the greatest footfall in our homes. It’s where we greet guests, and connects us room to room. But floors need to be more than just durable and practical; they also need to be welcoming and ideally have a wow factor.

Stella Coyle, national retail sales manager at Karndean Designflooring agrees, “Now that we are able to welcome friends and family back into our homes, we want to greet them with a lasting first impression.”

“Hallways are hardworking spaces and so need a floor that can stand up to the rough and tumble of life. LVT is ideal for this, offering an authentic look of natural materials but with a hygienic durable surface that will look amazing for many years with minimal maintenance.”

Karndean Designflooring are increasingly seeing customers opt for a geometric floor which is a great choice for adding pattern and character to a minimalist interior but equally can be the perfect foil for a changing palette of bright colours and eclectic collections of artwork or furniture.

Karndean Designflooring – hallway design by Catherine McCall using Heritage Collection Clifton

Adam Carpets are encouraging us all to be confident and bring stripes into our homes as they mix brilliantly with plains, floral, geometrics and many other patterns.

Kelly Butler, head of design at Adam Carpets, explains “Adding stripes to a room is the easiest way to transform a space.

Our stripes have been created with multiple contemporary hues, so you have lots of options Adam Carpets, Deckchair - Cromer for wall and fabric colours.

We offer stripes that are empathetic and blend into their surroundings in any room, others we believe will add excitement and fun to your home!”

“Stripes are great for high traffic areas such as halls, stairs and landing, drawing the eye away from any marks or blemishes.”

Whilst visually striking, striped carpets are great for more than just their appearance. Stripes can help create an illusion of making a space appear larger than it is, elongating or widening a room.

She adds, “Stripes are great for high traffic areas such as halls, stairs and landing, drawing the eye away from any marks or blemishes. Our use of twist and velvet yarns together means that our product offers practical construction stability as well as a sophisticated look.” Adam Carpets Deckchair is available in 4 and 5 metre widths and is made in their own facility in Kidderminster.

Cormar Carpets demonstrate how a simple yet striking stair runner will completely elevate the entrance to a home and add a splash of personality, style and comfort to any hallway space.

“Hallways are hardworking spaces and so need a floor that can stand up to the rough and tumble of life.”

Stella Coyle adds, “Reflecting the classic elegance of Victorian and Edwardian homes, our Heritage Collection presents a beautiful range of geometric tile patterns in both monochrome and bold colourways that are ideal for recreating a sense of the past or to make a contemporary statement in a more modern home.”

Staircases are one of, if not the most, heavily used area in a busy family home, so durability is just as important as style. Choosing a hard-wearing carpet to cushion the daily noise of foot traffic is vital.

From a chic style to suit a classic or elegant hallway or something bolder and more daring, like a strong repeating stripe, a stair runner is guaranteed to create a polished, contemporary, and stylish look.

Cormar, Southwold – Cransford Cloud

From striking traditional patterns to versatile neutral designs, the Heritage Collection includes square, triangular and octagonal tiles in 12 shades, making up four patterns: Clifton, Lansdown, Montpellier and Mayfair.

Customers can choose from 18 pre-assembled colourways or express their individuality with a bespoke colour combination. Matching borders and infill tiles complete the collection, giving a sophisticated edge that effortlessly disguises the awkward angles often found in hallways.

The hallway pictured is the home of Karndean Designflooring’s latest guest blogger, Catherine McCall. An artist and colour creative from Folkstone in Kent, she shares the story of her stunning hallway transformation. Catherine proves without a doubt, that a monochrome floor can be the ideal foundation for a home that’s filled with colour.

54

THE STOCKLISTS April 2022

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.

Cormar have a variety of carpet ranges to create the perfect entrance.

An easy clean carpet is also ideal for such a well-used hallway space.

Primo Plus is stain-resistant, bleach-cleanable and comes with a 10-year stain and wear warranty to eliminate the stress that comes with the thrills and spills of busy family life. This range is manufactured using fine tenth gauge machinery and is available in 4 and 5 metre widths.

A wool loop carpet is also a great choice for busy areas. The supremely stylish Southwold collection is available in two designs – a popular textured style and a contemporary level option and comes in a range of 8 grey and neutral shades to compliment any colour scheme or decor. Southwold is produced using 100% pure New Zealand Wool, in a quality resilient two-ply yarn, enabling a cleaner, brighter effect for lighter shades. Ideal for traditional or modern homes and available in both 4 and 5 metre widths.

A strong design statement in a hallway sets the tone for your home’s interior style and the new Amtico Décor x National Trust collection is perfect for introducing geometric heritage pattern to a space.

Amtico recognise that hallways are a great space for beautiful flooring that makes a statement but needs to be practical enough to withstand busy daily life. That’s why their LVT has multiple layers of high-quality materials, making it hard-wearing, stain resistant and easy to keep clean – ideal for an area of your home that gets lots of use.

The sexiest underlay you will never see

Sonic Gold Excel wood and laminate floor underlay

There are three Amtico Décor x National Trust collection - Victorian Star Large new Amtico Décor x National Trust designs – Victorian Star Large, Victorian Star Small and Octagon Key. Victorian Star Large (pictured) reflects the historic marquetry techniques, with realistic grooves following the contours of wood and further enhancing the intricate shapes within the pattern. The Amtico Décor x National Trust collection comes with a lifetime warranty, one of the longest flooring guarantees on the market.

For more information contact: Adam Carpets T: 01562 822247 www.adamcarpets.com Amtico T: 0121 745 0800 www.amtico.com Cormar Carpets T: 01204 881234 www.cormarcarpets.co.uk Karndean Designflooring T: 01386 820100 www.karndean.com

EXCEPTIONAL SOUND REDUCTION EXCELLENT IMPACT RESISTANCE EVENS OUT UNEVEN FLOORS Part of the Novostrat range of polyethylene underlays to suit every application and pocket.

From store to floor - there’s no better solution

Sonic range Comfort range HIGH PERFORMANCE UNDERLAYS

TEL: 00353 61-339287 www.novostrat.com info@novostrat.com

Join the online community on: facebook.com twitter.com THE STOCKLISTS April 2022

pinterest.com instagram.com

youtube.com houzz.com 55

FLOORING FOCUS

Digital agility sustains flooring’s flexibility to thrive Digital agility in the flooring sector has leapt forward at an accelerating pace recently, ensuring the industry has been in good shape to meet the myriad challenges that have been thrown our way in the last two years.

The shiny stuff that consumers see on flooring websites with visualisers, video appointments, online sampling and interactive product galleries has been worth its weight in gold during the lockdowns and helped sustain remarkably high levels of trade.

But delivering on that demand is the tech that is increasingly driving the business forward behind the scenes. The unsung heroes of the pandemic have been the portals, platforms, websites and social media that has kept the information and orders flowing.

The major players across the industry have had their digital ducks in a row for some time and were able to keep retailers informed and in business through their 24/7 portals – order taking, stock checking and delivery tracking to keep the wheels turning.

prices, it allows customers to trade with all of their local Headlam brands quickly and easily, ‘on the go’.

Headlam are also investing in new back office systems that will improve the quality and accuracy of their product and stock data, giving them a best-in-class technical platform to facilitate growth, and meet their customers’ evolving needs.

The group has also been upweighting its social media pages to keep customers up to date on all of their latest news and deals, as well as product advice and information about the current trade days in your area. They are also an excellent way to get in touch if you have any questions or need assistance.

