The Stocklists by David Spragg

Stocklists The

5 February 2024

with

FLOORINGNEWS

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

Beyond Imagination, Beyond Expectation,

Beyond Wool

Download Brochure Here

Visit furlongflooring.com or email enquiries@furlongflooring.com to find out more

Specialist in woven carpet

Craftsmanship

makes the difference

Over the years, Intercarpet has developed a wide private label collection of the very finest carpets. Natural materials such as wool, sisal and cotton or high-quality synthetic materials, both woven and knitted. Intercarpet characterises itself as a genuine roll manufacturer and supplies international partners. Read more at our website! »

Address: Kanaalweg 8, 8356 VS, Blokzijl (NL) | Telephone: +31 (0)85 238 86 40 | Email: sales@intercarpet.nl | Web: www.intercarpet.nl

THE STOCKLISTS February 2024

Stocklists The

ISSUE 587 : FEBRUARY 2024 Published by Mayville Publishing Co Ltd., 219 West Ella Road, West Ella, Hull HU10 7SD @thestocklists Tel: 01482 659396 Fax: 01482 659397 www.thestocklists.com Sales Director: Diane Martin. diane@mayvillepublishing.co.uk Publication Director: David Spragg Founded by Roy Spragg in 1973.

THE MAGAZINE THAT’S ALL ABOUT FLOORING

Advertisers

FLOORINGNEWS starts on page 19

Monthly ‘Stocklisters’ shown in BOLD Index

Page No

Contact No

H ABINGDON FLOORING

4,32

01274 655694

Ht ASSOCIATED WEAVERS

6-7

01422 431100

H BETAP

+31 38 386 1060

t BRAMPTON CHASE

01604 664855

o CARPENTER

01457 861141

H CAVALIER

01254 268000

s COLUMBIA FLOORING

0208 443 3322

n COMPANY DYNAMICS

08000 72 85 39

H CONDOR CARPETS

+31 38 477 8911

= CONDOR GRASS

+31 38 477 8911

H CORMAR CARPET CO.

21,31

01204 881234

o CYBERGOLD

01494 761814

l F BALL

10,34,45

01538 361633

n FITA

01159 506836

s FLOORWISE

01509 673974

n FITTER OF THE YEAR

0115 958 3077

FC,11,33

01322 628700

t HARVEY MARIA

0330 330 1231

n INDX

—

H INTERCARPET WEAVERS

+31 38 477 8911

t KARNDEAN DESIGNFLOORING

—

01386 820100

Ht KELLARS

0161 443 0970

H HUGH MACKAY

01429 892555

o INTERFLOOR

—

01706 213131

Quick-Step's new Capture gets laminate closer to nature page 20

n MASTERPIECE

01737 355831

n NICF

0115 958 3077

Capital idea

H PENTHOUSE CARPETS

01706 639866

15,32

0345 899 1000

s TRADECHOICE

0330 135 5800

l UZIN

01788 530080

Ht VICTORIA FLOORING

01562 749300

o WILSONS UNDERLAYS

01924 451138

Future fibres 2024

Valentine in vogue

Greener grass

Rita Bancroft looks at how technology and nature drive consumer choice pages 36–37

As love is in the air, we review best-sellers that consumers have taken to their hearts pages 30–34

The artificial turf market in the UK is seeking growth through sustainable manufacturing pages 39–41

F Ball headliner

Stopgap 400 smoothes out the news at Channel 4 page 20

Mix it with Moduleo

Roots collection offers creative customisation to home designers Page 28

AI's attitude to flooring

We ask the bots for their intelligence Riviera Home brings the style of on the industry Italy to handmade carpets page 42-43 page 19

"Positive energy"

Domotex builds back as the global meeting place for flooring Page 44

Dutch leaders join forces Flooring inflation eases Condor acquires Betap page 35

Mixed fortunes across the trade Business news – page 38

FlooringFactsheets Adhesives

Italian aesthetic

Capturing authenticity

Rugs map the world's top cities page 19

The industry’s knowledge-bank 45

Underlay

Vinyl +LVT Directory

Carpet Company Directory

46–47

Vinyl Options

Carpet Trouble-shooter

48–49

Wholesalers

56–57

Woolsafe: the Carpet Care Guide

54-55

Buying Groups

Carpet Types

—

ISSN 2046-7338 © Mayville Publishing Co. Ltd. 2024. Every care is taken in compiling this magazine, but the proprietors assume no responsibility in the effects arising therefrom.

DAILY HEADLINES ARE POSTED TO OUR NEWS WEBSITE AT WWW.THESTOCKLISTS.COM THE STOCKLISTS February 2024

Ht FURLONG FLOORING

s STS

Classified adverts ........................................

page 59

H carpets/rugs/tiles t woods/laminates/smooths n accessories/services/organisations = artificial grass o underlay s buying group/wholesalers/distributors l screed/adhesives

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

Elegance PURE

The most luxurious new addition to our Stainfree brand.

Get in Touch

sales@abingdonflooring.co.uk www.abingdonflooring.co.uk 01274 655 694

Flooring since 1918

Get in touch!

High Quality, Affordable Design Carpet: Symphony

www.betap.com THE STOCKLISTS February 2024

Having AW as a main supplier for our business has just got even better, with their new 3-5 days cut length delivery service and collections, we can only see our partnership growing more. This is a huge step up in service and gives us confidence to show AW products for any order knowing it will be here on time! Khalid Mahmood - Foleshill Carpets, Coventry

With the new improved delivery, portfolio of products and cuts arriving in 3 - 5 days, staff feel very confident ordering. I can only see our business together continue to grow. Lee Thomson - Direct Carpets, Torquay

It’s a great development and puts AW in a much stronger position with the 3/5 days delivery. Our last delivery was delivered on the 4th day. Darren Ball - DT Flooring, Cheshunt

We are happy to say that AW have turned things around massively and are back on form! We have got so much confidence in the company going forward with the improved delivery service. We are looking forward to the customer portal starting up and getting that additional information to make us more efficient. Tom Beard - Tatlow Carpets & Flooring, Lichfield We have always been supportive of Associated Weavers mainly down the vast product portfolio on offer. They have continued to innovate over the years especially with nylon with the likes of Sedna, iSense and Vivendi collections. Now with an improved delivery lead time this is now a huge benefit with the service matching the products. Stuart Davidson - Carpets 4 less, Bedford

“We are immensely grateful to Associated Weavers for their exceptional improvements in deliveries. Their improved service has significantly boosted our business growth and customer satisfaction. It’s a partnership that makes a real difference. Gurwin - New Golden Carpets, Feltham

I ordered 2 cuts of Sirius on a Friday afternoon and they were delivered Tuesday morning. It has made myself and my staff more confident to do more business with Associated Weavers Matt Naden - Bramley Carpets, Stockport

THE STOCKLISTS Febuary 2024

SHARE YOUR #associatedweavers @associatedweavers www.associated-weavers.co.uk

A UK brand since 1964

IMPROVED DELIVERY SERVICE now cut-length deliveries within 3-5 days

THE STOCKLISTS February 2024

T ME

n io ct lle ! co w m no 2m ble w i la ne va A

Image: Studio Designs European Oak Herringbone CLH17

Next Day Delivery (as standard)

Luxury Flooring Award Winning

Trade

Portal 8

Exceptional LVT & Click-fit solutions with unrivalled customer service Request an account to start trading >>> 01604 664855 | bramptonchase.co.uk THE THESTOCKLISTS STOCKLISTSFebruary Febuary 2024

Columbia Flooring plc

The Leading Country Wide Carpet & Flooring Suppliers We can supply you with virtually any make of carpet and flooring at extremely competitive rates... Delivered direct to business premises (delivery charges may apply)

For a Speedy and Efficient Service

Call US NOW!!! 020 8443 3322

sales@columbiaflooring.co.uk www.columbiaflooringplc.co.uk Opening Times: Monday - Friday 7.30am to 5.00pm Saturday 8.30am to 12 noon Tel: 0208 443 3322 TRAFALGAR TRADING ESTATE, JEFFREYS ROAD, ENFIELD, MIDDLESEX, EN3 7TY.

THE STOCKLISTS February 2024

1970 – 2020

MADE IN GREAT BRITAIN

FIND THE RIGHT ADHESIVE, IN A TICK.

With an unrivalled level of compatibility testing and assurance, the F. Ball RAG® makes it easy to find the perfect adhesive match for floorcoverings. Request your FREE copy at f-ball.com or call 01538 361633

Download the RAG® App at f-ball.com/RAG THE STOCKLISTS February 2024

N EW

Step into design realism with our new Laminate ranges

AC5 Highest durability rating

UberWood Embossed in register, natural iconic and rustic Patterns

Waterproof coating

EIR authentic finish

DARTFORD

STONEHOUSE

PRESTON

DUBLIN

LUXURY VINYL TILES

01322 628700 01772 316155 CARPET

Manor Perfect knot harmony and matt wood structures

Blue Angel Rating

A-A Plank technology MegaLoc Twin

Sustainable

01452 228480

Alternatively, visit furlongflooring.com or email enquiries@furlongflooring.com

+353-1-4092000 |

L A M I N AT E

WOOD

VINYL 11

NEW - DECO COLLECTION 100% Wool - 7 designs - 43 colour options

Products shown: Deco Flatweave Jacquard - Orca Habitat Dwell LVT - Warm Oak

A D O R E

Y O U R

F L O O R

Park View Road East, Hartlepool, TS25 1HT I sales@hughmackay.co.uk I 01429 892 555

30 APRIL 1 MAY 2024 Curated by buyers, for buyers

Learn more at indxshows.co.uk Cranmore Park, Solihull, West Midlands in partnership with

THE STOCKLISTS February 2024

Meet the team !

FIND YOUR LOCAL REPRESENTATIVE HERE: SCOTLAND & BORDERS

Stephen Cawley

John Pringle

Areas covered: All Scottish Regions.

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

M: 07718 762236 E: stephen.cawley@penthousecarpets.co.uk

M: 07825 991405 E: john.pringle@penthousecarpets.co.uk

N O RT H W E S T & N O RT H WA L E S

YO R K S H I R E & T H E H U M B E R

Ian Henderson

Christine Searle

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

Areas covered: North Humberside, West Yorkshire and North Yorkshire.

M: 07974 141919 E: ian.henderson@penthousecarpets.co.uk

S O U T H E A S T, L O N D O N ( N ,W & E ) , H E R T S & E S S E X

M: 07939 051608 E: christine.searle@penthousecarpets.co.uk

SOUTH EAST & LONDON (South & Central)

David Harris

Chris Gee

Areas covered: Hertfordshire, Essex, North London, West London and East London.

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

M: 07801 538763 E: david.harris@penthousecarpets.co.uk

WEST MIDLANDS & WORCESTER

M: 07919 047930 E: chris.gee@penthousecarpets.co.uk

S O U T H YO R K S H I R E & E AST M I D L A N D S

Emily Davis

Guy Legg

Areas covered: Gloucester, Avon, West Midlands, Shropshire, Hereford and Worcester.

Areas covered: South Yorkshire, Sheffield, South Humberside, Grimsby, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Staffordshire, Derbyshire (inc SK13, SK17, SK22 and SK23).

M: 07753 983714 E: emily.davis@penthousecarpets.co.uk

EAST MIDLANDS & SOUTH EAST

M: 07801 357622 E: guy.legg@penthousecarpets.co.uk

E AST A N G LI A , CA M B R I DG E S H I R E & B E DF O R D S H IRE

Simon Beeby

Gavin Walters

Areas covered: Berkshire (split), Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Leicestershire and Northamptonshire.

Areas covered: Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire.

M: 07775 913380 E: simon.beeby@penthousecarpets.co.uk

T: 07711 353 982 E: gavin.walters@penthousecarpets.co.uk

SOUTH WEST

SOUTH COAST

Graham Wood

Jason Andrews

Areas covered: Somerset, Devon and Cornwall.

Areas covered: Berkshire (split), Hampshire, Wiltshire, Dorset and Isle of Wight.

M: 07825 171482 E: graham.wood@penthousecarpets.co.uk

NORTHERN IRELAND & REPUBLIC OF IRELAND

M: 07767 213236 E: jason.andrews@penthousecarpets.co.uk

WA L E S ( E a s t , M i d, S o u t h & We s t )

Herbie Montgomery (Agent)

James Thomas (Agent)

Areas covered: Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland.

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

M: 07774 695333 E: herbiehsm@gmail.com

To find out more, please call our sales team on 01706 639 866 or visit penthousecarpets.co.uk Scan me

N O R T H E A S T, C U M B R I A & I S L E O F M A N

M: 07932 458032 E: juncture2002@aol.com

THE LEADING INDEPENDENT FLOORING DISTRIBUTOR

Established 1965

Contact us today for all your flooring products We are the largest independent flooring wholesaler in the south/south east of England with depots in Orpington, Basildon, Croydon, Hemel Hempstead and Cambridge. Our dedicated fleet of 20 lorries delivers from the coastline of Southampton around to Great Yarmouth and inland to Peterborough.

0345 899 1000 sales@stsflooring.co.uk www.stsflooring.co.uk 15

Fall in love with your floor

www.myvictoria.co.uk Pure & Simple Loop, Pasture 16

THE STOCKLISTS January 2024

A waterproof layer for Plushwalk® Waterproofs aren’t just for taking walks in the rain... Your underlay needs it too!

Helps prevent spillages on top of the carpet going through the subfloor

Carpet

Spillages

Damp Proof Membrane

Supports up to 90% RH levels

Plushwalk® Damp

Protects the carpet in the event of dampness occurrence Visit wilsons-underlays.co.uk/plushwalk for more information

HOSTED BY

national institute of carpet & floorlayers

DO YOU

Have the knowledge & skills to be

CARPET FITTER OF THE YEAR 2024? THE 2024 COMPETITION FORMAT IS AS FOLLOWS 1). * You do NOT need to be an NICF member to enter this competition. Applicants must be aged 18 years or over on Sunday 30 April 2024. NICF Council members and previous Carpet Fitter of The Year winners are excluded from entering. 2). Deadline for entry is 23:59 on Sunday 30 April 2024. 3). Entrants are initially required to complete a questionnaire giving the most full and accurate answers possible. Entries will be evaluated by a panel of judges based on the answers provided and 10 fitters will be selected to progress to the Semi-Final practical trials. 4). The Semi-Finals will be held on Tuesday 25 and Wednesday 26 June 2024 (five fitters per day) at the FITA Training Centre, Loughborough. Five fitters will progress to the Final competition. 5). Briefing information for the five finalists will be supplied digitally in August. 6). The Final is at The Flooring Show, Harrogate, on Sunday 15 and Monday 16 September 2024.

