Stocklists The
2 March 2020
Carpet&FlooringReview
with
BRITAIN’S No. 1 FLOORCOVERING MAGAZINE FOR THE RETAIL AND CONTRACT MARKET
NATURAL BERBER TWIST Cormar’s popular, flecked Wool Twist range has been re-launched. Available in both Elite and Deluxe qualities, Natural Berber Twist has been updated to include 10 new colours, all inspired by nature.
www.cormarcarpets.co.uk
Softissimo T H E ULTIM ATE ELEGAN T TOUCH
LECTERN AVAILABLE Ask your AW Area Manager for full details!
H OW S O F T C A N YO U G O ? Made with the newest generation polyester yarn: iVerse ®
A UK brand since 1964 carpetyourlife.co.uk
When looking for carpet that’s soft, durable and easy to clean, Softissimo is the answer! 2
THE STOCKLISTS March 2020
Stocklists The
ISSUE 541 : 2 MARCH 2020 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
Our news service starts on page 25
Monthly ‘Stocklisters’ shown in BOLD Index n ACG
37
H ADAM CARPETS
35
01562 822247
IFC,4-9
01422 431100
H BALTA
31
+32 5662 2211
n BGNFS
29 —
H ASSOCIATED WEAVERS
Domotex 2020 – recycling all over again Eco enthusiasm leads product development Review of the world’s biggest flooring show • pages 46-52
Tile styles
Rita Bancroft reports on delivering design versatiltiy pages 32-33
Page Contact No No 01942 825520
H BONDWORTH 10
01562 745000
t BRAMPTON CHASE
01604 664855
11
o CARPENTER BC H CLASSIS
01457 861141
43
+32 15 42 3151
49-51
+31 38 477 8911
s COLUMBIA FLOORING
12
0208 443 3322
H CORMAR
FC
01204 881234
H CONDOR CARPETS
— n DOMOTEX 46-52 H FELLS CARPETS n F. BALL
Iconic Victoriana Heritage and high fashion page 25
Stateside stainfree Abingdon’s stylish selection page 25
Urbanista appeal Super sleek from Avenue page 26
—
01977 662211
13,55
01538 361633
n FITA 66
01159 506836
n FITTER OF THE YEAR (LVT)
44
0115 958 3077
n FLOORWISE 64
01509 673974
H FURLONG FLOORING
01772 696787
H HAMMER CARPETS
14-16 17
01473 826870
H HUGH MACKAY 20
01429 892555
n INTERFLOOR
01706 213131
29,56
H ITC NATURAL LUXURY FLOORING
48
01622 534041
t KARNDEAN DESIGNFLOORING
39
01386 820 100
s MERCADO
53
0113 380 2900
n MERRYFIELD ENGINEERING
3
n NICF 66
Rippling rugs LDP makes waves page 36
Victoria LVT move Tiles brought into main brand page 30
Re-imagined classics Atesian art from Leoline page 28
Axminster survival? Iconic firm fails to find buyer page 54
FlooringFactsheets
Grass is greener
o NOVOSTRAT 30 00353 61 339287
Spring has sprung! page 42
H PENTHOUSE CARPETS H RIVIERA HOME
Retailpolitik
SURVEY: New politcal landscape? pages 34
The industry’s knowledge-bank 55
Carpet Types
Buying Groups
65
Underlay 56-57
Carpet Company Directory
—
Wholesaler Distribution Directory 62-64
60-61
Woolsafe: the carpet care guide
ISSN 2046-7338 © Mayville Publishing Co. Ltd. 2020. Every care is taken in compiling this magazine, but the proprietors assume no responsibility in the effects arising therefrom.
18-19,41
01706 639866
—
01282 791255
s SOLENT WHOLESALE CARPET 21
Adhesives
Carpet Trouble-shooter
01422 373799 0115 958 3077
65
58-59
01243 774623
H TAPIBEL
47
+32 11 80 48 50
n T&E DISPLAYS
22
0121 558 4932
H THOMAS WITTER 23
01429 892555
H VICTORIA CARPETS 24
01562 749300
n WOOLS OF NEW ZEALAND
45 —
Classified Adverts & Jobs .................... pages 67 H carpets/rugs/tiles t woods/laminates/smooths n accessories/services/organisations = fibres o underlay s wholesalers/distributors l adhesives
MERRYFIELD CARPET CUTTING MACHINERY British Manufactured Carpet Cutting Machines THE STOCKLISTS March 2020
Visit ‘Merryfield Carpet’ on YOUTUBE to see our full range of cutting machines or call 01422 373799 3
T H E E STA B L I S H E D CARPET BRAND I N V I C T U S ® N OW B R I N G S YO U L U X U R Y V I N Y L F LO O R I N G www.invictus.co.uk 4
THE STOCKLISTS March 2020
INVINCIBLE CARPET & FLOORING
Associated Weavers, the maker of Invictus® carpet, presents Invictus® luxury vinyl flooring. With the same attention to quality, the same eye for exclusive designs, and a unique performance level, Invictus® luxury vinyl flooring is the perfect match to Invictus ® carpet.
Always a trailblazer when it comes to branding, Associated Weavers reinvents the in-store display and brings an experience unseen in the flooring business. With traditional samples and an intuitive digital module, Invictus® luxury vinyl flooring invites the customer on a fun-to-do purchasing journey.
A UK brand since 1964 THE STOCKLISTS March 2020
5
6
THE STOCKLISTS March 2020
A UK brand since 1964
THE STOCKLISTS March 2020
7
EVERYBODY HAS A SOFT SIDE Super soft • Ultra resilient • Extremely durable
8
THE STOCKLISTS March 2020
Super soft carpets
Super Soft
iSense® is the embodiment of tenderness and strength, so cuddly yet so resilient. In only a few years, iSense ® has become the UK’s first and favourite brand when it comes to super soft carpet. More
Ultra Resilient
than 120.000 households already enjoy its comfortable touch and luxurious feel. Which one of the unique carpet collections of iSense® will you choose?
Extremely Durable
iSense® carpet is not only soft, but also extremely durable. In wear resistance tests, it easily outperforms all other soft residential carpets on the UK market. Get ready to be amazed and ask your Associated Weavers area sales manager for a presentation of the exceptional test results of iSense®.
: without a doubt the most durable and most popular soft carpet available on the UK-market!
cleaning starterset FREE with each iSense purchase of min. 16sqm Ask your AW area sales manager for full details. A UK brand since 1964 iSense-carpet.co.uk
Associated Weavers Ltd - F Mill – 2nd Floor East Dean Clough Mills - Halifax - West Yorkshire - HX3 5AX - UK THE STOCKLISTS March 2020
Tel: + 44 1422 431100 sales@associatedweavers.co.uk - www.carpetyourlife.co.uk
9
SPIRIT - Jinn 7-2007 80% Wool 20% Nylon Woven Axminster Available 3.66m wide For more information please visit our website, www.bondworth.co.uk Townshend Works, Puxton Lane, Kidderminster, Worcestershire, DY11 5DF T+44(0)1562 745000 F+44(0)1562 732827
November 2018 stocklist.indd 1
10
15/10/2018 13:1
THE STOCKLISTS March 2020
Luxury Vinyl Planks
0.3mm
177.8 x 1219.2mm
2mm
Wear Layer
Plank Size
Thickness
Featured Design: Ashby
Find us on instagram @bramptonchase
Ten Stunning Designs in our latest Woodlands Collection
Water Resistant
Highly Durable
Next-day Sampling
Large Planks
Lifetime Guarantee*
*Domestic subject to T&Cs
Industry leading service and quality 01604 664855 | www.bramptonchase.co.uk | support@bramptonchase.co.uk THE STOCKLISTS March 2020
11
Columbia Flooring plc
The Leading Country Wide Carpet & Flooring Suppliers We can supply you with virtually any make of carpet and flooring at GUARANTEED maker’s list price... Delivered direct to business premises FREE OF CHARGE. For a Speedy and Efficient Service
Call US NOW!!! 020 8443 3322
sales@columbiaflooring.co.uk www.columbiaflooringplc.co.uk Opening Times: Monday - Friday 8.30am to 5.30pm Saturday 8.30am to 12 noon Tel: 0208 443 3322 Fax: 0208 805 2346 TRAFALGAR TRADING ESTATE, JEFFREYS ROAD, ENFIELD , MIDDLESEX, EN3 7TY.