Harvey Maria has been working hard over the last year to develop new online solutions, which enable them to provide their retailers with even better digital support and rewards. They’re really passionate about driving more consumers to local retailers, using both offline and online innovations.

The LVT specialist has just launched a brand new online retailer Account Dashboard packed with many new features. This includes a new rewards programme, with a range of gifts from gift cards and luxury hampers to 5-star European breaks..

Headlam is serious about sophisticated tech

“They’re really passionate about driving more consumers to local retailers, using both offline and online innovations.”

The Headlam Group continues its rollout of digital developments, to provide customers with a service proposition that is ranked consistently among the market leaders.

Making online ordering a quick, easy, and personal experience, the trade websites enable users to conveniently search for products, access pricing information and place orders online anytime, anywhere.

Based on customer feedback, the portals have been upgraded with a new look, responsive design, and enhanced functionality, to provide an improved user journey.

To provide customers with more options to suit their business needs, Headlam recently launched the myheadlam trade app (available on iOS and Android, mobile and tablet).

From browsing for products to checking real-time availability and 56

New online solutions from Harvey Maria Other enhancements include upgraded order history pages, which now display delivery dates and details of cashback credit memos and invoices plus a clearer annual sales target with a new monthly running total, enabling easy progress tracking. Features coming soon include a lead generation section, promotional campaigns area and more cashback benefits A really distinctive feature of Harvey Maria’s online presence is that retailers can enjoy a share of online sales with their Local Online Sales THE STOCKLISTS April 2022

Commission. This was designed specifically to combat the challenges faced by UK retailers on local high streets and means that Harvey Maria retail partners now receive a share of their online sales. They pay them a percentage of the invoice value on consumer orders received at harveymaria.com for delivery within the retailer’s territory.

Abingdon Flooring’s trade portal has been designed to deliver on its customer’s need for real-data across the breadth of its business.

Featuring real time stock updates and order processing on its Stainfree, Love Story, Royal Wilton, SoftStep and Abingdon Carpet Tile Division brands, British carpet manufacturer, Abingdon Flooring, has launched a trade-only portal for its retailer network. Simplifying account management, the secure online platform makes the entire customer relationship management procedure easier.

Live stock updates allow consumers to make an informed choice about their carpet or cushion vinyl flooring, allowing retailers to manage availability expectations at the point of sale. A simple to use filter or search field makes it easy to find the right style, with stock levels available on all width options.

F. Ball’s essential F-Talk site

“F. Ball has a highly developed online presence across a wide range of digital channels utilised and its website is packed with information...” flooring retailers and contractors, allowing you to be part of one of the flooring industry’s largest online communities.

Abingdon Flooring’s trade portal

“Abingdon Flooring’s trade portal has been designed to deliver on its customer’s need for real-data across the breadth of its business.”

The portal also allows orders to be placed and progress of orders to be checked, again helping retailers to manage customer relationships throughout the entire buying process. Ensuring that its customers stay closely connected to account management is a key priority for Abingdon Flooring.

F. Ball has a highly developed online presence across a wide range of digital channels utilised and its website is packed with information including product data sheets, videos demonstrating their application and guides to subfloor preparation and floorcovering installation.

Retailers and manufacturers can also subscribe to F-Talk, the e-newsletter for the Ball Rewards loyalty scheme members, for free, to receive company news, including product launches and promotions, such as regular cashback on purchases of F. Ball products.

And the company is always busy on social media, including Twitter and Facebook, which also facilitate two-way conversations whith THE STOCKLISTS April 2022

Initiated in response to Covid restrictions, F. Ball’s virtual site visits, facilitated by video-messaging apps, such as WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger and Zoom, allow contractors using F. Ball products to receive an on-the-spot site assessment and advice on the best course of action for specific flooring projects from an F. Ball technical service officer.

F. Ball’s industry-acclaimed Recommended Adhesives Guide (RAG), which lists the compatibility of the company’s adhesives with over 6,000 floorcoverings from more than 200 manufacturers, is also accessible online and via a mobile app, which is free to download from the Apple App store or Google Play.

In tackling the challenges of interacting with the industry over the past 18 months the Flooring Industry Training Association launched FITA Digital Virtual Demos, the base for all new online and existing digital content.

To see what’s going on, visit the FITA Training YouTube channel and subscribe to the channel to access all the virtual content.

“This content is accessible for anyone to view and is also shared across all our social media platforms along with great support from our manufacturer sponsors,” says FITA’s training manager Shaun Wadsworth.

...continued on page 56

57

FLOORING FOCUS continued from page 55 “The demos replicate the rapport we build with viewers at live events, but from the comfort of any device. The demos offer a glimpse into the type of content covered on our practical training courses run from both Loughborough and Kirkcaldy, perfect for anyone that wants to know if a particular flooring course is right for them before they book,” he said.

WOOLSAFE GRAND EXPO Digital drives communication at the Carpet Foundation Digital is playing an increasingly important communication role for The Carpet Foundation in its relationship with its members and it is growing its reach on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. “Obviously we don’t have the physical presence to ‘go out and about’ and meet members one-on-one so we regularly communicate with them online and via social media,” says Rupert Anton.

The 3D flooring tradeshow online this April The Woolsafe Grand Expo is a ground-breaking new initiative which takes place from Tuesday 26th April to Thursday 28th April 2022.

The 3D online show with about 100 exhibitors will go live at 5pm UK time each day when visitors will be able to navigate around the tradeshow floor and visit the stands of the WoolSafe Licensees and Associate Carpet Manufacturers.

Just like walking onto a stand at a live trade show, visitors can pick up a brochure, talk face-to-face with exhibitor staff, watch a demonstration and find out about and place an order for equipment and solutions and there will be special deals during the event.

From 6pm to 8pm the main stage at the WoolSafe Grand Expo will have an impressive line-up of the top educators in the industry, delivering seminars, workshops and demonstrations and there is also a virtual café where attendees can meet to network and relax.

This first event will be focussed on the wool cleaning industry but organiser Steve Bakker says future events will tackle manufacturer, retailer and consumer themes.

Register for free – there’s a link on the homepage of the Woolsafe Academy website: https://www.woolsafeacademy.org/

“We produce a monthly online newsletter which is sent to all retail and Patron Members to keep them up-to-date with what we are doing, press coverage and general ‘business’ items. During the pandemic social media really took off for us – and our reach grew significantly. Facebook is probably our most potent social media channel and we tripled our followers in 2021,” he said.

On all platforms, the Foundation highlights issues that are pertinent to the industry and its members with items on shopping habits, how community spirit is all the range now and so on, rather than ‘carpet’ specific posts.

“In the first lockdown, when a certain high street retailer remained open we flagged our lobbying of Government on all platforms and were regularly reaching over 10,000 people,” says Rupert. “Now we need to utilise it to recruit more members but it is certainly a vital cog in our communication armoury.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABINGDON FLOORING • 01274 655 694 www.abingdonflooring.co.uk F. BALL & CO. • 01538 361633 • www.f-ball.com FITA • 0115 950 6836 • www.fita.co.uk HARVEY MARIA • 0330 330 1231• www.harveymaria.com HEADLAM GROUP • 01675 433000 • www.headlam.com THE CARPET FOUNDATION • 01562 755568 www. carpetfoundation.com WOOLSAFE • 01943 850817 • www.woolsafe.org 58

THE STOCKLISTS April 2022

WIN

£2000 C ! + TO ASH + TROOLS PHY

national institute of carpet & floorlayers

HAVE THE KNOWLEDGE & skills to be

CARPET FITTER OF THE YEAR 2022?