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

The Final will be held at The Flooring Show, Harrogate, 15-16 September 2024 Fitter of The Year Carpet 2024 Competition is kindly sponsored by

18 Carpet 2024_CFJ Jan 2024.indd 1 NICF FOTY

THE STOCKLISTS February 2024 04/01/2024 10:10:26

FLOORINGNEWS Weaving Italian style Riviera Home is launching three new woven wool ranges for 2024, bringing homeowners exquisite style and the unmistakable quality of handmade carpets.

Valentine in vogue

The best-sellers that consumers love to buy pages 30-34

Known for fine quality natural carpets, Riviera Home is growing its collection of handmade wool carpets for 2024 with three new styles inspired by the beauty and history of Italy, which use texture and yarn to create a unique sense of luxury. Siena is a flat-weave textured carpet that uses 100% undyed wool. To create the stunning texture, Riviera Home’s skilful master weavers intertwine contrasting undyed yarns. In three elegant colourways, every Siena carpet is a testament to the art of handcrafting and the natural beauty of undyed wool. Sharing similar Wilton textured weaves, Genoa and Turin show how wool yarns can be used to create captivating and luxurious contemporary designs. In Genoa, Riviera Home has used the richness and luxury of 100% New Zealand wool for a carpet of classic elegance. To create its striking texture, Riviera’s artisans weave an intricate textured diamond pattern in a choice of four colours. Turin uses the same 100% New Zealand wool, this time in a textured basketweave design. The yarn’s vibrancy of colour and the skills of Riviera Home’s weavers bring a luxurious texture that exudes sophistication, again in four neutral and timeless colours.

Future fibres

Technology and nature drive consumer choice pages 36-37

Kuldeep Singla, chairman, Riviera Home UK, says: “Our weavers have created something truly extraordinary with these new carpets and they clearly show the attention to detail and quality that comes with handmaking our carpets. Wool is such a wonderful yarn to make carpets with and we know how to get the best out of it to achieve unique textures that separate our carpets from the ordinary.” With the resilience and recovery of wool and the handmade quality of Riviera Home, investing in Siena, Genoa and Turin will see homes enjoy an enduring, luxury carpet that is undeniably refined. All three designs come in a five-metre width and are suitable for heavy domestic use. The Riviera Home collection is widely available through its Authorised Dealership network.

T 01299 871446 • www.rivierahomeuk.com

Greener grass

Sustainable synthetics take lead in artificial turf pages 39-41

Capital idea from LDP Capture the unique atmosphere of the world’s most famous cities with new Ecorugs from Louis De Poortere. Inspired by the aerial topography of the world’s most famous cities, Louis De Poortere’s designers have created the Cities collection, a series of five designs in the Ecorugs collection of recyclable rugs. In Conductive Blue, Gatsby Gold, Green Meadows, Space Trip and Orange Cut, homes can echo the vibrant cultures and unique sense of place that make the cities of Tokyo, New York, London, Paris and Amsterdam top global destinations. Each rug brings the atmosphere of an old map, faintly charting the flow of rivers and urbanisation in beautiful colour-rich patterns. As part of Louis De Poortere Ecorugs range, Cities rugs are 100% recyclable. Simply by scanning the QR code on the rug’s label, owners can arrange for the free return of their rug through the Take Care Program when it’s no longer wanted. Louis De Poortere will take it back and turn it into new yarn, ready to be woven into a new Ecorug. Thanks to its 100% polyester construction, every part of the rug is recycled with nothing sent to waste. Alan Russell, sales director, Louis De Poortere, says: “With our Ecorugs collection, including the brand-new Cities designs, we’re giving our customers a better way to enjoy the comfort and style of a beautiful rug in their home. The 100% recyclable Ecorug construction makes recycling possible while the Take Care Program makes it a reality. Through Take Care, owners play an active part in the story of their rug and we know that we can live up to our promise of recyclable rugs.” The Cities collection uses a flatweave construction and is finished by hand at the Louis De Poortere mill in Belgium. Available in a range of standard sizes, including circular, all rugs are made with 20% recycled polyester and feature an anti-slip backing. Louis De Poortere has set a target to produce the first Ecorugs made from 100% recycled polyester in 2025 – then the collection will be a circular product. Until then, it will gradually increase the amount of recycled polyester material used.

www.louisdepoortere.com THE STOCKLISTS February 2024

FLOORINGNEWS Capturing ultimate authenticity Quick-Step’s Capture is among the world’s most advanced laminate flooring collections. Quick-Step’s history of innovation has led the way in creating laminate flooring that brings homes closer to nature and which always remains a practical and hardwearing finish for family life. With the Capture collection, Quick-Step has refined its years of innovations into a high-quality range that leads the world in detail, performance and ease of living. On the surface, Capture is almost indistinguishable from real wood floors. Quick-Step’s designers have managed to create a level of detail and refinement in the look, matt and depth of texture that makes the floor impressively real. In fact, with colour and structure in every joint, grain and knot, Capture is a new benchmark in authentic design for laminate flooring. The collection uses this realism to its full advantage with subtle takes like Brushed Oak Natural to the knots and colour variation of Cracked Oak and painted effect of Painted Oak Rose.

F Ball hits the headlines F. Ball and Co. Ltd.’s Stopgap 300 smoothing compound has been used to create a hard-wearing base for a flooring installation at Channel 4 News’ main broadcast studios in Leeds. The refurbishment involved installing luxury vinyl tiles (LVTs) over 120m2 at the television broadcaster’s national headquarters located on the south bank of the river in the city centre. As well as delivering perfect aesthetics to pass the scrutiny of roaming HD cameras, the flooring had to be super smooth and durable to accommodate the repeated movement of the cameras and other heavy equipment. A site visit from F. Ball’s Technical Service Department identified a subfloor consisting of a power-floated concrete base that had been subject to several flooring installations since the building was built 25 years prior. Multiple applications of smoothing compound, some of which had failed due to degradation, exposed a dense and shiny power floated concrete surface.

When it comes to performance, just like design, Quick-Step has left no stone unturned. Capture is a 100% watertight laminate floor which uses HydroSeal coating to ensure it’s completely safe to use in bathrooms. Quick-Step is so confident in the ability of HydroSeal to stop moisture that Capture comes with a 15-year warranty for water-resistance. Alongside, with the Scratch Guard top layer Capture also excels in scratch and stain resistance. In fact, Scratch Guard is up to 10 times more resistant to scratches than other laminate floors. Of course, Capture uses Quick-Step’s world famous Uniclic joint that’s loved by professionals for its fast installation, and it comes with a lifetime warranty. It is this unique combination of technologies and features that make Capture so advanced and such an attractive choice for today’s family homes. Tough enough to stand up to the trials of young families, pets and busy living, and simple to look after thanks to its easy to clean finish, yet looking just like a real wood floor; Capture brings the appeal of natural finishes without the fuss. T 028 3025 0477 • www.quick-step.co.uk

A moisture test indicated the floor was dry enough to proceed with the flooring installation without a moisture management solution. Therefore, London-based contractors iFlor Flooring Contractors LLP commenced with F. Ball’s recommendation to mechanically remove all layers of old smoothing compound and contaminants to create a suitably smooth, micro textured surface. The substrate was then primed with F. Ball’s Stopgap P131 general purpose primer to prevent the unacceptably rapid drying of the subsequently applied smoothing compound. Once dry, Stopgap 300 smoothing compound was applied at a depth of 3mm over the entire subfloor to provide the firm, smooth base over which the floorcoverings could be installed. Stopgap 300 is formulated specifically for use over subfloors in areas that are subjected to heavyduty traffic, making it ideal for where the production team would be continually moving over the space with heavy TV equipment. It is walk on hard just 90 minutes after application, allowing for the LVT floorcoverings to be installed little more than three hours later. Commenting on the project, Adam Couch, owner and director of iFlor Flooring Contractors LLP, said: “With heavy cameras operating, it was imperative to have a robust surface before installing floorcoverings. “After seeing the state of the subfloor, we needed advice and assurance prior to commencing work, so we called upon the expertise of F. Ball’s Technical Service Department to recommend the best course of action and products for the job. Stopgap 300 is tried and tested and provided a superior finish to meet our – and our client’s – needs.” T 01538 361 633 • www.f-ball.co.uk 20

THE STOCKLISTS February 2024

Easy Clean, moth proof, loop pile carpet. Made from 100% Excellon polypropylene in a premium quality 3-ply yarn, this exciting new range is produced in both Ribbed and Weave designs in a palette of 20 popular colour options.

www.cormarcarpets.co.uk

H PRO O

ET LIT

New

Primo Textures

Y CA

FLOORINGNEWS Solo role for Leoline's cushion With a 28-year history of selling floors to the community of Birmingham, Solo Flooring Centre is one retailer to benefit from LeoLine’s new brand as it sets out to make cushion vinyl the floor people want. With the launch of its new brand identity earlier this year, LeoLine has been at the forefront of developing the residential cushion vinyl market and transforming the reputation of the floor as a choice that’s not only great value, but one that’s also design focused and ready for today’s style conscious homeowner. Mark Collis, Solo Flooring Centre, has been impressed by the rejuvenated brand: “The new LeoLine has certainly become our ‘go to’ stand for cushion vinyl. People either come in asking for it directly or are looking for something that’s affordable and which offers the natural looks and practical advantages of LVT. Not only has the new brand given our cushion vinyl offer a new lease of life, the update in wood and other designs have also made everything more appealing. “LeoLine’s design diversity shouldn’t be underestimated, as we tend to find that people are more likely to experiment with their floor as its price point makes it feel less of risk. It’s good to be able to offer a really wide choice – from classic oak and herringbone right through to adventurous tile designs and concrete looks – there’s certainly something for every personality and it’s a popular choice for kitchens and bathrooms.” Solo Flooring Centre’s updated stand is just the first step in LeoLine’s journey to be the number one choice in cushion vinyl for UK homes. The company revealed a new premium retailer concept, including an entirely new display, at September’s The Flooring Show and will be launching more new collections early in 2024. T 0800 032 3970 • www.leoline.co.uk

Floorwise wins on points floorwise Rewards is now on and with more than 70 rewards to choose from, it’s bigger than ever before. From gadgets like Amazon Echo Dot and mixed wine cases to garden furniture, experience days, games consoles and Apple iPads, you can reward yourself with the perfect gift for yourself, a friend or loved one. Every time you buy qualifying floorwise products like carpet or wood and laminate underlays, Diamond Gripper, Max Reflections profiles, awardwinning Pro-Screed Gold or a range of adhesives; you earn points. And with gifts starting from just 300 points, floorwise has made it easy to reward yourself. To start automatically earning points every time you purchase floorwise brand products, all you need to do is register at www.floorwise-rewards. co.uk. Once registered, your points will automatically be added to your account by your local distributor. With floorwise Rewards, there’s no forms to fill in or invoices to send away, just choose floorwise for the start of a fantastic floor and claim online when you’ve saved enough points for your chosen item. Richard Bailey, managing director, floorwise, says: “When we launched the scheme we had no idea it would be such a runaway success. Since it started, our loyal customers have enjoyed gifts totalling more than £300,000. We’ve given away everything from cases of wine to laptops and giant TVs. It really has been a huge hit. We’ve brought back Rewards for 2024, so retailers and installers can continue to enjoy something extra when they choose floorwise.” With more than 65 qualifying installation products, floorwise Rewards offers a fantastic chance to earn points whatever the project. From a bathroom refurbishment to whole home carpet installations, the start of a fantastic floor is also the start of something just for you.

Super Plus 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

T 01509 673974 • www.floorwise-rewards.co.uk 22

THE STOCKLISTS February 2024

Allora SPC Flooring Elevate your space with our 22 decors of Allora SPC; 6 Herringbone, 6 Tile and 10 Planks. Each of our products are exclusive to Kellars, and are supplied with a rigid core, built in underlay, an easy click system for a simple installation process, and textured designs for additional authenticity. Allora SPC proves to be an exceptionally versatile choice, with home-wide suitability, due to it’s adaptability and durability in every space.

Crafted and engineered to be compatible with underfloor heating systems to ensure that extra warmth and comfort throughout your living space.

Finished with a water resistance surface layer guarantees that taking care of your flooring couldn’t be more simple.

Built up of 5 layers, Allora SPC provides resistance against rooms with high moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens, and combines durability to withstand heavy foot traffic and general wear and tear.

Supplying you with that extra comfort, and a softer underfoot feel. 1 of the 5 layers to make up our product is 0.5mm of underlay, supplying excellent thermal features, and offers better sound insulation in comparison to other products.

THE STOCKLISTS February 2024

FLOORINGNEWS New Year's installation As the doors open on 2024, Lion Floor asks if it’s time to try something new. With many resolutions already left at the wayside and dry January and Veganuary behind us, is it now time to try something new that will make your working day easier? By switching to Lion Floor beneath your resilient floor installations, you can benefit from an alternative to plywood that’s easy to fit, more cost-effective, more reliable and better for the environment.

Safe from Marmite to markers British carpet manufacturer, Abingdon Flooring, has updated its Stainfree for Life promise, now bringing a lifetime guarantee against all common household stains.

Suitable for all resilient floor installations, and compliant with BS 8203:2017, Lion Floor is the first fabricated underlay designed for flooring. Suitable for domestic and commercial environments, it provides a smooth, flat and lasting subfloor. Lion Floor is also oil-tempered for better protection against moisture, withstands higher point loads than plywood boards and is pre-conditioned so there’s no need for wetting before use.