12
1970 – 2020
THE STOCKLISTS March 2020
W E N STYCCOBOND F73PLUS
HEAVY DUTY ONE PART FLOORING ADHESIVE
Let F73 Plus take the strain in the most demanding environments •
No mixing, no waste, easy to use
• Fibre-reinforced with high bond strength • Suitable for internal and external areas •
Fast setting - traffic from 90 minutes
•
Weld from 2 hours
Trust the yellow bucket
F. Ball and Co. Ltd. THE STOCKLISTS March 2020
01538 361 633 • mail@f-ball.co.uk • www.f-ball.co.uk
GREAT BRITISH INNOVATION
13
Furlong Flooring
ALAN CAIRNIE EAST SCOTLAND M: 07976 311434
SOUTH EAST
SCOTLAND
The people who care about your success
PAUL LOVELL NORFOLK, SUFFOLK & CAMBS
TONY CONWAY BEDS, NORTHANTS, OXON & BUCKS
M: 07816 217549
M: 07791 891025
plovell@furlongflooring.com
acairnie@furlongflooring.com CHRIS GRUBB WEST SCOTLAND
JOHN AKIEN EAST & WEST SUSSEX M: 07791 891024
M: 07970 163372
TIM BAILEY SOUTH EAST WALES & HEREFORDSHIRE M: 07794 048414
tbailey@furlongflooring.com JASON BRIMBLE AVON & GLOUCESTERSHIRE M: 07794 041266
jakien@furlongflooring.com
HARD FLOORING SPECIALISTS
WALES & SOUTH WEST
cgrubb@furlongflooring.com
GUY FERGUSON KENT, HAMPSHIRE, DORSET, SURREY, EAST & WEST SUSSEX M: 07816 217 558
tconway@furlongflooring.com PETER FLETCHER HAMPSHIRE & DORSET M: 07816 217561
pfletcher@furlongflooring.com ADAM CLARK S.YORKSHIRE, YORKSHIRE, LINCS NORTH EAST, EAST COAST, NOTTS, DERBYSHIRE M: 07970 269730
gferguson@furlongflooring.com ANTHONY SUMMERS NORTH WEST M: 07980 786264
aclark@furlongflooring.com JEFF COLLINS ESSEX, HERTS, N, N.W. & EAST LONDON, NORFOLK, SUFFOLK, CAMBS M: 07793 244 620
jbrimble@furlongflooring.com
asummers@furlongflooring.com
BEN THOMAS MID & WEST WALES
OWEN CHENERY S.E. WALES, HERTS, AVON & GLOS, LEICS, WARWICKS, BIRM’HAM, SHROPS, STAFFS, SOMERSET
M: 07794 048809
jcollins@furlongflooring.com PAUL COCKS WEST LONDON
pastelle
M: 07792477312
M: 07794 367 825
bthomas@furlongflooring.com
ochenery@furlongflooring.com
pcocks@furlongflooring.com
STEWART WAITHMAN DEVON & CORNWALL M: 07794 048413
Competitive, best-selling products all available now from UK stock
swaithman@furlongflooring.com
14
THE STOCKLISTS March 2020
M: 07872 964685
cmcmaster@furlongflooring.com WESLEY GRAHAM LEICESTER, WARWICKSHIRE M: 07968 324598
wgraham@furlongflooring.com
M: 07983 446969
rlockey@furlongflooring.com JAMES DAVIES YORKSHIRE & EAST LANCS M: 07968 828516
jdavies@furlongflooring.com
ALAN CHEETHAM GTR MANCHESTER, CHESHIRE M: 07966 263571
acheetham@furlongflooring.com DANNY BROWN MERSEYSIDE, WIRRAL & NORTH WALES M: 07597 459642
dbrown@furlongflooring.com
MIKE SHUTT BIRMINGHAM/ STAFFORDSHIRE, SHROPSHIRE
MARTYN MORRIS MORRIS SOUTH YORKSHIRE
MARK DOWSON PART LANCS, FLYDE COAST & CUMBRIA
M: 07970 158594
M: 07973 403450
M: 07980 786265
mshutt@furlongflooring.com
LONDON
RICHARD LOCKEY LOCKEY NORTH EAST, EAST COAST
NORTH WEST
MIDLANDS
COLBY McMASTER NOTTS, STAFFORD, SOT, DERBYSHIRE & LINCS
YORKSHIRE AND NORTH EAST
...and can help grow your sales in 2020!
mmorris@furlongflooring.com
ROSS BIRCH S.W, SOUTH, S.E. LONDON, SURREY (INSIDE M25)
JACK O’CONNOR SOUTH BUCKS, BERKSHIRE, WEST LONDON, SURREY (OUTSIDE M25)
M: 07793 244619
M: 07816 217550
rbirch@furlongflooring.com DARREN SPENDIFF KENT M: 07791 890861
joconnor@furlongflooring.com JAMIE BONE N.W, NORTH, EAST & CENTRAL LONDON M: 07816 217548
dspendiff@furlongflooring.com
jbone@furlongflooring.com
mdowson@furlongflooring.com ANDY THOMPSON ESSEX, HERTFORDSHIRE M: 07816 217565
athompson@furlongflooring.com
Preston Sales tel: 01772 696787 fax: 01772 311921
Gloucester Sales tel: 0845 520 0800 fax: 01452 222515
London Sales tel: 01322 628707 fax: 01322 698733
Email enquiries
enquiries@furlongflooring.co.uk
New website
www.furlongflooring.co.uk
THE STOCKLISTS March 2020
15
CAREFREE ULTRA.
Your favourite twist just got heavier. Packed full of advancements in construction, appearance and backing, Carefree Twist really raised the bar for carpet. Carefree Ultra takes these advancements a step further.
STRESS FREE FITTING WITH COMBI-BAC®
Using Carefree Twist’s palette of 15 on-trend colourways in both plain and heathered tones, Carefree Ultra’s 48oz pile is a step up in quality and an opportunity for retailers to easily upsell. Furlong’s very own Combi-bac® backing means easy fitting and fault free installation – with practically no damage or cracking whilst handling and reduced chances of scuffing of walls – a real plus. Carefree Ultra - outstanding features
Made in the UK from 2-ply twist using our best-selling bleachcleanable Carefree fibres, it’s hard wearing, easy to clean and features 10th gauge construction for a fantastic, pinpoint finish. As you’d expect from Furlong Flooring, this range comes with all our service guarantees, including fast response, product quality and excellent customer service – plus a 10-year guarantee – protecting against more than just food and drink.
100% bleach cleanable fibres. Keeping your carpet looking great and easy to clean.
To find out how we could be your ideal flooring partner contact Furlong Flooring today.
CARPET www.furlongflooring.co.uk
16
I
VINYL
LV T
L AMINATE
Sales: Preston - 01772 696 787
I
Combi-bac®. The ultimate backing for a carefree installation.
Tighter yarn spacing creates a uniform appearance and looks better for longer.
HARDWOOD
Dartford - 01322 628 707
I
Gloucester - 0845 520 0800
THE STOCKLISTS March 2020
Tel 01473 826870
Email infouk@hammercarpetsuk.com
Web www.hammercarpets.com
Beautiful carpet collections in 100% wool stocked in 4m and 5m wide
Jacs
Designer tonal loop pile in 100% wool available in 4m and 5m widths.
Natural Lines
Supreme Boucle
Super luxurious 100% wool loop pile available in 4m and 5m widths.
Natural Lines
Natural Weave
Skagen
Natural Weave herringbone design with a stripe option.
Supreme boucle
Our best selling level loop 100% wool product available in 12 up to the minute colours in both 4m and 5m widths.
Las Vegas
A chunky luxurious loop pile in 100% wool available in 4m and 5m widths.
Sisal Boucle & Sisal Berber A heavy domestic tonal stripe in 100% wool loop pile.
The Stone Fibre Collection designs. Each design available in 4 colours, in 4m and 5m widths.
Memphis
100% wool textured loop available in 4 & 5m widths.
Diamond Weave 5m width.
Scandic Weave
Key facts about our carpets All our carpet yarns are Mothproof protected for the life of the carpet. The yarns we use are the highest quality 2 and 3 ply yarns in 100% New Wool. We use only long hank dyed, Keystaple, facts about ourscoured carpetsand set fibre which gives you the very best long term performance. Beware of cheaper imitations that use lower cost short staple fibre which shed yarn quickly in use and will give inferior results in terms of wear and appearance retention. All our carpet yarns are Mothproof protected for the life of the carpet. Everything we produce is designed and made in Scandinavia using the best sustainable New The yarns we use are the highest quality 2 and 3 ply yarns in 100% New Wool. We use only long staple, hank dyed, scoured and Zealand Wool that is the whitest and cleanest available. This ensures excellent levelness of set fibre which gives you the very best long term performance. Beware of cheaper imitations that use lower cost short staple fibre colourwhich when dyed and gives us the ability to make beautiful pastel shades and brighter light shed yarn quickly in use and will give inferior results in terms of wear and appearance retention. colours including white. Everything we produce is designed and made in Scandinavia using the best sustainable New Zealand Wool that is the whitest and
5m width.
This ensures excellent levelness of colour when dyed and gives us the ability to make beautiful pastel shades and Our cleanest ecoavailable. friendly credentials
Sloane Square
100% wool innovative cut and loop pile geometric design.
Skagen
Soft tones in a heavy wool loop with a luxurious Wool pile.
brighter light colours including white.
• We only use renewable energy from offshore wind farms to power our factories • We recover excess heat and energy from the manufacturing process and use it to heat municipal buildings in our vicinity • We make the carpet tubes that the finished carpets are delivered on from recycled polypropylene are the world’s largest manufacturer of of it •Hammer All the waste water we produce in manufacturing is made drinkable before we dispose Our ecoCarpets friendly credentials so we do notdesign pollute the80/20 environment bespoke Colortec carpet. Ask your Agent for • We only use renewable from offshore windfrom farms to power our factories • We are committed to energy make products materials that aid a healthy life cycle, with no • to Wepeople recover excess energy from the manufacturing process and use it to heat municipal buildings in our vicinity harm or heat theand environment •
We make the carpet tubes that the finished carpets are delivered on from recycled polypropylene
•
All the waste water we produce in manufacturing is made drinkable before we dispose of it so we do not pollute the environment
•
We are committed to make products from materials that aid a healthy life cycle, with no harm to people or the environment
Scandinavian quality by design Our UK Sales Team Ron Fewery 07976 244892
London, Oxfordshire, Berkshire & Buckinghamshire
Steve Acton 07957 836207
Kent, Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire & Dorset
THE STOCKLISTS March 2020
Sandy Anderson 07445 232345
Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Merseyside & North Wales
Lee Palmer 07774 101640 Channel Islands
Jay Pallass Stephen www.hammercarpets.com 07414 837329 Binnersley 07710 618754 Yorkshire & North East
Midlands, South Wales & Northamptonshire
Robin Saunders 07968 344892 East Anglia
17
Meet the team... F I N D Y O U R L O C A L R E P R E S E N TAT I V E H E R E SCOTLAND & BORDERS
NORTH EAST, CUMBRIA & ISLE OF MAN
NORTH WEST & NORTH WALES
YORKSHIRE & THE HUMBER
Stephen Cawley
John Pringle
Ian Henderson
Christine Searle
07718 762236 stephen.cawley@ penthousecarpets.co.uk
07825 991405 john.pringle@ penthousecarpets.co.uk
07974 141919 ian.henderson@ penthousecarpets.co.uk
Areas covered: All Scottish regions
Areas covered: Cumbria, Kirby Lonsdale via. Carnforth, Isle of Man, Cleveland, Northumberland, Durham, Tyne & Wear
Areas covered: Lancashire, Merseyside, Cheshire (inc. SK9, SK10, SK11), Greater Manchester (inc. SK1 to SK8, SK12, SK14 to SK16), Clwyd, Gwynedd
Areas covered: North Humberside, West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire
WEST MIDLANDS, WORCESTER
SOUTH YORKSHIRE & EAST MIDLANDS
Conway Morgan
Andrew Davys
SOUTH EAST, LONDON HERTS & ESSEX
Sue Chapman 07801 538763 sue.chapman@ penthousecarpets.co.uk
SOUTH EAST, LONDON
Chris Gee 07919 047930 chris.gee@ penthousecarpets.co.uk
07753 983714 conway.morgan@ penthousecarpets.co.uk
07939 051608 christine.searle@ penthousecarpets.co.uk
07801 357622 andrew.davys@ penthousecarpets.co.uk
Areas covered: Herts, Essex, North & West London
Areas covered: Kent, South & Central London, Surrey, East Sussex, West Sussex
Areas covered: Gloucester, Avon, West Midlands, Shropshire, Hereford & Worcester
Areas covered: Humberside, Grimsby, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire,
EAST MIDLANDS & SOUTH EAST
EAST ANGLIA, CAMBS & BEDFORDSHIRE
SOUTH WEST
SOUTH COAST & CHANNEL ISLES
Simon Beeby
Martin Hunter
Graham Wood
Nigel Woollard
07775 913380 simon.beeby@ penthousecarpets.co.uk Areas covered: Berkshire (Split), Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire
07711 353982 martin.hunter@ penthousecarpets.co.uk Areas covered: Cambridge, Bedford
NORTHERN IRELAND & REPUBLIC OF IRELAND
WALES
Herbie Montgomery
James Thomas
07774 695333 herbie.montgomery@ penthousecarpets.co.uk
07932 458032 juncture2002@aol.com
Areas covered: Northern Ireland, Southern Ireland
Areas covered: West Glamorgan, Mid Glamorgan, South Glamorgan, Gwent, Dyfed, Powys
07825 171482 graham.wood@ penthousecarpets.co.uk Areas covered: Somerset, Devon, Cornwall
07767 213236 nigel.woollard@ penthousecarpets.co.uk Areas covered: Berkshire (Split), Hampshire, Wiltshire, Dorset, Isle of Wight, Channel Isles
Working for the independent retailer To find out more, call our sales team on 01706 639 866 or visit us at:
penthousecarpets.co.uk
Penthouse Carpets Buckley Carpet Mill, Buckley Road, Rochdale. Lancashire OL12 9DU • Fax: 01706 860 577 • Email: sales@penthousecarpets.co.uk 18
THE STOCKLISTS March 2020
Introducing EcoFelt The perfect partner for your Penthouse Carpet Providing sumptuous underfoot comfort, combined with superior sound absorption and thermal insulation; we recommend our EcoFelt underlays to enhance the performance of your carpet.