THE 2022 COMPETITION FORMAT IS AS FOLLOWS: 1). * You do NOT need to be an NICF member to enter this competition. Applicants must be aged 18 years or over on 30 April 2022. NICF Council members and previous Carpet Fitter of The Year winners are excluded from entering.

2).

Deadline for entry is 23:59 on Saturday 30 April 2022.

3).

Entrants are initially required to complete a questionnaire giving the most full and accurate answers possible. Entries will be evaluated by a panel of judges based on the answers provided and 10 fitters will be selected to progress to the Semi-Final practical trials.

4).

The Semi-Finals will be held on Monday 27 and Tuesday 28 June 2022 at the FITA Training Centre, Loughborough. Five fitters will progress to the Final.

5).

The five Finalists MUST be available to attend a briefing day in July 2022 which will be held online via Zoom.

6).

The Final is at The Flooring Show, Harrogate, on Sunday 18 and Monday 19 September 2022.

ENTER ONLINE @ www.nicfltd.org.uk/FOTY-Competition

The Final will be held at The Flooring Show, Harrogate in September 2022 Fitter of The Year Carpet 2022 Competition is kindly sponsored by

THE STOCKLISTS April 2022

59

MADE IN GREAT BRITAIN

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:

Subfloor:

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.

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

Odour:

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

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.

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

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

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

Strength:

Air Quality and the Environment:

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

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.

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

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.

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.

NOTHING PERFORMS LIKE THE NEW

STOPGAP

MICRO RAPID Floor Finishing Compound

SUPERIOR, FASTER AND ULTRA-SMOOTH f-ball.com

To find out more visit f-ball.com/training 60

THE STOCKLISTS April 2022

Flooring factsheet Carpet types

Tufted With advances in manufacturing technology, 95% of all carpet produced today is tufted. It takes about an hour to make a roll of carpet that might take eight hours to weave. To make tufted carpet, hundreds of yarn-threaded needles are pushed through the primary backing fabric to form loops or tufts, which may be left as is or cut.

A heavy adhesive coating is applied to hold the tufts in place and a secondary backing is usually glued on for strength and stability. A wide variety of styles and textures can then be created using various techniques.

LOOP PILE

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

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

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

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.

THE STOCKLISTS April 2022

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.

61

Flooring factsheet Carpet trouble-shooter

• shedding • pulled loops

Fading on Wool

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

Fading can be caused by exposure to ultra violet light which is found in daylight, but is accelerated when sunlight shines directly onto the carpet. This has the effect of lightening or “Bleaching” the colour just as exposure to sunlight will lighten human hair. Wool is after all animal hair.

Protection should be given to carpets exposed to such conditions just as you would protect other furniture or fabrics.

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

Soiling

Soiling is usually the result of some local condition to which the carpet has been subjected to, or maintenance, or lack of maintenance programme. There is nothing we as manufacturers can do to prevent soiling in use. There are several types of soiling which are quite common: Spillages - Liquids such as soft drinks, cordials or any drink which contains sugar, particularly hot drinks, is likely to leave a stain. In such instances, professional help should be sought.

Colour matching

Carpets are produced in batches - known as creels - and usually each batch produces between 500m2 - 3000m2 in a single width, depending on the creel size. Whilst the recipe used by the dyer remains constant, and is followed to the letter, in each separate production the colour reproduction will vary from batch to batch.

However production is matched back to the original or master sample to ensure that the colour remains ‘within a commercial tolerance’.

This process if not an exact science and a commercial tolerance is subjective but nevertheless is usually the professional judgement of the head dyer based on his/her experience.

Shampoo - if incorrectly applied, can leave sticky soap residues in the fibres which can result in the soiling reappearing quite rapidly.

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

A greater level of tolerance is required on blended colours (Heathers etc). To ensure perfect colour matching it is advisable that a single width be used in any installation requiring exact colour matching.

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

N.B. Carpets which are laid with the pile travelling in different directions, even though they be from the same batch will appear not to match. For further information please check with the manufacturers recommendations.

Static

Sprouting

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

62

Carpets do not produce static but like other household fabrics and objects have the capacity to store it. Static is caused by the build up of static electricity upon personnel in a dry environment and is discharged when a person makes contact with an object which can conduct electricity (i.e. door handle or filing cabinets, etc).

The static charges will vary in intensity depending upon the individual, air humidity and the contact materials. Static is more usually associated with synthetic materials as they do not retain moisture very well but it can and does occur with wool in very dry room conditions.

Preventative measures include the introduction of moisture into the room or in situ carpet treatment.

THE STOCKLISTS April 2022

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

Flattening

Flattening will occur as a result of traffic which eventually flattens the pile particularly in the main areas of use.

All pile fabrics will flatten to greater or lesser degree dependant on the amount of traffic to which it is subjected and the construction (tuft density/pile fibre/height/weight) of the product concerned.

Shading

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

Pile Reversal

Like shading, this occurs when the pile or nap of the carpet changes direction and thus reflects light at different angles showing the effects of shading which can become permanent. It is also described as ‘watermarking’. This can happen to every carpet construction be it Axminster, Wilton, Tufted, Hand Woven, Persian, Chinese, Indian or even Coir Matting. Like shading it can be more apparent on plain carpet because heavy patterns can disguise the effects.

It can occur quite quickly after installation. A tremendous amount of research has been carried out over many years by many institutes to determine the cause of this phenomenon but none of it has proved conclusive.

There is no commonly known manufacturing process which can cause or cure this phenomenon and therefore it is not a manufacturing fault. For further information please check with individual manufacturers recommendations.

Pulling Loops

Pulled loops occur only in looped pile carpet where one or more loops in the continuous pile is pulled through the primary backing of the carpet. This is usually due to some local condition, possibly some sharp object which has caught in a loop in situ and has resulted in a pull.

Pulled loops are easily dealt with by trimming the offending end level with the rest of the pile. They should not be left as this could result in further loops being pulled and developing into a ladder.

THE STOCKLISTS April 2022

Shedding

All cut pile carpets will lose short fibre, which is created during production when spun yarn is cut for tuft formation.

These fibres fall onto the surface of the pile and appear as ‘fluff’.

The effect varies with yarn type and may be removed without detrimental effect upon the carpet by vacuum cleaning. This excess fibre is only a small fraction of the total fibre contained in the carpet.

Indentations

When a carpet is subjected to a heavy point load, such as under the legs of furniture, it is unreasonable to expect the carpet not to indent. Usually, the longer the load is in place, the longer will be the time for the pile to recover. In the case of very heavy loads in place for a considerable time, the recovery time can be very considerable.

It must be remembered that it is not only the pile of the carpet that becomes indented. The underlay will also indent and the backing of the carpet may also distort into the indentation in the underlay. Some underlay’s will recover well and some less well depending upon their composition, thickness, density etc. The use of cups below furniture legs can spread the load and the net result is a larger area of less deeply indented carpet.

The ability of a carpet to recover from a heavy static load can be measured in the laboratory, using the test method described in BS 4939 and many manufacturers will have data on this aspect of carpet performance. In this test the carpet is loaded for 24 hours and the degree of recovery is measured after 1 hour and 24 hours. Since there are so many different underlay’s however, it is very rare for the recovery from a heavy static load to be evaluated on carpet and underlay.