The Stainfree for Life promise has long been an attractive reason to invest in Abingdon Flooring’s Stainfree and Love Story collections. Now, it’s an even more compelling factor thanks to its improved coverage. Previously available for just food and drink spillages, Stainfree for Life now extends to all types of common household stains. Underwritten by Abingdon Flooring, the promise covers everything from marmite to markers. Should the stain not be removed by professional cleaning, Stainfree for Life guarantees a replacement.

“Lion Floor makes sense for anyone that wants to deliver a high-quality resilient floor installation,” says Peter Jones, Finnish Fibreboard. “It’s been tested extensively with leading feather finishes, smoothing compounds and adhesives by FloorSkills and is recommended for use with Bostik’s Cempolay range, so you can be confident that it will perform. It can also be cut with a knife or a power saw just like plywood. What’s more, it’s widely and consistently available and more cost-effective than BS 8203 compliant plywood boards.”

While owners of Stainfree and Love Story carpets now enjoy protection against all household, food and drink stains, one of the biggest benefits of the company’s no-stain technology is that it makes carpets easier to clean using normal household products. Dealing with spills quickly is one of the best ways to minimise the risk of permanent staining. Abingdon Flooring provides step by step cleaning instructions and has a dedicated customer care team ready to help carpet owners with any care questions. Charlotte Coop, marketing manager, Abingdon Flooring, says: “The Stainfree for Life promise has always been really attractive for customers. It provides reassurance and peace of mind which is important in giving the customer confidence that they are buying a quality carpet. We’ve been able to upgrade the warranty because of improvements to our fibres, which are now more resilient and better protected from spills penetrating the fibre surface. Generally most stains or spills can be cleaned with normal household products, but our customer care team is also there to help owners find the best way to get rid of tricky stains and marks.”

sales@finfib.fi • www.finfib.fi

Purchasers of Stainfree and Love Story carpets can easily register for the Stainfree for Life promise online at https://www.abingdonflooring.co.uk/ stainfree-for-life/. To uphold the guarantee, the carpet must be installed by a qualified fitter in accordance with BS 5325 and be professionally cleaned once every two years. T 01274 655 694 • www.abingdonflooring.co.uk

Academy expertise can save the day Qualified Master Installers from the Academy for Excellence in Flooring benefit from round the clock technical support. As some of the most skilled professionals in flooring installation, Quick-Step Master Installers have excellent technical knowledge and are capable of overcoming almost every on-site challenge they may encounter. However, from time to time, everyone needs a little support and so Master Installers have access to a free technical advice line to the Academy’s trainers and technical managers. Knowing the Academy’s experts are on hand to help with any technical issues means Master Installers can meet on-site problems head on. So, whether it’s a question about the subfloor or atmospheric conditions, something related to product suitability or a query about finishing; Master Installers know that Quick-Step has their back. Lee Thompson, Technical & Procurement Manager, says: “Even though Master Installers are in the industry’s top tier of installers, there will be times when issues and challenges on-site might need some advice. Sometimes calls to our technical helpline can just be a case of confirming what they already know, but should it be more a complex issue that’s not so easy to solve, we’re on hand to lend our expertise and work out the solution.” Quick-Step Master Installers are the only professionals with access to this free technical helpline. With free and unlimited access, it’s just one of the many benefits of qualification. The most notable advantage is that of a manufacturer-backed lifetime installation warranty, which has been one of the reasons why 90% of Master Installers believes the badge has a positive effect on business. www.quick-step.com/en/academy 24

THE STOCKLISTS February 2024

Retail Partner Programme

Dedicated support for your business TradeChoice Carpet & Flooring are fully committed to supporting independent carpet retailers. That is why we have introduced - The Retail Partner Programme: a strong, commercially focused support package for your business.

A number of eye-catching displays that can be personalised with your business name Earn fantastic rewards with our Red Carpet Club loyalty scheme* Our Vanguard® range of domestic carpet, cushion vinyl, laminate, LVT, artificial grass, underlay, grippers and door bars Dedicated partner managers who really understand the challenges you face

For more details about the Retail Partner Programme please contact

Telephone: 0330 135 5800 Email: customer.services@tradechoice.com *Terms and conditions apply. For more details visit: https://www.tradechoice.com/red-carpet-club/red-carpet-club-terms-conditions/ THE STOCKLISTS February 2024

FLOORINGNEWS Latest RAG mag lists 6,000 floors F. Ball and Co. Ltd. has unveiled the latest edition of its industry-leading Recommended Adhesives Guide (RAG), which sees new adhesive recommendations for floorcoverings launched by manufacturers over the past 12 months now added to the guide. The RAG enables contractors and specifiers to quickly check the compatibility of F. Ball adhesives with over 6,000 branded floorcoverings from over 200 leading international floorcovering manufacturers – offering flooring professionals the most comprehensive guide to floorcovering-adhesive compatibility available. In addition to the annually updated A5 printed book, a continuously updated version of the guide is available on the F. Ball website, and as a mobile app, which is free to download from the Apple App store or Google Play. F. Ball’s Technical Service Manager, Steve Boulton, said: “It is always wise to check the compatibility of adhesives and chosen floorcoverings to ensure against floor failure. The RAG is designed to make this effortless, with recommendations for any of the listed floorcoverings available in an instant, via a smartphone app.” Recommendations are only included in the guide after the completion of a rigorous 56-day testing programme at F. Ball’s state-of-the-art testing facilities and following endorsement by the relevant floorcovering manufacturer. Furthermore, every recommendation listed guarantees the resulting bond performance for the entire lifetime of the flooring installation – as long as the advised subfloor preparation and installation procedures are followed – giving flooring professionals peace of mind. Steve adds: “A recommendation is only included in the guide if we are certain that the resulting bond will perform for the entire lifetime of the floorcovering. With new floorcoverings entering the market all the time, the testing that goes into this is an ongoing task for F. Ball’s Technical Service Department.” T 01538 361633 • www.f-ball.com

Light touch for exclusive profiles Italian manufacturer, Profilpas’ range of profiles and systems will be launched as part of Mapei UK’s portfolio. The accessories will complement floor and tiling projects, and will include design-led skirting boards, LED light profiles and shower systems. Part of the Mapei Group since September 2022, Profilpas is renowned for its high-quality products, innovative designs and commitment to sustainability; core qualities which both manufacturers share. The new partnership will help Profilpas to grow its business in the UK and will provide access to Mapei’s global distribution network, marketing expertise and resources.

Mapei’s commitment to sustainability is reflected by its long history of developing solvent-free and low VOC emission products and solutions that reduce the environmental impact of construction, products made with recycled materials and renewable energy, and its new ‘Zero Line’ of CO2 off-set. Many of Profilpas’ popular ranges are also manufactured with recycled materials and together, the two manufacturers are wellpositioned to create a more sustainable future for the building industry. Marco Squinzi, Mapei’s CEO explained, "Thanks to an exclusive range of Profilpas products that includes technical and finishing profiles, shower channels, spacers and levelling systems for floors and walls, Mapei will be able to extend its range of installation products with additional designer products, so that it can serve professionals and distribution partners even more effectively." Veronica Squinzi, Mapei’s CEO, concluded, “The takeover of Profilpas and its subsidiaries falls in line with our strategy of growth through targeted acquisitions to strengthen our group in terms of markets and products. Having two additional factories in Italy and Poland, and working with local businesses, will definitely make us more able to respond to market needs and work even more closely with our clients." T 0121-5086970 • www.mapei.co.uk

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FOLLOW @THESTOCKLISTS ON LINKEDIN + X (TWITTER) FOR KEY ALERTS AND NEWS UPDATES THE STOCKLISTS February 2024

DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY FOR THE FLOORING TRADE

THE STOCKLISTS February 2024

www.eGizmo.co.uk

08000 72 85 39

sales@eGizmo.co.uk 27

FLOORINGNEWS Mix it up with Moduleo When it comes to luxury vinyl floors that can mix it up in the style stakes, the depth and variety of designs in Moduleo Roots makes it hard to beat. When designing the Roots collection, Moduleo’s designers paid careful attention to creating floors that not only stood out for their individuality, but that also complemented each other. Matthew Brook, national sales manager, says: “LVT floors have made customisation popular. It’s now not uncommon to find planks bordering herringbone or a stone marking out an island in classic oak. This freedom to experiment has always been at the heart of Moduleo and the Roots collection has taken us to another level. Moduleo Roots puts design variety at its heart, with 114 looks to choose from. But it is also one of premium quality. The Roots collection is made in Belgium using high-quality, traceable materials. All inks and coatings are water-based and every floor features at least 30% internally recycled waste from Moduleo’s own recycling plant. Display options are almost as varied as the collection itself. The 36 model holds some of the best sellers from the Roots collection, while the most popular 72 model holds all of the Roots collection.

Xtreme ability and affordability Xtreme sheet vinyl flooring from Beauflor delivers excellent value and home-like wood and stone designs, making it an excellent flooring choice in affordable and social housing. Xtreme uses a high-performance two-mm thick construction that features a 0.70mm wear layer to withstand heavy industrial use (class 43). This makes it a great choice in busy communal areas, where the need to stand up to intense wear and keep looking good is essential. What’s more, the floor features Beauflor’s Premium Coating for easy maintenance – it can be cleaned with just a mild detergent – and is slip-resistant to 42+ TRRL. The impressive performance on offer can be enjoyed in a wide range of natural looks for a welcoming and home-like floor. Classic oak planks, limed wood, chevron planks, textile and concrete effects make sure there’s a design suitable for any interior style. In total, Xtreme offers 48 options including a range of coloured floors. A matt natural look textured surface gives a more realistic appearance to wood and concrete effects. Xtreme is manufactured in Belgium from high quality materials for an enduring flooring option. In two, three and four-metre wide rolls, it’s fast to install in corridors, communal areas and private spaces with minimal wastage. Held in stock at major UK distributors and wholesalers, Xtreme is readily available when needed.

For retailers looking to make the most of Moduleo Roots, there’s the shop-in-shop concept. This brings a large and impressive stand featuring a consultation hub with overhead, built-in AV display and a fully stocked cupboard housing take-away samples (replenished free), brochures and swatch books. T 01332 851 500 • www.moduleo.co.uk

Furlong inspires online Launched on January 17th, the new furlongflooring.com website has been redesigned and rebuilt on a new technology platform. With a fresher, modern look and feel, the website features new functionalities and content, and sections dedicated to new products and innovations. In addition, a ‘Room Viewer’ visualisation tool is designed to allow people to see exactly what each type of flooring will look like in their own rooms or offices. The new website presents and categorises Furlong’s extensive flooring range which includes new and updated collections and product offerings. This includes the ground-breaking new EcoSense range of 100% recycled yarn carpets, and the luxury Beyond Wool ranges to give customers more choice than ever before.

Chris Roberts, National Key Account Manager, says: “Xtreme is our most durable sheet vinyl floor, so it’s a more than capable finish for housing projects which demand a floor that withstands wear and is easy to take care of – in short, it’s great for any communal area. Yet durability and performance shouldn’t compromise a floor’s ability to create a relaxing and welcoming entrance to a home, so we’ve made sure that Xtreme can be chosen in designs that achieve exactly this.” T +32 56 67 66 11 • www.beauflor.com

Other new flooring products include durable and easy-to-clean vinyl flooring options with stylish designs and enhanced slip resistance, making them ideal for busy households and commercial spaces. There’s also a wealth of useful information and resources for retailers, housebuilders and flooring contractors. “We are really excited to launch our new website. It represents a fresh approach and provides a wealth of information”. Commented Deborah Owen, Head of Group Marketing at Furlong Flooring. “The enhanced navigation and functionality will make it easier than ever before for users to discover the flooring solutions that meet their needs. By providing extensive product inspiration and a wealth of technical information for customers and retailers, we anticipate the site becoming the go-to destination for all things flooring.” T 01322 628700 • www.furlongflooring.com

THE STOCKLISTS February 2024

BUY 6 GET 1 EXTRA FREE!

FOR UZIN KE 2000 S PRESSURE SENSITIVE ADHESIVE & UZIN KE 49 HT HIGH TEMPERATURE OR PRESSURE SENSITIVE ADHESIVE* Please visit www.uzin.co.uk for more information.

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PRESSURE SENSITIVE ADHESIVE

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*Only for 14 kg units of UZIN KE 2000 S or UZIN KE 49 HT when purchased from participating distribution outlets from the 1st of February until the 30th of April 2024.

THE STOCKLISTS February 2024

The best-sellers they LOVE

Valentine in vogue As love is in the air this February, we’re looking at the trade’s most enduring relationships – the best sellers that consumers have taken to their hearts and which retailers know they can rely on through thick and thin...

Cavalier ♥ Rekindling relationships Fall back in love with wool… nothing comes close to the underfoot comfort of a quality wool carpet. For nearly five decades, Cavalier have been passionate about producing the finest floorcoverings, from tactile super fine, pin point twists to the most sumptuous soft velvets. Wool has natural charm, a sensual warmth and at its heart, strength and longevity.

“A natural charm, a sensual warmth and at its heart, strength and longevity” Cavalier marry the qualities of wool, to its passion for design and colour to create brands which look and feel exquisite.... what’s not to love about a distinctive wool carpet. T 01254 268 000 www.cavaliercarpets.co.uk

THE STOCKLISTS February 2024

Cormar Carpets ♥ Lovable loop

Launched for Spring 2024, Primo Textures is the latest addition to Cormar’s enduringly lovable Easy Clean collection. Available in both 4m and 5m widths, this exciting new range marks a significant milestone for the company as their first synthetic loop pile carpet. Stain resistant and bleach cleanable, Primo Textures combines the renowned durability of polypropylene with the current trend towards loop pile, offering a hard-wearing and practical solution for any home, while retaining the natural allure that loop pile carpets offer. Produced in both ribbed and weave designs, Primo Textures is available in a palette of 20 popular colour options made to suit any interior. Manufactured with 100% Excellon Polypropylene in a premium quality 3-ply yarn, this new range comes with the added benefit of being moth proof; perfectly balancing the market demand for practicality with the natural, textural look of the moment. See also advertisement on page 21... T 01204 881234 www.portal.cormarcarpets.co.uk

“Produced in both ribbed and weave designs, Primo Textures is available in a palette of 20 popular colour options made to suit any interior.”