Comfort Recycled wool rich felt, suitable for Heavy domestic.
Opulence Recycled wool rich felt, suitable for Extra Heavy domestic.
Majesty Recycled wool rich felt with recycled rubber crumb back, suitable for Super Heavy domestic.
To find out more, speak to our sales team or contact your local representative:
Call 01706 639 866 or visit penthousecarpets.co.uk
It’s not the design you choose, it’s how you use it... Installed by The Floorstore. Images taken and provided by The Floorstore. Pictured Deco Two Tone in Magpie Stripe with custom yellow edging. A special thank you to The Floorstore team for letting us use these images. SCOTLAND JOHN STUART M: 07860 565 200 E: johnrstuart@btopenworld.com NORTH EAST & CUMBRIA BECKY GIBBONS M: 07970 491 215 E: rebann2@btinternet.com YORKSHIRE JOHN ALSOP M: 07860 572 220 E: alsopagencies@yahoo.co.uk
LANCASHIRE JOHN ROSTRON M: 07973 733 208 E: johnrostronagencies@hotmail.com EAST MIDLANDS STEVE FURNISS M: 07773 384 787 E: furnissagencies@btinternet.com WEST MIDLANDS DEAN STANLEY M: 07572 758 010 E: dssalesagencies@gmail.com
OXFORDSHIRE, WILTSHIRE, HAMPSHIRE, BRISTOL, & GLOUCESTERSHIRE DAVID MAY M: 07976 204 778 E: mayatthelimes@talktalk.net SOUTH WEST BRENDAN HART M: 07850 130 221 E: ba.hart1@yahoo.com NORFOLK, SUFFOLK, CAMBS, NORTH ESSEX ROBIN SAUNDERS M: 07968 344 892 E: rsagencies2004@aol.com
SOUTH WALES PAUL POWELL M: 07968 186 150 E: paulpowellagencies@gmail.com
NORTHERN IRELAND GARY O’BOYLE M: 07831 220 675 E: goboyle@ntlworld.com
SOUTH EAST & SOUTH LONDON MIKE ALP M: 07770 861 441 E: alp.michael@googlemail.com
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND LARRY WHITE M: 03862 594 126 E: thelarwhite@hotmail.com
N LONDON & HOME COUNTIES DAVE MARNEY M: 07794 221 443 E: d.marney@sky.com
SALES DIRECTOR KEITH MORGAN M: 07710 701063 E: keith@hughmackay.com
CENTRAL LONDON NICK WOOD M: 07976 945 505 E: nick@essentialflooring.co.uk
MANAGING DIRECTOR VINCE HOLDEN M: 07900 262 434 E: vince@hughmackay.com
H U G H M A C K AY Support your British manufacturer
20
W W W . H U G H M A C K AY. C O . U K
THE STOCKLISTS March 2020
E TS
EN
SOL
C
RP
CARPET, FLOORCOVERING & ACCESSORY WHOLESALE DISTRIBUTORS
H O L E SA L E
50
W
A
Solent Wholesale Carpet Company Ltd
T
YEARS IN FLOORING
Telephone: 01243 774623 Fax: 01243 210105 E-mail: sales@solentwholesale.co.uk Website: www.solentwholesale.com Zola Park, Barnfield Drive, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 6UX.
1969 - 2019 IMPROVING WITH AGE
ST
THE SHIELD YOUR TAGLINE HERE
IL
U L F A M I LY R
N
DLEIHS EHT EREH ENILGAT RUOY
CHECK STOCK, PLACE ORDERS AND MANAGE YOUR ACCOUNT 24/7 ALL THROUGH OUR WEBSITE Oxford, Berks, Bucks, Beds, Hants, Middlesex & Herts . . . . . . . . . . Ian Cardrick, i.cardrick@solentwholesale.co.uk, mobile: 07973 406329 Sussex E & W, Surrey, South London & Kent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John Robson, j.robson@solentwholesale.co.uk, mobile: 07973 898453 Hants, Wilts, Dorset, Somerset, Gloucs, & I.O.W . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Phil Gozzard, p.gozzard@solentwholesale.com, mobile: 07973 406799 VICTORIA Atlas Burford Celestial EasiCare Heartland First Impressions Freedom Royal Victoria Strathmore Collection Tudor Twist Wentworth Wentworth Saxony LANO & BAJONG Cashmere Cashmere Luxe Fairfield Ceations Fairfield Silk Heather Twist Elite Heather Twist Supreme Inspiration Montana Montana Twist Oasis Pembridge Heathers Seranade Star Twist Collection 40/50 BALTA Aim High Belluno Big Hit Classic Charm Gala Cord - all options in stock Grand Prix Heritage Exquiste Luxury Heritage Heather Moorland Twist Noble Collection Noble Heathers Playground Saxon King Shepherd Twist Heather Shepherd Twist Soft Noble Superstar BROCKWAY Dimensions - New Dimensions Heathers - New Lingdale (Both Qualities) Orion/Orion Major
LUSOTUFO Nature/Nevada Safi Sahara Titan & Tital Diagonal Wool Cord Wool Dream CORMAR Apollo Comfort Apollo Elite Apollo Plus Gemini Home Counties Heathers Home Counties Plains Malabar 2 fold Oaklands 32 – to order Oaklands 42 Oaklands 50 Natural Berber Twist Primo Choice Super/Elite Primo Excellence Primo Grande Primo Plus Primo Ultra Sensation Sensation Feeling Sensation Heathers Sensation Supreme - limited Sensation Twist Soft Focus Soft Focus Heather’s - limited Southwold IVC Atlas II Classic Limestone Comfytex Cosmolike Fusion Groovy Isafe Apex Isafe First - limited Isafe One Isafe 70 Planet Presto Supertex Tile Styles Ultimate Elements Vigan Woodlike Woodmark MOHAWK CARPETS
The only distributor to offer Mohawk in the UK.
X Collection Freedom - to order Super Freedom - to order
IDEAL CARPETS Can can Dublin Echo Endurance - New Colours Grace – limited Grass Collection Mars Monsoon Motor Car VINYLS Athena Black-tex Emotions Galaxy Gemini Spectrum Taurus entrance matting Alicante Heavy Tread Orotex - Ceylon Orotex - Magnum Orotex - Matrix EARTHWERKS LVT Lagoon Dry Back Lagoon SPC Tempo MILLENIUM WEAVERS Millennium Twist Attraction Ultra Twist Glamorous Silky Saturn Toronto MISCELLANEOUS CLASSIS CARPETS Amber Amber Plains San Diego Winter MILLENNIUM WEAVERS Addiction Desire New Millennium Twist Ultra Twist PARAGON Toccarre Carpet Tiles SOLENT WHOLESALE Combat Carpet Tile TELENZO London Bridge/Kings Cross
We carry other products not listed above, and can also provide a swift special order service on non stock lines. Our reps and sales office would be pleased to answer all enquiries. Our last Price List is dated March/April 2020. THE STOCKLISTS March 2020
Find us on 21
M ad e
to ed D pli
UKin the
p Su LAN IRE
Monthly Deliveries to the Emerald Isle Contact us Today -
22
THE STOCKLISTS March 2020
Luxury Twist This luxury heathered range is made from quality British wool in a perfect 80/20 blend in both plain and striped designs. Available in 3 weights and 13 shades, this range adds effortless style to any home.
SCOTLAND MARK VINTER M: 07775 902 376
NORTH WEST & CUMBRIA JOHN ROSTRON M: 07973 733208
SOUTH WALES PAUL POWELL M: 07968 186150
NORTH EAST BECKY GIBBONS M: 07970 491 215
EAST MIDLANDS STEVE FURNISS M: 07773 384 787
SOUTH EAST & LONDON ANDREW GOLDSMITH M: 07432 119 220
YORKSHIRE ALDO BERETTONI M: 07971 173 560
WEST MIDLANDS DEAN STANLEY M: 07572 758010
CORNWALL/DEVON/ SOMERSET/DORSET BRENDAN HART M: 07850 130221
SALES DIRECTOR
SALES OFFICE
OXFORDSHIRE/WILTSHIRE/ HAMPSHIRE/BRISTOL & GLOUCESTER DAVID MAY M: 07976 204778 NORTHERN IRELAND GARY O’BOYLE M: 07831 220 675 REPUBLIC OF IRELAND LARRY WHITE M: 0862 594 126
KEITH MORGAN M: 07710 701063
T: 01429 892537
T: 0844 7252 034
THOMAS WITTER Support your British manufacturer
VIEW LOGISTICS , PA R K V I E W R O A D E A S T, H A RT L EPOOL , TS2 5 1 HT
THE STOCKLISTS March 2020
E: SAL ES@THOMASWITTER.COM
WWW.TH OM A S WIT T E R .C OM
T: 0 1 4 2 9 892537
23
M
AD
E
IN
TH
EU
K
IN TRODUCI NG
BURFORD TWIST SUP ER W E ’ R E B R I N G I N G E V E N M O R E VA L U E TO O U R TO P -S E L L I N G B U R F O R D T W I S T ELITE WITH NEW BURFORD TWIST SUPER. LO O K O U T F O R S A M P L I N G C O M I N G I N S TO R E S O O N A S PA RT O F O U R N E W N AT U R E B O R N C O L L E C T I O N O F B E A U T I F U L LY N AT U R A L W O O L C A R P E T S .