Often normal maintenance (vacuum cleaning with a rotating brush machine) will speed up recovery but in the case of serious indentations the use of an iron and damp cloth or a steam iron together with a blunt darning needle to carefully tease up the pile can be beneficial. Care must be take not to over wet the carpet, of course.

The original carpet tile

Samples

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

Installation

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

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

63

Flooring factsheet LVT Supplier Directory

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

Victorian Treasure by Invictus

Van Gogh Classic Oak by Karndean Designflooring

Studio Designs by Brampton Chase

Abingdon SoftStep info@abingdonflooring.co.uk 01274 655 694 www.abingdonflooring.co.uk

Earthwerks saleseurope@earthwerks.com 0800 689 1657 www.earthwerks.eu.com

Kellars sales@kellars.co.uk 0161 443 0970

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 Aspecta +31 (0) 88 1662500

www.amtico.com www.aspectaflooring.com

Avenue Floors info@avenuefloors.co.uk www.avenuefloors.co.uk Beauflor sales@beauflor.com +32 56 67 66 11

www.beauflor.com

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

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

Lifestyle Floors info@lifestyle-floors.co.uk 01827 831448 www.lifestyle-floors.co.uk Interface interface.uk@interface.com 0800 313 4465 Invictus Info@invictus.co.uk 01422 431100

www.interface.com

www.invictus.co.uk/lvt

IVC – Moduleo + Leoline www.ivcgroup.com Karndean Designflooring 01386 820100

www.karndean.com

Kraus sales@qep.com 01283 245430

www.kellars.co.uk

www.krausflooring.co.uk

Leoline info@leoline.co.uk 0800 032 3970

www.leoline.co.uk

Moduleo salesuk@moduleo.com 01332 851500

www.moduleo.co.uk

Polyflor 0161 767 1111 info@polyflor.com

www.polyflor.com

Quick-Step 08448 118 288

www.quick-step.co.uk

Tarkett 01622 854040 communication@tarkett.com

www.tarkett.com

Victoria Design Floors (Distinctive Flooring/Universal Flooring) info@myvictoria.co.uk 01562 749300 www.myvictoria.co.uk Wineo +49 (0) 5237 6090 info@wineo.de

www.en.wineo.de

Westex 01274 861334 www.westexflooring.com info@westexflooring.co.uk

Landscape Parquet by Victoria Design Floors 64

THE STOCKLISTS April 2022

Flooring factsheet 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

• I mpressive 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.

www.bramptonchase.co.uk

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

www.invictus.co.uk

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 • Warm and soft to touch compared to ceramic and stone floors - and • one another (like a locked tongue and groove system) and ‘float’ on 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.

Top Coating Wear Layer Decor Layer

the sub-floor without being glued down. There are many proprietary versions of the click system which offer fast, clean installation and stability.

www.karndean.com

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

www.krausflooring.co.uk

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.

www.myvictoria.co.uk

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 Middle Layer(s) Fibre Glass Layer(s) PVC Base Layer

THE STOCKLISTS April 2022

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.

65

Stocklists: Flooring Fact Sheet from Interfloor

Flooring factsheet Eco-friendly underlay Sustainable underlay

Interfloor ‘Says NO to Waste’

renu® is a game changer. Interfloor’s new underlay meets the concerns of our modern world in reducing waste and being environmentally sustainable.

renu® is a sustainable, recycled carpet underlay and is without question the most sustainable underlay in Interfloor’s long history.

It’s made by bringing together raw materials that we save from going to landfill with some that have a positive effect on the environment.

We have used post-consumer waste, car tyres and plastic bottles in the manufacture of our underlay for many years. But with renu® we have gone even further responding to the aspiration for a fully sustainable product. It’s made from 98% recycled materials, using ethically sourced and genuinely recycled materials, which means keeping waste from going to landfill and is 100% recyclable itself!

The main body of the underlay is made of foam reclaimed from recycled soft furnishings, this foam is them mixed with a binding agent and subjected to high temperature steam under high pressure. The backing is made from 100% recycled and unbleached paper and we use vegetable-based inks for printing. The facing film is made from an ethically produced, carbonnegative bio-based film made from sugar cane.

The sugar cane actively captures CO2 from the atmosphere whilst at the same time releasing oxygen – making this material not just green, but proactively green.

Let’s not forget, the point of underlay is that it feels great and prolongs the life of a new carpet and renu®, being made from highdensity foam and with a thickness of 9mm, is suitable for all areas of the home.

The in-store sales support available to renu® stockists

66

renu® stockists will be included in the online stockist locator on the Interfloor website.

For more information visit www.interfloor.com/renu

THE STOCKLISTS April 2022

Flooring factsheet Underlay 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.

www.interfloor.com

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.

www.floorwise.co.uk

Benefits

Types

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

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.

Poor or old underlay will...

• Feel hard and unwelcoming • Reduce carpet life • Cause wrinkling and premature wear spots • Cause carpet fibres to break down more quickly • Not meet British Standards How thick?

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

Sponge rubber

Crumb

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.

PU foam

www.unifloor.nl

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.

www.underlay.com

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. www.wilsons-carpet-underlays.co.uk

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.

THE STOCKLISTS April 2022

CLASSIC

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).

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.

Combination

www.carpenterunderlay.co.uk

www.interfloor.com

67

WoolSafe factsheet Caring for carpet the right way The WoolSafe Organisation is the UK’s leading authority for the correct care and maintenance of carpet and offers a range of services empowering retailers to build a reputation for great service and consumers to get the most out of their investment.

A

W :RRO6DIH ZH ZRUN KDUG WR EULQJ \RX VHUYLFHV WKDW KDYH D SRVLWLYH LPSDFW RQ \RXU EXVLQHVV /RRNLQJ DIWHU \RXU FXVWRPHUV LV NH\ LQ PDLQWDLQLQJ \RXU UHSXWDWLRQ :KHQ \RX VHOO D FDUSHW RU UXJ WR D FXVWRPHU GR \RX SURYLGH WKHP ZLWK DQ\ DGYLFH DERXW KRZ WR ORRN DIWHU WKHLU YDOXDEOH LQYHVWPHQW" $IWHU DOO LI WKH\ FDUH IRU WKHLU FDUSHW SURSHUO\ LW ZLOO SHUIRUP ZHOO RYHU WKH ORQJ WHUP DQG \RX ZLOO KDYH D PRUH VDWLVȴHG FXVWRPHU

Stain Removal Guides 7KH IUHH WR GRZQORDG :RRO6DIH &DUSHW 6WDLQ &OHDQLQJ *XLGH $SS SXWV WKH ULJKW ZD\ WR WUHDWLQJ VSLOOV DQG DFFLGHQWV DW \RXU ȴQJHUWLSV 7HOO \RXU FXVWRPHUV DERXW WKLV DSS DQG KHOS WKHP WR PDLQWDLQ WKHLU LQYHVWPHQW WKH FRUUHFW ZD\

Approved Service Provider

$YDLODEOH IRU L3KRQH DQG L3DG RQ $SS 6WRUH DQG $QGURLG GHYLFHV RQ *RRJOH 3OD\

7KH :RRO6DIH 2UJDQLVDWLRQ LV GHGLFDWHG WR UDLVLQJ VWDQGDUGV LQ WKH FDUSHW FOHDQLQJ VHFWRU DQG VR UXQV WKH :RRO6DIH $SSURYHG 6HUYLFH 3URYLGHU 1HWZRUN