Cybergold

♥ Love your rug all over again What’s not to love about an underlay that’s carefully crafted to meet the needs of the consumer. Customers everywhere are talking about their love for Cybergold's anti-slip underlays. They produce a range of high quality underlays, made in the UK, designed to stop rugs moving on all hard floors and carpeted floors, using non-slip grip technology - keeping your rugs in place and enhancing their look and feel underfoot. Rugs won’t become a dangerous slip hazard particularly on hard floors.

“Stop your rug from slipping and sliding – keep it in place with the nations best loved anti-slip underlay.” Cybergold underlays are available on the roll or in handy pre-cut rug sizes ready to hand out with every rug sale you make. Simply cut the underlay with scissors about 1cm smaller than the rug and place on the floor with the rug on top. You can still pick up the rug and underlay to re-position without damaging the floor. T 01494 761814 www.cybergolduk.com

THE STOCKLISTS February 2024

The best-sellers they LOVE Valentine in vogue – the top products consumers have fallen for Abingdon Flooring ♥ Fulfil their Destiny

Destiny is the first ever roll-only carpet from Abingdon Flooring’s popular Love Story family of ultra-soft carpets. As the first roll-only carpet from Abingdon Flooring’s Love Story family, Destiny makes ultrasoft luxury more obtainable than ever before. Made in Britain from solution dyed polyester, it also offers excellent stain resistance and bleach cleanability for a carpet that’s as practical as it is soft and comfortable. Abingdon Flooring has engineered Destiny as a competitive 5/32nd gauge saxony quality so that homeowners can enjoy the luxury of Love Story at a never seen before price. The entry-level carpet is exclusively available in four-metre wide rolls to increase competitiveness further, and so that retailers can enjoy instant stock access for when time is pressured. Despite its excellent affordability, Destiny upholds the luxury and quality values that have been at the heart of the Love Story family since its introduction to the market. Soft to the touch and performing well in high-traffic areas of the home like hallways and stairs, it’s yarn has excellent recovery and will bounce back time after time. The carpet comes with a 10year wear warranty.

“As Love Story’s first roll range, Destiny marks a significant opportunity for retailers,” says Charlotte Coop, marketing manager, Abingdon Flooring.

Destiny comes in a mix of heathered and plain tones in colours such as frost, anthracite, caramel crème and soft walnut for a versatile colour palette that will offer something in every style of home. Destiny joins the Love Story family alongside Lasting Romance, Deep Feelings and the awardwinning Wild Silk. The carpet will be available in four-metre rolls across all eight colours. See also advertisement on page 4. T 01274 655 694 www.abingdonflooring.co.uk

STS ♥ Elegance Royale Herringbone Although herringbone floors may be a recent trend, they have been used for thousands of years and were once considered a symbol of prosperity in ancient Rome and Greece. Today, a herringbone floor is ideal for creating harmony and balance, adding a pattern that adds visual interest to the floor and makes spaces appear more prominent in your home. Each herringbone pattern has been skillfully created using a new super matt technology (GraMatt Ultra) that makes the floor visually closer to natural wood, unlike many other glossy LVT products. The herringbone design accurately mimics the texture of natural timber while incorporating multi-tonal variance to give your herringbone floor realistic character and depth. T 0345 899 1000 www.eleganceroyale.co.uk

“Each herringbone pattern has been skillfully created using a new super matt technology (GraMatt Ultra) that makes the floor visually closer to natural wood, unlike many other glossy LVT products.” V draft.indd 1

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THE STOCKLISTS February 2024

Furlong Flooring

♥ Beyond Wool Collection Indulge in the love affair with sustainability and style this Valentine's Day with Furlong Flooring's Beyond Collection. Elevate your space with five luxurious ranges of twist and loop pile carpets that seamlessly blend the charm of natural wool with unmatched practicality. From the sophisticated Renaissance, Elegance & Serenity twist pile options to the chic loop piles of Henley & Marlow, this collection offers versatility for every taste. Celebrate love for the planet with the Stanton, Callanish, Amesbury and Castlerigg ranges, crafted from 100% recycled polypropylene yarn. Not only an environmentally conscious choice, but these carpets also boast 100% bleach cleanable fibres for easy maintenance, what’s not to love? The collection showcases natural hues and on-trend loop designs, ensuring a seamless fit with Furlong's Combi-bac backing. Beyond Wool embodies value, choice, and contemporary design, delivering hard-wearing, stylish carpets that make a heartfelt statement in any home. This Valentine, choose sustainability, choose Beyond Wool – because when it comes to carpets, if you love wool, you will love this collection. See also advertisement on page 11. T 01322 628 700

“Beyond Wool embodies value, choice, and contemporary design, delivering hard-wearing, stylish carpets that make a heartfelt statement in any home.”

www.furlongflooring.com

What shape is the Lounge-Diner?

MasterPiece

♥ Your partner that does the business Prefer to spend your evening being a Valentine rather than working out plans and quotes? Prefer to have everything the customer wants done by the time you complete the visit, rather than having to promise to come back with the quote? Would like to be able to give the customer a ballpark estimate for their rooms within a minute of starting the conversation? That’s speed dating! Ever struggled with a part fit: trying to work out what to put on the van and what instructions and plans to give the fitter, just for today’s part fit? If so, let MasterPiece be your baby.

“MasterPiece is not just a one night stand in the corner of your showroom, it has all the ‘L’s of the best relationships: Laughter, lust and loyalty.”

Ever thought a one-stop-shop system that integrates measuring, planning, estimating with a scheduling dairy and back-office functions was pie in the sky? Well, the news is that it’s in the cloud. MasterPiece is not just a one night stand in the corner of your showroom, it has all the ‘L’s of the best relationships: Laughter, lust and loyalty. T 01737 355831

THE STOCKLISTS February 2024

www.masterpiece-system.com

The best-sellers they LOVE Valentine in vogue – the top products consumers have fallen for F Ball & Co Ltd

♥ Always close by your side Flooring retailers love the industry-leading support that they can rely on when using F. Ball products. On-site support is provided by a team of regional technical representatives and dedicated retail support staff, while the company’s head office-based Technical Service Department is on hand Monday to Friday to answer questions about subfloor preparation and floorcovering installation. The service allows industry professionals to obtain expert advice on the best course of action for a particular flooring project when using F. Ball products. Alternatively, enquiries can be made via email or the company’s social media channels: Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. F. Ball customers can also request virtual site visits, using video messaging platforms such as WhatsApp video, for a quick and convenient alternative to in-person site visits.

“The service allows industry professionals to obtain expert advice on the best course of action for a particular flooring project when using F. Ball products."

Flooring professionals can also consult F. Ball’s digital resources. The F. Ball website features a library of video tutorials covering all aspects of subfloor preparation and flooring installation. T 01538 361633 • www.f-ball.com

Lyrical love - AI's fondness for flooring We have a feature on Artificial Intelligence this month (see page 42), so for Valentine's Day we also asked Google's AI bot Bard to write a love poem to carpets.... Oh, carpets, my love, my soft, woven delight, Your plush embrace warms my soul, day and night. Your fibres like threads of a tapestry grand, A canvas of colors, a masterpiece unplanned. Beneath my bare feet, your touch is so kind, A gentle caress, leaving worries behind. I sink into your depths, a velvety dream, Where the world's harshness fades like a distant stream. Your patterns intricate, stories they tell, Of lands faraway, where enchantment does dwell. Floral designs, like meadows in bloom, Or geometric motifs, dispelling the gloom. Oh, carpets, my love, you bring joy to my heart, A refuge from life, a place to impart. In your comforting presence, I find my repose, A haven of peace, where my spirit grows.

THE STOCKLISTS February 2024

FLOORINGNEWS Dutch leaders join forces The Dutch family concerns Condor Group and Betap are joining forces by moving forward as one. Condor Group is acquiring 100% of the shares of sector and regional partner Betap. "Joining together can allow us to respond better and more successfully to the expectations and needs of customers and dynamics on the market," says Condor. The integration of the experienced staff and innovations from Betap will also further strengthen Condor Group’s portfolio. Betap is a leading player in the textile floor coverings sector. Just like the Condor Group, the company from Genemuiden that was founded more a hundred years ago designs, develops and produces textile products for different market segments, including residential and contract flooring, artificial grass and the automobile industry. The company employs around 300 people. Jan Hoekman, CEO of Condor Group “This merger will mean we can respond even better to the market demand. There are also many advantages of scale to be gained. The two companies fit nicely together as regards products and markets. We are established in the same region and share the same values and standards. This also applies for the corporate culture”. John Jaakke, CEO of Betap “This is a good move for Betap. We are a top-notch company, but also clearly see what lies ahead of us. Together with Condor Group we are in a much better position to invest and to innovate. We will continue to operate independently, and that can only be to the benefit of the customer.” The Betap name and brand is being continued because of its worldwide resonance in the sector. This means that within the largest wall-to-wall carpet segment, Betap will continue to independently serve the market with its own unique collection. The same applies for the BLOQ brand that concentrates on the contract market with carpet tiles. T +31 (0)38 477 89 11 • www.condor-group.eu

Introducing

Croft Oak Considered planks for modern living

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Discover the award winning Design Series collection of exclusive patterns and MSeries collection of authentic wood eﬀects at harveymaria.com

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THE STOCKLISTS February 2024

18/01/2024 15:49

Marketing insights Technology and nature drive consumer choice This feature has a long-standing focus on innovations in both synthetic and natural fibre technology, while celebrating materials that have graced carpets for centuries. Technological strides in synthetic fibres have given rise to a multitude of new carpet collections, offering unmatched softness underfoot, easy maintenance and viable end of life recycling options. Simultaneously, there has been a noticeable consumer shift towards a growing desire to incorporate natural materials into our homes and a greater all-round focus on sustainable flooring solutions.

DOMOTEX FLOORED BY NATURE 11 – 14 JANUARY 2024 Hannover ⋅ Germany domotex.de

If you set a scientist the task of creating the perfect future fibre for flooring, they’d find it hard to match the many advantages of wool. This natural, rapidly renewable material has been an integral part of every Ulster carpet for over 85 years. Soft and luxurious to the touch and easy to maintain, wool is also durable, anti-allergenic and a natural insulator. Even the waste from this amazing material can be reused, with wool dust being recycled as a natural fertiliser by Yorkshire farmers. Using predominantly British and Irish wool, every year the equivalent of 1.47 million fleeces of wool is processed by Ulster Yarns, an Ulster Carpets Group company, for use in Ulster’s carpets. Every Ulster carpet uses at least 80% wool, with a number of 100% wool carpets also available, including the Natural Choice Collection. While many people instinctively think that wool is white, nature had gifted us with different sheep breeds that have naturally different coloured fleeces. This undyed wool is transformed into a variety of different carpets, including Natural Choice Axminster, the Wilton range known as Natural Choice Plains and the tufted loop Natural Choice Textures. This Collection showcases wool at its very best and gives home-owners plenty of choice to find the colour and style to match their home. The natural benefits of wool can also be found in Axfelt Triple Layer Underlay from Ulster Carpets. Made from 100% recycled materials such as recycled yarn and wool fibre, wool rich carpet waste and rubber made from recycled tyres, Axfelt’s triple-layer construction enhances durability, insulation and support when used with a woven carpet.

“Even the waste from this amazing material can be reused, with wool dust being recycled as a natural fertiliser by Yorkshire farmers.” For the second year running, sustainability, circular economy and environmental protection played a key role at Domotex, the world's leading trade fair for carpets and floorings which took place in Hannover, Germany on 11 to 14 January 2024. This included four Green Collection Awards, which were split into categories to reflectHome different of Flooring aspects of sustainability, ranging from using sustainable materials, evaluating flooring emissions, demonstrating sustainable production, and the social responsibility of employees. Sonia Wedell-Castellano, Global Director of Domotex said, "In a world where resources are becoming scarcer and the consequences of the climate crisis are starting to hit us more frequently, sustainability must become an integral part of everything we do. That is why we have made the decision to maintain and expand our value-based keynote theme Floored by Nature and the special display The Green Collection.

“In a world where resources are becoming scarcer and the consequences of the climate crisis are starting to hit us more frequently, sustainability must become an integral part of everything we do.” Ulster Carpets – Natural Choice collection

THE STOCKLISTS February 2024

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

Alternative is a leading provider of innovative and sustainable flooring solutions, committed to transforming spaces through creativity and craftsmanship. With a focus on quality, design, and environmental responsibility, Alternative continue to redefine the way we experience and interact with our living spaces.

Alternative – Woosie, Check Wonderful

EcoSense by Furlong Flooring is shaping the future of carpets with sustainable polypropylene innovation. Pioneering Future Fabrics in Sustainable Flooring, this groundbreaking carpet range takes a bold step towards eco-conscious living, placing sustainability at the forefront of interior design. At the heart of EcoSense lies the Avondale collection, a testament to Furlong Flooring's commitment to sustainability. Crafted from 100% recycled polypropylene, Avondale challenges preconceptions surrounding carpet materials. Polypropylene, often overlooked in discussions of recyclability, takes centre stage in the Avondale range, proving that this versatile material can contribute significantly to a sustainable future. Its 2-ply yarn construction combines style with environmental mindfulness, offering a sophisticated aesthetic while championing eco-conscious living. EcoSense champions a shift in the industry, showcasing that polypropylene can be a responsible choice for carpets. Moth-proof, bleach cleanable, and supported by a 7-year warranty, the Avondale range ensures durability without compromising on eco-friendly principles. As we envision the future of fabrics, Furlong Flooring's EcoSense emerges as a beacon of innovation, challenging norms and setting a new standard for sustainable living in the world of interior design.