NATUREBORN
U2V VICTORIA CARPETS PORTAL
24
Tel: 01562 749 600 Fax: 01562 749 349 sales@victoriacarpets.com www.victoriacarpets.com Worcester Road, Kidderminster, Worcestershire, DY10 1JR
THE STOCKLISTS March 2020
Carpet&FlooringReview Iconic Victoriana in tiles Harvey Maria has launched its Northmore Collection. Inspired by original encaustic floor tile designs, the brand new collection blends unique decorative pattern, heritage colour pigment and authentic patina. Six colourways have been carefully developed to form a natural palette, from stone to soft black. Whilst inlaid tiles date back to the late medieval period, Mintons was recognised as the pioneer of robust and stylish ceramic encaustics in the mid 19th century. Harvey Maria has reinterpreted these iconic Victorian designs, creating a collection for modern living - performance, comfort and acoustics being top of mind. The range includes three earth-grey neutrals – Pembroke Slate, Soapstone and Mortar – along with Waterhouse Blue, Sable Black and Fired Terracotta. “Many original encaustics that were covered up in the 60’s and 70’s have been rediscovered and restored. Our own Northmore designs celebrate these stylish and durable tiles, capturing their essence in a form that meets today’s demands,” explained Harvey Maria’s Founder, Mark Findlay. Harvey Maria has been creating luxury vinyl tiles since 1995. All designs are durable and practical, providing a waterproof and slip resistant finish. T +44 330 330 1231 www.harveymaria.com
Stateside stainfree Abingdon’s USA Collection comes in three stylish choices, Miami, Dallas and New York. All possess bleach cleanable benefits that make them a popular choice for family homes. These luxury tufted carpets come in three choices of pile weights finished in on-trend colour palettes from subtle browns through silky silvers to dark graphite. Consisting of 14 colours the ranges are inspired by Miami’s art deco Atlantic architecture, the cool Metropolis of New York and Dallas ranch lands and warm Gulf Coast Shores. From subtle creams of Sandstone to the warm browns of Hazelnut the Miami range comes with 12-year wear warranty protecting carpets against premature wear. New York defines the metropolitan colour range of its namesake while the Dallas range is inspired by the colours of its surrounding ranch lands and warm Gulf Coast shores. Martin Peace, sales director at Abingdon Flooring, commented, “Suitability for family homes who do not wish to compensate on luxury was a key focus for the new range. Combining the soft finish of the USA Collection with a bleach cleanable fibre enables us to provide retailers with a comprehensive choice of sumptuous carpets that fit the modern consumer.” Each of the USA Collection ranges is constructed from a felt backing, providing user comfort and easy installation. Using 100% StainFree fibre gives a bleach-cleanable lifetime StainFree guarantee. Dallas, Miami and New York are available in 2.5m, 4m and 5m widths making them versatile and economical for both small and large rooms. Eye-catching brand support in the form of wall units and lecterns are available to help retailers maximise interest for the USA Collection and enforces the message of a luxury range offering in a competitive market. T 01274 655 694 www.abingdonflooring.co.uk THE STOCKLISTS March 2020
25
NEWS Soft and splendid Balta Carpets’ high-flying StainSafe family has been boosted with the arrival of Soft Splendid, a delightfully appealing carpet in a palette of eight on-trend colours offered in four and five-metre width options. Crafted from 100% StainSafe two-ply yarn for lasting stain-resistance and bleach cleanability, Soft Splendid offers a classic 5/32” cut-pile look for a carpet that’s both elegant and practical. Add into the mix a construction that makes Soft Splendid excellent value and the style is already looking like a winner. Filip Poelman, sales director, Balta, “The StainSafe family has grown and with the introduction of Soft Splendid now offers a quality for every pocket and a style for any setting. Delivering homes awesome value, Soft Splendid can be chosen with two secondary backing options, with our Ultratex Quick+ making for even simpler and quicker fitting.” Eliminating the need for underlay through improved underfoot comfort while making the carpet easier to fit, Ultratex Quick+ makes Soft Splendid even more attractive for the homeowner and fitter alike. Alongside the standard synthetic back, its introduction ensures Soft Splendid remains an impressively versatile quality. Carrying a seven-year wear warranty and ten-year StainSafe promise, Soft Splendid is ready to bring worry-free carpet to homes needing a cost-conscious option. T +32 56 62 22 11 www.baltagroup.com
Urbanista appeal When it comes to sophisticated looks in wood and stone floors, look no further than Urbanista, Avenue’s brand-new 2020 cushion vinyl collection. Featuring 15 super-hot wood and stone effects including the mineral of Padua, the rustic herringbone of Patagonia and the sedimentary-like Stromboli; Urbanista is a collection that’s ready for style hungry homeowners wanting to make a statement in their choice of flooring. And with the comfort, quiet and ease of Avenue cushion vinyl floors, these looks also come without compromise. Stuart Reeves, national sales manager, Avenue, says; “Urbanista captures super-sleek aesthetics in a palette of achingly cool grey hues for a collection that is clearly aimed at homes that have high aesthetic standards. Making the latest trends instantly available and far more accessible than the ‘real thing’, Urbanista is also packed with performance features thanks to a great specification.” With Superguard PU for a floor that’s easier to clean and resists scuffs, Urbanista is a practical option for any room, while the special acoustic backing helps to make rooms quieter. With added slipresistance it’s also a sensible choice for bathrooms and kitchens, where its water-resistant nature simply adds to the reasons to choose it. The brand-new Urbanista collection will be readily available to Avenue retailers from March, featuring on Avenue stands across the country as the brand rolls out its 2020 merchandising update. T 0800 032 3970 www.avenuefloors.co.uk
F Ball’s new sales head F. Ball and Co. Ltd. has appointed Karl Brannigan as National Sales Manager, following the promotion of Darren Kenyon to Sales Director last year. In his new role, Karl will oversee the management of F. Ball’s UK sales team and relationships with over 130 wholesalers across the UK and Ireland to drive distribution of the company’s products. This includes supporting the company’s Area Managers and team of regional Technical Representatives, who provide advice, training and on-site assistance to flooring contractors, wholesalers and retailers to enable them to get the most out of F. Ball’s subfloor preparation products and adhesives. Karl joins F. Ball from Instarmac Group, where he gained over 17 years’ experience in on-site support, business development and sales management; most recently as National Sales Manager, meaning he has the advantage of previous flooring industry experience as well as sales and leadership skills. “I’m looking forward to using my skills and experience to explore new opportunities for market development and provide flooring contractors with the next generation of products for achieving professional results,” said Karl. Hailing from Birmingham, where he lives with his wife and two children, Karl’s interests outside of work include supporting his local football team Birmingham City F.C., horseracing and cricket. T 01538 361 633 www.f-ball.co.uk 26 March 2020
Carpet&FlooringReview
Kensington DeluxeÂŽ 25% Recycled Plastic Bottles
80% recycled for the ultimate feel good factor
55% Recycled Car Tyres Tredaire Kensington Deluxe is a unique combination underlay manufactured from post consumer waste (recycled PET plastic bottles and rubber crumb from car tyres). The crumb/felt combination creates an underlay with superior wear and comfort properties. Kensington Deluxe is the perfect choice for Wilton and Axminster style carpets. The PET felt backing means that carpets with stitched joins bed into the top felt layer and prevent wear along the join.
Best Underlay Manufacturer
interfloor.com 01706 238 810 from The Stocklists
March 2020 27
NEWS Re-imagined classics Artesia is the brand-new cushion vinyl collection from Leoline for 2020. Exploring the beauty of ceramic designs, the collection is inspired by traditional encaustic tile patterns, reworked in palettes perfect for today’s homes. Made up of 14 original and exclusive designs, developed entirely in-house, Artesia’s palette of cool greys and ice blues sets a modern tone to the traditional patterns of Estrella and diamonds of York and brings a fresh take on the classic Parisian elegance of Evora. With the terrazzo of Bologna and other geometrics in Emilia, Frisby and Nuria; Artesia is a collection that shows how Leoline makes style easy. “There’s been a move towards bolder patterns in the home and we’ve captured this with our new Artesia collection,” says Stuart Reeves, national sales manager for the brand. “Yet homeowners are after something more than a faithful take on an old look. At a mass market level, our attitude to colour has changed since the combinations of bygone eras and so we’ve recoloured classic designs for a fresh feel. It’s an intoxicating blend that’s sure to be a hit.” With Leoline’s Natural Look and Feel texture treatment, Artesia’s authenticity is lifted beyond the ordinary, while homeowners can benefit from a value-engineered specification that makes great design accessible to a wide audience. In two, three and four-metre widths, the floor can be loose laid in rooms up to 16m2, making it a great ‘off the roll’ DIY project for homeowners looking to inject style into kitchens and bathrooms. Made in Belgium using renewable energy, Artesia will be readily available from March, featuring on Leoline stands across the country as the brand rolls out its 2020 merchandising update. T 0800 032 3970 www.leoline.co.uk
Carpet tiles on-trend 2020 sees a big expansion to the Balta carpets LCT (Luxury Carpet Tiles) line-up as Europe’s biggest carpet manufacturer continues to lead the way in bringing carpet tiles to the home. Already available on the market through the LCT First collection, Diva enjoys a brand-new palette of 14 complementing colours that can be coordinated throughout rooms. Giving homeowners the chance to experiment with transitions between areas of open plan spaces, or simply to create striking patterns, Diva is a great entry into the flexibility and ease of carpet tiles. Made from 100% StainSafe yarn, the 50 x 50cm loop-pile tile is not only protected from common household spills but can be cleaned with bleach too. And should a tile become badly damaged, it can simply be lifted and replaced. The launch of Primrose SQR, the first carpet tile under the LCT Home collection, Balta carpets is bringing homeowners a 10th gauge cut-pile saxony style that brings a luxurious and sophisticated effect to any floor. Moving away from the perception of carpet tiles as utility products, Primrose SQR bridges the gap to luxurious home-like wallto-wall carpets. Made from Imprel Finesse solution dyed polyamide for stain and fade protection, this premium 50 x 50cm tile adds a sense of wellbeing and comfort in any space. In 10 mix and match colours, the carpet tile comes with Balta’s ComfyBack, a 90% recycled felt backing that is both lightweight and flexible for easier fitting, stable, quieter and more comfortable than traditional carpet tile backing. ComfyBack is another important part of making Primrose SQR a truly inviting carpet tile. “There’s no doubt that carpet tiles offer practical advantages to homes and they’re certainly easier to manage for retailers and installers,” says Filip Poelman, sales director. “But they’ve always suffered with the perception of being a practical office-like product that’s really not geared up to provide the feel that belongs in homes. However, we began changing this perception with LCT First and with the launch of LCT Home and Primrose SQR we’re proving the future is modular. Practical and easily replaceable, design flexible, beautifully soft and noticeably quiet; Primrose SQR takes the next step and shows that carpet tiles can deliver that all-important home-like sense of comfort.” T +32 56 62 22 11 www.baltagroup.com
Skip costs increase again April 1st If you haven’t yet been notified, you soon will be, your skip costs are going up again on April 1st. Landfill tax has increased by a staggering 250% over the past few years and will continue to increase for the foreseeable future. On the plus side, with improvements in technology and an increase in carpet recycling plants throughout the UK, it now costs less to recycle all types of carpet and underlay waste than it does to send it to landfill. By installing a Kenburn Carpet Crusher (rental or purchase) retailers and distributors are not only going to reduce ever increasing skip costs, they will also improve sales conversion rates as well, as the public respond enthusiastically to environmentally friendly initiatives. T 01727 844988 www.kenburn.co.uk
28 March 2020
Carpet&FlooringReview
13-14 May 2020
Exclusive show for all flooring buying group members Over 60 leading brands converge at one place this May for The Buying Groups’ National Flooring Show. If you’re a member of a buying group make sure you visit to see the very latest in carpets, rugs, laminates, woods, vinyl, LVT’s, underlays and accessories.