:RRO6DIH 79 RQ <RXWXEH LQFOXGLQJ KRZ WR UHPRYH UHG

2΍HULQJ FRYHUDJH RI WKH 8. DQG ΖUHODQG WKH :RRO6DIH $SSURYHG 6HUYLFH 3URYLGHU 1HWZRUN FRQVLVWV RI WUXVWHG DQG KLJKO\ SURIHVVLRQDO FDUSHW FOHDQLQJ FRPSDQLHV WKDW RSHUDWH WR D VWULFW FRGH RI SUDFWLFH 6HUYLFH 3URYLGHUV KDYH DW OHDVW RQH :RRO6DIH )LEUH &DUH 6SHFLDOLVW LQ SHUPDQHQW HPSOR\PHQW ZKR KDV SDVVHG :RRO6DIHȇV ULJRURXV WUDLQLQJ FRXUVH 7KHVH SURIHVVLRQDOV DUH DPRQJ WKH EHVW LQ WKHLU LQGXVWU\ DQG VKRXOG EH WKH ȴUVW SRLQW RI FDOO ZKHQ SURIHVVLRQDO FOHDQLQJ VHUYLFHV DUH UHTXLUHG )LQG \RXU $SSURYHG 6HUYLFH 3URYLGHU DW ZZZ ZRROVDIH RUJ

The clean carpet you expect... the service you deserve www.servicemasterclean.co.uk 68

$ VHULHV RI RQH PLQXWH VWDLQ UHPRYDO YLGHRV DUH YLHZDEOH RQ

ZLQH DQG FR΍HH VSLOOV IURP D ZRRO FDUSHW ZLWK MXVW WLVVXH SDSHU DQG D :RRO6DIH DSSURYHG VSRW UHPRYHU

Free Customer Care Helpline ΖI \RX KDYH WURXEOH GHDOLQJ ZLWK FXVWRPHU TXHULHV RQ FDUSHW PDLQWHQDQFH VXFK DV ȆKRZ GR Ζ JHW UHG ZLQH RXW RI P\ FDUSHWȇ WKHQ MXVW JLYH WKHP WKH :RRO6DIH +HOSOLQH QXPEHU DQG ZHȇOO JLYH WKHP WKH ULJKW DGYLFH

01943 850817 British Wool makes a better carpet... naturally www.britishwool.org.uk THE STOCKLISTS April 2022

Registered Registered Inspectors Inspectors Network Network 7KH :RRO6DIH 5HJLVWHUHG ΖQVSHFWRUV 1HWZRUN LV 7KH :RRO6DIH 5HJLVWHUHG ΖQVSHFWRUV 1HWZRUN LV RQ KDQG VKRXOG D SUREOHP EH WRR ELJ WR VROYH RQ KDQG VKRXOG D SUREOHP EH WRR ELJ WR VROYH :KHWKHU EHWZHHQ EHWZHHQ \RX \RX DQG DQG \RXU \RXU FXVWRPHU FXVWRPHU :KHWKHU \RXU FXVWRPHU FXVWRPHU DQG DQG WKH WKH PDQXIDFWXUHU PDQXIDFWXUHU RU RU WKH WKH \RXU PDQXIDFWXUHU DQG DQG \RX \RX :RRO6DIH :RRO6DIH 5HJLVWHUHG 5HJLVWHUHG PDQXIDFWXUHU ΖQVSHFWRUV XVH XVH WKHLU WKHLU H[SHUW H[SHUW NQRZOHGJH NQRZOHGJH WR WR ΖQVSHFWRUV LQGHSHQGHQWO\ LQYHVWLJDWH FDUSHW FRPSODLQWV LQGHSHQGHQWO\ LQYHVWLJDWH FDUSHW FRPSODLQWV 8VLQJ H[SHULHQFH H[SHULHQFH JDLQHG JDLQHG RYHU RYHU PDQ\ PDQ\ \HDUV \HDUV RI RI 8VLQJ SUDFWLFDO LQYROYHPHQW ZLWK FDUSHWV DQG UXJV DQG WKHLU H[WHQVLYH SUDFWLFDO LQYROYHPHQW ZLWK FDUSHWV DQG UXJV DQG WKHLU H[WHQVLYH WUDLQLQJ :RRO6DIH :RRO6DIH 5HJLVWHUHG 5HJLVWHUHG ΖQVSHFWRUV ΖQVSHFWRUV DUH DUH IXOO\ IXOO\ TXDOLȴHG TXDOLȴHG WR WR WUDLQLQJ LQYHVWLJDWH FRPSODLQWV RQ VLWH IRU ERWK GRPHVWLF DQG FRPPHUFLDO LQYHVWLJDWH FRPSODLQWV RQ VLWH IRU ERWK GRPHVWLF DQG FRPPHUFLDO LQVWDOODWLRQV 7KH\ 7KH\ FDQ FDQ FDUU\ FDUU\ RXW RXW RU RU FRPPLVVLRQ FRPPLVVLRQ WHVWV WHVWV ZKHUH ZKHUH LQVWDOODWLRQV UHTXLUHG DQG ZLOO SURYLGH D FRPSUHKHQVLYH UHSRUW UHTXLUHG DQG ZLOO SURYLGH D FRPSUHKHQVLYH UHSRUW 5HJLVWHUHG ΖQVSHFWRUV DUH OLVWHG DW ZZZ ZRROVDIH RUJ 5HJLVWHUHG ΖQVSHFWRUV DUH OLVWHG DW ZZZ ZRROVDIH RUJ

WoolSafe Approved Approved Products Products WoolSafe 6RPH RI WKH ZRUOGȇV ELJJHVW FOHDQLQJ SURGXFW QDPHV DUH HQUROOHG 6RPH RI WKH ZRUOGȇV ELJJHVW FOHDQLQJ SURGXFW QDPHV DUH HQUROOHG LQ WKH :RRO6DIH $SSURYHG SURJUDPPH $SSURYHG SURGXFWV KDYH LQ WKH :RRO6DIH $SSURYHG SURJUDPPH $SSURYHG SURGXFWV KDYH EHHQ WHVWHG WHVWHG LQ LQ WKH WKH :RRO6DIH :RRO6DIH ODERUDWRU\ ODERUDWRU\ E\ E\ VFLHQWLVWV VFLHQWLVWV IRU IRU WKHLU WKHLU EHHQ H΍HFWLYHQHVV DQG VDIHW\ 7KHUH DUH DSSURYHG SURGXFWV VXLWDEOH H΍HFWLYHQHVV DQG VDIHW\ 7KHUH DUH DSSURYHG SURGXFWV VXLWDEOH IRU FOHDQLQJ DQG PDLQWDLQLQJ $// W\SHV RI FDUSHWV DQG UXJV QRW IRU FOHDQLQJ DQG PDLQWDLQLQJ $// W\SHV RI FDUSHWV DQG UXJV QRW MXVW WKRVH PDGH IURP ZRRO MXVW WKRVH PDGH IURP ZRRO )LQG DSSURYHG SURGXFWV RQ ZZZ ZRROVDIH RUJ RU ZKHQ XVLQJ WKH )LQG DSSURYHG SURGXFWV RQ ZZZ ZRROVDIH RUJ RU ZKHQ XVLQJ WKH :RRO6DIH $SSV DYDLODEOH RQ $SSOH DQG $QGURLG :RRO6DIH $SSV DYDLODEOH RQ $SSOH DQG $QGURLG