“At the heart of EcoSense lies the Avondale collection, a testament to Furlong Flooring's commitment to sustainability. Crafted from 100% recycled polypropylene, Avondale challenges preconceptions surrounding carpet materials.” Woosie is Alternative’s first wool and sisal mix carpet where natural fibres meet in a stylish, soft and strong carpet. The three-ply woollen yarn delivers the soft luxurious feel underfoot while the hardwearing sisal brings rustic lustrous texture. This unique combination brings out the best qualities of sustainable fibres which are firm favourites in today’s interior styling.

“We believe that flooring is the foundation of design, and the Woosie Collection exemplifies our commitment to pushing boundaries in both aesthetics and sustainability.” This versatile collection works perfectly as a fully fitted floorcovering or as a made to measure rug. Best of all, the Woosie collection not only promises style but also comfort and durability, making it the ideal choice for bedrooms, lounges, dining rooms, home offices, stairs, or a stair runner. Lorna Haigh, Creative and Marketing Director at Alternative said, "We believe that flooring is the foundation of design, and the Woosie Collection exemplifies our commitment to pushing boundaries in both aesthetics and sustainability. We have created three versatile designs in two natural colourways using the interwoven fibres of the wool and sisal”. The three designs include Woosie Check available in Wild and Wonderful, Woosie Panama available in Wise and Whimsical, and Woosie Boucle available in Wistful and Winsome. All designs are constructed in 70% sisal and 30% wool, with latex backing and available in a 4m width.

THE STOCKLISTS February 2024

Furlong Flooring - Avondale Plain, Poiana

For more information contact: Alternative • 01264 335111 • www.alternativeflooring.com Furlong Flooring • 01322 628700 • www.furlongflooring.com Ulster Carpets • 028 3833 4433 • www.ulstercarpets.com

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BUSINESSNEWS Dutch carpet leaders join forces

Flooring inflation eases

The Dutch family concerns Condor Group and Betap are joining forces by moving forward as one.

Flooring inflation is easing after a long period of stubbornly high prices in the sector.

Condor Group is acquiring 100∕% of the shares of sector and regional partner Betap. "Joining together can allow us to respond better and more successfully to the expectations and needs of customers and dynamics on the market," says Condor. See page 35 for more details.

Latest data from the Office for National for National Statistics (ONS) puts flooring inflation for December at 4.8%, down from 5.7% the previous month, and almost half the figure of 10.5% this time last year.

"Weak market" hits Headlam profits UK sales at leading flooring distributor Headlam were flat in 2023 following poor consumer demand up to Christmas which means the Group's profits are likely to be two-thirds down on 2022 levels. In a trading statement to investors, the PLC said its underlying profit before tax for the year are expected to be in line with market expectations, estimated to be an adjusted earning figure around £11m compared to £37.1m reported for 2022. "The UK residential market was weak from September, as consumers cut back spending on home improvement projects," says Headlam. Sales in continental Europe were hit harder with a 7.7% decline. Other sectors performed better. "The Group's revenue from the commercial sector was more robust, along with revenue from larger customers and trade counters, which finished the year up 26% and 8.5% respectively, with December being a record month for average daily sales in our trade counters business," said the statement. Headlam's full year results are scheduled to be announced on March 5.

Carpet import revival reverses Carpet imports declined in November, reversing a brief recovery seen in October as the busiest period for sales got underway. Prior to October's promising increase of nearly 4%, carpet imports into the UK has seen four months of significant slump due to weak demand, especially from Europe. However, according to the latest data from HM Revenue & Customs compiled by The Furnishing Report, volumes of carpet were down again, over 3% year-on-year, in November. This statistic masks a much poorer performance from Europe with imports down 27% from the Netherlands and 13% from Belgium while Turkey continued its recent growth since the summer, up 36% in November and India up 16%. In a full year to date, overall carpet imports into the UK are down 5%.

Post-Xmas sales season 'unsuccessful' says BRC Boxing Day and New Year sales in the furnishing sector have not delivered the usual boost to trading, says the British Retail Consortium. The pre-Christmas period was also disappointing as weak consumer confidence continued to hold back spending according to the BRC's latest data. Helen Dickinson, BRC Chief Executive, said: “The postChristmas sales were unsuccessful in enticing spend in areas such as furniture and homeware, with households remaining cautious about making larger purchases. "2024 looks to be another challenging year for retailers and their customers, and spending will continue to be constrained by high living costs. Retailers will also have to juggle various cost pressures, including the rise to business rates this April," comments Ms Dickenson. "This will be compounded by other emerging issues, such as the disruption to shipments from the Far East via the Red Sea. Political parties must consider this when they set out their plans for retail in manifestos so they can help support the industry to grow, invest, and serve customers."

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This finally puts flooring more in line with the general level of UK retail inflation which was running at 4% in December after a period when flooring was typically running at double the general rate. The furnishing sector has seen below average inflation, in stark contrast to floorcoverings. Furniture and furnishing prices rose by 1.2% in December, down from 2.4% in November, while declining from 11.9% compared to the same month last year.

ScS agrees £99m sale to Italian retailer group Major flooring and furniture retailer ScS is being acquired by an Italian group after a deal which values the 100-store company at almost £100m. UK shareholders have backed the deal for ScS to be taken private by Italian furnishing group Poltronesofà. ScS announced just before Christmas that it has received the requisite majority from shareholders to approve the plan. Cerezzola Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Poltronesofà S.p.A., offered 280 pence per ScS share, valuing the company at about £99.4m. Renzo Ricci, chief executive of Poltronesofà, said: "[We are] strategically very well placed to support ScS in the next stage of its development, and by building on the combined industry knowledge and experience and providing the necessary capital to accelerate ScS's ambitions, the acquisition will help ScS realise its full growth potential." Sunderland-based ScS will cease to be a listed PLC on the UK stock exchange. The group has 100 stores across the UK with more than 1,700 employees.

Likewise enjoys record Q4 sales Fast growing flooring distributor Likewise saw a record performance in the run-up to Christmas with more than £1m of flooring sold every two days during November and part of December. In a trading statement to shareholders, the ambitious plc said sales were up 13.6% to £140.2 million for the year ended 31 December 2023 – ahead of current market expectations. Tony Brewer, Chief Executive of Likewise Group plc, said: "Undoubtedly the most encouraging factor during the high sales volume in November and even greater activity in the first two weeks of December, averaging £660,638 per day, was the ability of the logistics infrastructure that has been developed over the last three years being able to efficiently process and deliver the additional demand created. "This strategy will continue into 2024 and the Group is confident in continuing to gain market share and through operational gearing, improve its profitability. The Group has come a long way in the last three years and we look forward to a positive and exciting future," says Tony.

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CondorCarpets Grass bv Condor bv Euroweg 3, 3, 8061 8061 SB SB || P.O. Box 21, 8060 AA | Hasselt, Euroweg Hasselt, The The Netherlands Netherlands +31(0)38 47789 8911 11| |FF(+31) +31(0)38 47789892222| info@condorcarpets.nl | info@condorgrass.nl TT(+31) 38 477 38 477

W RO OU U PP.. EE UU WW WW W .. C CO ON ND O R- G R

THE STOCKLISTS February 2024

FLOORING FOCUS

Greener grass from sustainable synthetics

Artificial grass is booming in Britain One of the strongest markets in Europe for the product, with some eight million square metres sold in the UK each year. The pandemic lockdowns boosted the trend as two summers of perfect weather coincided with the enforced stay at home during lockdowns and it was reported that Google searches for artificial grass tripled in 2021.

Then the Advertising Standards Authority ruled against the more ambitious claims of smaller synthetic turf manufacturers in 2022 saying that “taking into account its whole lifecycle, it had a negative impact on the environment”.

Many new build housing developments in urban area are now delivered not only with fully fitted carpets and LVT indoors, but with synthetic lawns professionally installed across front and now even sometimes back gardens too.

The Welsh Government talked about banning it last year but made a U-turn, recommending better education instead, and the UK government is on record that it has “no plans to ban the use of artificial grass”. Their statement reads “We prefer to help people and organisations make the right choice rather than legislating on such matters. However, the use of artificial grass must comply with the legal and policy safeguards in place to protect biodiversity and ensure sustainable drainage, while measures such as the strengthened biodiversity duty should serve to encourage public authorities to consider sustainable alternatives.”

But the turf wars among environmentalists attract extensive publicity. Famously, the Royal Horticultural Society banned “fake grass" at the Chelsea Flower Show in 2022 (not surprisingly as artificial grass has never claimed to be “horticultural”).

So the turf wars line up with one side worrying about landfill and lack of biodiversity, among other issues, and those in favour of synthetic pointing out that, apart from the aesthetic advantage, artificial turf doesn’t need wasteful watering to stay green and needs no chemicals to encourage growth or petrol/electricity to keep in trim. Landfill is near the top of the negative agenda so the focus among industry leaders is on recycling and the top players are taking this responsibility very seriously with extensive research on the most sustainable approach. Lano’s Enso collection, for example, contains 100% efficiently recyclable landscaping ranges. A mono-polymer approach - the turf fibres and the backing are made from the same polyolefin polymer – means the Enso recycling process is easier, more effective, more affordable and guarantees to yield a higher-grade recycled end-product.

“Apart from the aesthetic advantage, artificial turf doesn’t need wasteful watering to stay green and needs no chemicals to encourage growth or petrol/electricity to keep in trim.”

This month we focus on two of the other main players and their latest initiatives – Condor and Betap. Read on...

THE STOCKLISTS February 2024

Wool Week - October 2023

Condor Grass Repeat backing: More sustainable and lighter Condor are among the top market leaders with decades of experience, offering every imaginable artificial grass solution, from balcony grass to FIFA-certified football pitches. “As a large artificial grass manufacturer we are aware that our ecological footprint on the world is large,” says Condor. “That is why we conform to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of theUnited Nations and are taking significant steps towards a circular world.

“Circular manufacturing basically stands for a vision where all materials are reused, so raw materials are no longer lost and waste no longer exists.” “Circular manufacturing basically stands for a vision where all materials are reused, so raw materials are no longer lost and waste no longer exists. This is currently not yet the reality of the day, but it is a development that is coming,” says the company. Condor’s latest step towards achieving this goal is the launch of Repeat, a “next level” backing for artificial grass, avoiding the use of latex. Repeat is made of 100% polyolefin and can therefore be more easily recycled. After years of use, the backing is easily removed, separated and shredded. The granulate can then be used for new products. Repeat products have significantly enhanced water permeability and are tested the EN 71-3 standards to ensure it is child friendly and pet friendly, free from harmful subsances. And, of course, the performance is uncompromising with superior flexibility and exceptional bonding. Also, the Repeat backing weighs around 20% less that conventional solutions, making lighter work of handling and installation.

Condor Grass

Mono-polymer approach Embarking on a transformative journey in landscaping, trade professionals find a tailored solution in PARQ by Betap, a cutting-edge artificial grass range. The collection, founded on the pillars of aesthetics, functionality, value, and sustainability, caters to the diverse needs across different project scales. The standout NextGen collection, reflects PARQs unwavering commitment to sustainability, boasting an eco-conscious design with a mono-polymer concept and innovative dispersion backing. Acknowledged in the industry, NextGen sets a new benchmark for synthetic turf. Crafted for easy recyclability at the end of its life cycle, it aligns seamlessly with the discerning standards of trade professionals. The availability of five-metre width options not only enhances the visual allure of installations but also underscores a conscious effort to minimise environmental impact.

“The standout NextGen collection, reflects PARQs unwavering commitment to sustainability, boasting an eco-conscious design with a mono polymer concept and innovative dispersion backing. ” PARQ emerges as a leading strategic, sustainable, and highperformance choice, reshaping the landscape of artificial grass.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Betap • T +31 (0)38 386 1060 • www.betap.com Condor • T +31 (0)38 477 89 • www.condor-group.eu/en/grass LANO • +32 (0)56 65 40 00 • www.lano.com THE STOCKLISTS February 2024

FLOORING FOCUS

So what does AI think about the flooring trade? Paint a "Picasso" of a flooring store

“While man-made fibres may offer lower upfront costs, their lifespan and overall performance often fall short of wool's exceptional qualities.” Consider your budget, desired durability, stain resistance, and style preferences when making your decision. Wool carpets are ideal for those seeking a luxurious and long-lasting option, while synthetic fiber carpets offer more affordability and versatility – Bard However, when we asked AI to write longer articles about this topic, some of the statements were more contentious. Bard appeared quite biased against man-made fibre with some erroneous logic: Man-made fibres, while generally more affordable, may require more frequent professional cleaning due to their susceptibility to stains. Moreover, some synthetic carpets can trap moisture, leading to the growth of mold and mildew. While man-made fibres may offer lower upfront costs, their lifespan and overall performance often fall short of wool's exceptional qualities. Chat GPT seemed to contradict this approach: Wool does come with a higher price tag compared to man-made fibres and additionally, it can be more susceptible to stains and moisture, requiring prompt attention and specialized cleaning. Despite advancements in treatment technologies, wool may not be the best choice for high-traffic areas prone to spills and accidents.

The ubiquitous appearance of AI across all aspects of our lives has been much debated – from freeing us all from tedious work to pursue a life of leisure, to an existential threat to the human race. So we thought it was time to find out what AI thinks of flooring! And this is not just idle curosity, AI is now embedded in the search engines and web platforms across the internet so AI is increasingly how consumers research their buying decisions. And you can also use AI to write flooring information sheets for your store, content for your websites and social media posts and letters to customers. So we asked the two market leaders – Open AI’s Chat GPT and Google's Bard – about some key topics: wool versus man-made; the environmental issues in flooring and careers in the industry. Oh, and we asked it to write a love poem about carpet and a song about gripper! and create a few images for us! Both platforms are generally even-handed in their discussions of debatable topics – but not always. Here’s what they think of the choice between wool and man-made carpet: Wool vs. man-made Choosing between wool and synthetic fiber carpets depends on your priorities. Wool offers natural luxury, durability, and insulation but comes at a higher cost and may be more prone to stains. Synthetic fibres like nylon or polyester are cost-effective, durable, and resistant to stains, making them practical for high-traffic areas. Consider your budget, maintenance preferences, and aesthetic priorities. If you prioritize luxury and are willing to invest more upfront, wool may be preferable. Conversely, if practicality, affordability, and low maintenance are key, synthetic fibres provide a compelling option for your home carpet needs – ChatGPT Choosing between wool and synthetic fiber carpets depends on your priorities and preferences. Wool carpets offer natural luxury, durability, and stain resistance, but they come at a higher cost. Synthetic fiber carpets are more affordable and offer a wider range of styles and colors, but they may not be as durable or stain-resistant.