Register now at www.bgnfs.co.uk | e: info@bgnfs.co.uk Proudly supported by:
CARPETS & FLOORINGS
select collection
FREE
ENTRY
•
FREE
REFRESHMENTS
•
FREE
LUNCH
•
FREE
ONSITE
PARKING
Cranmore 4LF2020 29 from The Stocklists Park Exhibition Centre Cranmore Avenue, Shirley, Solihull, West Midlands B90March
NEWS Anniversary addition for Victoria Victoria Carpets are starting off their 125th year by welcoming Distinctive Flooring to the family under a new division branded Victoria Design Floors. After a strategic review by parent company, Victoria PLC, it was realised that the business objectives for both were the same, and that joining the two together would help strengthen their combined business proposition, providing a better product and service offering for the retailer. This exciting move will see the joining of forces for all business operations, including sales & marketing, customer services and finance, which will reside within Victoria Carpets, based in Kidderminster, Worcestershire. With a joint product portfolio, a great synergy is promised as the businesses come together to offer award-winning styles in both carpet and LVT. James Caldwell, Sales Director for Victoria Carpets and Distinctive Flooring said “This is such an exciting time for us, this year Victoria Carpets will be launching 9 new product ranges into the market along with a new look and feel to really revive and freshen up the complete Victoria Carpets offer. Add into that an increased sales team and a strong LVT offer and Victoria Carpets and Design Floors really have something to shout about!”
“We’ll be updating a number of our top selling ranges this year including Royal Velvet, Habberley and Tudor Twist and adding new products by extending our popular EasiCare Heartlands range with a subtle Heathers collection and brand new for 2020 will be Luxuria Velvet. A range of nylon 6.6 velvet carpets in a suite of 36 on trend colours. This is a really special range that will certainly give any room in a home a touch of elegance.” To compliment the carpet offering, the new Victoria Design Floors division will house both the Distinctive and Universal LVT brands. Offering 0.3mm, 0.55mm and 0.7mm products, the robust portfolio and exceptional designs provide retailers with options at every level. Last year Distinctive refreshed their range by introducing 104 new SKU’s which have been exceptionally received by the market. Part of this new offer is decorative tile collection Tapestry which will be instore from spring 2020. In addition to the increased product portfolio, the UK sales team now consists of 13 dedicated Area Sales Managers in the mainland UK who will represent both Victoria Carpets and Victoria Design Floors brands exclusively and will continue to provide excellent customer service going forward. “We now have a fantastic product offer, supported by a national sales team, extensive point of sale supported via our inhouse merchandisers, dedicated marketing support and the ability to help our retailers add value and grow their businesses. Both Victoria Carpets and Victoria Design Floors are now in the best position to offer a fantastic collection of both carpet and LVT to todays consumer market.” www.victoriacarpets.com www.distinctiveflooring.co.uk 30 March 2020
Carpet&FlooringReview
Soft and luxurious, innovative IMPREL® fibres give Satino® carpets exquisite comfort and a cosy feel perfect for today’s luxury homes. satinocarpets.com
NEW COLOURS
Exquisite Incredibly soft and with a unique look that creates a luxurious and inviting finish, Exquisite brings everything together beautifully. A carpet in perfect harmony with any interior. Construction: 5/32” Saxony silky look Pile material: 100% IMPREL® Finesse PA Pile weight: 2,500g/m2
Finesse With a gorgeous aesthetic that brings an ontrend vibe in subtle shades, Finesse not only looks fabulous, but is wonderful to walk upon too. A carpet that brings a sense of luxury and comfort to any home Construction: 1/10th Saxony silky look Pile material: 100% IMPREL® Finesse PA Pile weight: 1,650g/m2 from The Stocklists
baltacarpets.com March 2020 31
Marketing insights Tile styles – delivering design versatility Providing unrivalled versatility in design, material specification and installation, we take a look at the latest styles in tile design and the choice of finishes and construction materials on offer.
Amtico, Décor Echo Ink design with Designers’ Choice pattern, The Alder
2020 sees a big expansion to the Balta Carpets LCT (Luxury Carpet Tiles) line-up as Europe’s biggest carpet manufacturer continues to lead the way in bringing carpet tiles to the home. The launch of Primrose SQR, the first carpet tile under the LCT Home Collection, Balta carpets is bringing homeowners a 10th gauge cut-pile saxony style that brings a luxurious and sophisticated effect to any floor. Moving away from the perception of carpet tiles as utility products, Primrose SQR bridges the gap to luxurious home-like wall-to-wall carpets. Made from Imprel Finesse solution dyed polyamide for stain and fade protection, this premium 50 x 50cm tile adds a sense of wellbeing and comfort in any space. In 10 mix and match colours, the carpet tile comes with Balta’s ComfyBack, a 90% recycled felt backing that is both lightweight and flexible for easier fitting, stable, quieter and more comfortable than traditional carpet tile backing. ComfyBack is another important part of making Primrose SQR a truly inviting carpet tile. “There’s no doubt that carpet tiles offer practical advantages to homes and they’re certainly easier to manage for retailers and installers,” says Filip Poelman, sales director. “But they’ve always suffered with the perception of being a practical office-like product that’s really not geared up to provide the feel that belongs in homes. However, we are changing this perception, proving the future is modular. Practical and easily replaceable, design flexible, beautifully soft and noticeably quiet; Primrose SQR takes the next step and shows that carpet tiles can deliver that all-important home-like sense of comfort.”
Balta, Primrose SQR
“Amtico has built a reputation for outstanding quality and British design, offering an unrivalled choice and craftsmanship.” Amtico Décor is the perfect choice for introducing artisan, decorative detail to a space that requires extra visual impact. Based on original designs from the Amtico archives, the Décor collection works effortlessly in period and contemporary homes. From the timeless patterns of Geo and Corona, to the modern geometry of Echo, consumers can create floors that are uniquely theirs. Echo is a contemporary pattern from the Décor collection which uses a simple two-colour combination to form a geometric, reflective design. Available in six colourways, this versatile design works equally well as a bold statement for the whole floor or framed as a beautiful inset design feature. The deep grey-blue of the Echo Ink colourway combines with a luxurious cream to offer a sophisticated twist on a more conventional black and white ceramic - the perfect choice for a timeless hallway. Amtico has built a reputation for outstanding quality and British design, offering an unrivalled choice and craftsmanship. Their attention to detail extends from providing installers with pre-taped modules for easy installation, to individually cut panels and bevelled tiles for an authentic design finish. Amtico Décor floors not only look beautiful but are easy to clean and come with a lifetime warranty. The pioneering and showstopping range of engineered vinyl flooring, Moduleo LayRed combines a textured surface, detailed aesthetics and silent acoustics.
“There’s no doubt that carpet tiles offer practical advantages to homes and they’re certainly easier to manage for retailers and installers,” 32 March 2020
The LayRed collection is made up of 31 different wood and stone designs all inspired by nature with pin-sharp details and embossed features. Comprising eight stone effects, the range features several contemporary designs which can give a new lease of life to rooms which are in need of a change.
Carpet&FlooringReview
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.
“The ability to lay Moduleo over underfloor heating can transform cold winter mornings and the water-resistant material can be used throughout a property”
Karndean Designflooring, Opus Fumo
The engineered vinyl flooring has been developed with style in mind, designed to mimic the look of natural stone whilst remaining home-friendly; a key focus for Moduleo. The collection gives a beautiful finish without the drawbacks of natural stone. The integrated underlay means quicker and easier installation making it the perfect flooring solution for Moduleo LayRed, Jetstone renovation projects. LayRed stone designs are stripped back, elegant and come with the added benefit of being warm underfoot. The ability to lay Moduleo over underfloor heating can transform cold winter mornings and the water-resistant material can be used throughout a property – eradicating freezing cold floors from the home for good. With a growing trend for minimalist interiors, a flooring design that introduces a hint of pattern or colour is sure to add personality. The versatility and practicality of Karndean Designflooring makes this an ideal choice when looking for a pared back yet interesting style that flows throughout the home.
