The Stocklists - December 2011

Stocklists The

5 December 2011

with

FlooringNews

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

NEW

StainGuard Saxony Carpet protection - that’s guaranteed Look for the Butterfly

Your assurance of a quality carpet

Happy Christmas from the team at The Stocklists and thanks to all our advertisers for their support and to our readers for making us the best read retail flooring publication of 2011.

2

THE STOCKLISTS December 2011

Stocklists The

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

FIRST FOR FLOORING NEWS AND DATA

5 DECEMBER 2011

UK manufactured Carpet Cutting Machines

WWW.CARPETCUTTINGMACHINES.CO.UK Advertisers

FlooringNews starts on page 33

Monthly ‘Stocklisters’ shown in BOLD Page No

Index

Clever click for planks

3M announces protection innovation pages 38

Balterio invents new lock for laminates page 33

01562 829966

ADORE................................................................39

01675 433075

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AFS ...................................................................19

020 8805 8620

July 2011

Eagerly awaited roll-out to transform LVT page 39

To the manor re-born

FLOORING...........................47

01264 335111

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01422 431100

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BALTA ..................................................................48

+32 55 335252

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BONDWORTH ..................................20,49

01562 745000

June 2011

BRITISH WOOL .......................................54 01274 688 666

Ulster quality seen on TV page 34

Carpet showcase 2011 Our ‘hotshots’ review the best carpet roomsets of the year page 45-53

01562 828200

Mar 2010

BRM........................................................................9

01892 519400

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CARPENTER .............................................BC

01457 861141

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COLUMBIA FLOORING

0208 443 3322

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01204 881234

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CROWN .............................................................51

0800 077 3301

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CYBERGOLD

01494 761814

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UK ............................................41 .......................................23

01422 374417

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F.BALL ....................................................4

01538 361633

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FITA......................................................................55

01159 506836

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FLOORWISE ...............................................18

01509 673974

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FURLONG FLOORING .................24,25

01772 696787

Nov 2010

HECKMONDWIKE..........................................52

01924 406161

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INTERFLOOR ...................................................35

01706 213131

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J2

2012 prospects survey

.....................22

CORMAR............................................................50

INTERIORS

Let us know how next year is looking for your business page 57

UK.................................................41

FLOORING..............................................37,43

MASTER WEAVERS new

monthly page....26

GROUP .......................................3

01422 373799

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...................................................27

01480 479830

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NICF.................................................................44

0115 958 3077

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RACKHAMS................................................28

020 85319225

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REFLEX

01482 881152

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DATA SYSTEMS ................................55

Dennis Flower looks at some tools of the trade page 56

STS FLOORING DISTRIBUTORS........30

Buying Groups

4 Underlay

TAT

8-9 Wholesaler Distribution Directory

Carpet Company Directory

14-15 Wool Fibre Page

Carpet trouble-shooter

12-13 Woolsafe: the carpet care guide

Carpet Types

10 16-18

CARPET ......................................................._

01243 774623 Nov/Dec 2011 0845 341000

July 2011

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T & E DISPLAY GROUP ....................37

0121 585 7600

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WESTON HAMMER .............................31

0845 644 9090

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VORWERK .........................................................53

0870 0104484

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

11 6-7

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carpets/rugs/tiles woods/laminates/smooths accessories/services/organisations fibres underlay wholesalers/distributors adhesives

ISSN 2046-7338 © Mayville Publishing Co. Ltd. 2011 Issue: 441 Every care is taken in compiling this magazine, but the proprietors assume no responsibility in the effects arising therefrom.

In an independent survey which asked 450 retailers this year which of the nine trade titles they actually read, our magazine came top of the pile.

Thank you!

— —

MOHAWK

SOLENT WHOLESALE CARPET .......29

Adhesives

01704 536421 01562 754382

MERRYFIELD

Machinations

FlooringFactsheets

—

.........21

EDEL TELENZO

2011

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ASSOCIATED WEAVERS ...............................FC

BROCKWAY CARPETS LTD.

adore arrives

Price List Date

ADAM ..................................................................46

ALTERNATIVE

Shiny new stuff for stone

Contact No

Flooring Factsheet Adhesives

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THE STOCKLISTS December 2011

Flooring factsheet Carpet types TUFTED

WOVEN

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 PILE Freize • Frieze (pronounced free-say) carpets are similar to saxony, but the yarns are more tightly twisted and should always be heat set.

They have a dense, low pile surface which creates a coarse, pebbly texture. Frieze carpets are very durable and hide footprints, dust and dirt, which makes them suitable for heavy traffic areas.

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.

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.

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

Twist • The popular twist carpet is the cut-pile standard. The yarn is tightly twisted and often heatset to retain this feature and the result is a versatile, textured finish that is ideal for plain colours.

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.

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

Tip Sheared

Level Loop

Random Sheared

Multi-Level Loop

V

Saxony

THE STOCKLISTS December 2011

Sha

Velvet/Plush

Frieze

Twist

Berber

S Shag

5

Flooring factsheet Carpet care guide from WOOLSAFE Housekeeping Tips for Carpets and Rugs Entrance or walk-off mats The use of entrance mats at all outside entrances to the house is highly recommended, as they will significantly reduce the rate at which the carpet will soil. They should be of adequate size to allow street dirt to be removed from shoe soles and must be cleaned regularly themselves.

Services for Retailers Customer carpet care HELPLINE If you have trouble dealing with customer queries like “How do I get red wine stains out of my carpet?”

Just give them our HELPLINE 01943 850 817 and we’ll give them the correct advice. Simple.

Certified Operator Network For experienced, specialist wool carpet cleaners you can trust visit: www.woolsafe.org/find/aregistered-carpet-cleaner.

WOOLSAFE Registered Inspectors Solve disputes with customers with our independent carpet complaint Investigators. Just visit: www.woolsafe.org/find/a-registered-carpetinspector and call your nearest inspector.

WOOLSAFE Approved Products Have confidence in the cleaning product you recommend, use the WOOLSAFE Approved Products Directory it contains only safe and effective carpet cleaning products. For spot removers visit: www.woolsafe.org/spotremovers Carpet Care Leaflets We offer to help you develop custom carpet care literature and we also offer generic carpet care leaflets designed to be given away with each cut of carpet. Correct carpet maintenance should start from day one.

Web pages and Links We offer to help you develop custom carpet care pages for your website or you can link to our website’s carpet care pages for up-to-date and accurate advice.

Contact us by email, telephone or post to: The WOOLSAFE Organisation 49 Boroughgate, Otley, LS29 8NR Tel: 01943 850817 E-mail: office@woolsafe.org or visit www.woolsafe.org The WOOLSAFE Organisation – promoting quality carpet and rug care since 1991.

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

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

Beware of products claiming to be safe on all fibres, including wool. It might be true, but if it does not have the WOOLSAFE Mark, it is not endorsed by most carpet manufacturers!

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

Use only WOOLSAFE approved products WOOLSAFE-approved carpet care products have been independently and scientifically tested and are safe and effective for cleaning and maintaining all types of carpets and rugs.

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

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

If you are considering cleaning the carpet or rug yourself make sure to use only WOOLSAFE approved products. Look for the WOOLSAFE Mark on the bottle or package.

It is best to engage the services of a professional carpet & upholstery cleaning company. To get a really expert job done entrust the work to a WOOLSAFE accredited carpet cleaning company.

These companies are fully trained, have been in business for a considerable length of time, are members of one or more recognised professional trade associations related to the cleaning industry and have a reputation for top quality service. And they use only WOOLSAFE-approved cleaning agents on your wool carpets and rugs!

If you have a problem with a carpet or rug that requires an independent inspector, a network of carpet complaint investigators, trained and registered

by The WOOLSAFE Organisation is available throughout the UK and Ireland.

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

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

To contact an inspector in your area call 01943 462127, email: inspector@woolsafe.org, or visit: www.woolsafe.org / Private Householder / Registered Inspectors

WOOLSAFE The Retailer's single source solution for carpet care advice and services.

THE STOCKLISTS December 2011

maintenance • cleaning • spot removal • protection • inspection

General Rules for Spot Removal

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

Treatments 1.

Blot with white kitchen roll or paper tissues

2.

Vacuum clean

3.

Cold water

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

• Soak up liquids with white kitchen roll, tissues, toilet roll or clean cloth

4.

Warm water

• Scoop up or scrape off solids

5.

• Try to identify unknown spots prior to treatment – if unsure, use solvent first

WOOLSAFE-approved carpet shampoo solution (diluted)

6.

WOOLSAFE-approved spot remover for water-based stains

7.

WOOLSAFE-approved spot remover for greasy/oily stains

• Always work from the edge of the spot inwards • BLOT, do NOT rub • Use small quantities of spot remover at a time, applied to a cloth, NOT directly to the spot; work into the spot with a small, soft brush or sponge • Take care with applying solvents to bitumen-backed carpet tiles

8.

Absorbent paper or paper tissue and hot iron

9.

Chewing gum remover (solvent or freeze type)

Life inspired cleaning innovations www.bissell.com

10. Nail varnish remover or acetone 11. White spirit or turpentine substitute 12. Surgical spirit (ethyl alcohol or ethanol)

• When using solvents always ensure there is plenty of fresh air ventilation

14. Rub gently with coarse sand paper

• Always thoroughly rinse out water-based spotters with clean water

15. WOOLSAFE-approved disinfectant or deodorizer

• Dry the spot, if possible, with a hair dryer

16. Rust remover

13. Rub with a coin

17. Carpet re-colouring kit

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

(Treatments used by professional carpet cleaners)

More Difficult Spots Spot or stain

Easy Spots

Try 1st Try 2nd Try 3rd

Artificially coloured drinks 3

6

Bleach

3

17

C/heating radiator fluid

5

6

Coffee

4

6

16

Spot or stain

Try 1st Try 2nd Try 3rd

Blood

5

6

Felt-tip pen

7 or 11 12

Burn/scorch marks

13

14

Furniture polish

7

Butter

7

5

Glue/adhesive (plastic base)10

11

Candle wax

8

7

6

5

Chewing gum

9

5

15

6

5 15

3

Ink (fountain)

3

Ink (ballpoint pen)

12

5

7

6

Lipstick

7

Cola

3

5

6

Milk

4

Cream

7

5

Nail varnish

10

Egg

5

6

Paint (oil)

11

Rust

16

Soot

2

Tar (asphalt)

7

Urine (fresh stain)

3

5

Urine (old stain)

6

15

7

5

Fruit juice

3

5

Gravy and sauces

5

6

Herbal tea

3

6

Metal polish

5

Mustard

5

6

Oil and grease

7

5

Paint (emulsion)

3

5

Shoe polish

7

5

Tea

3

5

THE STOCKLISTS December 2011

6

5

5

Chocolate/cocoa

Floor wax

Environmentally Aware for Superior Carpet Care www.envirodri.com

Vomit

5

6

Red wine

1

6

15

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

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

British Wool makes a Better Carpet... Naturally www.britishwool.org.uk

This information is provided with the support of WOOLSAFE members for the benefit of all carpet retailers and fitters.

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Flooring factsheet Buying Groups Why join? www.smg-group.co.uk Contact: David Lewis Tel: 0118 932 3832 info@smg-group.co.uk

Associated Carpet Group www.smartercarpets.co.uk Contact: Richard Moore Tel: 01942 825520 rjmoore65@googlemail.com rmoore@smartercarpets.com

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

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

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

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

www.beautifulflooring.co.uk Contact: Paul Phillips Tel: 01892 549050 paul@atbrm.com

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

• Evaluate all buying groups as they all work differently • Talk to the main marketing contact and/or a member of the committee

•

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

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

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

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

Metro Group www.carpet1st.co.uk Contact: David Kipping Tel: 01204 393539 dek@carpet1st.co.uk

8

Increase margins • Group purchases to get beneficial rates • Rebates • Exclusive higher-margin products • Special promotions One of the key reasons to join a buying group is to benefit from the discounts they negotiate as a bulk buyer from manufacturers. The way discounts and rebates are passed on to members varies between groups so make sure it’s absolutely clear how this will be done. You’ll need to work out how this compares with discounts you have already negotiated locally with preferred suppliers.

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 point-of-sale, merchandising and displays. Central stockholding may also be on offer.

Access professional services

Pick the right one www.flooringone.co.uk Contact: Glenn Harding Tel: 0121 683 1426 glenn.harding@flooringone.co.uk

Key benefits

• 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

• Business services • 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.

Network with other independents

• Members-only exhibitions with preferred manufacturers

• Regular meetings • Regional workshops • Supplier presentations • 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.

flexibility to run your business the way you want

THE STOCKLISTS December 2011

Bond Retail Marketing, not just a buying group...

Profile

www.beautifulflooring.co.uk

"a varied menu of services to choose from..."

Although a negotiating and buying function is a major part of it's business, BRM offers it's retailers a varied menu of services to choose from...

• Department design and installation • Range planning and maintenance • GP% return and business planning • Retailers own brand design and ranges • Group collective rebates no individual targets

Not standing still...

Web based trading, advertising and product searches are vital to a modern retail industry. BRM created www.beautifulflooring.co.uk for its retailers to put them fimly on the map. Each retailer has its own on-line store within the main site making www.beautifulflooring.co.uk a unique visual opportunity.

Small is beautiful...

BRM retailers are given geographical protection and as such the number of retailers is carefully monitored to enable the BRM team to give a high level of service.

"Valued asset..."

"We have worked with BRM for over eight years and have always found them to be the most valued asset to the success of our carpet and flooring business."

Robert Bianchi Director - Arighi Bianchi. Macclesfield

Promotional activity

David Mollison, Sunniva Royal Tunbridge Wells "We have had great success with the BEAUTIFUL FLOORING Crucial Trading offer featured in the LIVING ETC magazine with several customers travelling a fair distance to buy from us because of the offer.."

"We also had a customer from Switzerland who found us through BEAUTIFUL FLOORING he could not find what he wanted locally, so searched the internet, first order fitted, more to follow."

"Free marketing tool..."

Comment...

Simon Manley-Michael John Flooring Leicester... " We Know that BEAUTIFUL FLOORING is definitely working for us, we all benefit from this free marketing tool and the exclusive promotional activity, such as the Victoria promotion featured in the October edition of HOUSE BEAUTIFUL magazine."

Simon Goff - Heals, London W1 "A customer searching on-line for a local retailer found BEAUTIFUL FLOORING and visited the Heals carpet department. We measured a 6 storey georgian house in W1 and secured the order worth over £10,000."

David Millard - Millers Flooring, Glasgow & Edinburgh "Large Company in Glasgow city centre - 4 small offices. Customer had ordered a sample from BEAUTIFUL FLOORING and had not left the comfort of their own office, had it measured and fitted within 7 days, and we had the balance paid before we went to fit."

"Another customer in Fellingham, Stirling was looking to order carpet on line and arrange fitting locally, found BEAUTIFUL FLOORING and contacted the store and we arranged everything for her as it was a difficult fit."