Wool Owners Warranty 7KH :RRO6DIH 2UJDQLVDWLRQ LQ SDUWQHUVKLS ZLWK VRPH RI WKH 7KH :RRO6DIH 2UJDQLVDWLRQ LQ SDUWQHUVKLS ZLWK VRPH RI WKH 8.ȇV OHDGLQJ OHDGLQJ ZRRO FDUSHW PDQXIDFWXUHUV KDYH 8.ȇV KDYH ODXQFKHG ODXQFKHG DQ DQ LQGXVWU\ ȴUVW D EUDQG QHZ DIWHUFDUH VHUYLFH IRU LQGXVWU\ ȴUVW IRU WKRVH WKRVH ZKR ZKR SXUFKDVH D ZRRO FDUSHW WKH :RRO 2ZQHUV :DUUDQW\ :2: SXUFKDVH D ZRRO FDUSHW WKH :RRO 2ZQHUV :DUUDQW\ :2: :KHQ D FRQVXPHU EX\V D ZRRO RU ZRRO ULFK FDUSHW IURP DQ\ :KHQ D FRQVXPHU EX\V D ZRRO RU ZRRO ULFK FDUSHW IURP DQ\ RI WKH UDQJHV RI WKH SDUWLFLSDWLQJ PDQXIDFWXUHUV DQG UHJLVWHUV RI WKH UDQJHV RI WKH SDUWLFLSDWLQJ PDQXIDFWXUHUV DQG UHJLVWHUV WKHLU SXUFKDVH SXUFKDVH RQOLQH RQOLQH WKH\ WKH\ DUH DUH DOORFDWHG WKHLU DOORFDWHG WKHLU WKHLU RZQ RZQ SHUVRQDO SHUVRQDO FDUSHW FDUH DGYLVRU D :2: 5HJLVWHUHG &DUSHW &OHDQHU FDUSHW FDUH DGYLVRU D :2: 5HJLVWHUHG &DUSHW &OHDQHU 6KRUWO\ DIWHU DIWHU LQVWDOODWLRQ LQVWDOODWLRQ WKH WKH :2: :2: &DUSHW 6KRUWO\ &DUSHW &OHDQHU &OHDQHU YLVLWV YLVLWV WKH WKH FDUSHW RZQHU GHOLYHUV D IUHH ERWWOH RI VSRW UHPRYHU DQG JLYHV FDUSHW RZQHU GHOLYHUV D IUHH ERWWOH RI VSRW UHPRYHU DQG JLYHV VRPH LQYDOXDEOH FDUSHW FDUH DGYLFH 7KLV LV D )5(( VHUYLFH VRPH LQYDOXDEOH FDUSHW FDUH DGYLFH 7KLV LV D )5(( VHUYLFH ΖQ WKH HYHQW RI D VSLOODJH RQ WKHLU WUHDVXUHG ZRRO FDUSHW \RXU Ζ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ȇV FXVWRPHUȇV SUHPLVHV WR DWWHPSW D SURIHVVLRQDO WUHDWPHQW )5(( RI FKDUJH SUHPLVHV WR DWWHPSW D SURIHVVLRQDO WUHDWPHQW )5(( RI FKDUJH 7KH HDV\ VWHSV WR UHJLVWHU \RXU FXVWRPHU IRU 7KH HDV\ VWHSV WR UHJLVWHU \RXU FXVWRPHU IRU :RRO 2ZQHUV :DUUDQW\ :RRO 2ZQHUV :DUUDQW\ 9LVLW ZZZ ZRZZDUUDQW\ FRP FOLFN RQ WKH UHWDLOHU SRUWDO 9LVLW ZZZ ZRZZDUUDQW\ FRP FOLFN RQ WKH UHWDLOHU SRUWDO

DQG UHJLVWHU \RXU FRPSDQ\ ΖQ IXWXUH \RX ZLOO ORJLQ WKURXJK DQG UHJLVWHU \RXU FRPSDQ\ ΖQ IXWXUH \RX ZLOO ORJLQ WKURXJK WKH VDPH SRUWDO WKH VDPH SRUWDO ΖQSXW \RXU FXVWRPHUȇV GHWDLOV DQG WKH LQIRUPDWLRQ RI WKH ΖQSXW \RXU FXVWRPHUȇV GHWDLOV DQG WKH LQIRUPDWLRQ RI WKH FDUSHW SXUFKDVHG FDUSHW SXUFKDVHG (LWKHU VHOHFW D ORFDO :2: 5HJLVWHUHG &OHDQHU RU OHDYH LW RQ (LWKHU VHOHFW D ORFDO :2: 5HJLVWHUHG &OHDQHU RU OHDYH LW RQ DXWRPDWLF DOORFDWLRQ DJUHH WR WKH 7 &V DQG FOLFN 5HJLVWHU DXWRPDWLF DOORFDWLRQ DJUHH WR WKH 7 &V DQG FOLFN 5HJLVWHU 7KH SURFHVV LV VLPSOH DQG WDNHV MXVW WZR PLQXWHV 7KH SURFHVV LV VLPSOH DQG WDNHV MXVW WZR PLQXWHV

TheWoolSafe WoolSafe Academy Academy The 7KH :RRO6DIH $FDGHP\ LV \RXU SRUWDO IRU SURIHVVLRQDO 7KH :RRO6DIH $FDGHP\ LV \RXU SRUWDO IRU SURIHVVLRQDO OHDUQLQJ DQG \RX FDQ GLVFRYHU D ZRUOG RI DGYLFH WHFKQLFDO OHDUQLQJ DQG \RX FDQ GLVFRYHU D ZRUOG RI DGYLFH WHFKQLFDO ȴOHV DQG D IXOO OLEUDU\ RI LQIRUPDWLRQ RQ FDUSHW FDUH ȴOHV DQG D IXOO OLEUDU\ RI LQIRUPDWLRQ RQ FDUSHW FDUH ZZZ ZRROVDIHDFDGHP\ RUJ ZZZ ZRROVDIHDFDGHP\ RUJ 7KH :RRO6DIH 2UJDQLVDWLRQ 7KH :RRO6DIH 2UJDQLVDWLRQ %RURXJKJDWH 2WOH\ :HVW <RUNVKLUH /6 $* %RURXJKJDWH 2WOH\ :HVW <RUNVKLUH /6 $* 7HO RɝFH#ZRROVDIH RUJ 7HO RɝFH#ZRROVDIH RUJ

Environmentally aware for superior carpet care www.cleantecinnovation.com THE STOCKLISTS April 2022