Carpet versus vinyl The choice between carpet and vinyl generates an even-handed approach: Choosing between vinyl flooring and carpet for your home involves considering several factors. Vinyl flooring is a durable and versatile option, known for its resistance to moisture, scratches, and easy maintenance. It's an excellent choice for high-traffic areas, kitchens, and bathrooms, offering a sleek and modern look. Vinyl also comes in various styles, including designs that mimic the appearance of wood or tile. On the other hand, carpet provides a softer and warmer feel underfoot, adding comfort and insulation. It's a popular choice for bedrooms and living spaces, offering a wide range of colors and textures. Carpets can also contribute to sound insulation and create a cozier ambiance – Chat GPT. In longer articles we generated with AI, it flagged the issue of air quality and allegens: If you or your family members have allergies or respiratory sensitivities, considering the impact of flooring on indoor air quality is crucial. Carpet fibres can trap allergens like dust, pet dander, and pollen. Vinyl flooring, being a hard surface, does not trap allergens as readily as carpet does but it is more resistant to mold and mildew growth – Chat GPT

Flooring with fondess A love poem to carpets, by Bard In the Valentine season of romance it seemed reasonable to ask AI to write a poem about it's love of flooring... Oh, carpets, my love, my soft, woven delight, Your plush embrace warms my soul, day and night. Read the full poem in our Valentine's feature on page 34

THE STOCKLISTS February 2024

Create a photograph a robot laying parquet

Gripper groupies Song lyric about gripper, by Chat GPT Oh, flooring gripper, you're a hidden gem, A silent hero, always there for them. You keep the carpet in place, so neat and tight, Ensuring a smooth and level floor, day and night. (Chorus) Flooring gripper, oh flooring gripper, You're the unseen force that makes a floor a topper. You hold it all together, with a strength so true, A flooring gripper, that's what you do. Without you, gripper, the floor would be a mess, A jumbled chaos, I can't even guess. The planks would shift and slide, creating a din, A flooring nightmare, a homeowner's sin.

Environmental issues We asked if vinyl flooring was OK for the environment and Bard had strong views:

(Chorus) Flooring gripper, oh flooring gripper, You're the unseen force that makes a floor a topper. You hold it all together, with a strength so true, A flooring gripper, that's what you do.

Vinyl flooring presents a double-edged sword in the realm of environmental sustainability. On one hand, its durability and resilience extend its lifespan, reducing the need for frequent replacements and associated waste. Additionally, vinyl flooring's recyclability offers a glimmer of hope in a world grappling with waste management challenges.

So next time you walk across a floor, so smooth and fine, Remember the gripper, the hero behind. It's working hard beneath, with a steadfast grip, Ensuring your footing, with a silent flip.

However, the environmental equation of vinyl flooring takes a grim turn when considering its long-term fate. Its non-biodegradability ensures a lengthy stay in landfills, contributing to waste accumulation and potentially leaching harmful chemicals into the environment. Moreover, the manufacturing process of vinyl flooring involves hazardous chemicals like chlorine and phthalates, posing risks to human health and ecosystems if released during production or disposal.

"The flooring industry is one of the most stable and secure industries in the UK.”

The need for underlay When we asked whether consumers should always buy underlay with their carpet, Bard got quite lyrical! When you're making the exciting decision to update your floors with a new carpet, don't forget the often overlooked but essential underlay. Think of your new carpet as a delicate flower, and the underlay as its nurturing soil. A new underlay acts as an invisible guardian, protecting your carpet's delicate fibres from the harsh realities of daily wear and tear, significantly extending its lifespan. It's an investment in your comfort and well-being. With each step, the underlay provides an invisible layer of plushness, transforming each step into a luxurious experience, akin to walking on clouds.

Make a monster out of rugs

Are you in the right job? AI may be ready to take over the jobs of millions of pen pushers but Chat GPT thinks flooring is the a good trade to work in for the following reasons (even if they're a bit stingy on salaries!): • High employment rate: The flooring industry is one of the most stable and secure industries in the UK. The average unemployment rate for flooring professionals is much lower than the national average. • Good earning potential: Flooring professionals can earn a good salary. The average salary for flooring installers and fitters is £30,000 per year, and the average salary for sales representatives is £27,000 per year. • Variety of career paths: There are many different career paths available in the flooring industry. You can start as an apprentice and work your way up to a senior position, or you can specialize in a particular area of flooring, such as wood flooring, carpet flooring, or tile flooring. • Opportunities for self-employment: Many flooring professionals choose to start their own businesses. This can be a great way to be your own boss and set your own hours. • Customer satisfaction: Flooring professionals have the opportunity to make a real difference in people's lives. They can help to create beautiful and functional spaces that people will enjoy for years to come.

The AI used for this article includes: Bard by Google • https://bard.google.com/chat Chat GPT by OpenAI • https://chat.openai.com/ Dall-E (images) by OpenAI • https://labs.openai.com

THE STOCKLISTS February 2024

Flooring Feature “Positive energy” at Domotex “Domotex is not only the global meeting place for the industry, but also the home of the entire carpet and flooring world, thanks to its positive energy and its distinctly international character.” Sonia Wedell-Castellano, Global Director of Domotex Domotex reasserted its prominence as a global showcase as the show closed in Hannover on January 14 after four days of exhibitions and events and 18,000 visitors from more than 140 countries. "Domotex is not only the global meeting place for the industry, but also the home of the entire carpet and flooring world, thanks to its positive energy and its distinctly international character," says Sonia WedellCastellano, Global Director of Domotex. The show compromised 1,000 stands – including 170 first-time exhibitors – from more than 60 countries. "We are delighted that decision-makers from even more countries than before are coming to Hannover to learn about the latest trends and new products and to make new business connections", continues Ms Wedell-Castellano. Martin Geiger, Managing Director of European flooring company Geiger commented: “I was particularly impressed by the increase in the number of exhibitors – in its second year after the pandemic, the show has already grown significantly again. This underlines the importance of Domotex for our industry.” Key exhibitors for the UK included Adore Floors, F Ball & Co Ltd, Granorte, Interfloor, ITC, Lano, Sellers Engineering, Unifloor, Unilin, Uzin and YTD. This year's edition of Domotex offered all participants inspiring special displays, a diverse supporting program with conferences, live presentations and award ceremonies as well as numerous opportunities for networking. The trade fair once again focused on the megatrends of sustainability and circular economy with the keynote theme Floored by Nature and in particular at The Green Collection in Hall 23. In its second year, the special display once again offered extraordinary presentations of sustainable and environmentally friendly products.

The next Domotex (Carpets & Rugs) in Hannover will take place from 16 to 19 January 2025. 44

THE STOCKLISTS February 2024

MADE IN GREAT BRITAIN

FLOORING FACTSHEET

ADHESIVES SELECTION CHECKLIST

ADHESIVE TYPES Acrylic/Resin: Ideal for plasticised PVC and most modern flooring. Bitumen: A tar-like material, bitumen has a high degree of moisture resistance and is used for damp-proof membranes and installing tiles, wood blocks and mosaics. Epoxy Resin: A two-part chemical curing system that is used in aggressive environments such as conservatories, wet rooms, commercial kitchens and exterior installations.

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

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

Open Time:

Subfloor:

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

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

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

Odour:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Strength:

Air Quality and the Environment:

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

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

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

Polyvinyl Acetate: Typically used for close fitting joints in timber, laminate floors and panels. Tackifier: An adhesive for carpet designed to increase the tackiness – or the tack range – of an adhesive.

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To find out more visit f-ball.com/training THE STOCKLISTS February 2024

The Stocklists Carpet Company Directory Abingdon Flooring www.abingdonflooring.co.uk 01274 655694 Adam Carpets Ltd www.adamcarpets.co.uk

01562 829966

Brockway Carpets Ltd

01562 828200

sales@brockway.co.uk www.brockway.co.uk

Alternative Flooring www.alternativeflooring.com

01264 335111

Associated Weavers www.associatedweavers.net

01422 431100

Avena Carpets Ltd

01422 330261

Axwoven Carpets Ltd www.axwovencarpetsltd.co.uk

Cavalier Carpets Ltd www.cavaliercarpets.co.uk 01254 268000

0121 550 5788

Christy Carpets

019078 308777

Clarendon Carpets www.clarendoncarpets.com

01827 831480

Classis Carpets www.classiscarpets.com

0870 020 1725

Condor Carpets BV www.condor-group.eu

+31 38 4778911

Contempo Carpets

0800 689 4741

Axminster Carpets Ltd www.axminster-carpets.co.uk

01297 32244

Balta Floorcovering UK Ltd www.balta-carpets.com

03303 411 410

Beaulieu International Group www.bintg.com

+32 56 67 66 11

Belvedere Carpets

Belvedere Carpets 020 8800 0740

Burmatex www.burmatex.co.uk

Bizspoke Custom Carpets

01924 488882

Blenheim Carpets

020 7823 3040

BMK

0113 380 5333

Bond Worth Ltd www.bondworth.co.uk 01562 825105 Brintons www.brintons.net

0800 505055

Love Story Deep Feelings by Abingdon

01737 830301

Dan-Floor UK

0844 9151000

Domo Floorcovering

+32 55 335211

E & WE Carpets

01562 825952

Edel Telenzo Carpets Ltd

01422 374 417

01924 262525 sales@edeltelenzocarpets.co.uk www.edeltelenzocarpets.co.uk Enterprise Weaving Co Be Ww

01562 745030

Fells Carpets

01977 662211

cummings@btinternet.com www.fellscarpets.co.uk Fletco Taepper A/S www.fletcocarpets.com

+45 96 60 3000

sales@contempocarpets.co.uk www.contempocarpets.co.uk

sales@belvederecarpets.co.uk www.belvederecarpets.co.uk Betap Tufting BV www.betap.com +31 383 861 060

Custom Carpet Company www.customcarpetcompany.co.uk

Flock-living Limited

Cormar Carpets Ltd

01204 881 234

info@cormarcarpets.co.uk www.cormarcarpets.co.uk

Firth Carpets & Flooring Be Pr Tu Tw W Ww

Couristan Carpets www.couristan.com

800 223 6186

Craigie Carpets UK Ltd

01294 558400

Creative Carpets Ltd

0116 284 1455

Creatuft Carpets www.creatuft.be

+32 56 35 4444

Durham Twist from Hugh Mackay

+44 (0)20 8440 8777

info@flock-living.com www.flock-living.com 01484 721529

Furlong Flooring 01772 696 787 enquiries@furlongcentral.co.uk www.furlongflooring.com

Brockway’s Vogue

THE STOCKLISTS February 2024

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

Gaskell Wool Rich www.gaskellwoolrich.co.uk

01827 831525

Louis de Poortere www.louisdepoortere.be

Gaskell Mackay Carpets Ltd http://www.gaskell.co.uk/

01429 892525

Lusotufo www.lusotufo.pt

Georgian Carpets

01827 831430

Godfrey Hirst (GB) Ltd www.godfreyhirst.com

0800 526696

Halbmond Teppichwerke www.halbmond.de

Hammer Carpets

+49 037 421 420

01473 826870

+32 56 393 386

Tapibel NV www.tapibel.be

01623 481 221

+35 12 56 750 500

Tasibel NV www.tasibel.be

+32 52 499600

Manx Carpets www.manxtomkinson.co.uk

01827 831 434

The Grosvenor Wilton Co www.grosvenorwilton.co.uk

01562 701456

Master Weaver www.masterweaver.co.uk

01562 754 382

Wilton Carpet Commercial www.wiltoncarpets.com

01722 746000

Mayfield Carpets www.penthousecarpets.co.uk

01706 639 866

Thomas Witter UK Ltd www.thomaswitter.com

0870 1128318

Timzo Tufting Industry BV www.condor-group.eu

+31 38 385 4477

MID NL www.mid.nl

+31 38 851 8700

infouk@hammercarpetsuk.com www.hammercarpets.com Heckmondwike FB www.heckmondwike-fb.co.uk ITC www.itc-carpets.com

01924 410544 0032 51 424 411

John Lanham Watts Carpets

01937 588511

John Evans Ltd

07850 935301

Joseph Hamilton & Seaton www.jhscarpets.co.uk Kingsmead Carpets www.kingsmeadcarpets.co.uk

01827 831400 01827 831 424

Lano NV +32 56 65 4300 marketing@lano.be www.lano.com Lecaflor Ltd www.lecaflor.com

0800 78 33 712

Leigh Spinners Ltd www.leighspinners.com

01942 673232

Bronte’s Cream Shagpile

THE STOCKLISTS February 2024

Millennium Weavers Europe sales@millenniumweavers.eu www.millenniumweavers.be Modulyss www.modulyss.com

+32 55 50 9050

+32 52 457211

Mr Tomkinson www.manxtomkinson.co.uk

01827 831 450

Penthouse Carpets www.penthousecarpets.co.uk

01706 341231

Tisca Tiara www.tiscatiara.com

07860 911748

Ulster Carpets www.ulstercarpets.com

02838 334433

United Carpets & Beds www.unitedcarpetsandbeds.com

01709 732 666

Victoria Carpets www.victoriacarpets.com

01562 749300

Vorwerk Flooring www.vorwerk-flooring.com

01282 332025

Westex Carpets www.westexflooring.com

01274 861334

Weston Hammer www.hammercarpetsuk.com

0845 644 9090

0845 6528811

Whitestone Weavers Ltd www.hughmackay.co.uk

01429 892555

Sans Frontieres Ltd www.sansfrontiere.co.uk

0844 5611977

Wilkies Carpets 0113 307 9955 www.wilkies-sales.b2b-payments.co.uk

Shaw Home Foundations

01675 433 501

Woodward Grosvenor

Signature Carpets www.signaturecarpets.co.uk

01422 412756

Wool Classics www.woolclassics.com

TAT Carpet

07976 607657

Woven Carpets of Kidderminster 01299 827477

Phoenox Textiles www.phoenox.co.uk

01484 863227

Pownall Carpets

Pimlico by Cormar

0800 526696

0207 349 1560

Wellington Stripe from Ulster

Flooring factsheet Carpet trouble-shooter

• shedding • pulled loops

Fading on Wool

Carpets made from wool can and do fade in use. The degree of fade can vary depending on the colour chosen and the local conditions to which the carpet is subjected. Fading can be caused by exposure to ultra violet light which is found in daylight, but is accelerated when sunlight shines directly onto the carpet. This has the effect of lightening or “Bleaching” the colour just as exposure to sunlight will lighten human hair. Wool is after all animal hair. Protection should be given to carpets exposed to such conditions just as you would protect other furniture or fabrics. A complaint on fading would be considered justified if it failed to meet the required shade standard when tested to the British Standard BS1006 (1990).