"Orders we would never have seen had it not been for www.beautifulflooring.co.uk"

For the full story please contact Paul Phillips Managing Director Tel. 01892 519400 E-mail paul@atbrm.com Carl Harris Operations Director Tel. 07403 442229 E-mail charris31@sky.com THE STOCKLISTS December 2011

9

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

www.floorwise.co.uk

But 50% of carpet is still sold without new underlay!

Retailers should create an assumption that new underlay is always required, the only decision is which type. It’s also a good target-setter for sales staff.

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.

www.numa-online.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

Sponge rubber The market’s most popular underlay is available in flat or waffle patterns in a wide range of weights for different applications. It performs well for comfort and has a durable spring retention.

PU (polyurethane) foam PU foam is a relative newcomer to the market, typically made from recycled foam offcuts. The foam provides excellent comfort and performance levels with lots of thickness options – and its light weight helps handling.

The product can be re-cycled again after use.

Crumb rubber Flat and dense, crumb rubber is good for heavy footfall - offering maximum protection but a little less comfort (and very good over stair nosings).

Laminate underlay There’s still an opportunity to sell underlay with laminate flooring, improving the acoustic performance of the floor and helping the boards float above any imperfections in the sub-surface.

Combination A rubber crumb base with a felt top layer offers a good combination of protection, durability and comfort. It also allows carpet with seaming to bed into the top felt.

Underfloor heating underlay Always ask if there is underfloor heating. Most manufacturers offer specialised products. Underlay and carpet with a combined tog rating up to 2.5 can be used – which means the underlay would normally have a tog rating of 1.0.

Felt This traditional (but environmentally friendly) underlay is made from recycled fibres – wool, jute and synthetic – to create a firm, dense pad with excellent thermal insulation.

Still a very popular choice among contractors when stretch fitting woven carpets.

Pre-tackified underlay A self-adhesive single stick underlay in both needlefelt and PU. A removable system for heavy use when comfort is desired.

Poor or old underlay will...

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

A maximum of 12mm is recommended (working with gripper will be difficult thereafter) but rooms with heavy traffic will need a thinner, denser pad. The combination of thickness and density is all important as a thick underlay with low density may not perform well.

Typically, the thicker the underlay, the better quality it will need to be – 11mm is often used for luxury installations with 9mm and 7mm the common domestic thickness.

Sponge rubber

Combination

Crumb

PU foam

www.carpenter.limited.uk

www.interfloor.com

www.interfloor.com

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

www.underlay.com

10

THE STOCKLISTS December 2011

Flooring factsheet Wool fibre THE BEST CARPET WOOL Wool carpets have a historic reputation for quality because as a fibre it is known to withstand pressure and have excellent appearance retention properties. The best wool for carpet production is ‘strong’ wool and this is grown on sheep breeds found in Britain and New Zealand. Most carpets will contain both British Wool and New Zealand Wool because British Wool is more bulky and resilient and offers texture and unique heathery shades to carpet, whilst New Zealand wool is softer and whiter and particularly good for plain, lighter shaded ranges. Combining the two within a blend for carpet yarn gives manufacturers the perfect qualities for carpet.

100% wool or 80/20 – 80/10/10 wool rich Wool has yet to be matched by any man-made fibre; it has superior strength and does not need other fibres to improve its performance. However manufacturers choose to use synthetic fibres within the yarn blend for a number of reasons. These include fibre flexibility, dyeing, heat setting, stain resistance, durability and cost.

These wool rich compositions offer industry standard carpets which will perform well in the home.

THE BENEFITS OF WOOL CARPET Practical Strong and Resilient – Wool carpet will provide superior performance over many years as it can offer unique resilience and long lasting durability. The natural crimp of wool offers valuable ‘bounce-back’ so that pile compression is resisted and the effects of tracking and shading are reduced – maintaining good appearance over many years.

Easy care – Wool is a natural fibre that has an inbuilt resistance to soiling due to its natural oils and its outer surface of microscopic scales and as a result additional anti-soil treatments are not necessary. Simply vacuuming the carpet will keep it looking good and whilst wool initially repels spills, prompt and complete blotting with white paper towels or an absorbent cloth is advised and will address many household spillages.

SAFE

DURABLE

Comfort Soft and Warm – Wool carpet adds luxurious underfoot comfort and warmth to the home and acts as an insulator improving heat retention and energy efficiency.

Peace and Quiet – Wool carpet absorbs sound and cushions the home against echo and room to room noise transfer.

Safety Fire Retardant – Wool is naturally fire resistant, has a slow ignition rate and tests show that it is self extinguishing within seconds. It meets many safety regulations without additional treatments and is favoured in contract locations for this reason.

Fall Friendly – Carpet cushions and so provides a softer floor which protects against serious injury in falls by the very young or the elderly.

Internal Environment Indoor Environment – As a natural ‘smart’ fibre with a complex physical and chemical structure, wool helps to create a balanced atmosphere in the home. It breathes and absorbs humidity in the air, releasing it when the atmosphere becomes dry and helps improve air quality by absorbing airborne toxins in indoor air.

Anti–allergy – The minute scales on the fibre’s surface will hold fine dust until vacuumed which helps to reduce floating particulate in the atmosphere. Wool does not give off harmful emissions or promote the growth of bacteria and wool is not a food source for dust mites.

Eco/Environmental Natural and Sustainable – Grown on sheep, which graze freely, wool is both 100% natural and fully sustainable. As shearing is a necessary part of animal husbandry this means that every year there is a fresh supply of wool available for the carpet manufacturing industry.

Energy Efficient – Wool is energy efficient in the home and also in carpet production.

Biodegradable – Wool fibre is biodegradable in soil and will produce nitrogen, sulphur, carbon dioxide and water which are all plant nutrients.

Environmentally Assessed – Wool is an environmentally responsible fibre that has been measured in terms of its ecological impact. A Life Cycle Analysis study carried out by Leeds University to ISO 14040 standard for British Wool concludes that it compares favourably when measured against man-made fibres.

EASY-CARE

COMFORT

British Wool The Planet Friendly Fibre for Carpet aboutwool.com THE STOCKLISTS December 2011

11

Flooring factsheet Carpet trouble-shooter COLOUR MATCHING

SPROUTING

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’.

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.

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.

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.

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

N.B. Carpets which are laid with the pile travelling in different directions, even though they be from the same batch will appear not to match.

For further information please check with the manufacturers recommendations.

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

SHEDDING The original carpet tile

All cut pile carpets will lose short fibre, which is created during production when spun yarn is cut for tuft formation. These fibres fall onto the surface of the pile and appear as ‘fluff’.

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

PULLED LOOPS

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

12

• shedding • pulled 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.

SHADING

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

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

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

FADING ON WOOL Carpets made from wool can and do fade in use.

The degree of fade can vary depending on the colour chosen and the local conditions to which the carpet is subjected.

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

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

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

THE STOCKLISTS December 2011

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

PILE REVERSAL

FLATTENING

(SEE SHADING)

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.

Like shading, this occurs when the pile or nap of the carpet changes direction and thus reflects light at different angles showing the effects of shading which can become permanent. It is also described as ‘watermarking’. This can happen to every carpet construction be it Axminster, Wilton, Tufted, Hand Woven, Persian, Chinese, Indian or even Coir Matting. Like shading it can be more apparent on plain carpet because heavy patterns can disguise the effects. It can occur quite quickly after installation. A tremendous amount of research has been carried out over many years by many institutes to determine the cause of this phenomenon but none of it has proved conclusive.

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

INDENTATIONS When a carpet is subjected to a heavy point load, such as under the legs of furniture, it is unreasonable to expect the carpet not to indent.

Usually, the longer the load is in place, the longer will be the time for the pile to recover. In the case of very heavy loads in place for a considerable time, the recovery time can be very considerable.

It must be remembered that it is not only the pile of the carpet that becomes indented. the underlay will also indent and the backing of the carpet may also distort into the indentation in the underlay.

Some underlay’s will recover well and some less well depending upon their composition, thickness, density etc.

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

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

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

SOILING Soiling is usually the result of some local condition to which the carpet has been subjected to, or maintenance, or lack of maintenance programme.

There is nothing we as manufacturers can do to prevent soiling in use. There are several types of soiling which are quite common:

Spillages - Liquids such as soft drinks, cordials or

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

Shampoo - if incorrectly applied, can leave

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

Dust - which is carried on draughts can soil carpets in various ways, apart from the obvious soiled edges, at gaping skirting boards for instance, dark lines appearing on surface might suggest airborne dust 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.

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

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

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

THE STOCKLISTS December 2011

13

The Stocklists Carpet Company Directory Abingdon Flooring

01274 655694

Adam Carpets Ltd Be Tu Tw W Ww

01562 829966

Alternative Flooring

01264 335111

Associated Weavers Tw Tu Avena Carpets Ltd Tu Ww Axwoven Carpets Ltd Ax Be Axminster Carpets Ltd Ax Be Tw

Bronte Carpets Ltd 0121 550 5788 01297 32244

Balta Industries NV Tu Tw W Ww

+32 56 62 2211

Beaulieu International Group Be Pr Tu Tw +32 56 67 66 11

Belvedere Carpets Belvedere Carpets

BIC Carpets Be Tw W Bizspoke Custom Carpets Be Tw W

020 8800 0740

+32 56 23 54 10 01924 488882

0113 380 5333

14

01562 745000 0800 505055

01737 830301

Dan-Floor UK W

01454 858014

Domo International Be Pr Tu Tw W

01254 296829

E & WE Carpets W

01562 825952

01924 262525

Cavalier Carpets Ltd Ax Be Tu Tw W Ww

01254 268000

Tu Tw W sales@edeltelenzocarpets.co.uk www.edeltelenzocarpets.co.uk

019078 308777

Enterprise Weaving Co Be Ww

Christy Carpets Tu Clarendon Carpets Tw Classis Carpets Tu W Ww

Tu Tw W info@cormarcarpets.co.uk www.cormarcarpets.co.uk

0870 020 1725 +31 38 4778911

01204 881 234

Craigie Carpets Be

01294 558400

Mohawk’s Cherbourg Check

01422 374 417

01562 745030

Fells Carpets Ww cummings@btinternet.com www.fellscarpets.co.uk Fetcham Furnishings Ltd Tw

800 223 6186

Creatuft Carpets Tu W

Edel Telenzo Carpets Ltd

01675 433066

Couristan Carpets Ax Tu W Ww

Creative Carpets Ltd Be Tu Tw W

+32 92 41 4511

Drury Lane Carpets Ltd Be Tu Tw W

Burmatex Tu

Cormar Carpets Ltd

BMK

Edel Telenzo’s Bakerloo

01282 862 736

+31 383 861 060

020 7823 3040

Brintons Ax Tu Tw W Ww

Be Tu Tw W office@brontecarpets.co.uk www.brontecarpets.co.uk

Condor Carpets BV Tu

Blenheim Carpets Ax Be Tw W Ww

Bond Worth Ltd Ax

01562 828200 www.brockway.co.uk

01422 330261

+32 56783250

Betap Tufting BV Tu Tw W

Tw W sales@brockway.co.uk

01422 431100

Bajong Carpets NV Tu Tw W

Tu W sales@belvederecarpets.co.uk www.belvederecarpets.co.uk

Brockway Carpets Ltd

Custom Carpet Company Ax Be Tu Tw W Ww

0116 284 1455

Fletco Taepper A/S Tu W

01977 662211

020 8944 6220 +45 96 60 3000

Furlong Flooring Tw W enquiries@furlongcentral.co.uk www.furlongflooring.co.uk

01772 696 787

+32 56 35 4444

Brockway’s Vogue

THE STOCKLISTS December 2011

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

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

KEY TO CODES: Be: Bespoke • Pr: Printed • Tu: Tufted • Tw: Twist • W: Wool • Ww: Woven Wilton

Gaskell Wool Rich Tu Tw W

01827 831525

Lusotufo Tu

Gaskell Mackay Carpets Ltd Ax Tu Tw W

01429 892525

Manx Carpets Tw W

01827 831 434

The Grosvenor Wilton Co W Ww

01562 701456

Georgian Carpets Tu Tw W

01827 831430

Master Weaver W Ww

01562 754 382

The Sultana Carpet Co Ax

01299 822300

Mayfield Carpets Tu Tw W

01706 639 866

The Wilton Carpet Co Ax W Ww

0845 296 8850

Thomas Witter UK Ltd Tu Tw

0870 1128318

Godfrey Hirst (GB) Ltd Tu Halbmond Teppichwerke Be Pr Tu Heckmondwike FB ITC Be Pr Tw

0800 526696 +49 037 421 420

Joseph Hamilton & Seaton W Kingsmead Carpets Tu Tw W

0032 51 424 411

0161 368 2563 01827 831400 01827 831 424

Lano NV Ax Pr Tu Tw W Ww marketing@lano.be www.lano.com Le Tissage d'Arcade Ax Ww Lecaflor Ltd Ax Be Pr Tu Tw W Ww Leigh Spinners Ltd Tw Louis de Poortere W

MID NL Be

+31 38 851 8700

+32 56 65 4300

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

+32 52 499600

01480 479830 01480 471304

01827 831 450

+41 71 791 0111

Trendy Tuft Designs Be Tu Tw W

01274 855080

Ulster Carpets Ax Be Tu Tw W Ww

02838 334433

Ossfloor UK

01675 433031

United Carpets & Beds Tw W Ww

Penthouse Carpets Tu Tw W

01706 341231

Victoria Carpets Tu Tw W Ww

01562 749300

Phoenox Textiles Pr Tu

01484 863227

Vorwerk

08700 104484

Westex Carpets Tu

01274 861334

Pownall Carpets Tw W

+32 05685 4747

Ryalux Carpets Ltd Be Tu Tw W

0800 78 33 712

Sans Frontieres Ltd Be Pr Tu Tw W Ww

+32 56 393 386

Tisca Tiara Tu Ww

Mohawk Europe

Roger Vanden Berghe.NV Tu Ww

01942 673232

Tasibel NV Tw

Timzo Tufting Industry BV Tu +31 38 385 4477

01924 410544

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

01388 664101

Shaw Home Foundations Tu

0845 6528811 +32 56 73 57 11 0845 652 8811 0844 5611977 01675 433 501

TAT Carpet

07976 607657

Tapibel NV Pr Tu Tw

01623 481 221

Weston Hammer W Whitestone Weavers Ltd Ax Be Tu Tw W Ww Wilkies Carpets Tw Woodward Grosvenor Ax Tu Tw W Ww Wool Classics Tu Ww

01709 732 666

0845 644 9090 01429 892555 0113 307 9955 0800 526696 0207 349 1560

Woven Carpets of Kidderminster W 01299 827477 Tollgate stand

Bronte’s stand

Cormar’s Berwick

THE STOCKLISTS December 2011

15

Are you a Wholesaler?