“Simplicity is the key to minimalist design, but the secret is to introduce subtle patterns and soft colours so that the overall effect is interesting yet still calm and fresh,” “Simplicity is the key to minimalist design, but the secret is to introduce subtle patterns and soft colours so that the overall effect is interesting yet still calm and fresh,” explained Stella Coyle, national retail sales manager of Karndean Designflooring. “Using a gentle toned tile in different laying patterns will add detail without detracting from the clean lines of a minimalist interior. For example, our Opus range includes two grey limestone designs available in both small and standard sized tiles which can be used effectively together in a stylish combination of herringbone, brick and block pattern. “For a bolder result, the strong patterns of the Heritage Collection and Kaleidoscope range offer an impactful contemporary style. A geometric design in coordinating or contrasting tones will create an eye-catching centrepiece and can be laid alongside a matching large tile. With Karndean’s durable and waterproof surface, the flooring can run uninterrupted even into bathrooms and kitchens for a seamless room to room look.”
For more information contact: Amtico T: 0121 745 0800 www.amtico.com Balta Group T: +32 56 62 22 11 www.baltagroup.com Karndean Designflooring T: 01386 820100 www.karndean.com Moduleo T: 01332 851 500 www.moduleo.co.uk
Join the online community on: Karndean Designflooring, Kaleidoscope Woven
from The Stocklists
facebook.com twitter.com
pinterest.com instagram.com
youtube.com houzz.com March 2020 33
FLOORING FORUM
The new politics of retail for 2020 Less uncertainty makes sales more certain!
consumer 63% believe confidence will rise
The UK’s new political environment is going to be good for business says our survey and readers came up with interesting ideas to re-balance the high street/online markets in the face of “unfair” retail business rates.
majority 91% says government is positive
Taken after the December election and the passing of the Brexit bill, 63% of our respondents expect consumer confidence to rise this year. Regardless of their own political views, a whopping 91% said a majority government was good for sentiment and 64% said the passing of the Brexit bill would help consumers move on and start spending.
xpect Government to 20% ehelp retail
But while 82% believe we have a pro-business Government, only 20% were confident that the forthcoming budget in March would see action to support retail. “We want the politicians to stop wring their hands and saying they will take positive action when we all know they won’t,” said a retailer in Hampshire.
business rates 78% says are unfair
Some 78% of our readers felt business rates were unfair to retail and 73% thought online sellers should pay additional tax. But two new ideas emerged from the survey. A respondent from Sussex said: “Maybe the only way to be fair against online retailers is to put up VAT on goods and abolish business rates completely.”
retail decline 70% think is reversible
Another idea also focussed on VAT, but this time on deliveries. “Need to review the VAT treatment of transport,” said a retailer in Somerset. “Business-to-business net effect would be zero but would impact on deliveries direct to the public - no free delivery because always a cost all those small delivery vehicles are harming the environment and clogging up roads.” But in the online vs High Street debate, a reader in Kent was unequivocal. “If retailers have a problem with online then ‘join in’. It’s the will and want of the consumer, to be able to buy how and when they want. Retail needs to adapt to offer a modern shopping experience,” he said.
flooring retail is 63% say more resilient The Stocklists polled 3,600 retailers throughout the UK during February 2020. Replies and comments are recorded anonymously. Many thanks to all those who took part.
The same reader added: “I don’t think business rates are the problem. It’s the rents that are the most painful” and a London retailer blamed “greedy landlords” in the region. In our survey, rates and rents came out about equal when we asked which was the greater burden. Staff costs and increases in the national minimum/living wage were flagged as a concern by only 9% of our readers though 79% expressed no intention to increase staffing in the year ahead. The theme of ‘cautious optimism’ that has been commented on elsewhere by retail analysts comes through in our survey. A healthy 70% believe retail decline is reversible in the UK and 63% think that flooring is a more retail resilient sector than most.
Let’s see what comes through in the new Chancellor’s budget in March...
We want the politicians to stop wringing their hands and take positive action.
Put up VAT on goods and abolish business rates completely.
If retailers have a problem with online then ‘join in’.
34 March 2020
Business rates are not the problem. It’s the rents that are the most painful.
Additional taxes for online businesses is ridiculous and the lazy way out of the situation.
Carpet&FlooringReview
stripes Adam Carpets stripes, available in an array of palettes that are a perfect backdrop to Pantone’s colour of the year Classic Blue 19-4052. The image shows colourway Zing in the range Panache - offered in a palette of blues with warm and soothing neutrals, this is just one of our stripes which pairs well with many shades already in our homes.
Manufactured using accredited UK wool in our factory in Kidderminster.
www.adamcarpets.co.uk
from The Stocklists
March 2020 35
NEWS Rugs ripple and make waves Garnering an excited response from retailers at its launch at this year’s Domotex show, Shores is the latest addition to the Waves Collection by Louis de Poorteres. The range is created with delicate patterns synonymous of the ripples created when water meets earth. Whether this is the iconic rivers of the Orinoco in South America or the coastal tides of Gambia, Shores uses texture and colours to bring the subtleties of muddy browns, bright blues, leafy greens and metalliferous reds to home interiors. A response to interior demands for outdoor-inspired design, Shore adds natural tranquillity to discerning interiors. Inspired by its namesakes, Blue Nile incorporates delicate turquoise blues, Gambia Coast golden greens, Orinoco Flow burnt clay reds, Lovina Beach volcanic black sands and Amazon Mud light silver sands.
Keep quiet about floorwise With names such as Acoustica and Whisper, it’s clear that floorwise has set out a clear objective for its wood, laminate and LVT underlays; cutting down on noise. But the collection does so much more than make homes quieter, helping to ensure installation is easier, cutting down on squeaking joints, stopping moisture attack and protecting click systems to maintain a secure fit. At the top of the range sits Acoustica Platinum, an all-encompassing high-performance wood and laminate underlay. Made from 3.75mm thick high-density rubber, this underlay not only deals with impact sound (23dB) but also reduces airborne noise, has a built-in vapour barrier to protect from moisture and is thick and dense enough to deal with minor subfloor irregularities. For fans of PE foam, the Whisper series also has a top performing equivalent in Whisper Gold. Made 5mm thick, the underlay delivers plenty of features. Reducing impact sound (21dB), fighting airborne noise, providing a moisture barrier and dealing with minor floor imperfections for better support and less risk of squeaking joints; Whisper Gold can also be used with underfloor heating, making it a winning all-rounder.
The Shores collection uses a flat-weave construction and is hand finished with reinforced corners and an anti-slip backing for a secure fit. Created using a 85% cotton and 15% polyester chenille yarn, each rug is woven on jacquard Wilton looms for multiple layers of texture, distressed areas and intricate stitching that give Shores its authentic ‘vintage’ look. These rectangle rugs are available in five sizes, from 140 x 200cm to a generous 280 x 360cm. T 01505 615663 www.louisdepoortere.com
The Acoustica collection ranges from 1.5mm thick Acoustica LVT up to the 3.75mm thick Acoustica Platinum. From 2mm to Gold, the Whisper collection is equally versatile, bringing supremely light roll weights for easy handling. The floorwise wood, laminate and LVT underlay range is available for quick delivery from distributors across the UK and Ireland. Full details on the collection can be found in the new underlay brochure now available for download from the website. T 01509 673974 www.floorwise.co.uk
Extreme adhesive F. Ball and Co. Ltd. has launched Styccobond F73 Plus, a new solvent-free adhesive for internal and external heavy-duty applications. The latest advancements in adhesives technology have enabled F. Ball to create a one-part, moisture-curing alternative to polyurethane and epoxy adhesives that is also solvent and isocyanate free. Styccobond F73 PLUS has been developed to provide the high bond strength required to hold a wide range of textile and resilient floorcoverings, including rubber, vinyl, linoleum and synthetic grass, firmly in place in areas that will be subject to heavy loads and high foot traffic, as well as surface water, such as entranceways. It offers high initial grab and, once cured, it is resistant to water, oil and grease. The new adhesive is also fibre-reinforced to limit lateral movement of floorcoverings when placed into the adhesive, an advantage when installing vinyl tiles or planks over large areas. As well as being a one-part adhesive, meaning no mixing and less waste compared to traditional options, Styccobond F73 PLUS is easier to apply and faster curing, requiring as little as 90 minutes to secure floorcoverings. The fast setting properties allow welding of sheet floorcoverings to take place in as little as 2 hours. The new adhesive can be trowel-applied to a wide variety of sound, smooth subfloors, including concrete and sand/cement screeds, as well as Stopgap levelling compounds and Stopgap Isolator Membrane. T 01538 361 633 www.f-ball.co.uk
36 March 2020
Carpet&FlooringReview
You can get yourself a good deal. Buying groups get you a better deal.
ACG will get you the
BEST DEAL!
ACG is dedicated to supporting independent carpet and flooring retailers for greater profits and business growth.
Not sure about joining a buying group? Don’t ask us, ask the real retailers...
Joining ACG was one of the best decisions I have ever made for my business. I always did well on my own but the benefits of being a member has further strengthened my competitiveness and profitability. I now enjoy better prices across all my suppliers and the rebates are fantastic. Also ACG provide exclusive group labels and displays which really helps protect my business.
INCREASED PROFITS
LEADING REBATES
Securing improved buying prices across all group suppliers.
All group suppliers pay rebates directly to your business.
OWN LABEL PROTECTION
TRADE SHOW & MEETINGS
Protecting profit margins from internet and home sellers.
Feel less isolated, meet with like minded retailers at regular meetings and events.
Gary Tyler
We are a well established business and enjoy significant benefits being an ACG member. They are a proactive group and dedicated to supporting family run independent retailers. The rebates more than offset our membership. On top of this we also benefit from group label products and promotions.
Bradfords of Evesham Worcestershire Tel: 01386 293949
The support from ACG is fantastic. However, we run our business our way, deal with suppliers directly, without any interference. We make more profit being a member and we love the protection of own label. We also love the annual Platinum trade show where we get to meet our main suppliers and take advantage of lucrative deals.
Dawn & Simon Barnes
Roy & Julia Sargeant
Simon Barnes Carpets and Flooring Ltd, West Kirby, Wirral Tel: 0151 625 8499
Sargeant Carpets Bognor Regis, West Sussex Tel: 01243 868888
Join ACG for Greater Profits & Business Growth without risk Please contact our Executive Director, Richard Moore on 07725 578773 or email: richard@acgcarpets.com
Tel: 01942 825520 www.acgcarpets.com from The Stocklists
ACG VOTED BEST BUYING GROUP IN THE UK 2019 March 2020 37
Feature
Voice of the trade Sean Lewis Retiring Sales Director of Brockway Carpets
What’s been the biggest change you have seen over your career? The growth in hard flooring has been massive and will continue for some time to come. As a “carpet man” this is hard to accept but it’s up to us to offer the consumer better and differentiated carpet styles to fight back. The continued shift to synthetic carpets is also a major change.
experience at all, with some retailers it’s like going back in time, broken lights, stained and damaged ceiling tiles and cheap torn cord carpet on the floor. Some stores are so cold it’s better to talk to the retailer outside! So, I single out display! Please change your stores with new displays from your suppliers, make your stores look inviting, it will pay off for you in the long run.