Soiling

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

Colour matching

Carpets are produced in batches - known as creels - and usually each batch produces between 500m2 - 3000m2 in a single width, depending on the creel size. Whilst the recipe used by the dyer remains constant, and is followed to the letter, in each separate production the colour reproduction will vary from batch to batch. However production is matched back to the original or master sample to ensure that the colour remains ‘within a commercial tolerance’. This process if not an exact science and a commercial tolerance is subjective but nevertheless is usually the professional judgement of the head dyer based on his/her experience.

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

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

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

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

Static

Sprouting

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

Carpets do not produce static but like other household fabrics and objects have the capacity to store it. Static is caused by the build up of static electricity upon personnel in a dry environment and is discharged when a person makes contact with an object which can conduct electricity (i.e. door handle or filing cabinets, etc). The static charges will vary in intensity depending upon the individual, air humidity and the contact materials. Static is more usually associated with synthetic materials as they do not retain moisture very well but it can and does occur with wool in very dry room conditions. Preventative measures include the introduction of moisture into the room or in situ carpet treatment. THE STOCKLISTS February 2024

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

Flattening

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

Shading

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

Pile Reversal

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

Pulling Loops

Pulled loops occur only in looped pile carpet where one or more loops in the continuous pile is pulled through the primary backing of the carpet. This is usually due to some local condition, possibly some sharp object which has caught in a loop in situ and has resulted in a pull. Pulled loops are easily dealt with by trimming the offending end level with the rest of the pile. They should not be left as this could result in further loops being pulled and developing into a ladder. THE STOCKLISTS February 2024

Shedding

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

Indentations

When a carpet is subjected to a heavy point load, such as under the legs of furniture, it is unreasonable to expect the carpet not to indent. Usually, the longer the load is in place, the longer will be the time for the pile to recover. In the case of very heavy loads in place for a considerable time, the recovery time can be very considerable. It must be remembered that it is not only the pile of the carpet that becomes indented. The underlay will also indent and the backing of the carpet may also distort into the indentation in the underlay. Some underlay’s will recover well and some less well depending upon their composition, thickness, density etc. The use of cups below furniture legs can spread the load and the net result is a larger area of less deeply indented carpet. The ability of a carpet to recover from a heavy static load can be measured in the laboratory, using the test method described in BS 4939 and many manufacturers will have data on this aspect of carpet performance. In this test the carpet is loaded for 24 hours and the degree of recovery is measured after 1 hour and 24 hours. Since there are so many different underlay’s however, it is very rare for the recovery from a heavy static load to be evaluated on carpet and underlay.

The original carpet tile

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.

Samples

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

Installation

This information is given by responsible manufacturers to help you help your customer to make an informed choice. 49

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

Flooring factsheet Vinyl + LVT Supplier Directory Victorian Treasure by Invictus

Van Gogh Classic Oak by Karndean Designflooring

Studio Designs by Brampton Chase

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

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

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

Adoretouch +1.631.843.0900

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

Alsapan g.folkes@alsapan.com 03 88 59 29 89 Altro enquiries@altro.com 01462 489 516 Amtico info@amtico.com 0121 745 0800

www.adorefloors.com

www.alsapan.com

www.altro.co.uk

www.amtico.com

Aspecta +31 (0) 88 1662500

www.aspectaflooring.com

Beauflor sales@beauflor.com +32 56 67 66 11

www.beauflor.com

BerryAlloc +32 56 52 84 80

www.berryalloc.com

Harvey Maria info@harveymaria.com 0330 330 1231

www.harveymaria.com

Interface interface.uk@interface.com 0800 313 4465 Invictus Info@invictus.co.uk 01422 431100

www.kahrs.com

Karndean Designflooring 01386 820100 Kellars sales@kellars.co.uk 0161 443 0970

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

Kraus sales@qep.com 01283 245430

www.interface.com

www.invictus.co.uk/lvt

Kährs UK sales@kahrs.com 023 9245 3045

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

www.forbo.com

www.karndean.com

www.kellars.co.uk

www.krausflooring.co.uk

Leoline info@leoline.co.uk

www.leoline.co.uk

Moduleo salesuk@moduleo.com 01332 851 500

www.moduleo.co.uk

Polyflor info@polyflor.com 0161 767 1111

www.polyflor.com

Tarkett communication@tarkett.com 01622 854040

www.tarkett.com

Quick-Step 08448 118 288

www.quick-step.co.uk

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

www.en.wineo.de

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

Landscape Parquet by Victoria Design Floors 50

THE STOCKLISTS February 2024

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

Benefits

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

• I mpressive realism – not just in the design but infinishing

techniques that allow for wood knots you can feel, tiles you can grout, etc. See appearance options.

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

www.bramptonchase.co.uk

Product options

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

• Self-adhesive – tiles with a peel-off backing paper to stick to the

sub-floor. Some tiles have adhesive overlaps to stick to each other rather than the sub-floor.

• Loose lay vinyl – tiles that simply drop onto the floor and rely on

a high friction backing to keep them in place – they demand a very sound, level sub-floor but are the easiset type of tile to lay or replace.

Click – tiles that have a mechanical jointing system to attach to • Warm and soft to touch compared to ceramic and stone floors - and • one another (like a locked tongue and groove system) and ‘float’ on a good heat insulator anyhow, and suitable for use with underfloor heating systems.

• Sound reduction – vinyl has neglible impact sound compared

to the tap/click of laminate and transmits less sound and vibration compared to solid floor.

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

Installation

Installation preparation Vinyl requires a dry, sound, level subfloor as the relative thinness of vinyl and its light reflection performance will quickly reveal imperfections after installation as well as cause potential wear issues. Exisitng wooden/MDF floors may need a plywood underlay up to 6mm thick and then the joints will need to be skimmed or taped. Non-wood sub-floors will need a self-levelling screed to be laid to ensure a suitable base for the floor. A damp-proof membrane may be required depending on sub-floor moisture levels. However, new rigid core products are less flexible and can be laid more easily over existing floors – see Construction.

Top Coating Wear Layer Decor Layer

www.invictus.co.uk

the sub-floor without being glued down. There are many proprietary versions of the click system which offer fast, clean installation and stability. Appearance options Vinyl tiles and planks cover a hugh variety of sizes and shapes and can be mix-and-matched to achieve an infinite number of designs. Current fashions include extra wide and long planks for wood through to very small planks for wood. Border effects can be easy to achieve in LVT.

www.krausflooring.co.uk

Other notable options include:

• Embossed – this is where the top clear layer of the tile has been

embossed to create a realistic texture that matches the style of the stone of wood decor. Registered embossed is the most authentic – the texture matches the design so that, for example, a wood knot or hand-scraped element in the wood design can be felt on the surface of the flooring.

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

www.myvictoria.co.uk

LVT construction

Top coating – A polyurethane or aluminium oxide coating provides protection against scratches and stains and gives enhances anti-slip. Wear layer – This is a key layer - determining the performance and resilience of the product. A 0.3mm (12 mil) wear layer is a good for heavy wear areas. Commercial installations need 0.5mm wear layers or above with 0.7mm at the top end. The wear warranties and guarantees carried by products will be based on this thickness. Decor layer – This is the decor itself - in essence it is a paper- or filmbased photographic inkjet print. (A few LVT floors have the image printed directly to the surface of the floor but this implies less image definition and different wear characteristics.)

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

THE STOCKLISTS February 2024

PVC and fibre glass layers – The construction ‘sandwich’ can vary between products but a combination of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) layers for strength and flexibility and fibre glass layers for structural stability may be used. Any click-system profile will be incorporated into these layers. Products often use a combination of recycled vinyl which is cheaper and virgin PVC which lasts longer and is more stable. Rigid core LVT has a solid, less flexible PVC layer with maximum stability which means it can be laid over exisiting, less even flooring without showing imperfections and therefore avoiding wear problems. Base (or backing) layer – The final high density PVC layer varies according to the installation requirement and is designed for taking adhesive or as an ‘underlay’ for loose-lay and click installations. 51

Flooring factsheet Underlay In a tight market for margins, underlay for carpet and hard flooring offers retailers one of the best opportunities to add value to every sale – with good profitability, trade-up potential once benefits are understood and high customer satisfaction levels. The Carpet Foundation and its Consumer Code of Practice approved by the Trading Standards Institute (TSI) recommend that new carpet underlay is bought with every new carpet.

www.interfloor.com

Many consumers are now aware of the benefits of underlay but more needs to be done to provide information about the different types available and their suitability for different areas of the home. Setting up in-store demonstrations so customers can walk on samples with different grades of underlay and feel the difference has shown excellent results. Some manufacturers offer point-of-sale units and foot testers.

www.floorwise.co.uk

Benefits

Types

Good underlay will... • Improve underfoot comfort • Increase appearance retention, reducing flattening • Absorb the pressure of foot traffic and reduce wear • Improve thermal insulation and warmth • Increase sound insulation • Smooth out sub-floor imperfections • Last the lifetime of the carpet

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

Poor or old underlay will...

• Feel hard and unwelcoming • Reduce carpet life • Cause wrinkling and premature wear spots • Cause carpet fibres to break down more quickly • Not meet British Standards How thick? A maximum of 12mm is recommended (working with gripper will be difficult thereafter) but rooms with heavy traffic will need a thinner, denser pad. The combination of thickness and density is all important as a thick underlay with low density may not perform well. Typically, the thicker the underlay, the better quality it will need to be – 11mm is often used for luxury installations with 9mm and 7mm the common domestic thickness.

Sponge rubber

Crumb

Sponge rubber • A more traditionally manufactured underlay available in flat or waffle patterns in a wide range of weights for different applications. It performs well for comfort and has a durable spring retention.

PU foam

www.unifloor.nl

Laminate underlay • There’s still an opportunity to sell underlay with laminate flooring, improving the acoustic performance of the floor and helping the boards float above any imperfections in the sub-floor. Combination • A rubber crumb base with a felt top layer offers a good combination of protection, durability and comfort. It also allows carpet with seaming to bed into the top felt.

www.underlay.com

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

Pre-tackified underlay • A self-adhesive single stick underlay in both needlefelt and PU. A removable system for heavy use when comfort is desired. Underlayment for LVT • This provides a smooth surface on which you can glue down immediately. If there is a time or acoustic issue or a problematic underfloor, a stable, smooth dual underlay system will provide the best solution.

CLASSIC

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

Felt • This traditional (but environmentally friendly) undelay is made from recycled fibres – wool, jute and synthetic – to create a firm, dense pad with excellent thermal insulation. Still a very popular choice among contractors when stretch fitting woven carpets.

Combination

www.carpenterunderlay.co.uk

www.interfloor.com

THE STOCKLISTS February 2024

Flooring factsheet Buying Groups Pick the right one How to decide whether to join a buying group – and which one…

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

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

of the committee

Why join? Buying groups have been a highly successful feature of the floor retailing scene in the last decade or so, giving independents the extra edge they need to compete effectively with the retail park chains. More than 1000 retailers are now members of one of the several buying groups which operate in our sector and the numbers are slowly, but steadily growing. While the benefits of bulk buying power are self-evident, the resistance to the buying group concept among nonmembers appears to be centred on fears of surrendering some control to a committee – and most particularly compromising long-established relationships and negotiated terms with current suppliers. The bottom line is the bottom line. A retailer selling across a broad range of products is likely to improve margins within a buying group – but you THE don’t need a leap of faith STOCKLISTS Feburary 2022 to join up. Ask the buying groups for answers...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Key benefits Increase margins • Group purchases to get beneficial rates • Rebates • Exclusive higher-margin products • Special promotions ne of the key reasons to join a buying group is to O benefit from the discounts they negotiate as a bulk buyer from manufacturers. The way discounts and rebates are passed on to members varies between groups so make sure it’s absolutely clear how this will be done. You’ll need to work out how this compares with discounts you have already negotiated locally with preferred suppliers. Access professional services • Business and financial services • IT and internet support • Training and workshops • Professional bodies Some buying groups offer an excellent range of other services which may be valuable to your business. Financial services include invoice factoring, credit, loans and insurance. Some of the more sophisticated groups offering marketing packages, software systems to help you run your business operations and customised websites ready to use. Relationships with professional and training organisations can also offer discounts. THE STOCKLISTS February 2024

Increase sales

• Best of both worlds’ proposition • Wider ranges and exclusive products • POS, displays and merchandising support

Your customers will like the proposition that you are independent but with the buying power of a group – this gives them (and you) the ‘best of both worlds’ with personal service and competitive pricing. Most groups will also offer you ‘own label’ ranges and support with pointof-sale, merchandising and displays. Central stockholding may also be on offer. Network with other independents • Members-only exhibitions with preferred manufacturers • Regular meetings and supplier presentations • Regional workshops • Helpline A lot of retailers enjoy the buying group environment of being independent but not alone out there on the High Street. Groups hold regular meetings and some have their own trade shows, regional meetings and workshops to help you develop your business. The network gives you someone to call when you need advice on, for example, an unusual installation, a technical consumer complaint, legal issue or business dilemma.

www.greendalecarpets.co.uk Contact: Eamonn Prescott Tel: 01432 852000 eamonn@greendalecarpets.co.uk