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

The Stocklists Wholesale Distribution Directory National Fells Carpets Goole 01977 662211 sales@fellscarpets.co.uk www.fellscarpets.co.uk

North East Carpet & Flooring Gateshead 0191 482 7373 gateshead@carpetandflooring.co.uk www.carpetandflooring.co.uk Fells Carpets Goole

01977 662211 sales@fellscarpets.co.uk www.fellscarpets.co.uk Floorwise (North East) Ltd Birtley - see Floorwise p18 Vanguard Carpets Redditch 0845 601 1189 customerservices.redditch@ carpetandflooring.co.uk www.vanguardcarpets.co.uk Wood Floor Sales Redditch 01527 511888 help.redditch@ carpetandflooring.co.uk www.woodfloorsales.com

North West A&A Carpets Manchester 01204 701188 sales@aandacarpets.co.uk www.aandacarpets.co.uk D. M. Miller Ltd Manchester 0161 205 9949 dm.miller@btconnect.com www.dmmillerltd.spaces.lives.com

Fells Carpets Goole

Midlands

East

01977 662211

Carpet & Flooring Birmingham 0121 421 9131 birmingham@ carpetandflooring.co.uk www.carpetandflooring.co.uk

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

sales@fellscarpets.co.uk www.fellscarpets.co.uk Kellars Ltd Stockport 0161 443 0970 sales@kellars.co.uk Lee Floorstok Ltd Liverpool - see Floorwise p18 Lee Floorstok Ltd Manchester - see Floorwise p18 MCA Floorwise Ltd Morecambe - see Floorwise p18 Mytton Flooring Norwich - see Floorwise p18 Millbrook Carpets Darwen 01254 703999 millbrookcarpets@live.co.uk

DMS Flooring Supplies Northampton 0845 643 5601 dmsnorthampton@ dmsflooringsupplies.co.uk Floorwise D & J Ltd Southam- see Floorwise p18 J J Wholesale & Distribution Ltd Birmingham 0121 765 4994 jjwholesale@gmx.com RPS Flooring Mansfield Woodhouse - see Floorwise p18

Vanguard Carpets Redditch 0845 601 1189 customerservices.redditch@ carpetandflooring.co.uk www.vanguardcarpets.co.uk

STS Flooring Distributors Watford

Carpet & Flooring Manchester 0161 786 6800 manchester@ carpetandflooring.co.uk www.carpetandflooring.co.uk

Vanguard Carpets Redditch 0845 601 1189 customerservices.redditch@ carpetandflooring.co.uk www.vanguardcarpets.co.uk

Wood Floor Sales Redditch 01527 511888 help.redditch@ carpetandflooring.co.uk www.woodfloorsales.com

Wood Floor Sales Redditch 01527 511888 help.redditch@ carpetandflooring.co.uk www.woodfloorsales.com

08454 342000 sales@stsflooring.co.uk www.stsflooring.com see page 31 for details

Woodall Brothers Ltd Shrewsbury - see Floorwise p18

Faithfull Floorcovering Suffolk 01473 822341 sales@faithfulls.co.uk www.faithfulls.co.uk STS Flooring Distributors Ltd Cambridge Tel: 01954 781142 sales@stsflooring.co.uk www.stsflooring.com See page 31 for details Vanguard Carpets Redditch 0845 601 1189 customerservices.redditch@ carpetandflooring.co.uk www.vanguardcarpets.co.uk Wood Floor Sales Redditch 01527 511888 help.redditch@ carpetandflooring.co.uk www.woodfloorsales.com

South East Acorn Carpet Accessories Bromley, Kent - see Floorwise p18 AFS Middlesex 020 8805 8620 info@afsenfield.co.uk See page 19 for details Ashmount Flooring Supplies Ltd Tottenham 0208 808 2158 sales@ashmountflooring.co.uk www.ashmountflooring.co.uk continued overleaf....

16

THE STOCKLISTS December 2011

Are you a Wholesaler?

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

The Stocklists Wholesale Distribution Directory Beds Flooring Bedford 01234 341234 sales@bedsflooring.co.uk www.bedsflooring.co.uk

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

Carpet & Flooring Bow 020 8525 5691 bow@carpetandflooring.co.uk www.carpetandflooring.co.uk

Kent Flooring Supplies Ltd Chatham 01634 668668 sales@kentflooring.co.uk www.kentflooring.co.uk

Carpet & Flooring Camberley 01276 672100 camberley@carpetandflooring.co.uk www.carpetandflooring.co.uk

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

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

Potts & Ward, Woodcocks Ltd Brighton 01273 557211 pwwflooring@fastnet.co.uk www.pwwflooring.co.uk

Culpeck Strood 01634 299000 sales@culpeck.uk.com Columbia Flooring Middlesex 020 8443 3322 sales@columbiaflooring.co.uk www.columbiaflooring.co.uk See page 22 for details DMS Flooring Supplies Hemel Hempstead 0845 643 5344 dmshemel@dmsflooringsupplies.co.uk DMS Flooring Supplies Milton Keynes 0845 643 5320 dmslaser@dmsflooringsupplies.co.u Faithfulls Service Centre Kent 01322 285001 Faithfulls Service Centre Walthamstow 0208 498 3040 sales.walthamstow@faithfulls.co.uk

THE STOCKLISTS December 2011

Rackhams London 020 8531 9225 sales@rackhamsltd.co.uk www.rackhamsltd.co.uk See page 29 for details

Wessex Flooring Amesbury - see Floorwise p18

C. K. Davie Ltd Aberdeen - see Floorwise p18

Wood Floor Sales Redditch 01527 511888 help.redditch@carpetandflooring.co.uk www.woodfloorsales.com

C. K. Davie Ltd Dundee - see Floorwise p18

South West Carpet & Flooring Bristol 0117 316 0555 bristol@carpetandflooring.co.uk www.carpetandflooring.co.uk Fitwell Flooring Ltd Redruth - see Floorwise p18 Fitwell Flooring Ltd Newton Abott - see Floorwise p18 Solent Wholesale Carpet West Sussex 01243 774623 sales@solentwholesale.co.uk www.solentwholesale.co.uk See page 30 for details

Salesmark Lancing, - see Floorwise p18

STS Flooring Distributors Thame (Oxford) 01844 213555 sales@stsflooring.co.uk www.stsflooring.com see page 31 for details

Solent Wholesale Carpet West Sussex 01243 774623 sales@solentwholesale.co.uk www.solentwholesale.co.uk See page 30 for details

Vanguard Carpets Redditch 0845 601 1189 customerservices.redditch@carpet andflooring.co.uk www.vanguardcarpets.co.uk

STS Flooring Distributors Orpington/Croydon 0845 434 1000 sales@stsflooring.co.uk www.stsflooring.com see page 31 for details Vanguard Carpets Redditch 0845 601 1189 customerservices.redditch@carpet andflooring.co.uk www.vanguardcarpets.co.uk

Wood Floor Sales Redditch 01527 511888 help.redditch@carpetandflooring.co.uk www.woodfloorsales.com

Scotland

Headlam Scotland North Lanarkshire 01698 831 000 sales@headlamscotland.co.uk www.headlamscotland.co.uk Neil Smith Ltd Glasgow - see Floorwise p18

Wales Carpet & Flooring Bristol 0117 316 0555 bristol@carpetandflooring.co.uk www.carpetandflooring.co.uk Roma Flooring Neath - see Floorwise p18 Vanguard Carpets Redditch 0845 601 1189 customerservices.redditch@carpet andflooring.co.uk www.vanguardcarpets.co.uk Wood Floor Sales Redditch 01527 511888 help.redditch@carpetandflooring.co.uk www.woodfloorsales.com

Ireland Provincial Floorcoverings Ltd Dublin - see Floorwise p18 Provincial Floorcoverings Ltd Belfast - see Floorwise p18 Provincial Floorcoverings Ltd Limerick - see Floorwise p18

Carpet & Flooring Glasgow 0141 427 8456 glasgow@carpetandflooring.co.uk www.carpetandflooring.co.uk

17

floorwise National Network of Floorwise Distributors Acorn Carpet Accessories 16 Bromley, Kent Tel: 020 8462 0422 Fax: 020 8462 0927

Neil Smith Ltd 3 Glasgow Tel: 0141 552 1141 Fax: 0141 552 0623

C. K. Davie Ltd 1 Aberdeen Tel: 01224 820077 Fax: 01224 822344

Provincial Floorcoverings Ltd 4 Belfast Tel: 028 9075 3202 Fax: 028 9075 3901

C. K. Davie Ltd 2 Dundee Tel: 01382 226533 Fax: 01382 226544 Fitwell Flooring Ltd 20 Redruth, Cornwall Tel: 01209 214344 Fax: 01209 261112 Fitwell Flooring Ltd 19 Newton Abbot, Devon Tel: 01626 835935 Fax: 01626 834334 Floorwise D & J Ltd 13 Southam, Warks Tel: 01926 814922 Fax: 01926 817899 Floorwise (North East) 5 Ltd Birtley, County Durham Tel: 0191 410 7070 Fax: 0191 410 6116 Lee Floorstok Ltd 8 Liverpool Tel: 0151 708 7420 Fax: 0151 708 7241 Lee Floorstok Ltd 7 Manchester Tel: 0161 231 8080 Fax: 0161 231 8787 MCA Floorwise Ltd 6 Morecambe, Lancashire Tel: 01524 33517 Fax: 01524 381852 Mytton Flooring 14 Norwich, Norfolk Tel: 01603 624387 Fax: 01603 612888

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Provincial Floorcoverings Ltd 9 Dublin 10 Tel: 00353 (0)1 626 3913 Fax: 00353 (0)1 626 3960 LoCall: 1850 445 746 (ROI)

1 2 3

Provincial Floorcoverings Ltd 10 Limerick Tel: 00353 (0)61 227 100 Fax: 00353 (0)61 227 000 LoCall: 1850 445 745 (ROI) Roma Flooring 15 Neath, West Glamorgan Tel: 01639 633001 Fax: 01639 646116 RPS Flooring 11 Mansfield Woodhouse, Nottinghamshire Tel: 01623 624198 Fax: 01623 620931

4

7 10

8

9

11 12

Salesmark 17 Lancing, West Sussex Tel: 01903 750522 Fax: 01903 851111 Wessex Flooring 18 Amesbury, Wiltshire Tel: 01980 625888 Fax: 01980 676969 Woodall Brothers Ltd 12 Shrewsbury, Shropshire Tel: 01743 441584 Fax: 01743 441629

5

6

13

15

18 19

14

16 17

20

HEAD OFFICE Floorwise Group Limited, Floorwise House, 22 High Street, Kegworth, Derby DE74 2DA, UK. Tel: 0044 (0)1509 673974 Fax: 0044 (0)1509 674841

Award-Winning Flooring Accessories

GRIPPER

UNDERLAY

ADHESIVES & SCREEDS

PROFILES

www.floorwise.co.uk • www.carpetunderlay.net www.floorwise.co.uk • www.carpetunderlay.net www.signaturewoodfloors.com • www.siennawoodfloors.com www.signaturewoodfloors.com • www.siennawoodfloors.com 18

THE STOCKLISTS December 2011

UNDERLAYS

CARPETS NATURAL/LOOPS NOMAD

50/50 Nat Loop Roll Size Full Roll EQ* Description

SAXONY DEVOTION NOBLESQUE SUMPTUOUS SENSATIONAL

30oz PP Saxony 45oz PP Saxony 55oz Saxony 58oz Saxony

80/20 WOOL TWIST NEW KILDARE BELMONT TWIST BELMONT SUPREME

50/50 30oz Twist 80/20 40oz 80/20 50oz

PP TWIST VIVA TWIST SALT N PEPPER

PP Twist PP Twist

LOOP PILE AND CORD PINCH FELT PINCH FOAM ROCKY HB ROCKY FB TITAN CORD

Needle Punch Cord Needle Punch Loop Pile Cord Loop Pile Cord Loop Pile Gel Back

CORMAR STOCKED APOLLO BERWICK 40 BERWICK 50 FOREST HILLS SUPER FOREST HILLS ELITE HOME COUNTIES HOME COUNTIES MALABAR NATURAL BERBER SUPER NATURAL BERBER ELITE NATURAL BERBER DELUXE NEW OAKLANDS NEW OAKLANDS NEW OAKLANDS PRIMO PLUS PRIMO ULTRA PRIMO TWEED PRIMO SAXONY WEST COUNTRY 50

Excellon Twist 80/10/10 40 oz Twist 80/10/10 50 oz Twist 50/40/10 32oz Twist 50/40/10 42oz Twist 42 oz Twist 50 oz Twist 100% Natural 80/10/10 35 oz Twist 80/10/10 45 oz Twist 80/10/10 55 oz Twist 80/10/10 32 oz Twist 80/10/10 42 oz Twist 80/10/10 50 oz Twist Excellon Twist Excellon Twist Excellon Twist Excellon Saxony 80/10/10 50 oz Twist

CORMAR CARPETS AVEBURY LINDISFARNE TOWN AND COUNTRY WEST COUNTRY 60

3/5 DAYS DELIVERY 100% Pure New Wool 100% Pure New Wool 80/10/10 60 oz Twist 80/10/10 60 oz Twist

BRANDED TOP END RUBBER SPONGE RANGE ELITE 11 m2 129lb Textured Rubber Underlay MAJESTIC 11 m2 135lb Waffle Rubber Underlay COLOURS RED 11 m2 135lb Waffle Rubber Underlay WILLOW GREEN 15 m2 90lb Waffle Rubber Underlay CRUSADER SUPREME 15 m2 100lb Waffle Rubber Underlay SUPREME LIGHT 11 m2 101lb Waffle Rubber Underlay UNBRANDED TREDAIRE SPONGE RUBBER AFS CLASSIC GOLD 15 m2 95 lb Rubber Underlay AFS SUPER GOLD 15 m2 80lb Rubber Underlay AFS STANDARD GOLD 15 m2 60lb Rubber Underlay GRAPHITE 15 m2 Light Weight PE WOOD FLOOR UNDERLAYS BOARDWALK (Timbermate) 15 m2 3.75mm ALL IN ONE 10 m2 3mm COMFORT SILVER 15 m2 2.5mm

23dB Moisture Barrier 20dB Self Adhesive Strip 18dB PE Foam + Foil

TREDAIRE PU UNDERLAYS ALPHA 15 m2 OMEGA 15 m2 BRIO 15 m2 ZEST 15 m2 SOFTWALK 15 m2 DREAMWALK 15 m2 CONTRACT 9 15 m2 SENSATION 15 m2

Tredaire PU Tredaire PU Tredaire PU Tredaire PU Tredaire PU Tredaire PU Contract PU Contract PU

8mm 10mm 8mm 10mm 9 mm 11 mm 9 mm 11 mm

DURALAY CONTRACT UNDERLAYS TREADMORE 11 m2 8.0mm SYSTEM 10 11 m2 10mm DURAFIT 650 15 m2 6.5mm DURAFIT 500 15 m2 5.0mm DEFENDER 15 m2 100lb HEATFLOW CARPET 15 m2 6.0mm HEATFLOW WOOD 15 m2 2.75mm TECHNICS 5 15 m2 5.0mm

Crumb Crumb single stick under 40m2 Double stick crumb Double stick crumb Flat sponge 0.80 TOG 0.75 TOG sponge carpet 0.35 TOG sponge laminate U/L Double stick sponge

FELT UNDERLAYS FELT 28 FELT 42 KENSINGTON DELUXE

Wool/jute felt 8mm Contract wool/jute felt 11mm Felt crumb rubber

15 m2 28oz 15 m2 42oz 11 m2 74oz

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

PLUS A VAST RANGE OF ACCESSORIES AND TOOLS FOR CARPETS AND LAMINATES Contact our sales office or your area representative for prices on any of the above ranges.