:RRO 2ZQHUV :DUUDQW\ LV XQLTXH DQG FDQ EH H[WHQGHG IRU WKH :RRO 2ZQHUV :DUUDQW\ LV XQLTXH DQG FDQ EH H[WHQGHG IRU WKH OLIHWLPH RI WKH FDUSHW RQ FRQGLWLRQ LW LV FOHDQHG DQQXDOO\ E\ D OLIHWLPH RI WKH FDUSHW RQ FRQGLWLRQ LW LV FOHDQHG DQQXDOO\ E\ D :2: 5HJLVWHUHG &OHDQHU ΖW LV XQOLNH DQ\ RWKHU FDUSHW ZDUUDQW\ :2: 5HJLVWHUHG &OHDQHU ΖW LV XQOLNH DQ\ RWKHU FDUSHW ZDUUDQW\ RU ȆVWDLQ SURRIȇ JXDUDQWHH DWWDFKHG WR FHUWDLQ V\QWKHWLF FDUSHWV RU ȆVWDLQ SURRIȇ JXDUDQWHH DWWDFKHG WR FHUWDLQ V\QWKHWLF FDUSHWV 1R RWKHU ZDUUDQW\ R΍HUV D IUHH VSRW UHPRYDO VHUYLFH IUHH 1R RWKHU ZDUUDQW\ R΍HUV D IUHH VSRW UHPRYDO VHUYLFH IUHH ERWWOH RI VSRW UHPRYHU DQG IUHH SHUVRQDOLVHG FDUSHW FDUH ERWWOH RI VSRW UHPRYHU DQG IUHH SHUVRQDOLVHG FDUSHW FDUH DGYLFH ΖPSUHVV \RXU FXVWRPHUV VHOO PRUH ZRRO FDUSHW DQG DGYLFH ΖPSUHVV \RXU FXVWRPHUV VHOO PRUH ZRRO FDUSHW DQG PDNH PRUH SURȴW 5HJLVWHU WRGD\ PDNH PRUH SURȴW 5HJLVWHU WRGD\

ZZZ ZRZZDUUDQW\ FRP ZZZ ZRZZDUUDQW\ FRP

Vacuum cleaners - the choice of cleaning professionals www.sebo.co.uk 69

Are you a Wholesaler?

If you’re not listed here, please call Diane Martin on 01482 659396

The Stocklists Wholesale Distribution Directory NATIONALFells Carpets Leeds 0113 3071900 carl.cummings@fellscarpets.co.uk www.fellscarpets.co.uk TCS “The Carpet Specialists” Morecambe 01524 840177 info@tcsthecarpetspecialists.com www.tcsthecarpetspecialists.com Tradeco Ltd Sheffield - see page 24 0114 4000120 sales@tradeco.uk www.tradeco.uk 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 Floorwise page 71 Fells Carpets Goole 0113 3071900 carl.cummings@fellscarpets.co.uk www.fellscarpets.co.uk Kellars Limited Manchester 0161 443 0970 sales@kellars.co.uk Lakes Flooring Supplies Kendal - see Floorwise page 71 Millbrook Carpets Darwen 01254 703999 millbrookcarpets@live.co.uk Preston Underlay Centre Ltd Preston/Lancashire - see Floorwise page 71 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 23 and Floorwise page 71 NORTH EAST Fells Carpets Leeds 0113 3071900 carl.cummings@fellscarpets.co.uk www.fellscarpets.co.uk Kellars Limited 70

Darlington 0161 443 0970 sales@kellars.co.uk Tradeco Ltd Sheffield - see page 24 0114 4000120 sales@tradeco.uk www.tradeco.uk MIDLANDS Birch Distribution Sheffield - see Floorwise page 71 Birch Distribution Leeds - see Floorwise page 71 Birch Distribution Hull - see Floorwise page 71 Cornerstone Flooring Supplies Doncaster - see Floorwise page 71 Cornerstone Flooring East Midlands and Warwickshire 01159 444711 sales@cornerstoneflooring.co.uk www.cornerstoneflooring.co.uk DMS Flooring Supplies Northampton - see page 14 01604 664850 sales@dmsflooringsupplies.co.uk Floorwise D & J Ltd Southam - see Floorwise page 71 Matty’s Wholesale Carpets Birmingham 01675 433072 sales@mattys.co.uk STS Flooring Distributors Hemel Hempstead - see page 23 and Floorwise page 71 Trade Counter Carpets Leicester 0845 604 3055 tradecountercarpets@gmail.com Woodall Brothers Ltd Shrewsbury - see Floorwise page 71 SOUTH WEST BL Flooring Supplies Bristol - see Floorwise page 71 BL Flooring Supplies Gloucester - see Floorwise page 71 Fitwell Flooring Ltd Redruth - see Floorwise page 71 Fitwell Flooring Ltd Newton Abott - see Floorwise page 71 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 71 Tel: 01980 880933 sales@salesmark-west.co.uk www.salesmark.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

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 71 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 p23 & Floorwise p71

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

STS Flooring Distributors Croydon - see p23 & Floorwise p71

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

Trade Carpet London Wimbledon 0208 247 3891 sales@tradecarpet.com www.tradecarpet.com

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

STS Flooring Distributors Orpington/Croydon - see p23 & Floorwise p71

IRELAND Provincial Floorcoverings Ltd Dublin - see Floorwise page 71

Culpeck Strood 01634 299000 sales@culpeck.uk­­.com

Provincial Floorcoverings Ltd Belfast - see Floorwise page 71

Columbia Flooring Middlesex 020 8443 3322 sales@columbiaflooring.co.uk www.columbiaflooring.co.uk see page 13 for details

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

DMS Flooring Supplies Hemel Hempstead - see page 14 01442 502562 sales@dmsflooringsupplies.co.uk DMS Flooring Supplies Milton Keynes - see page 14 01908 049006 sales@dmsflooringsupplies.co.uk DMS Flooring Supplies Colindale, North London 0208 036 9945 - see page 14 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

Provincial Floorcoverings Ltd Limerick - see Floorwise page 71

SCOTLAND 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 71 WALES Matty’s Wholesale Carpets Birmingham 01675 433072 sales@mattys.co.uk Floorwise Wales Merthyr Tydfil - see Floorwise page 71

THE STOCKLISTS April 2022

wiseup to floorwise quality&value guaranteed

gripper

underlay

stair nosings

profiles

tools

adhesives + screeds

national distributor network 9 Hathaway Flooring Manchester, M17 1EB Tel: 0161 872 8003 sales@hathawayflooring.com

1 Neil Smith Ltd Glasgow, G4 0TX Tel: 0141 552 1141 sales@neilsmithltd.co.uk

2 Provincial Floorcoverings Ltd 10 Cornerstone Flooring Belfast, BT15 3GU Doncaster, DN3 3FE Tel: 028 9075 3202 Tel: 01302 835117 Fax: 028 9075 3901 Fax: 01302 302542 salesbelfast@pfl.ie cornerstonefloor@ btconnect.com 3 Provincial Floorcoverings Ltd

Dublin, D12 E540 Tel: 00353 (0)1 626 3913 Fax: 00353 (0)1 460 4669 salesdublin@pfl.ie

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

11 Birch Distribution Sheffield, S9 5PH Tel: 0114 243 1230 Fax: 0114 243 5118 s.sales@birchdistribution.co.uk 4 Provincial Floorcoverings Ltd 12 Woodall Brothers Ltd Limerick, V94 W863 Tel: 00353 (0)61 227 100 Shrewsbury, SY1 3JE Fax: 00353 (0)61 227 000 Tel: 01743 441584 sales@pfl.ie Fax: 01743 441629 sales@woodallbrothers.co.uk 5 Lakes Flooring Supplies Kendal. LA9 5RR 13 Floorwise D & J Ltd Tel: 01539 726500 Southam, CV47 0DR Tel: 01926 814922 sales@pucflooring.co.uk Fax: 01926 817899 6 Preston Underlay Centre Ltd sales@fwdj.co.uk Preston, PR1 1PN Tel: 01772 556345 sales@pucflooring.co.uk