What’s the best thing about the flooring trade? The retailers.
What do manufacturers need to do better generally? Stop chasing prices down, anyone can do that - sell products for what they are worth, sell at higher prices and all make money, don’t be afraid to sell quality.
What’s the worst thing about the flooring trade? The fitters. What would you have done differently? Nothing, I’ve had the best time of my life in this trade. It will appear sad to some but I have now been in it for 50 years and it’s gone by in a flash. Great people, great friends and still a great trade. What is the product/decision you are most proud off and/or which has made the biggest difference? All of the ranges we have launched since I have been at Brockway Carpets I have been proud of. Most of them have worked and have helped catapult Brockway into the premier league - now watch this space! Will more things change in the next 10 years than have changed in the last 10? Definitely, change is good and no-one should fear it. Change must happen to move businesses forward, so embrace it and make it work for you.
“I love our retailers and our trade but we really don’t help ourselves. For the consumer buying a carpet it’s sometimes not a pleasant experience at all, with some retailers it’s like going back in time.” What’s the biggest single trend you see coming in our sector? Back to hard flooring and synthetic carpet I’m afraid, until people realise, they are both plastic!! Is Brexit going to make much of a difference medium/ long term? No, people will still want carpet and it’s up to us to make sure our ranges are the best in style, quality and value for money. If you had single out one thing, what do retailers need to do better? I love our retailers and our trade but we really don’t help ourselves. For the consumer buying a carpet it’s not a pleasant
38 March 2020
Is more consolidation inevitable, can smaller companies compete? Consolidation will continue but smaller, more efficient companies like ours will always succeed and compete by being more flexible, giving a better service and sometimes by carving a niche for themselves.
“Stop chasing prices down, anyone can do that – sell products for what they are worth, sell at higher prices and all make money, don’t be afraid to sell quality.” What advice would you give to a young person thinking of a career in flooring? If it’s in manufacturing, just do what you say you are going to do and don’t take anything for granted, be yourself. If it’s in retail, set your store up with professional displays, deal with a limited number of suppliers (less is more) and pay your bills on time! What was the most fun you’ve had in your career? Simple - just taking any order. I still get a buzz today but also meeting some lovely people who will remain friends. What will you miss most about the flooring trade in retirement? The people. What are you most looking forward to doing in the future? Playing more golf and seeing my two grandchildren who I adore. What are you most looking forward to NOT doing in the future? Driving - it’s a nightmare on the roads and it will only get worse good luck everyone! If you hadn’t ended up in this industry, what might you have done? I think I might like to have tried my hand at being a professional golfer but those who have seen me play would understand when I say I would not have earnt much money doing that! So, I stayed as a salesman.
Carpet&FlooringReview
Inspired by age-old woodlands. Designed for modern interiors.
Expanding its array of contemporary and classic timber designs, the Van Gogh collection welcomes six new colourways. Creating a neutral backdrop, the mix of fresh, clean and neutral tones including French, distressed and refined oak hues allow home decorators to accessorise from the ground up. from The Stocklists
karndean.com/VG2019 Featured floor: Natural Prime Oak VGW115T March 2020 39
Stars line up for the industry’s Oscars The ‘Innovation Oscars’ are open for nominations – The Flooring Innovation Awards are all set to build on the spectacular momentum that the scheme has achieved since its launch in 2018. “Getting an award gives you a buzz but it also makes a real difference to getting your new ideas noticed in the market,” said Jay Taylor of Oneflor-Europe who won a Gold award in the Smooths category.
“It was great to see so many stars all around Harrogate last September,” said David Spragg of The Stocklists magazine, sponsors of the Scheme. “The awards created a superb feelgood factor for the industry and the distinctive star logo is increasingly being recognised as a key credential for new products.” Last year, organisers were delighted to receive more than 140 submissions – 40% up on the previous year – as the Awards became the industry’s most prestigious accolade. “It has become clear just how central innovation is to the success of the flooring industry in a challenging market,” said scheme organiser, Bridgette Kelly. “It is new ideas and initiatives that give retailers something extra to encourage hard-pressed consumers to buy and trade up.” The National Flooring Innovation Awards set out to identify products and services that are genuinely new and exceptional in the sector. Award categories cover not only flooring products, but also recognise achievements in service, technology, environment and marketing. Last year there were more than 140 submissions to the award scheme and 40 shortlisted entries received the coveted Innovation Star. An independent panel of industry judges then went on to select the Innovation Gold in each category to receive the ultimate award which was presented at The Flooring Show in Harrogate. The 2020 Gold winners included Lakeland Herdwick from Brockway, alternative floorings’ exciting partnership with Zoffany and the exceptional Tapestry LVT collection from Distinctive Flooring. The Sedna regenerated nylon initiative from Associated Weavers was a clear winner in the environmental category. The awards scheme website is at www.flooringinnovationawards.com and gives full details of all the categories for 2020 and has an entry form for companies to make their submissions to the judges. The award winners be announced AWARDwill SCHEME LOGOS at the end of August, with the exceptional Innovation Gold stars to be handed out at Harrogate in September. Check out the categories, rules and entry form at www.flooringinnovationawards.com READERS! Nominate your favourite products now The National
www.flooringinnovationawards.com
FLOORING INNOVATION AWARDS 2020
40 March 2020
Carpet&FlooringReview
Crofter
Beautiful berber
Shown: Crofter ~ Country Cream 50oz.
Crofter, our beautiful, timeless cut pile berber range is crafted at our mill in Lancashire using a blend of the finest wools, to give a top quality finish; complemented by our traditional sustainable jute backing, for easy fitting and lasting good looks. This stylish yet practical carpet is available in 9 subtle must have shades, in a choice of 40oz and 50oz, and 4m or 5m guaranteed full widths, to create a warm welcoming feel to any home. Penthouse quality...naturally!
For samples and further information call 01706 639 866 or visit penthousecarpets.co.uk from The Stocklists
Style • Colour • Comfort March 2020 41
Flower on Flooring by Dennis Flower
Fashion element further extends reach of artificial grass Initially created as a durable surface option for sports, the number of applications for natural grass has continued to be expanded in recent years. In addition to replicating natural grass, its uses have been further extended through the greater variety of colour offered by many manufacturers so in addition to its many practical benefits, artificial grass can now be seen to provide more fashionable choices. Flooring retailers choosing to supply these options are now able to offer their customers an increasingly wide and more varied range of artificial grass qualities. These can be sourced from manufacturers and suppliers of more traditional flooring products, such as Beaulieu International Group. The company offers a wide range of artificial grass products for almost any leisure, landscape or sport application as well as customgrass, an exclusive product that combines colours to create customised pattern design, logos and decorative motifs. The company states that it provides a wide selection for those looking to match nature’s original, with the softest touch, the best resilience and true-to-nature look and feel. Its artificial grass is designed to provide maximum enjoyment with minimal effort to create a perfect looking and feeling lawn all year round. For the event enthusiast, Beaulieu offers a line of fire-retardant grasses in trendy colours so that events of all types will stand out. It further explains its entire portfolio is designed, engineered and produced in Europe, including its own state-of-the-art yarn extrusion factory. The company controls the entire production process from yarn
“Not restricted to the many hues of green, grass now can be found in many many colours and textures. From being a replacement lawn or sports pitch the ‘artificial grass or turf’ has grown into one of the décor substitutes of the fashion world” extrusion over tufting to distribution, allowing it to offer the highest quality products at affordable prices. Classis also sees the potential for decorative grass indoors and out, offering a range of 10 colour variations in rolls of 2m, 4m and 5m and 133 x 200cm rugs in its infinitygrass collections – 8,000 grass rolls are ready in stock in their warehouse in Belgium. A new development is the non-directional “multi-line” grass innovation for added authenticity and the company’s new CFL infinity grass “Ignis” has a fire-proof guarantee making it ideal for use indoors. Betap states that it produces its artificial grass products in a state-ofthe-art factory in Genemuiden, The Netherlands. The result is a striking collection of high quality, fully sustainable, and cost-efficient products. The company further explains it offers a full range for patios, decks, lawns and playground areas. It is also finding that increasingly more government departments, businesses and individuals worldwide choose landscape carpets to enhance the beauty of their environment. Betap says it is now bringing the environmental story to grass with Ecoback, which is a fully recyclable grass and part of its cradle-to-cradle Nextgen collection. The company also includes fire-rated products within its expanding collections. There seems to be a number of complementary factors that are combining which can be seen to be driving the popularity and increasing appreciation of natural grass flooring solutions. The fact that these can be applied to both domestic and commercial settings - particularly where they include fire-rated products - is regarded as another positive development that allows retailers to tailor their stock to satisfy the demands of their customers in all areas. Merryfield Engineering is a leader in cutting machines for flooring and offers specialised equipment for handling artificial grass. MD Syd Merryfield says: “It wasn’t just Tom Jones that sang about the Green Green Grass of Home but now that lush product substitute resounds through not only the hills and valleys but the world’s cities. Not restricted to the many hues of green, these now can be found in many many colours and textures. From being a replacement lawn or sports pitch the ‘artificial grass or turf ’ has grown into one of the décor substitutes of the fashion world,” he continues. “It is a wonderful tool for the interior décor brigade as well as your landscape gardener, for it has the ability to make cold places warm and hot places cool,” says Mr Merryfield. For more information
Locatie Elite by Beaulieu International Group 42 March 2020
Beaulieu International Group – www. bintg.com – +32 56 62 59 00 Betap – www. betap.com – +31 (0)38 386 1060 Classis – www.classiscarpets.com – 0870 020 1725 Merryfield Artificial Grass – www.carpetcuttingmachines.co.uk – 01422 373799
Carpet&FlooringReview
from The Stocklists
March 2020 43
WIN
£2000 C ! + TO ASH + TROOLS PHY
national institute of carpet & floorlayers
DO YOU HAVE THE KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS TO BE LVT FITTER OF THE YEAR 2020? THE 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 Tuesday 31st March 2020. NICF Council members are excluded from entering. 2). Deadline for entry is midnight of Tuesday 31st March 2020. 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 14 fitters will be selected to progress to the Semi-Final practical trials. 4). The Semi-Finals will be held on Wednesday 17th and Thursday 18th June 2020 at the FITA Training Centre, Loughborough. 5). The 6 Finalists MUST be available to attend a briefing day on Friday 17th July 2020 at the FITA Training Centre, Loughborough. 6). The Final is at The Flooring Show, Harrogate, Sunday 20th to Monday 21st September 2020.