We also offer a fast service on non stock items. Phone our showroom manager for prices and samples. Our latest price list is dated July 2011.

REP DETAILS: Ashley Best Nick Hart Karl Goult Zac Marsh Steve Feher

Tel: 07976 916752 Tel: 07771 967609 Tel: 07957 685428 Tel: 07828 663325 Tel: 07771 616018

THE STOCKLISTS December 2011

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

Kent, South East London Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire 19

20

THE STOCKLISTS December 2011

• • • • • • •

40 colours on superb lectern 3 qualities – Diamond, Silver & Gold 80% Wool, 10% Nylon, 10% Polyester 4m and 5m widths 4 stacks of 18” x 9” samples 2 colour swatch books 9 coordinating stripes now available

All at Brockway wish our valued customers a Happy Christmas and a Healthy & Prosperous 2012 and we thank you for your support.

u

This fantastic range is available for immediate delivery.

Contact respective Brockway sales personnel for further detail.

C U UK SALES MANAGER: Steve Glover 07896 871 502 SALES TEAM: Dan Milstead

07841 565 349

Jon Ormrod

07918 081 782

David Moran Richard Venn

07710 882 421 07968 835 206

Steve Perks S Simon Stead A Andy Finch Stuart Pollock

07968 835 205 07968 835 204 07970 693 752 07854 580 658

THE STOCKLISTS December 2011

Essex, Suffolk, South Cambridgeshire, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Beds, Hertfordshire, North London Lancashire, Cheshire, North Wales, Merseyside, North Staffordshire, North Shropshire, Derbyshire Northern Ireland & Eire Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Devon, Cornwall, Somerset & Avon, West Hampshire, Channel Isles SouthMidlands, Wales, Leicestershire, Herefordshire, SouthWorcestershire, Shropshire, South West Northamptonshire, Warwickshire, MidStaffordshire Wales South Wales, Leicestershire, Herefordshire, South Norfolk, Shropshire, South Staffordshire Lincolnshire, Notts, North Cambridgeshire Yorkshire, North Humberside, Lincolnshire, Notts, Norfolk, North Cambridgeshire Sussex, South & South West London, Surrey, Kent, Berkshire, S.E. London Scotland, Cumbria, North East England

21

A Happy Christmas from the leading country-wide carpet & flooring suppliers We can supply you with virtually any make of carpet and flooring at GUARANTEED maker’s list price.......

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

CALL US NOW!!!

020 8443 3322 Columbia Flooring plc

Trade Show Rooms Available • Specialist advice and terms available on contract enquiries • TRAFALGAR TRADING ESTATE JEFFREYS ROAD ENFIELD MIDDLESEX EN3 7TY

22

Tel: 0208 443 3322 Fax: 0208 805 2346 Opening Times: Monday - Friday 8.30am to 5.30pm Saturday 8.30am to 12 noon THE STOCKLISTS December 2011

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

BARBICAN’S A SURE FIRE WINNER!

Domotex, 14-17 January Find us at our new location Hall 5, Stand C18

OUR SALES TEAM Greater London as far as N. Circular on north side of Thames and as far as M25 on south side, Surrey, Middlesex, Sussex, Kent John A Constable T: 01622 685397 M: 07836 734322 E: john@jcagencies.co.uk Yorkshire & North Lincs John Alsop T: 01904 762471 M: 07860 572220 E: alsopagencies@yahoo.co.uk Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, Dorset Brendan Hart M: 07850 130221 E: a.b.hart@btinternet.com Lincs, Leics, Northants, Notts, Derbyshire Jim Osborne M: 07738 642934 E: jim.osborne@sky.com Hampshire, Berkshire, Bucks, Oxfordshire Niall Martin M: 07866 735772 E: niallmartin@msn.com South Wales, Bristol, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire Andrew Jefferies M: 07831 457102 E: adj.agencies@btinternet.com Lancashire, Cumbria & Isle of Man John Rostron M: 07973 733208 E: johnrostron@aol.com East Anglia, Bedfordshire, Cambs, Essex, Herts, Norfolk, Suffolk Jonathan Hart T: 01621 817992 M: 07889 264466 E: jonathanhart66@hotmail.co.uk West Midlands, South Wales (Wholesalers) Paul Brewer T: 0121 4277117 M: 07798 745181 E: paulbrewer1@hotmail.co.uk Greater Manchester, Cheshire, North Wales Philip Hambleton T: 01925 740050 M: 07966 397676 E: carpetphil@aol.com North East Rebecca Gibbons M: 07970 491215 E: rebann2@btinternet.com Scotland Tim Tindal T: 01436 671421 M: 07836 705620 E: ttcarpetagencies@aol.com Channel Islands, Isle of Wight John Eastlake T: 01323 896141 M: 07885 398858 E: john_eastlake@hotmail.co.uk Northern Ireland Gary O’Boyle M: 07831 220675 E: goboyle@ntlworld.com

Pride of place this month goes to Barbican, earmarked to be a real winner in 2012. It’s a fabulous 100% two-ply multi-level loop pile, suitable for Heavy Domestic and General Contract applications. It’s Scotchgarded and vigorously tested for colour fastness, against light, wet and shampoo. It’s also insect and rot proof. The range comes in a superb new multi-stripe design and a co-ordinating two-tone plain in six fashionable earthy tones: Ashes, Cappuccino, Smoke (shown) Aspen, Wheat and Parchment.

THE STOCKLISTS December 2011

YOUR HEAD OFFICE TEAM CONTACTS Operations Manager: Lesley Inman M: 07703 337989 E: l.inman@edeltelenzocarpets.co.uk 23

We all try harder. We k Scotland

GEORGE WISELY M: 07967 148665 SCOTTISH SALES DIRECTOR george.wisely@furlongflooring.co.uk

COLIN RICHFORD M: 07970 163372 WEST SCOTLAND colin.richford@furlongflooring.co.uk

ALAN CAIRNIE M: 07976 311434 EAST SCOTLAND alan.cairnie@furlongflooring.co.uk

North West

ALAN CHEETHAM M: 07966 263571 GREATER MANCHESTER alan.cheetham@furlongflooring.co.uk

BOB CHRISTIE M: 07980 786264 MERSEYSIDE, WIRRAL & N. WALES bob.christie@furlongflooring.co.uk

TO BE ANNOUNCED CUMBRIA, CHESHIRE & FYLDE COAST

Wales & South West

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

JASON BRIMBLE M: 07794 041266 AVON & GLOUCESTERSHIRE jbrimble@furlongflooring.com

TIM BAILEY M: 07794 048414 S.E. WALES & HEREFORDSHIRE tbailey@furlongflooring.com

STEWART WAITHMAN M: 07794 048413 DEVON & CORNWALL swaithman@furlongflooring.com

Wood Floor Specialist

JOHN POWERS M: 07792 477312 SALES MANAGER BEDS, BERKS, BUCKS, HAMPSHIRE, MIDDLESEX, NORTHANTS, OXON, W&S LONDON, SURREY, DORSET johnpowers@furlongflooringltd.co.uk

RICHARD RICHMAN M: 07791 891044 AREA SALES MANAGER NORFOLK, SUFFOLK, CAMBS, N&E LONDON, ESSEX, KENT, SUSSEX & HERTS richardrichman@furlongflooringltd.co.uk

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

24

quality choice availability service price THE STOCKLISTS December 2011

know you have a choice!

CAREFREE Carpets are distributed by

Yorkshire & North East

DES BEST M: 07968 828516 NORTH EAST/EAST COAST des.best@furlongflooring.co.uk

RAY ANDREW M: 07973 719801 EAST LANCS/W.YORKS ray.andrew@furlongflooring.co.uk

REG SYKES M: 07973 403450 SOUTH YORKSHIRE reg.sykes@furlongflooring.co.uk

Midlands

CHRIS ALLCOCK M: 07872 964685 NOTTS, DERBYSHIRE & LINCS chris.allcock@furlongflooring.co.uk

MIKE SHUTT M: 07970 158594 BIRMINGHAM/ STAFFORDSHIRE, SHROPSHIRE mike.shutt@furlongflooring.co.uk

MARTYN REA M: 07968 324598 LEICESTER/WARWICKSHIRE martyn.rea@furlongflooring.co.uk

London

JOHN AKIEN M: 07791 891024 S.W LONDON, SURREY (INS. M25) johnakien@furlongflooringltd.co.uk

IAN COLLACOTT M: 07816 217550 MIDDLESEX, W. LONDON, BERKSHIRE iancollacott@furlongflooringltd.co.uk

DARREN SPENDIFF M: 07791 890861 KENT darrenspendiff@furlongflooringltd.co.uk

RAYMOND SMITH M: 07816 217565 ESSEX raymondsmith@furlongflooringltd.co.uk

DAREN STEDMAN M: 07816 217548 N, N W & E LONDON, HERTFORDSHIRE darenstedman@furlongflooringltd.co.uk

South East

PAUL LOVELL M: 07816 217549 NORFOLK, SUFFOLK & CAMBS paullovell@furlongflooringltd.co.uk

IAN ROBERTSON M: 07816 217563 E & WEST SUSSEX ianrobertson@furlongflooringltd.co.uk

TONY CONWAY M: 07791 891025 BEDS, NORTHANTS, OXON & BUCKS tonyconway@furlongflooringltd.co.uk

Seeing is believing

Central contacts

Customers can buy with confidence when they see the Carefree cleanability in action with the new video units for your existing Regency POS systems. See our range selection in next month’s issue...

London Sales tel: 01322 628707 fax: 01322 698733

THE STOCKLISTS December 2011

Preston Sales tel: 01772 696787 fax: 01772 311921

PETER FLETCHER M: 07816 217561 HAMPSHIRE, DORSET & SURREY (OUTSIDE M25) peterfletcher@furlongflooringltd.co.uk

Newport Sales tel: 01633 283959 fax: 01633 275454

Email: enquiries@furlongflooring.co.uk

www.regencycarefree.co.uk 25

Tel: +44 (0) 1562 754382 Fax: +44 (0) 1562 861 074 Sales: sales@masterweaver.co.uk Info: info@masterweaver.co.uk

Introducing the UK’s newest weaver, now open in Kidderminster with high levels of stock for rapid delivery.

Wilton Sandhurst

Modern carpets manufactured using traditional values

Sandhurst Range The Wilton Sandhurst range is woven with 24 beautiful and modern colours. This plain twist is a great choice for both domestic and commercial markets.

• Wilton Hardtwist Cut Pile • 80% New Wool, 20% Nylon, 1458 g/m2 • 4m • Extra Heavy Wear

Contrast Range A cut and loop range weighing in at 47oz comes in 6 modern and exclusive colours. Unique contrast pattern provides this Wilton range with a vibrant and strong presence.

• Wilton Cut & Loop Pile • 100% New Wool, 1594 g/m2 • 4m • Extra Heavy Wear/Heavy Commercial

Honeycomb Range This cut and loop range features in 6 natural and warm colours. Made out of 100% new wool, the bee hive type of texture our Honeycomb range adds additional warmth.

• Wilton Cut &Loop Pile • 100% New Wool, 1187 g/m2 • 4m • Heavy Wear/Medium Commercial

Chequers Range A loop range weighing in at 35 oz and comes in 6 colours with a unique chequers board like pattern.

100% new wool ensures high quality texture feel.

Wilton Contrast

• Wilton Loop Pile • 100% New Wool, 1187 g/m2 • 4m • Extra Heavy Wear

Marble Planet Range This range is made of 80% new wool and 20% nylon and is ideal for commercial and heavy domestic use. It features 8 strong and passionate colours.

• Axminster Cut Pile • 80% New Wool, 20% Nylon, 1255 g/m2 • 3.66m • Very HeavyWear/Medium Commercial

Merlin Range Our Axminster Merlin range features 10 vibrant and light colours and is made out of 80% New Wool and 20% Nylon, ideal for commercial as well as domestic markets.

• Axminster Cut Pile • 80% New Wool, 20% Nylon, 1187 g/m2 • 3.66m • Very HeavyWear/Medium Commercial

Baroque Cameo Range With the 10 strong commercial colours, the medallion pattern in combination with pindots makes this range ideal for ballrooms, function rooms and public areas.

Axminster Contrast

• Axminster Cut Pile • 80% New Wool, 20% Nylon, 1356 g/m2 • 3.66m • Extra Heavy Wear/Heavy Commercial

Baroque Pindot Range The traditional pindot pattern makes this range ideal for hotel rooms and receptions. Weighing in at 40oz our Baroque Pindot range, this Axminster range has 10 strong commercial colours.

• Axminster Cut Pile • 80% New Wool, 20% Nylon, 1356 g/m2 • 3.66m • Extra Heavy Wear/Heavy Commercial

Trellis Range The range features 8 soft and natural colours which makes it extremely pleasant and warm. Made in 80% New Wool and 20% Nylon for the commercial market.

• Axminster Cut Pile • 80% New Wool, 20% Nylon, 1255 g/m2 • 3.66m • Very HeavyWear/Medium Commercial

Tartan Range MasterWeaver AxminsterTartan range features 6 modern and vibrant colours, combining traditional Tartan design with modern and vibrant colours.

• Axminster Cut Pile • 80% New Wool, 20% Nylon, 1255 g/m2 • 3.66m • Very HeavyWear/Medium Commercial

Axminster Marble Planet

MasterWeaver LTD. Stourport Road, Kidderminster, Worcestershire, DYl17QL. England 26

THE STOCKLISTS December 2011

THE STOCKLISTS December 2011

27

“There are just two words that we wish to say to our customers, our suppliers and our friends as we head off for some Christmas cheer, ‘Thank You’ for your support in 2011, it would be much appreciated should it continue in 2012!”