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

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

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

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01943 850817

THE STOCKLISTS February 2024

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Environmentally aware for superior carpet care www.cleantecinnovation.com THE STOCKLISTS February 2024

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Vacuum cleaners - the choice of cleaning professionals www.sebo.co.uk 55

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

The Stocklists Wholesale Distribution Directory NATIONAL

MIDLANDS

SOUTH EAST

Fells Carpets Leeds 0113 3071900 carl.cummings@fellscarpets.co.uk www.fellscarpets.co.uk

Birch Distribution Sheffield - see Floorwise page 57

TCS “The Carpet Specialists” Morecambe 01524 840177 info@tcsthecarpetspecialists.com www.tcsthecarpetspecialists.com

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

Birch Distribution Hull - see Floorwise page 57

Xylo Wood Flooring London 020 8368 8122 infouk@xyloflooring.com www.xyloflooring.com

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

NORTH WEST A&A Carpets Manchester 01204 701188 sales@aandacarpets.co.uk www.aandacarpets.co.uk Hathaway Flooring Manchester - see Floorwise page 57 Kellars Limited Manchester - see page 23 0161 443 0970 sales@kellars.co.uk Lakes Flooring Supplies Kendal - see Floorwise page 57 Millbrook Carpets Darwen 01254 703999 millbrookcarpets@live.co.uk Preston Underlay Centre Ltd Preston/Lancashire - see Floorwise page 57 EAST Beds Flooring Bedford 01234 341234 sales@bedsflooring.co.uk www.bedsflooring.co.uk Salesmark Ltd St Neots Tel: 01480 212888 sales@salesmark.co.uk www.salesmark.co.uk STS Flooring Distributors Cambridge - see page 15 and Floorwise page 57 NORTH EAST/YORKSHIRE Fells Carpets Leeds 0113 3071900 carl.cummings@fellscarpets.co.uk www.fellscarpets.co.uk Kellars Limited Darlington - see page 23 0161 443 0970 sales@kellars.co.uk Fells Carpets Goole 0113 3071900 carl.cummings@fellscarpets.co.uk www.fellscarpets.co.uk RBV Flooring Bradford 01274 670011 rbvflooring@yahoo.com Trade Carpets and Floors Ltd Rotherham 01709 437723 sales@tradecarpetsandfloors.co.uk 56

Birch Distribution Leeds - see Floorwise page 57

Cornerstone Flooring Supplies Doncaster - see Floorwise page 57

DMS Flooring Supplies Northampton 01604 664850 sales@dmsflooringsupplies.co.uk Floorwise D & J Ltd Southam - see Floorwise page 57 Kellars Limited Rugby - see page 23 0161 443 0970 sales@kellars.co.uk Matty’s Wholesale Carpets Birmingham 01675 433072 sales@mattys.co.uk STS Flooring Distributors Hemel Hempstead - see page 15 wand Floorwise page 57 Trade Counter Carpets Leicester 0845 604 3055 tradecountercarpets@gmail.com Woodall Brothers Ltd Shrewsbury - see Floorwise page 57 SOUTH WEST BL Flooring Supplies Bristol - see Floorwise page 57 BL Flooring Supplies Gloucester - see Floorwise page 57 Fitwell Flooring Ltd Redruth - see Floorwise page 57 Fitwell Flooring Ltd Newton Abott - see Floorwise page 57 Flooring Supplies (Wessex) Amesbury 01980 625888 orders@flooringsupplieswessex.co.uk R & M Wholesale Bristol 01179 531222 Tiverton 01884 258266 sales@rmwholesale.co.uk Salesmark West Ltd Amesbury - see Floorwise page 57 Tel: 01980 880933 mail@salesmark-west.co.uk www.salesmark-west.co.uk Solent Wholesale Carpet West Sussex 01243 774623 sales@solentwholesale.co.uk www.solentwholesale.co.uk

Ballister London 020 8570 1668 london@ballister.co.uk www.ballister.co.uk Ballister Reading 0118 931 3535 reading@ballister.co.uk www.ballister.co.uk Beds Flooring Bedford 01234 341234 sales@bedsflooring.co.uk www.bedsflooring.co.uk Clifford Floors Strood 01634 285900 sales@clifford.uk.com Culpeck Strood 01634 299000 sales@culpeck.uk.com Columbia Flooring Middlesex 020 8443 3322 sales@columbiaflooring.co.uk www.columbiaflooring.co.uk see page 9 for details

Salesmark Lancing - see Floorwise page 57 Tel: 01903 750522 sales@salesmark.co.uk www.salesmark.co.uk Solent Wholesale Carpet West Sussex 01243 774623 sales@solentwholesale.co.uk www.solentwholesale.co.uk STS Flooring Distributors Basildon - see p15 & Floorwise p57 STS Flooring Distributors Croydon - see p15 & Floorwise p57 STS Flooring Distributors Orpington/Croydon - see page 15 & Floorwise page 57 Trade Carpet London Wimbledon 0208 247 3891 sales@tradecarpet.com www.tradecarpet.com IRELAND (NI + ROI) Flanagan Flooring Distributors Saintfield, Belfast 028 9751 0932 sales@flanagan-flooring.com www.flanagan-flooring.com Flanagan Flooring Distributors Republic of Ireland 048 9751 0932 sales@flanagan-flooring.com www.flanagan-flooring.com

DMS Flooring Supplies Hemel Hempstead 01442 502562 sales@dmsflooringsupplies.co.uk

Provincial Floorcoverings Ltd Dublin - see Floorwise page 57

DMS Flooring Supplies Milton Keynes 01908 049006 sales@dmsflooringsupplies.co.uk

Provincial Floorcoverings Ltd Limerick - see Floorwise page 57

DMS Flooring Supplies Colindale, North London 0208 036 9945 colindale@dmsflooringsupplies.co.uk Flanagan Flooring Distributors Ltd Loanhead 0131 2029 291 scotland.sales@flanagan-flooring.com www.flanagan-flooring.com Flooring Supplies UK Potters Bar 01707 245999 info@flooringsuppliesuk.com www.fsuk.floorgear.co.uk Littner Hampton London 020 8520 8474 littnerhampton@aol.com www.littnerhamptoncarpets.co.uk John Palmer Carpets Fareham 01329 221933 sales@johnpalmercarpets.uk.net Potts & Ward, Woodcocks Ltd Brighton 01273 557211 sales@pwwflooring.com www.pwwflooring.com

Provincial Floorcoverings Ltd Belfast - see Floorwise page 57

TCS “The Carpet Specialists” Co. Louth 00353 429 351 351 info@tcsthecarpetspecialists.com www.tcsthecarpetspecialists.com SCOTLAND Flanagan Flooring Distributors Baillieston 0141 773 1122 scotland-sales@flanagan-flooring.com www.flanagan-flooring.com Kellars Limited Glasgow - see page 23 0141 647 7685 sales@kellars.co.uk MCD Scotland Uddingston Glasgow 01698 808000 mcdscotland@mcd.co.uk www.mcdscotland.co.uk Neil Smith Ltd Glasgow - see Floorwise page 57 WALES CBW Flooring Supplies Pontypridd 01443 492510 www.cbwflooringsupplies.co.uk THE STOCKLISTS February 2024

wiseup to floorwise quality&value guaranteed

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

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

2 Provincial Floorcoverings Ltd Belfast, BT15 3GU Tel: 028 9075 3202 Fax: 028 9075 3901 salesbelfast@pfl.ie

10 Cornerstone Flooring Doncaster, DN3 3FE Tel: 01302 835117 Fax: 01302 302542 cornerstonefloor@ btconnect.com

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

11 Birch Distribution Sheffield, S9 5PH Tel: 0114 243 1230 Fax: 0114 243 5118 s.sales@birchdistribution.co.uk 12 Woodall Brothers Ltd Shrewsbury, SY1 3JE Tel: 01743 441584 Fax: 01743 441629 sales@woodallbrothers.co.uk

18 Fitwell Flooring Ltd Newton Abbot, TQ12 6TR Tel: 01626 835935 sales@fitwell.co.uk

25 ProFlooring S.R.O Prague, Bavorská 856/14 Czech Republic Tel: +420 224 454 231 Email: info@proflooring.cz

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

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

20 STS Flooring Distributors Ltd Cambridge, CB23 8UD Tel: 0345 899 1000 sales@stsflooring.co.uk 21 STS Flooring Distributors Ltd Hemel Hempstead, HP2 7ER Tel: 0345 899 1000 sales@stsflooring.co.uk 22 STS Flooring Distributors Ltd Basildon, Essex, SS14 3DW Tel: 0345 899 1000 sales@stsflooring.co.uk 23 STS Flooring Distributors Ltd Croydon, Surrey, CR0 4WP Tel: 0345 899 1000 sales@stsflooring.co.uk

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THE STOCKLISTS February 2024

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

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

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8 Birch Distribution Hull, HU7 0XD Tel: 01482 826654 Fax: 01482 878693 h.sales@birchdistribution.co.uk

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

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7 Birch Distribution Leeds, LS10 1AG Tel: 0113 244 4363 Fax: 0113 244 8665 l.sales@birchdistribution.co.uk

6 Preston Underlay Centre Ltd Preston, PR1 1PN Tel: 01772 556345 sales@pucflooring.co.uk

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

5 Lakes Flooring Supplies Kendal. LA9 5RR Tel: 01539 726500 sales@pucflooring.co.uk

13 Floorwise D & J Ltd Southam, CV47 0DR Tel: 01926 814922 Fax: 01926 817899 sales@fwdj.co.uk

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4 Provincial Floorcoverings Ltd Limerick, V94 W863 Tel: 00353 (0)61 227 100 Fax: 00353 (0)61 227 000 sales@pfl.ie

17 Salesmark Lancing, BN15 8UN Tel: 01903 750522 Fax: 01903 851111 sales@salesmark-floorwise.co.uk

The home of professionals working in the

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national institute of carpet & floorlayers

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THE STOCKLISTS February 2024

Stocklists Classified The

SITUATIONS VACANT

JOB OPPORTUNITIES Riviera Home UK seek motivated Sales Agents to join their team in the world of Naturally Luxurious Carpets and Rugs We create sustainable, innovative carpets and rugs for the interior design community and high-end flooring market with a distinctive point of difference. We have a significant vertically integrated manufacturing business in India, allowing us to create innovative, high-quality products.

Commission Sales Agents

Interior Design Sector Sales Agents

1. Scotland (including the Highlands & Islands)

Covering territories within the UK

2. West Midlands (including Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Shropshire, Staffordshire & South/Mid Wales)

The successful candidates will:

The ideal candidates will: •

Have experience in the luxury, high-end flooring market.

•

Have existing network of Flooring specialists & Interior Designers.

•

The ability to develop new trading channels for high-end flooring.

•

Be self-motivated, well organised with good IT skills.

•

Possess strong connections in the Interior Design market.

•

Have experience selling soft furnishings or other home décor items to Interior Designers.

•

Have existing network of Interior Designers and Architect Specifiers.

•

Be able to develop new trading opportunities within the Interior Design market.

•

Experience and knowledge within the carpet and flooring industry would be an advantage.

Riviera Home UK provides an excellent commission structure and has an active programme of exciting new range developments planned. This is an excellent opportunity to join our growing and successful company. To learn more about this opportunity, please write in complete confidence to:

Richard Moore Sales & Marketing Director

Riviera Home UK Limited

Email:

Suite 12, Gemini House, Stourport Rd, Kidderminster, Worcestershire, DY11 7QL

richard.moore@rivierahomeuk.com

Hand Crafted, Naturally Sustainable Luxury Floor Coverings

We are recruiting for an Area Sales Manager to cover North East England

Hugh Mackay Carpets are a leading U.K manufacturer of wool and synthetic carpet; distributing across the U.K, and supplying to retail, contract and wholesale customers. Hugh Mackay is looking for an Area Sales Manager to cover the North East of England, to develop and maintain business with retailers and flooring contractors. Reporting to the Sales Director, you will be field based and be accountable for sales within your defined territory. The chosen candidate must: Have a minimum of 2 years sales experience, ideally within the flooring industry. Be ambitious, self-motivated and have a desire to succeed. Have the confidence and ability to negotiate at all levels with a wide customer base that includes, retailers, designers, specifiers, interior designers, flooring contractors and flooring wholesalers. Have good I.T. skills

To apply for this position, please send your CV and covering letter to: Charlotte Jarvis - Sales Director cjarvis@hughmackay.com (no agencies please)

THE STOCKLISTS February 2024

www.rivierahomeuk.co.uk

RETAIL SALES EXECUTIVE Ulster Carpets’ is one of the world’s largest and most progressive carpet manufacturers, servicing global retail and contract markets. We now have a vacancy for a Retail Sales Executive with responsibility for developing sales through our Independent retail accounts covering the following areas:

SOUTH WALES, SOMERSET, AVON, GLOUCESTERSHIRE, DEVON AND CORNWALL.

We offer a competitive salary, company car, medical cover, contributory pension scheme and profit related pay, along with good development and progression opportunities. To apply send your tailored CV and a covering letter detailing how you meet the following criteria: 1. Sales experience as an on the road representative (ideally a minimum of 2 years); 2. The ability to achieve sales targets, provide details of results and achievements; 3. The motivation and enthusiasm to grow and increase sales in the territory. Applications should be emailed before Monday 26 February 2024 at 12 noon to recruit@ulstercarpets.com, or by post to The Monitoring Officer, Ulster Carpets, Castleisland Factory, Portadown, Co Armagh, BT62 1EE. To speak with a member of our team telephone 028 38334433. We are an Equal Opportunities Employer 59

HI LUX HD TM

www.carpenter.com

Hi Lux is a trademark of Carpenter Co. Carpenter Underlay is a registered trademark of Carpenter Co.

DISCOVER THE DIFFERENCE

With 22 products to choose from we are the only choice when looking for superior underlay. Every step of the manufacturing process is tried and tested. We believe in quality and comfort together with a product that lasts. Request a sample and discover the difference! Call us on 01457 861141

THE STOCKLISTS February 2024