7 Birch Distribution Leeds, LS10 1AG Tel: 0113 244 4363 Fax: 0113 244 8665 l.sales@birchdistribution.co.uk 8 Birch Distribution Hull, HU7 0XD Tel: 01482 826654 Fax: 01482 878693 h.sales@birchdistribution.co.uk

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

18 Salesmark 23 STS Flooring Distributors Ltd Lancing, BN15 8UN Basildon, Essex, SS14 3DW Tel: 01903 750522 Tel: 0345 899 1000 Fax: 01903 851111 sales@stsflooring.co.uk sales@salesmark-floorwise.co.uk 24 STS Flooring Distributors Ltd 19 Fitwell Flooring Ltd Croydon, Surrey, CR0 4WP Newton Abbot, TQ12 6TR Tel: 0345 899 1000 Tel: 01626 835935 sales@stsflooring.co.uk sales@fitwell.co.uk 25 STS Flooring Distributors Ltd 20 Fitwell Flooring Ltd Orpington, Kent, BR5 3SS Redruth, TR15 1SS Tel: 0345 899 1000 Tel: 01209 214344 sales@stsflooring.co.uk sales@fitwell.co.uk 21 STS Flooring Distributors Ltd Cambridge, CB23 8UD Tel: 0345 899 1000 sales@stsflooring.co.uk

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

headoffice: Floorwise Group Ltd. Floorwise House, 22 High Street Kegworth, Derby, DE74 2DA, UK Tel: +44 (0)1509 673974 Fax: +44 (0)1509 674841

1

2

15 BL Flooring Supplies Ltd Gloucester, GL2 5HY Tel: 01452 223355 Fax: 01452 371284 info@blflooring.co.uk

5 6

3 4

16 BL Flooring Supplies Ltd Bristol, BS2 9SH Tel: 0117 955 5454 Fax: 0117 955 2626 info@blflooring.co.uk

14

ad he +s sive cr ee s ds lam ina tes

ma tti ng

tap es

ls too

ofi les pr

r gr ipp e

n pv osin c s gs kir + tin g

lay un de r

7 8 10 11

12

20

THE STOCKLISTS April 2022

9

19

13 21 22 23 15 16 24 25 17 18

71

Carpet

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.

CALL NOW FOR MORE INFORMATION!

national institute of carpet & floorlayers

N

C AT I

O N AD D

ED

Vinyl

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

FITA is a joint venture by CFA and NICF

Email: info@fita.co.uk

LO

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

national institute of carpet & floorlayers

Tel: 0115 950 6836

KIRKCA LDY

W

PROFESSIONAL FLOORING TRAINING

BOROU GH or

NE

Carpet Fitting — Basic Carpet Fitting — Intermediate Carpet Fitting — Advanced NEW! Carpet — Borders NEW! Natural Floorcoverings

D DE

TRAINING COURSES — 1 TO 4 DAYS

LOCATION AD EW Now can trayinou at LOUGH

www.fita.co.uk

Carpet

NEW! NEW! NEW! NEW!

Bullnose and Double Bullnose Joins (including Repairs) Stairs (including Open Plan) Stretching Techniques (including Power Stretching)

stand out from the crowd

The NICF offers something for all levels of floorlayers, from Apprentice level all the way through to Master Fitter It not only helps me gain work , but gives my customers the assurance that their flooring will be fitted to the highest of standards Making the most of the benefits on offer from the NICF has helped to enhance my fitting and my business to make me stand out from the crowd Give us a try or you will never know if the NICF is right for you!

Dan Evans

Master Fitter

Joining th e I did since NICF is the best th in deciding to be a fitt g er!

Tel: 0115 958 3077 www.nicfltd.org.uk Email: info@nicfltd.org.uk

72

THE STOCKLISTS April 2022

Stocklists Classified The

SITUATIONS VACANT

Territory Manager

Area postcodes: CB, EN, MK, OX, AL, HP and LU Earnings Potential £50k+

Abingdon Flooring is one of the leading carpet manufacturers in the UK with some of the most recognisable brands in the industry, supplying quality carpets to the retail, contract and wholesale trade in the UK. We are currently enjoying an unprecedented level of growth and therefore are looking for an enthusiastic individual who can help develop the full potential of this area.

The ideal candidate will reside within the territory and will be tenacious, organised, professional and have a willingness to develop NEW and existing business together with a sound knowledge of the trade from a retail or territory sales background. An above average salary, car, phone, iPad as well as an unlimited commission package is available together with the benefits you would expect from a blue-chip company.

This role is for a flooring industry insider who will know how to develop and thus realise the potential of this opportunity as well as wanting a fantastic long-term career within our team.

Please send your CV and covering letter summarising your relevant skills and experience to: Laura Offord, HR Assistant, Abingdon Flooring, Pen-y-Fan Industrial Est, Newport, NP11 3XG. Or email to laura.offord@abingdonflooring.co.uk Closing Date of 15th April 2022

FOR SALE

Help us grow!

SALES REPRESENTATIVE UK This is your fantastic opportunity to join the fastest growing artificial grass company in Europe. Will you help us realize our growth ambitions?

Unique opportunity with great remuneration As a sales representative for Condor Grass you will work in a dedicated U.K. team and together you will maintaining existing account relationships whilst developing new opportunities. We are looking for a pro-active candidate with great communication skills and a ‘can do’ attitude. We offer a highly competitive salary & attractive bonus structure and all the tools and product training you need to be succesful in your roll.

Super Plus The Rug Tamer! Keeps Rugs In Their Place

COMBINATION UNDERLAYS NEEDLEFELT UNDERLAYS

High-end artificial grass manufacturer Condor Grass – a division of the Condor Group from the Netherlands – is one of the largest white-label manufacturers in the world of high-end artificial grass solutions.

Interested? Please send your CV & covering letter to hr@condor-group.eu. For the full job description; visit website:

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 THE STOCKLISTS April 2022

73

Stocklists Classified The

AW-LVT Ad 147x210.qxp_Layout 1 27/08/2021 11:38 Page 1

SITUATIONS VACANT

AW-LVT Ad 147x210_03-22_PATHS.qxp_Layout 1 31/03/2022 11:29 Page 1

74

THE STOCKLISTS April 2022

Stocklists Classified The

SITUATIONS VACANT

JOIN T HE IN VIC TUS FLOOR IN G TE AM COMMERCIAL BUSINESS MANAGER SOUTHEAST/HOME COUNTIES This is an exciting time to join the company, as Associated Weavers is building on its success with Invictus Luxury Vinyl Flooring in the Commercial Sector.

We are looking for a motivated and committed Commercial Business Manager to join the team and enable the company to drive forward in the fastgrowing Commercial Flooring market.

The ideal applicant will have a good understanding of the commercial flooring industry, ideally living on the territory, you will be required to visit existing commercial customers as well as sourcing new customers along with generating business through End Users and Architects & Designers... & of course, building the brand.

Interested applicants should send their CV and covering letter to commercial@associatedweavers.co.uk

A UK brand since 1964

www.invictus.co.uk

AW Ad UK 147x210_03-22.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2022 15:57 Page 1

AW jobad UK 180x130mm 202203.indd 1

THE STOCKLISTS April 2022

14/03/2022 15:46:54

75