GRAPHICS / CONTRACT GELS

TWISTS - STAIN RESIST

VINYL / SMOOTH FLOORING

Arena Endurance Sapphire Scala Sentinel

Balmoral Chislehurst Clyde Desert Twist Deluxe 4&5m Dublin Twist 2011 Easy Heathers Fairfield Supreme 4&5M Heathertwist Design Heathertwist Supreme 4&5m Helmsley Moorland Twist Mystery Twist Pembridge Twist Rhapsody Salt ‘n’ Pepa Startwist / Startwist Supreme 4&5M

Blackjack Casino Royale Chequers Eclipse Mojo Puregrip XL Suregrip XL Thunderball

NATURAL EFFECT Agadir Ancona Autumn Sunset Cashmere 4&5M Country Treasure 4&5M Challenger Berber Gold Fields Hopscotch 2012 Houndstooth Tweed Ivory Coast 2012 London Life 4&5M Natures Writing Promenade Rustic Treasure San Salvador 4&5M Shetland/Shetland Design 4&5M Town & Country Tweed Woolweave 4&5M

SAXONY / SHAG PILE Chamonix Cleopatra Eminence Half Century New Century Nobility Supreme Elegance Tennessee

CORD, NEEDLEPUNCH & ENTRANCE MATTING Bedford Gel Bolero Explorer Hippo Mat Gala Magnum Mat Magnus Mat Scorpio Supacord

TWISTS - WOOL Citation Twist Discovery 4&5M Eden Twist 30/40/50 4&5M Iconic Twist 40/50 4&5M Paramount 30/40 4&5M Rosemount Twist 4&5M Super Sixty 4&5M The Berber Twist Collection 40/50 4&5M Ultimate Textures 4&5M Ultimate Berber Twist 4&5M Ultimate Twist 40/50 4&5M Ultimate Luxury 4&5M

CARPET TILES Bedford Cord Capital Plus Heuga 727 Magnesium Neutron Positron Proton Quark

Call now to receive a copy of our latest Autumn special price guide!

VELOUR / VELVET Designers Dream

WILTON Parallel Lines Renaissance Ultimate Wilton Oakland

We also stock Ball & Young Underlays, Accessories, Entrance Matting and offer a Special Order Service on products from virtually every flooring manufacturer in existence! 48 hour Delivery Service on all Balterio Laminate Ranges.

Stop preSS – Ivory CoaSt re-launChed! – Stop preSS

the million seller, now back with superb new colours, the versatile option of action Backing, and with the same timeless design and quality that you expect. Come on! Check it out!

Area Sales Executives Ian Pullinger London N, EC & E postals, Essex & Middx (within M25) 07881-502506 Simon Brenner London SE & SW postals, Kent, Surrey & Sussex 07881-502507

28

Mark Euesden London W & NW postals, South Middx, Western Surrey, Berks & Bucks 07875-714269 James White Herts, Beds, Essex (west of M11) & North West Middx 07881-502508

Paul Henson Essex (Outside M25), Cambs & Suffolk 07837-295379 Antony Stapleton Sales Director 07881-502505/020-8498-2845

THE STOCKLISTS December 2011

Solent Wholesale Carpet Company Ltd CARPET, FLOORCOVERING & ACCESSORY WHOLESALE DISTRIBUTORS Telephone: 01243 774623 Fax: 01243 533636 E-mail: sales@solentwholesale.co.uk Website: www.solentwholesale.com Zola Park, Barnfield Drive, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 6UX.

CHECK STOCK, PLACE ORDERS AND MANAGE YOUR ACCOUNT 24/7 ALL THROUGH OUR WEBSITE Oxford, Berks, Bucks, Beds, Hants, Middlesex & Herts . . . . Ian Cardrick, i.cardrick@solentwholesale.co.uk, Sussex E & W, Surrey, South London & Kent. . . . . . . . . . . . John Robson, j.robson@solentwholesale.co.uk, Hants, Wilts, Dorset, Somerset, Gloucs, & I.O.W.. . . . . . . . . . . Adam Ayling, a.ayling@solentwholesale.co.uk, Accessary Sales and IT Specialist (All Areas). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Luke Crooks, luke@solentwholesale.co.uk, VICTORIA Berber Stripe Castillion Celtic Heathers Crown Twist Duchess Elite EasiCare - Full Collection Gaelic Heathers Imperial Velvet Kelso Natural Accents Natural Companions (Sisal, Chenille, Ridge) Regal Twist Rustic Jewels Tudor Twist Coll Tudor Manor LANO Bolero - New Colours Campus X-treme Chiselhurst Heather Twist Design Heather Twist Supreme Pembridge Twist - New Colours Sentinel Startwist Coll Wilton Naturals BALTA Colorado Springs Desert Twist Deluxe Diva Fiesta Fusion Happy Days High Flyers Gala Cord-all options in stock Moorland Twist Nobility Rosemount Shetland Shepherd Twist Stainsafe Favourite Super Wiltax Techno Twisty LUSOTUFO Celtic Horizon Mandaly Safi Sintra Boucle Tangier Titan & Tital Diagonal Twist Berber Unique Valencia

CORMAR Apollo Berwick 40/50 Home Counties 42/50 Malabar Oaklands 32 Oaklands 42 Oaklands 50 Primo Plus - New Colours West Country BROCKWAY Amore Stripe Collection Avanti Cavendish Craftsman Elite Cresta 40/Cresta 50 Orion/Orion Major Radnor 30/Radnor 40 DOMO Absolute Luxury Auvergne Cabaret Festival Twist Heather Twist Mountain Peaks Legacy Playground Portofino Scorpio

mobile: 07973 406329 mobile: 07973 898453 mobile: 07973 406799 mobile: 07966 664379

BEAULIEU carpets Adventure Twist Athena Dublin Durham Twist Explorer Endurance Fashion/Gallery Grass Collection Heavy Tread Mars Motor Car Pronto Selections Sweet Homes Yucatan vinyls Arte Del Ceramic Celtic Stone - New Colours Chess Comfort Grip Jazz Sherwood Oak Studio Sonata Texalino Supreme Urban laminates Essentials (previously Casa) Cottage IVC Comfylux Extra Expressions Fantasy Fusion Master Grip Planet Precious Metals Presto Ultimate Oak Victoria

ITC Belgravia Concerto Consul Heritage Collection Kreta Palace

MOHAWK CARPETS Century Collection - Century - Half Century Presidential Collection - Independence - Liberty - Freedom (4&5M) - Splendor

TAPIBEL Cachet Melody Nevada Reeds Sysoltex Homested/Aran/Crofter Toscana

MISCELLANEOUS CAVALIER Country Collection Hamlet Parish and Village LEIGH SPINNERS Atlas Velour THOMAS WITTER Innovations C&H Homestyle LVT - planks and tiles PARAGON Toccarre Carpet Tiles

News Flash...

PRESIDENTIAL COLLECTION NOW IN STOCK

We carry other products not listed above, and can also provide a swift special order service on non stock lines.

Our reps and sales office would be pleased to answer all enquiries. Our last Price List is dated November/December 2011.

THE STOCKLISTS December 2011

29

DID YOU KNOW? STS Flooring Distributors Ltd stock a large range of carpets and carpet tiles via our 5 depots ORPINGTON • CROYDON • WATFORD • CAMBRIDGE • OXFORD (THAME) 08454 341000 08454 342000 01954 781142 01844 213555

NEXT DAY DELIVERY STS GOLDLINE STOCK CARPETS Abbey Twist 30/40 Aston Twist Bernwood Twist Bernwood Supreme Bernwood Heather Supreme Blenheim Twist 40 Blenheim Twist 50 Cherwell Cord Chislehurst Fairfield Supreme Gladiator Supreme Harrier Felt Harrier Gel Harrier Supreme Gel Heathdale Medicare Multicare Classic New Valley Twist Orinoco Opus Twist Ravensbury Twist 32/40/50 Scala Serenity Supersava Elite BALTA STOCK CARPETS Gala Cord New Shepherd Twist EDEL TELENZO Fleur Hercules Lawrence Lima Puma

PRICE GUIDE DATE JULY 2011 LANO STOCK CARPETS Bolero Chislehurst Fairfield Supreme Heather Twist Supreme Pembridge Twist Sapphire Scala Startwist Startwist Supreme CORMAR STOCK CARPETS Apollo Berwick 40/50 Forest Hills Malabar Textures Natural Berber Twist New Oaklands 32/42/50 Primo Delight Primo Plus Primo Tweeds Primo Ultra Town & Country BEAULIEU INTERNATIONAL Bellini Dublin Elite Ranger FIBRE BONDED Ecocord Supacord

CARPET STOCK TILES Ascot Beckenham Cheltenham Clipper II Croydon Croydon Stripe Heuga 727 Keston Latour Saturn Selsdon STOCK UNDERLAYS Blue Heaven Cirrus Cloud Nine Contract Cloud Nine Super Contract Cosi 8mm & 10mm Cumulus Durafit 500 Durafit 650 Goldtred Collection Heatflow Collection Nimbus Willow Green Roma Silver Lining STS Express 8mm Tredaire Elite Treadmore

STS Area Managers Regional Manager Rachel Sherwood 07801 762724 Area Manager Dave Lowman 07500 847758 Area Manager - Retail Phaedra Duncan 07738 329714 North/East London, Berkshire, Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middlesex, Northants, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire 30

Steve Osman 07919 128401 Essex, Cambs, Suffolk, Norfolk

Paul Jones 07801 762719 Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Bristol & Birmingham

Paul Jeffery 07717 218024 South/East London, Kent, E Sussex

Sales Area Managers Dana Baldock 07801 762725 South/East London, Kent, E Sussex, Part Essex

Mirka Mihulcova 07500 847566 South/West London, W Sussex, Berks, Hants, Surrey

Vicky Langley 07962 646847 Surrey, W Sussex, Hants, Berks, South/West London

THE STOCKLISTS December 2011

Weston Hammer UK 16/17 Byford Court Hadleigh IP7 6RD Tel: +44 (0)845 644 9090 Fax:+44 (0)845 644 9191 info@westonhammer.com www.weston-carpets.co.uk

We are pleased to announce the arrival of our latest display stand showing all our collection on one compact unit.

If you are interested in having one of our free stands please contact our Sales Office or your local Sales Agent.

Jacs Designer tonal loop pile in 100% Wool available in 4m and 5m widths.

Natural Lines Super luxurious 100% Wool loop pile available in 4m and 5m widths.

Tunis A heavy domestic berber loop pile in 100% Wool available in 4m and 5m widths.

Queen Tweed A fine heavy domestic berber loop pile in 100% Wool available in 4m and 5m widths.

Denver A stylish heavy domestic tonal loop pile in 100% Wool, available in 4m and 5m widths.

Oklahoma A heavy domestic berber loop pile in 100% Wool available in 4m and 5m widths.

Supreme Stripe A heavy domestic tonal stripe in 100% Wool loop pile.

Supreme Boucle Our best selling level loop 100% Wool product available in 12 up to the minute colours in both 4m and 5m widths.

Imperial Boucle A heavy domestic loop pile in 100% Wool available in 4m and 5m widths.

Las Vegas A chunky luxurious loop pile in 100% Wool available in 4m and 5m widths.

Royal Velour A luxurious velour in 80% Wool/20% Nylon in 5m wide.

Sisal Boucle and Sisal Berber Natural fibre textured loop pile ranges in two styles.

The Stone Fibre Collection Our unique flat woven quality in many fashion styles and colours available in 4m and 5m widths.

Orlando A chunky loop quality with a thick latex backing for a luxurious feel.

Bespoke Design carpet from Hammer Carpets You may not have heard of them but Hammer Carpets in Denmark are the worlds largest manufacturer of Colortec bespoke design carpets in the world.

Colortec is a state of the art tufting machine that uses computer controlled technology to manufacture any design in a maximum of 8 colours.

This tried and tested manufacturing method is up to 10 times faster than Axminster and exactly replicates the appearance, unlike a printed design carpet.

If you would like more details of this type of carpet and to find out how competitive and easy to use it can be then please call your Sales Agent or our Sales office who will be happy to help.

OUR UK SALES TEAM Mr Ron Fewery Tel: 07976 244892 London, Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire.

Mr Steve Acton Tel: 07957 836207 Kent, Sussex, Hampshire, Surrey, Dorset.

Mrs Jac Hayman Tel: 07815 785801 Contract Sales East Anglia.

Mr Gary Foster Tel: 07515 283872 East Anglia, Northamptonshire.

THE STOCKLISTS December 2011

Mr John Hinchliffe Tel: 07774 990359 North Wales, Cumbria, Manchester, Liverpool.

Mr Derek Boyd Tel: 07940 320708 Scotland.

Mr Lee Palmer Tel: 07774 101640 Channel Islands.

Mr Jonathan Gorman Tel: 07815 121660 Northern Ireland.

Mr Mark Garbett Tel: 07840 664757 Bristol & the West Country.

Mr Steve Fletcher Tel: 07831 818989 Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Tyneside.

Mr Keith Stevens Tel: 07710 160166 Midlands & South Wales.

Please visit our website at www.weston-carpets.co.uk for online cutting requests and more information on our products, or telephone 0845 644 9090 (local rate) to speak to one of our telephone sales team

31

You can create a carpet website for your business in

5 minutes.

We’ll have it online for you within

5 days.

If you don’t like it, it will cost you

nothing.

If you do like it, it will cost you

£390 + £90/year.

Fill out a form for five minutes and we’ll have a good-looking flooring industry website online for you within 5 days*.

Then you can update it, add to it or ignore it for ever!

Flooring stores don’t generally need anything too fancy – most of the time, visitors are just trying to find out your phone number, your opening hours or where they can park! Or they’re just checking if you look professional.

The Floorsites package from The Stocklists offers:

7 ready-made pages of flooring industry content covering the key sectors of carpets, vinyls, laminates, etc.

Instant online editing – if you can type, you can customise these pages yourself anytime to add latest offers and news… or leave them as they are – we put all your contact information in there anyhow.

Choose photos from our library to make your site unique – or upload your own images.

Link to Google Maps – let visitors find you quickly and see where to park

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32

THE STOCKLISTS December 2011

5 December 2011

FlooringNews Hot off the press Balterio has launched a new and innovative PXP PressXpress fold-down system for fitting the short sides of flooring panels.

Years of research and development combined with the daily experiences and wishes of customers resulted in PXP. The clip inside the plank ensures an immediate locking of the short sides resulting in a seamless and strong joint. Now all you have to do is “press” the flooring boards into place end to end.

PXP is a complete new and innovative fold down system for flooring panels that is out of the scope of existing third party patents. One single locking action secures 2 panels both horizontally and vertically and ease of installation is enhanced as the folding angle for installation is not important. No friction force is required during installation PXP will be a key feature of the Balterio presentation at Domotex in Hannover this January..

Modern vintage The new rug collection from Louis de Poortere “Vintage” comprises a comprehensive choice of designs using a “mash-up’ approach which adapts the timeless appeal of the oriental carpet for the interior of the 21st century.

By using worn looking and rugged oriental carpets designs, reassembled in a new and sophisticated patchwork pattern, Vintage offers a modern feel with the look of an authentic oriental classic.

The range is woven on Wilton Jacquard looms using a combination of wool and cotton chenille and each of the three design styles, Majestic, Multi and Mosaic have a number of colour options.

Louis de Poortere is also able to produce custom designs, colours and sizes, if the requirement is to create an exclusive collection. The initial reaction to the range has been extremely positive.

T 00 32 56 393 386 www.depoorterelouis.com

Completely new, exclusively developed high-tech production equipment has been designed for inserting the clip into the flooring panels. The revolutionary and state of the art transport system of the flooring panels on the production line offers unsurpassed accuracy both in milling of the panels and inserting the clip into the panels.

The new locking system is protected by several (pending) patents and design rights and Balterio strongly believes that PXP will further enhance ease of installation of its flooring panels for installers and consumers.

T + 32 56 62 80 81

www.balterio.com

Headlam offers market hope Headlam, the UK’s largest carpet and flooring distributor, reported a substantial rise in revenues in the 10 months to the end of October with a 6.4% increase - UK results were 7.6% up.

Chief Executive Tony Brewer said November’s revenues were also consistent with this performance. “Provided planned revenues are acheived for the remainder of the year, the board is confident that the group will deliver its internal performance target for 2011.”

At it’s half year in August, Headlam saw revenue increase from £254.9m to £269m for the six months with profits up 17.3%. in a challenging market and cited constant product development, enhanced marketing activity and improved logistics as the secrets of its success.

from The Stocklists

November 2011 33

News

To the manor re-born Ulster Carpets have recently been involved with the National Trust on their journey to bring Avebury Manor, a 500 year old Grade I listed house back to life.

The house is part of a new BBC series The Manor Reborn which will see teams of experts, historians and volunteers working together to restore the beautiful but empty manor house to its former glory.

Avebury Manor has been adapted, extended and repaired by a succession of different owners over the years and as a result much of its history has been overlooked. This however is all set to change, as each of its rooms has been restored to reflect four different styles from the past; Tudor, Georgian, Victorian and 20th Century.

Ulster have worked in conjunction with the Russell Sage Studio, London to design and manufacture carpet for two of the rooms in a style which would have been true to the era being recreated. As the aim of the series is to engage with viewers and allow them to follow the story on screen the BBC filmed varying stages of the carpets development. Beginning with initial design consultations and a visit to Ulster’s state of the art manufacturing facility in Portadown filming culminated with the installation of the carpet at Avebury Manor itself. Penelope Keith one of the presenters on the series was able to experience first hand the carpet coming down the finishing line for its final inspection. “This is such an exciting project to be part of,” said Penelope Keith, “as it’ll provide the chance to reveal more about this fascinating house whilst touching on interior design over the years.”

The Manor Reborn will be shown on Thursday nights at 9pm on BBC1 starting with the first episode on 24th November 2011.

T +44 (0) 28 3833 4433

www.ulstercarpets.com

Loyalty to the Crown As a thank you to retailers and sales assistants, Crown Floors has established a Loyalty Club that awards points for every square metre of carpet sold and which can be redeemed against a range of luxury and everyday gift items that can be found at www.crownfloorsloyaltyclub.co.uk.

With thousands of gifts and luxury goods from brands such as Apple, Sony, DeWalt and more the Crown Floors Loyalty Club is the perfect way for retailers to treat themselves to something a little special, or get their hands on the latest must have gadget.

Boost to new-build experts Designer Contracts – one of Britain’s largest floorcovering contractors to the new build industry – has bolstered its position with an acquisition in the South West of England and the expansion of its Scottish operation.

The company has acquired the contracts division of Cornwall-based Premier Carpets and Flooring and doubled the size of its Scotland operation by moving to new premises at Castings Court in Middlefield Industrial Estate, Falkirk.

Open to every retailer and sales assistant responsible for the sale of carpets from Crown Floors, the club rewards points for every square metre of Easy Clean and wool-mix carpet sold. Sign up before 31st January 2012 and retailers will be awarded with 2,000 bonus points completely free.

James Caldwell, sales coordinator for Crown Floors explains the idea behind the club: “We’ve been delighted with the response we’ve had to the launch of Crown Floors and we just wanted to say thank you to our retailers and the sales people that have helped to make the brand such a success. Yet we also wanted our thank you to last and felt that rewarding continued efforts would be a great way to do this.

Whether saving points for something extra special or making the most of a great range of smaller items, the Crown Floors Loyalty Club is our way of treating you.”

Each member of the club will be given a unique account number and will receive a monthly statement so they can keep track of their point tally. Registration is fast and simple at www.crownfloorsloyaltyclub.co.uk and the website also catalogues every gift available under the scheme, whether the latest in electronic gadgetry or experience days.

T 0800 0773301 34 December 2011

www.crownfloors.co.uk

Designer Contracts managing director Peter Kelsey (pictured above) said: “Premier Carpets is a great fit with our existing framework and structure, and we look forward to working closely with our new customers in the South West.

“Due to business growth in Scotland we had outgrown our previous premises. Our new facility, still situated in Falkirk provides us with capacity to grow in future as well as the perfect location from which to serve all of our customers the length and breadth of Scotland.”

After Cheltenham Interiors in December 2009 and Kamar Flooring in November 2010, Premier Carpets becomes the third company in two years to have been acquired by fast expanding Designer Contracts.

In addition to floorcoverings, Designer Contracts also supplies furniture, lighting, curtain and blind packages to new homes developers.

T 01246 854 577

www.designercontracts.com

FlooringNews

ADVERT TO COME

News

Scottish scheme’s strong start Since launching Recofloor in Scotland just under six months ago, Headlam Scotland is turning the UK’s award-winning vinyl flooring recycling scheme into a real success story north of the border.

More than 10 tonnes of waste vinyl flooring has been collected by the firm, Scotland’s largest floorcovering wholesaler and distributor, at its North Lanarkshire premises since April 2011. This figure represents some 3.5% of the total waste collected by Recofloor this year.

Collected material is sent back to flooring manufacturers and Recofloor founders, Altro and Polyflor for further processing. Clean offcuts are reprocessed back into new vinyl flooring. Smooth uplifted flooring is used to make traffic management products such as traffic cone bases and speed bumps.

Faster finish When it comes to delivering a first rate installation, what you use is just as important as how you use it and so, when it comes to accessories, UK Flooring Direct wants you to think of them.

With fast nationwide delivery, UK Flooring Direct offers a great range of wood, laminate, cork, vinyl and bamboo floors, plus a leading collection of high performance accessories from leading brands and at competitive prices.

Whether adhesives from technical gurus Mapei, or specialist sound absorbing underlays that also help to fight off moisture in uncertain circumstances, UK Flooring Direct can provide quick access to products that make installation easier and that provide those perfect finishing touches. In fact, UK Flooring Direct has a great collection of finishing profiles and pipe roses designed to provide the perfect match to many of its exclusive products.

Headlam Scotland has operated from its Eurocentral headquarters since 1997 and is the first distributor to launch Recofloor in Scotland. Recofloor bins have been installed at its site to accept off-cuts from fitters, making it easy for them to dispose of waste when they arrive to pick up new flooring and supplies.

Waste vinyl flooring off-cuts are also being collected from the new £840 million New South Glasgow Hospital Campus – the biggest single NHS hospital building project ever undertaken in Scotland which opens in 2016 with 1,109 beds and 20 operating theatres.

Headlam Scotland provides one-tonne bags for collecting waste off-cuts from the hospital site. The collection process is overseen on site by its key client, Edinburgh-based Recycling and Services.

When full, the bags are returned to Headlam’s premises for bulking up before being sent for recycling.

T 0161 355 7618

www.recofloor.org

“Any fitter will know that customers can be particularly picky and that it’s those little finishing touches that really count,” says Josh Ashby, product manager, UK Flooring Direct. “That is why at UK Flooring Direct we offer a full complement of installation products and finishing accessories designed to make fitting painless and the end result perfect.”

With a collection of scotias, hardwood skirtings, damp proof membranes, installation products, underlays, trims, profiles, roses and care products including a great range of seals and finishes from leading specialist brand WOCA and maintenance kits for laminate flooring, UK Flooring Direct is the leading online resource for installation and finishing accessories.

T 0845 287 5623 www.ukflooringdirect.co.uk

All aboard for business Running Nottingham’s trams down Crocus Street has forced the closure of a busy city flooring shop – but United Carpets and Beds is turning the shutdown into an advantage in the city.

The company is regretfully closing its Crocus Street store following compulsory purchase of the area for one of the new routes for the city tramway.

But it’s using the closure as an opportunity for a major sale – and huge refurbishment of its three other franchised stores in the city.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for us to offer our customers some real bargains and an enhanced service in the city,” said John Morris, Store Manager “We’re very sad to see the store go, although we realise that creating new tram routes is great for the city and the people who live here.”

And it has also meant a boost for United Carpets’ Nottingham stores at Long Eaton, Bestwood and Hartley Road. “We’ll be closing our doors at those stores too, but I’m glad to say it’s just for a few days while each goes through a refurbishment,” said Dave Code, Head of Store Development.

“Again, it’s good news for customers, because the new-look stores will offer an even more pleasant shopping experience, with our usual high standard of great customer service and fantastic deals. When we re-open the three stores, we’ll be celebrating with a huge range of special offers, and we’re anticipating a very busy time indeed.”

United Carpets are relocating all staff from the Crocus Street store, which begins its closing down sale this week. United Carpets and Beds is the biggest franchised flooring retailer in the UK, with more than 80 stores around the country.

T 01709 732 666 www.unitedcarpetsandbeds.com 36 December 2011

FlooringNews

from The Stocklists

December 2011 37

News

Shining stone 3M has unveiled its new range of high performance Scotchgard Floor Protector specifically designed for stone floors.

The new Scotchgard Stone Floor Protector by 3M provides finishes that deliver a highly durable shine with less labour and at a lower total cost than acrylic floor products.

Compared to traditional acrylic finishes, which require up to four coats on initial application, Scotchgard Stone Floor Protector needs only two coats to produce a clean, safe, glossy floor that is less susceptible to scuffs, black marks, stains and scratches than conventional products.

The finish lasts for up to a year with minimal maintenance. Not only is it six times more abrasion-resistant than acrylic finishes; it also resists water, stains and dirt, so finished floors are easily cleaned by dusting and wet mopping. Burnishing is required once or twice a month depending on traffic levels, as opposed to several times a week with acrylic finishes.

James Gravestock, General Sales & Marketing Manager at 3M Building & Commercial Services Division comments: “By reducing the periodic maintenance – burnishing, scrubbing, stripping and recoating – associated with acrylic products, our new Scotchgard Stone Floor Protector can save you up to 60% on your annual floor care labour and chemicals costs, while prolonging the life of your floor.”

Scotchgard Stone Floor Protector is easy to apply and quick to dry - floors can be returned to use in as little as one hour, minimising costly downtime.

For optimum delivery, the 3M Easy Shine Applicator Kit helps to reduce waste and increase productivity. Its unique ‘back-pack’ application doesn’t require pouring or mixing chemicals, allowing for a safer application with less waste and mess.

T 01234 229496

www.3M.co.uk/Facilities

Wood gets it together Expert floor finish company, Derbyshire-based Granwax Products Limited, is helping to shape the future of the British flooring industry with the development of the first industry-recognised organisation, the British Wood Flooring Association.

Developed in partnership with ten other companies, the British Wood Flooring Association (BWFA) has been created to raise the standards of the wood flooring industry through education and training. For installers and suppliers, membership to the BWFA demonstrates a commitment to upholding the highest standards of craftsmanship in both the installation process and product aftercare. The Association also acts as an independent reference point for customers who want a top quality product, together with guaranteed peace of mind.

“The UK flooring industry has never been standardised nor had a representative trade body. At Granwax Products we knew it was vital to the future of the industry that such an organisation should be established, both as an impartial resource for customers and to improve industry standards through specialist training,” explains Carl Blythe, Director of Granwax Products Limited.

“It is extremely important to us that other companies and, more importantly, flooring contractors, embrace the Association. Not only will it demonstrate their dedication to maintaining and raising industry standards, but will also give their customers and distributors the reassurance that they are receiving the best products and service on the market,” continues Carl.

Since its inception the BWFA is going from strength to strength with the opening of its own training facility in Birmingham. The specialist education facility for installers and finishers is helping to raise the standards of the industry, as well as ensuring future generations have the correct skills to maintain, and improve on, the benchmarks that have already been set. “Going forward we hope the BWFA will act as an industry mark of quality workmanship our members will be able to display, and which customers will recognise as a sign that they will receive only the highest standards of skill and service,” adds Carl.

T 01773 541177

www.granwax.com

Ethics online A unique on-line rug directory, Talking Rugs, has been launched by GoodWeave UK, the ethical rug labelling scheme. It promises to feature a snapshot of the latest new rug designs in the market plus current news on designers, style trends and GoodWeave activity.

Aimed at interior designers and consumers looking for the latest inspirational new rug designs from ethical retailers, the directory features leading rug companies selling GoodWeave labelled rugs including The Rug Company, Knots Rugs, Bazaar Velvet, Wovenground and Jacaranda Carpets.

Samantha Towle, Executive Director of GoodWeave UK explains: “Talking Rugs is an exciting new project for GoodWeave in the UK, which will give high visibility to the many retailers who sell GoodWeave labelled rugs; it will provide a wonderful one-stop shop window for all those interior designers and consumers, who would love to buy more ethically”.

Talking Rugs can be found at http://www.goodweave.org.uk/rug-directory GoodWeave works to eradicate child labour and provides education and support in the community to children rescued from the looms, ensuring they are not forced back to work.

The organisation is active in India and Nepal, runs independent factory inspections, to ensure children are not working, funds education programmes for rescued children and the families of poor village based weavers, and provides financial support to vulnerable children.

T 07740 459279 38 December 2011

www.goodweave.org.uk

FlooringNews

News feature

adore means business adore has arrived! The eagerly awaited vinyl flooring system that’s set to secure major market share and make LVT easier for retailers has emerged from three years of development. adore Touch is the newest premium vinyl plank with unique, patented click technology to create an enduring flawless finish.

“Everything is in place and we are ready for business,” says Paul Brady, the head of adore Flooring for Europe.

“The reaction we are getting has been great. Everyone likes the products a lot and loves the look of the marketing,” says Paul. “It is a great achievement to have done what we have done and I am convinced the market is ready for it.”

A set of 14 wood decors designed especially for the UK market are now being rolled out after adore looked closely at market trends. Oaks are, inevitably, the dominant theme and there are some interesting greys, bleached effects and the popular dark colours in open and close grain.

The system is being distributed throughout the UK by Headlam’s Home Foundation division and a sales team of six specialists led by Paul Ashley. The first 100 UK retailers have stands in store. adore aims to bring on board 100 more retailers each month with eye-catching and effective point-of-sale material.

“It ticks all the boxes for the retailer,” says Paul. “It’s attractive, keenly priced, flexible for every room, durable, easy to fit, recyclable and we can offer an excellent service from high levels of stock.” In fact, 12,000m2 of material are ready for dispatch from Home Foundation and the same again is sitting in a warehouse at adore’s HQ in Dublin.

The first UK products are 4mm planks with a 0.55mm wear layer incorporating nano particles of silver for enhanced durability. As a result, adore offers a 25 wear warranty on domestic installations and 15 years for commercial fits.

Following up on the wood decors, adore will be launching a range of stone and ceramic decors at the Domotex flooring fair in Hannover in January.

The product’s performance and the continuity of supply from a solid production base will appeal to retailers who struggle to find LVT companies they are confident dealing with – the market has often been characterised by large corporates at one end and small operators waiting for the next container load at the bottom end.

“It ticks all the boxes for the retailer and I am convinced that the market is ready for it.”

“We are approachable, professional and in this for the long haul”, says Paul Brady. And adore has big ambitions – “We want to be dominant in Europe,” he says – a claim that might sound optimistic given the competition but the company is already the leading LVT supplier in the US and is experiencing massive demand from key European markets already, especially Germany.

If any further statement of belief were needed, the company has just opened its fourth factory to make the world’s largest LVT manufacturing base of three plants in South Korea and one in China. Expect lots more to come! www.adorefloors.com T 01675 433075

from The Stocklists

adore on show during one of the popular demonstrations at the Harrogate Flooring Show 2011

December 2011 39

News

House Beautiful Awards

Golden parquet The stunning oil finishes now available in Quick-Step Parquet wowed the judges at this year’s House Beautiful Awards, with the manufacturer picking up the top Gold Award in the Best Flooring category.

Quick-Step Parquet’s mix of innovation and style left an impression on the judging panel consisting of key editorial members of the magazine and celebrity experts. Featuring on the manufacturer’s Palazzo, and Castello ranges, its innovative oil gives an extra matt finish that can be repaired with Quick-Step Oil Care for a long lasting beautiful wood floor.

“We are delighted to win this award and would like to thank House Beautiful and the judging panel for recognising that Quick-Step Parquet floors are some of the very best on the market,” comments Philiep Caryn, international communications and sponsoring, Quick-Step. “We work hard at Quick-Step to ensure that homes benefit from beautiful floors packed with the latest technology and we continue to innovate in the floor coverings sector.”

Oliver Heath, interior designer presents the award to Philiep Caryn, international communications manager, Quick-Step, and Tom Bourne of Select First.

Crucial earns its stripes

The prestigious House Beautiful Awards are now in their eighth year and not only award the best products in the home interiors industry, but also recognise retailers and celebrities, with Channel 4’s hit Restoration Man presenter George Clarke being voted the readers’ Favourite Home-Related Celebrity.

House Beautiful Editor Julia Goodwin says, ‘In tough economic times quality and value are vitally important in making good products and services stand out from the rest of the crowd. The House Beautiful Awards recognises excellence – pointing consumers towards the best of the best.’

T 0032 56 67 52 11

www.quick-step.co.uk

At last week’s House Beautiful Awards, Crucial Trading was awarded the Gold Award for Best Carpet for its ground breaking striped wool design, Mississippi.

The House Beautiful Awards 2011 were held this year in one of England’s finest Art Deco buildings, Freemasons’ Hall in London. The awards comprised 26 categories, commending not only the UK’s top TV personalities but also 2011’s best homes products and retailers.

Dawn Mallett, Marketing Manager for Crucial Trading says “We are proud to have been awarded the Best Carpet Gold Award for Mississippi. It is always a pleasure to receive credit for our flooring innovations and with stripes being a key flooring trend for this year we are pleased to see our much loved Mississippi being chosen”.

Crucial Trading manufacturers creative floorcoverings and has been delighting design conscious homeowners with its innovative plant fibre and wool range for nearly 25 years. Made from 100% wool, Mississippi is hardwearing and suitable for all living areas and is an ideal choice when creating a striking entrance hall, landing or staircase.

T 01675 433091 www.crucial-trading.com

Woolsafe down under Underlining The WoolSafe Organisation’s status as a global expert in the correct and proper care of carpet, managing director, Dr Agnes Zsednai was invited to the Ausclean Convention 2011, Australia’s sustainable facilities, cleaning and maintenance event.

Taking part in the event’s Education Sessions, Dr Zsednai explained the global role of The WoolSafe Organisation and how its international certification programme is proving just as important now as upon its launch 20 years ago. The WoolSafe Organisation constantly monitors consumer and professional products in the market place and developments in carpet cleaning technology, working with suppliers to ensure the programme’s continued relevance.

Through links with carpet mills, retailers and its approved carpet cleaner network, The WoolSafe Organisation is at the forefront of carpet care. With the introduction of a new carpet testing facility earlier this year the Organisation is working towards its goal to be the carpet industry’s one stop solution.

Agnes’ visit to Australia also coincided with the Australian WoolSafe conference, where she explained WoolSafe’s research into using hydrogen peroxide on wool carpets. Through the presentation, Dr Zsednai also covered the effects of pH and buffering of cleaning chemicals on wool carpets over prolonged use.

“Our visit to Australia underlines that WoolSafe is a global power in the care of carpets,” comments Agnes Zsednai, “and it was great to engage with our friends and colleagues in Australia. Trips like this are invaluable in raising our profile and spreading the word that good carpet care, and The WoolSafe Organisation, will help to prolong the life of the investment that a quality carpet represents.”

In the 20th anniversary of its carpet maintenance chemical testing and approval programme, The WoolSafe Organisation is reinforcing its reputation as the vital link in correct carpet care and now has offices in Germany, South Africa, Greece, America and Australia.

T 01943 850817 40 December 2011

www.woolsafe.org

FlooringNews

from The Stocklists

December 2011 41

News

Design stars at interiors UK Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen will head up an all-star cast of designers at this year’s interiors UK 2012 which takes place in Birmingham’s NEC, January 22-25.

The high-profile designer, will create a special feature celebrating British heritage. He said: “This show is incredibly important to me because it is my chance to share with the design industry my particular take on ‘the British look’ in celebration of what promises to be a very Anglocentric year.

Laurence has already begun designing two rooms within a crumbling manor home as part of his feature for Hall 3. Laurence added: “interiors UK is the biggest trade event of its kind attracting thousands of visitors, from retailers to designers, all of whom will I hope be prepared for something that is very much going to put the buoyant very much back into flamboyant. Celebrating the specialness of British design is incredibly important to me and I’m looking forward to meeting designers and retailers at the event.”

Flooring exibitors include Furlong Flooring, Cavalio, Mastercraft Rugs, Oriental Weavers, Rama Carpets, Unnatural Flooring and V4 Woodflooring.

T +44 (0)207 921 8406 www.interiorsbirmingham.com

Domotex expects success Carpet rolling roadshow Providing the first glimpse of some of the most innovative and competitive carpet introductions heading to UK shores in 2012, the Balta Group’s 2012 Road Show event drew retailers and wholesalers from across the nation keen to gain the competitive edge.

The flooring trends and fashions for the 2012/2013 season will be on show at Domotex, the world’s top trade fair for carpets and floor coverings, from 14 to 17 January 2012.

“Domotex is a business platform and flooring lifestyle show in one powerful mix that makes it the most important annual event for the international carpet and floor coverings industry,” commented organiserr Dr. Andreas Gruchow. “All indications are that it’s going to be a great success.

Bringing forthcoming products from Balta Broadloom, Domo Floorcoverings and ITC, the three-day event provided an ideal opportunity for partners and flooring specialists to discover how carpets from the Balta Group will provide value and add positive impact on business for 2012. Showcasing three residential brands, each with a unique portfolio of value-driven carpets for the home, the event proved a huge success: “Over the three days of the event, we welcomed members of the industry from all areas of the country showing just how attractive the value and quality on offer from the Balta Group of companies is to retailers and wholesalers looking for an advantage in day to day business,” comments Philippe Hamers, general manager, residential division, Balta Group. “The event gives an opportunity to view the latest on-trend styles and to decide on product selection for 2012, while also catering for those that can’t make it to Germany in January.”

On show included the latest developments from all three key brands, illustrating the depth and diversity of product available from Balta Group and its residential carpet divisions. Having taken place between 8th – 10th November at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, NEC, Birmingham, the 2012 Road Show proved a great success with Balta looking towards revealing the new collections to a Europe-wide audience at Domotex in January.

T +32 56 62 22 11

www.baltagroup.com

“The global market leaders will be out in force, plus there’s the hotly anticipated premiere of the Wood Flooring Summit, a new, improved site layout and a range of new online services. With features like these, our exhibitors know they will be in pole position for new business.”

Some 1,400 exhibitors from over 60 nations have chosen to exhibit their new collections and design developments in Hannover. The range is truly comprehensive, encompassing everything from hand-knotted and machine-made carpets, parquet and laminated flooring through to textile and resilient floor coverings.

“Customized Living” is the keynote theme at Domotex 2012.

Personalization is seen as one of the defining trends of our age and has an enormous bearing on interior design. Carpets and floor coverings in particular offer almost unlimited scope for individual design.

Dr. Gruchow added : “Increasingly, our human desire for greater individuality and self-realization is finding direct expression in the design of our own four walls. These trends are reflected in the lead theme chosen for Domotex, Customized Living.”

“The theme symbolizes the leading design trends among the carpets, textile and resilient floor coverings and parquet and laminated flooring products that will be on display at the fair.” www.domotex.de

42 December 2011

FlooringNews

Promotional feature

Designed to profit the retailer! j2 flooring managing director talks to The Stocklists about the exciting times ahead for the latest luxury vinyl flooring brand In a fiercly competitive industry, you may think there is no room for another luxury vinyl flooring brand, however j2 flooring managing director Stephen Latham discusses why their products have something different to add.

As a new company, tell us a bit more about j2 flooring?

We are a luxury vinyl flooring brand, specialising in quality design floors. What makes us stand out against the competition is our focus. We understand what the retailers want and keep our focus on giving them a product they are able to make good profit on, which offers an alternative to other products available in this sector. We have started with a small product range and intend to grow organically, adding more ranges and styles to our collections as our profile increases. We have huge ambitions to be one of the largest brands of luxury vinyl flooring, but with strong beliefs on keeping in touch with our customers.

What does j2 flooring offer that is not already available?

Simple answer is profit for the retailer. We are finding many retailers suffering when it comes to selling design floors as many of the bigger players such as Karndean and Amtico are plastered all over the internet and are available through the majority of flooring retailers across the country. This has an effect on retailers as it drives down price and inevitably cuts profit. What j2 flooring offers is a top quality design floor which costs a lot less than the competition. It’s not for sale online and we offer a re-brand it scheme which enables retailers to rebrand our products and display units to create an exclusive product for their stores if they wish, which in turn will generate more profit as it immediately cuts out competition.

How does j2 flooring compete with the market leaders in luxury vinyl flooring?

Obviously when you are competing with companies who have chairmen with deep pockets you need to play to your strengths.

Spending millions on advertising isn’t an option for us at the moment. Our strengths lie in the quality and price of our products as well as being flexible and adaptable to market changes and customer demands. Starting with a modest collection means we are able to maintain stock levels and fulfil orders. We aim to increase our product portfolio as our company grows, keeping it simple but effective is key at the moment.

“e quality and realism of designs now is fantastic, the versatility and practical benefits too outweigh any other product available” What distribution networks is j2 flooring available through?

We are keeping control of distribution to ensure we do not end up with the scenario faced by some of the competition. When you keep it tight in this way and offer to own label products it is our customers who will be the ultimate winners. We are currently looking to build a network of retailers and Contractors across the UK and welcome these businesses to contact us to open accounts and start to take profit generation, back in house!

What are the main problems j2 flooring have come up against so far?

Pushing the brand nationwide is our most difficult task so far.

Many retailers we have introduced the products too have been extremely positive and most have ordered our small display stand, but trying to introduce the products all across the UK takes time and a lot of effort. However once our profile starts to become bigger and the longer we continue to push, we should be able to have a quality network of retailers across the UK. Where do you see j2 flooring in 10 years?

We have listened in depth to many retailers who currently deal with many of our competitors. In ten years time we want to have a loyal, profit making portfolio of customers who are not dissatisfied with our distribution policies, who receive an excellent level of care and customer service and who would recommend us to their peers. Admittedly, we are small – but totally focused on listening to our customers, delivering the products they want and letting them make extra profit. That way in 10 years time the sky is the limit. j2 flooring is currently looking to expand its retail network across the UK and welcomes retailers to enquire about the products and open accounts. www.j2flooring.com

T 01704 536421 sales@j2flooring.com

How do you see the profile of luxury vinyl flooring?

Its getting bigger. The quality and realism of designs now is fantastic. The versatility and practical benefits too outweigh any other product available, which adds to the appeal of a lifestyle floor. However luxury vinyl flooring is known better by brand more so than the actual type of product it is. This will still be the case for a while, but with retailers understanding this and then getting this across to the end user, the actual profile of luxury vinyl flooring as a product will increase. I find this has started to happen quicker due to the current economic situation as consumers are more willing to consider an alternative product which can offer a similar quality product but save them money - j2 flooring is that product. from The Stocklists

December 2011 43

News

Growing ranks of recyclers Carpet & Flooring, a leading UK distributor of floorcovering products, is the latest member to join Recofloor and increase the number of strategic collection points for the UK’s award-winning vinyl flooring recycling scheme.

Established in 1973, Carpet & Flooring has grown into one of the largest distributors, stocking and distributing products from Europe’s leading manufacturers as well as its own domestic and contract floorcovering brands.

Having successfully piloted the Recofloor scheme at its Birmingham branch in August, Carpet & Flooring has now rolled it out to the remaining seven branches across the country.

“I am delighted that Carpet & Flooring is now participating within the Recofloor Vinyl Take Back Scheme through our national network of branches,” says Managing Director Paul Gordon. “The scheme fits perfectly within the company’s environmental objectives and targets, while providing an opportunity to assist our customers with the segregation and recycling of vinyl and safety flooring..”

Recofloor bins accepting waste vinyl off-cuts and waste smooth uplifted vinyl flooring are now located at all their depots in Bristol, Bow, Camberley, Cambridge, Gateshead, Glasgow and Manchester. Flooring contractors and installers can also collect polythene bags from the trade counters for their waste material. When full, these can be left at the depots from where they are sent for recycling into new flooring and traffic management products.

Recofloor was founded by leading flooring manufacturers Altro and Polyflor in 2009 to demonstrate commitment to sustainability within the flooring sector. Managed by Axion Consulting, the industry-led take-back initiative collects and recycles smooth uplifted vinyl and smooth and safety off-cuts.

Recofloor Project Manager, Jane Gardner of Axion Consulting says: “With over 80 drop-off sites and 350 collectors across the UK and Ireland, Recofloor is committed to recycling vinyl flooring waste that would otherwise be landfilled and making sustainable re-use of a valuable resource.”

Recofloor helps local authorities, distributors and contractors to divert growing volumes of waste vinyl flooring from landfill. This not only reduces disposal costs, but can also assist firms in winning new business through accentuating ‘green’ credentials.

T 0161 355 7618 www.recofloor.org

44 December 2011

FlooringNews

2011 from The Stocklists

We’ve selected the very best photos from our editorial pages in 2011 which demonstrate that style, quality and creativity is alive and well in the UK flooring industry.

December 2011 45

2011 46 December 2011

Adam Castlemead: Velvet Stripe Adam Carpets continue to enhance their reputation as manufacturers of innovative products by adding an additional seven colours to their successful Castlemead Velvet Stripe collection. Made at their own factory in Kidderminster, these seven new colours have proved to be an instant classic.

T 01562 829966 www.adamcarpets.com

FlooringNews

Alternative Flooring: Rock ‘n’ Roll Aretha Franklin made her version of Respect a hit in 1967; featured here is the trendsetting retro Respect, one of the award winning Rock ‘n’ Roll, 100% wool carpets,

by Alternative Flooring. Yet another hit!

T 01264 335111 www.alternativeflooring.com

from The Stocklists

December 2011 47

2011 48 December 2011

Balta: Funky Stripes Bring rays of sunshine to the home with The Funky Stripes collection from Balta Broadloom. Bold and beautiful colourways combine to bring an eye-catching carpet range that delivers the very best in style, performance and ease of maintenance. Available in a four-metre width, made with 100% Stainsafe速 bleach resistant polypropylene and in 8 fashionable colours, Funky Stripes backs its striking design with a 5 year wear and Stainsafe速 warranty. T +32 55 335252 www.baltagroup.com

FlooringNews

Bond Worth: The Boisdale Group specified a tartan axminster to compliment their baronial themed establishment famed for fine Scottish food, whiskey and cigars.

T 01562745000 www.bondworth.co.uk

from The Stocklists

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2011 50 December 2011

Cormar: Avebury Cormar Carpet’s striking Avebury Plains and Stripes wool loop pile collection offers five striped designs and 12 stylish plains that can be teamed together to accommodate the trend for a streamlined look in the home. The Woolmark branded range is made from 100% pure new wool in a quality 3 ply yarn with a level loop pile surface and provides consumers a new and different look that is still within the confines of an ‘easy to decorate with’ colour palette. T 01204 881234 www.cormarcarpets.co.uk

FlooringNews

Crown Floors: Bayswater The luscious shaggy pile and striking on-trend colours of Bayswater from Crown Floors make it a real head turner to consumers looking for the latest in fashion-focused carpet for their home. Available in a four-metre width, Bayswater forms part of a 10 strong collection that includes a range of polypropylene and wool rich carpets that represent quality, diversity and value and which are backed by a strong brand identity. T 0800 077 33 01 www.crownfloors.co.uk

from The Stocklists

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2011 52 December 2011

Heckmondwike: Supacord Tough, durable yet highly cost competitive, Supacord, designed by Heckmondwike FB, has always been a popular choice. And now architects are recognising the design opportunities to cost effectively create the ‘wow’ factor.

Supacord can be cut to any design, in any number of the 40 colours available and has an environmental rating that is unsurpassed, with an A+ BRE Global Rating. T 01924 406161 www.heckmondwike-fb.co.uk

FlooringNews

Vorwerk: Esprit The Esprit Home Islands collection from Vorwerk Carpets is a new way of thinking in flooring, encouraging engagement and play in a way never possible before. The self-adhesive carpet tiles are available in a unique shape derived from the contract Scale速 TEXtiles速 product and in a range of colours and textures that feature in Colour Splash, Selected Nature and Modern Poetry worlds.

T 0870 0104484 www.vorwerk.com

from The Stocklists

December 2011 53

The British Wool column British Wool pageantry in the Lord Mayor’s Parade

Calendar of Wool Women hits the news shelves

British Wool and the Campaign for Wool had the pleasure of taking part in the Lord Mayor’s Parade on November 12th where the city’s key roads are closed off for the pageant and ceremony that is this tremendous patriotic experience.

Country Homes & Interiors released their calendar for 2012 focusing on wool.

British Wool took part in the Lord Mayor’s Parade in November.

In partnership with the Worshipful Company of Woolmen – a City of London livery company, the BWMB created a feature for one of two horse-drawn drays. The first featured sheep and shearing and the second dray = sponsored by the BWMB and the Carpet Foundation as well as a number of others showcased the diversity of wool in product. Red, white and blue carpet provided by Brockway added some carpet industry flag flying and the whole was set off by the livery men walking with the sheep dogs alongside.

It obtained superb coverage on BBC and the BWMB’s support was greatly appreciated by the incoming Lord Mayor, David Wootton – a Yorkshire man raised and schooled in Bradford, he has taken it upon himself to push the wool industry and its products in his year as Lord Mayor.

“We are delighted to have taken part in this incredible event which appeals to all ages and had many thousands of people along the route. A truly British experience and so it is fitting that British Wool took part this year with a Yorkshire man as Lord Mayor.” Ian Hartley CEO of the BWMB said.

Christmas wishes

The 2012 Country Homes & Interiors Calendar which is issued with the December issue of the magazine - is a tribute to women in the wool industry.

Featuring twelve ladies that have made wool textiles a central focus of their careers, the Country Homes & Interiors editorial team have showcased a different side to our wool industry.

“This magazine is very much a lifestyle publication and the Editor wanted to cover women who had in their own way, crafted a living from British Wool and been involved in the creativity or manufacturing of it within the UK.” Bridgette Kelly of the BWMB explained.

“It is hugely important that different aspects of the industry are promoted – quite often the behind-thescenes story is a major selling point and the people working quietly away there, are a very appealing part of that story.”

The magazine has been a generous supporter of the Campaign for Wool; promoting products made in wool throughout the calendar year and is one of the few magazines that have retained constant coverage of carpet for the home.

“Magazines are very driven by the profile of their reader. They do constant market research and will define their readership within age groups, socioeconomic group and lifestyle aspirations. It is a high level of subscription readership which tends to indicate that their profile is correct.

“Magazines such as Country Homes & Interiors are a key selling mechanism for home interiors as people tend to replicate what they see there.

We are delighted that they choose to support the Sheep in the snow – a picture from carpet and wider the Young Farmer’s photography competition sponsored by British Wool. wool industry.”

; ; ;

;

2011 has passed by at an incredible speed for us at British Wool and that is reflected by so many these days. We have seen the advance of the Campaign for Wool, wool prices at their highest in recent years, economic issues challenging the whole of our industry and job scarcity posing problems for all but particularly the young.

Realistically, those of us who work within the industry feel that there is a long way to go before things improve but Christmas offers a short respite from the reality and hopefully the New Year will bring new opportunities to us all. The British Wool team wish you, your staff and your families, a very Happy Christmas and a healthy and prosperous New Year.

54 December 2011

FlooringNews

from The Stocklists

December 2011 55

Flower on Flooring News News Tools of the trade Taking a slightly different view, this month sees the focus placed on tooling and machinery for the flooring sector.

Suppliers of machinery and tools to the flooring industry seldom receive the recognition they deserve for the important role they play. There are a number of companies who continue to provide high levels of service, such as Accu-Cut. Since 1990, the company states it has been providing customers with the best quality cutting and rolling machines, back up service and support. It further explains that its wide range of models allows customers to choose the product that best fits their needs.

"Accu-cut is proud to be able to save our customers time and money when they employ an Accu-Cut machine, by controlling inventory, preventing overcutting, and reducing claims," says the company. "One person can easily roll, measure, back-roll, inspect, cut and wrap all the carpet orders with speed, accuracy and cleanliness. Accurate measuring and precision cutting technology enables your company to better operate at the expected level of your customers."

Janser UK, a susidiary of Janser Germany, is another market leading supplier of tools and machines throughout Europe for over 50 years. Operating from its Midlands UK base, the company supplies goods through a nationwide network of distributors and wholesalers. Janser prides itself on offering a wide range, from basic items to the very specialised, for all types of flooring installation. The company’s range can be seen in its 150+ page catalogue 108 and the more concise quick-reference brochure, Janser-Basics, which details essential everyday items.

The company also has an inhouse service/repair facility for floor stripping machines, weld guns, electric staplers, etc. New products and innovations also keep Janser at the forefront of tools/machinery supply.

Merryfield emphasises that

Accu-Cut applies innovation and expertise

sales and manufacturing are dependent upon each other, which means the carpet industry would shudder to a standstill without talented machine designers.

Following continuous monitoring of today's rapidly expanding new markets, the company has produced a special range of cutting, measuring and wrapping machines to give the industry a fast and efficient despatch process. Manufactured exclusively in Halifax, the unique design will cut almost any floorcovering product efficiently for wholesalers and retailers alike. In addition to its standard ranges, the company also offers bespoke machines, designed by its in-house team.

Focusing on delivering fast and efficient fitting of solid wood floors, Primatech reports that it offers high quality options at competitive prices. These include T or L format nails and nailers, which can be included within integrated merchandising packages to retail outlets, supplied as direct delivery or pallet-based products.

The non-jamming Model H330L manual nailer delivers constant depth of entry of cleat nails, along with roller mounting for added comfort, speed and precision, also including the Primpact pneumatic engine, says the company.

Its most popular UK products are the 330 manual tool and the 240 and 250 pneumatic nailers.

“Suppliers of machinery and tools to the flooring industry seldom receive the recognition they deserve for the important role they play.�

Janser UK demonstrates market leadership

56 December 2011

FlooringNews

by Dennis Flower

retailers respond to industry issues

2012 prospects survey It’s Olympic year in 2012. Are you going for going for gold – or expecting to be in for the high jump?

Our annual market survey of retail prospects for the year ahead asks what the future holds amid the uncertainty of consumer confidence and the seemingly unmitigated diet of dire predictions from the Euro zone.

Robert Estillon new Cutinator range

Roberts Estillon also recognises the importance of innovation, having recently launched its Cutinator range of design cutters for luxury vinyl tiles, which continue to grow in popularity. The company also supplies precision cutting equipment for engineered wood, laminate LVTs or carpet tiles. "Choose from a range of four cutters ensuring perfect tailoring of floorcovering material, the Cutinator is the cutter for the professional installer," Roberts Estillon states.

Its original Jamb saw cutter was introduced 12 years ago and the next generation has now arrived. The ‘long neck jamb saw’ has a larger motor and cuts into inside corners of skirting board up to 12mm thick. Height of cut can be adjusted from flush to 26mm and doors in situ cut to 44mm.

Manufacturing moisture meters for over 30 years, Tramex states it now manufactures a comprehensive range of meters and accessories for all aspects of moisture measurement. Its range of concrete meters are designed to accurately measure moisture levels within a subfloor. The addition of relative humidity reading allows installers to test and corroborate readings to comply with BS5325 and 8203. "The new Tramex Hygro-i probe system is the culmination of many years of research and testing and represents the most accurate and user friendly RH testing kit available. Probes are left in-situ for the duration of the test to ensure the fastest possible readings and are re-usable to ensure the best possible value for money," the company states.

For more information about featured products: Accu-Cut • www.accu-cut.com • 0800 862 0251 Janser UK • www.janser-uk.com • 0121 561 5888 Roberts Estillon • www.roberts-estillon.co.uk • 0845 644 4949

from The Stocklists

Spain, Italy and Greece may be set for a stormy future but at least they’re guaranteed the sunshine in 2012. Do you see any silver lining to the UK clouds?

We’re taking the temperature and asking for your assessment of the economic conditions and future prospects. The survey will cover consumer confidence, pricing trends, employment issues and product portfolios. And we’ll be asking what suppliers and manufacturers could be doing more to help weather the storm.

Tell us what you think and join the debate...

The online survey takes less than four minutes and it’s anonymous and doesn’t need any form filling.

Please help us inform the industry.

Visit www.thestocklists.com and click on the survey banner to take part.

Flooring Forum Join our panel The Forum is the platform for retailers to respond to trade issues and inform the industry about the problems and opportunities they face on the High Street.

You can join our online survey panel and you’ll be invited every two months to contribute your views - it’s anonymous so you can say exactly what you think.

To join the panel, visit www.thestocklists.com and click on the Online sign-up button.

December 2011 57

Stocklists Classified The

SITUATIONS VACANT A GLOBAL MANUFACTURER OF TEXTILES FLOOR COVERING (BROADLOOMS, AREA RUGS & BATH MATS) IS LOOKING FOR A SALES & MARKETING HEAD FOR BUSINESS EXPANSION IN UK. CANDIDATES EXPERIENCED IN ABOVE PRODUCT CATEGORIES CAN SEND RESUMES AT: BUSINESSINDIA8@GMAIL.COM

AGENTS REQUIRED We are looking for well-connected, enthusiastic, self-motivated Regional Sales Agents to join our wholesale business in the UK, promoting our range of Rugs to Independent and Regional Group Retailers. Successful applicants should have a proven track record with the key responsibility of seeking opportunities with new and existing customers to increase sales.

We offer • established areas with room for development • good rates of commission • prompt payment • full training and sales support • showvan (shared use) • showrooms in Nottingham and Lanark

ContraCt agents John Lanham Watts Carpets Ltd requires ambitious contract sales agents to sell bespoke Axminster carpets to the UK contract markets.

We believe we are uniquely positioned to offer an unparalleled service and quality at a highly competitive price level.

If you have the contacts and can sell top quality Axminster carpets please get in touch. all areas inClUDing lonDon are aVailaBle

retail sales agent John Lanham Watts Carpets Ltd require motivated and hardworking sales agent for the West Midlands, Shropshire, Leicestershire and Derbyshire. There is an established customer base on this area.

If you have the contacts and can sell top quality Axminster carpets please get in touch.

Please aPPly in writing to: John Lanham Watts Carpets Ltd, Wool Loft House, Sandbeck Way Wetherby, LS22 7DN or email sales@jlwcarpets.com

Please send a letter or email your application to: Paul James, Sales Director Origin Red UK Ltd Unit 10, Harrington Mills Leopold Street, Long Eaton Notts. NG10 4QE paul.james@originred.co.uk

FOR SALE

More people read us - official!

Call Diane Martin on 01482 659396

58 December 2011

FlooringNews

Stocklists Classified The

SITUATIONS VACANT

JOIN A WINNING TEAM SALESPERSON REQUIRED FOR FYLDE COAST, CUMBRIA AND PART NORTH WEST A rare opportunity has arisen to join the highly successful Furlong Group of Companies representing the company In the following territory: Cumbria, Flyde Coast, Parts of Lancashire & Cheshire.

Operating out of the Preston Distribution Centre, the successful candidate will be responsible for managing an already established account base with lots of scope for future expansion and will reside in the territory as advertised. The remuneration package will reflect that of a leading edge manufacturer which will include fully financed company car, basic salary and generous bonus scheme based on turnover.

Our sister company Regency Carpets is firmly established as a leading UK manufacturer of quality carpets which produces and promotes the highly successful Carefree brand of products.

Our company has enjoyed rapid growth during the last three years and as such we are always looking to hear from individuals who match our passion and drive for ongoing success and would always like to hear from you in the strictest of confidence for all territories in the UK.

APPLICATION INFORMATION: All applications will be treated in the strictest of confidence and your current employer will not be contacted should you express an interest in our company.

Applications and letters of interest should be addressed in the first instance to Neil T Valentine Northern Sales Director at enquiries@furlongflooring.co.uk or to Furlong Flooring, Unit 283, Carnfield Place, Walton Summit, Bamber Bridge, Preston, PR5 8AN.

furlong flooring

UNDER RUGS

FOXISuper Plus

Advertise here!

Call Diane Martin on 01482 659396

THE STOCKLISTS December 2011

The Rug Tamer! Keeps Rugs In Their Place COMBINATION UNDERLAYS NEEDLEFELT UNDERLAYS For orders and further information, please ring P&R Ratcliffe (Underlays) Ltd. Burnley, Lancashire BB10 3BH Tel: 01282 421026, Fax: 01282 412321 www.foxirugtamer.co.uk

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