ENTER ONLINE NOW!
www.nicfltd.org.uk/FOTY-Competition The Final will be held at The Flooring Show, Harrogate in Sept 2020 Fitter of The Year LVT 2020 Competition is kindly sponsored by
44 March 2020
Carpet&FlooringReview
from The Stocklists
March 2020 45
DOMOTEX 2020 review
Eco enthusiasm Trends review from Domotex 2020 Trade shows are inevitably dominated by the launch of new products but it is clear that the industry’s agenda is increasingly alert to what happens to the old flooring that they seek to replace. And it is no longer enough to pay lip service to eco issues. Companies are paying with major investments in new product development that is environmentally friendly – recognising consumer sensitivity to climate change, the availability and costs of landfill, and the green imperatives of contract specifiers. Recycling and recyclability was a hot topic at Domotex and the focus of some interesting innovation including the launch of Tapibel’s New Worlds residential broadloom made from recovered Econyl nylon, Balta’s Re-Generation rugs and Vebe’s Bologna mats made from recycled PET bottles. Edel Carpets has come up with an excellent brand name for their recycled and recyclable new carpet range ALLOA which stands for “All Over Again”. This launch signalled a related trend in the “mono” construction of carpets – using the same fibre throughout, with environmentally friendly backing, to aid recyclability. Balta’s latest New Generation rugs (a parallel launch to the ReGeneration rugs above) takes a similar tack. And F Ball were flying the British export flag for the growing range of products in recycled and recyclable packaging and told us their use of virgin plastic was down by 10 tonnes per month.
“It is no longer enough to pay lip service to eco issues. Companies are paying with major investments in new product development that is environmentally friendly.” Carpet launches at Domotex demonstrated the growing trend towards more resilient constructions with an emphasis on more robust twist, and a little less on deep and soft. So tenth gauge is very popular for 2020 newcomers in a welcome move up market in quality. And polypropylene figured much less strongly in new launches while nylon is in the ascendancy. Nylon and polyester fibre brands are getting increasing attention from companies such as Riviera Home, Lano, Balta and ITC Natural Luxury Flooring, including a tendency towards solution dyed fibre for extra cleanability. Colour wise in carpets, we are seeing some shift away from greys with more pastels, warmer earth colours and the popularity of teals and blues. In rugs there are certainly less plains and shaggies in the market – more than ever it is all about design with abstracts in vogue. Trends in the LVT sector are very clear: SPC, large planks and herringbone. It is almost obligatory now to include a rigid Stone Plastic Composite option in the offer and this trend seems unstoppable given the performance benefits, installation stability and reduced plastic content of SPC. Large plank formats in LVT have been popular for some time and the appeal appears to be growing for the added authenticity they create. At the opposite end of the size scale, parquet and herringbone continue to have a great run and LVT designers are getting increasingly creative in their designs.
“Carpet launches at Domotex demonstrated the growing trend towards more resilient constructions with an emphasis on more robust twist, and a little less on deep and soft.”
But if you think herringbone is only ever about smooth floors think again. One of the most eye-catching presentations at Domotex this year was the herringbone plank by Tapibel as part of their Incati carpet tile range – yes, carpet planks! And the range is even called Oak. This is not one of those weird and pointless wood effect carpet designs that appear every so often – this is a smart design in dark mono colours with a very subtle woodgrain texture (see picture) in regenerated nylon. This is a product that reflects almost all the industry’s trends on its own – nylon, eco, herringbone, carpet tiles, large planks. Well done Tapibel!
Domotex reporting by David Spragg
46 March 2020
Carpet&FlooringReview
Strong, soft and sustainable Tapibel Get set to hear a lot more about about Tapibel in the UK as they prepare to take on one of the most exciting flooring market sectors for high performance, eco-conscious residential carpet. Tapibel is a technology-led Belgian company that is a major player in contract tufted flooring solutions and is also known for their carpet tiles through the Incati brand. TheStocklists FEBRUARY 2018_FEB18 10/01/2019 09:53 Page 1
Now, they are focusing their technology inside the home with the launch of the New Worlds broadloom collection which ticks all the boxes for the discerning 2020 carpet consumer. New Worlds is made from the regenerated nylon yarn Econyl – a fibre that is wholly derived from nylon waste from industrial processes, landfill sites and the world’s oceans in the form of abandoned fishing nets.
“New Worlds is a big new initiative for Tapibel which we feel will have a major impact on the UK market,” It is infinitely recyclable into brand-new nylon with all the performance characteristics of the original – and as a solution dyed nylon it has the cleanability, colour stability and performance that makes it a reliable product for retailers to recommend. “New Worlds is a big new initiative for Tapibel which we feel will have a major impact on the UK market,” said Birger Karlsson, business development director. “This collection directly addresses the growing market demand for genuinely sustainable products with uncompromising quality. “This will be a new customer base for us but we have established our credentials on the contract side and will be presenting the market with a highly attractive and competitive offer,” he said. New Worlds is being launched this month, primarily to wholesalers, specialised retailers, contractors and housebuilders. The company has produced a smart folder presentation to display the new ranges under the brand names Almyra and the heavier weight Soneva.
Birger Karlsson, Tapibel’s business development director
The solution-dyed Econyl fibre gives the carpet a soft touch alongside its robust performance and it will be available in 11 natural colours in both 4 & 5m widths. T +32 11 80 48 50 • www.tapibel.be
Carpet planks! The Incati division of Tapibel is also increasingly deploying the Econyl fibre in its market leading carpet tile ranges and the latest launches include some impressive natural styles. The Earth range (pictured left) is a set of both broadloom and tiles in rich natural shades and the Oak range is a set of 100 x 25cm planks – yes, planks! Oak (pictured above, right) is a super stylish and heavy contract rated range of Econyl nylon tufted tiles in a plank format with a subtle wood grain effect that attracted a lot of attention Domotex – not least for the fantastic herringbone arrangement which was displayed on the wall of the exhibition stand to great effect. A real showstopper!
from The Stocklists
March 2020 47
DOMOTEX 2020 review 2019 09:53 Page 1 Sophistication in stock ITC Natural Luxury Flooring
The presentation at Domotex by ITC Natural Luxury Flooring is a showcase of sophistication by a company that is building its presence in the UK market and launching several new ranges to earn consumers’ attention. “We are making a serious commitment to the UK and seeing strong growth in sales as we build our portfolio of stylish products for this discerning market,” said CEO Raymond Van Dijk. ITC Natural Luxury Flooring opened a UK warehouse near Bristol in November and is offering rapid delivery from stock and a cut-length service across several ranges throughout the UK. Carbernet is another new nylon broadloom with a super fine finish and a neat low pile that makes it an excellent performance velvet option in its eight chic colours.
Hand woven nylon Newcomers that were previewed at Domotex included Galaxy (picture below), a finely crafted hand-woven nylon 6 carpet which is designed to appeal to high-end buyers who are considering the alternative viscose products but who don’t want the care problems that such cellulosebased fibres incur. Galaxy, which is available in 4 and 5m, is a cut and loop which comes in eight colours including some highly fashionable shades such as gold, cognac and blues.
“We are making a serious commitment to the UK and seeing strong growth in sales as we build our portfolio of stylish products for this discerning market” CEO Raymond Van Dijk of ITC Natural Luxury Flooring (pictured above) The luxurious Gloss range was first seen last year and achieved a prestigious Flooring Innovation Award for the company’s new modified polyester yarn which has been engineered to give rich texture and soft comfort while offering resilience and cleanability. For 2020, eight new colours are coming into the mix to add richer, warmer tones to the total of 16 options. For a totally different texture, the newest 100% wool offer from ITC Natural Luxury Flooring is Elba, a smart chunky flatweave in five natural colours at 5m width. Made-to-measure rugs are also now available on all the company’s broadloom ranges with an exclusive range of smart finishing tapes. T 0162 253 4041 • www.itcnaturalluxuryflooring.com
48 March 2020
Carpet&FlooringReview
Premium quality. Guaranteed
Condor Carpets bv Euroweg 3, 8061 SB | P.O. Box 21, 8060 AA | Hasselt, The Netherlands T (+31) 38 477 89 11 | F (+31) 38 477 89 22 | info@condorcarpets.nl
from The Stocklists
W W W . C O N D O R - G R O U P. E U
March 2020 49
DOMOTEX 2020 review Condor has got it covered! Condor Carpets • Top tenth hit parade Tenth-gauge is a trend that Condor are keen to develop in a market which increasingly is looking for smart, well-engineered constructions that appeal strongly to consumers and represent reliable recommendations for retailers. “A little less soft and a little more solid, with an appearance that immediately suggests quality,” says Condor’s Paul Harris, as he previewed at Domotex a selection of impressive products that will be coming to the UK this year. “These are all ranges that retailers can sell with confidence.” Chelsea Harbour is a nice, clean 10th gauge in two weights – Classic and the heavier Elite – which is designed for performance and has some attractive new teals and blues in its bank of 20 colours. Following the posh London theme, is the more traditional Mayfair, again in two weights and 10th gauge, but this time in a classic heathered style in 17 mainly natural colours. During 2020, Condor will also be introducing a set of textured tenth-gauge products with different pile heights such as a heavyweight Paddington, a frieze-style Piccadilly, stylish Manhattan and the junior member of this family is Covent Garden. Condor’s IntenZa label continues to be a flagship for soft and strong carpets and the company are adding to the portfolio for 2020. T +31(0)38 477 89 11 • www.condorcarpets.com
“A little less soft and a little more solid, with an appearance that immediately suggests quality,” Paul Harris of Condor
Bright life is a carousel All things bright and beautiful, Condor makes them all in its latest edition – the fourth – of the popular Carousel range – a rainbow of 45 colours. Carousel is a soft, almost velvety, polypropylene range of 4m and 5m and Condor has added several new pinks, blues and pastels as well as a bunch of vibrant shades for the latest re-launch – so if you are ready for a little more colour this Spring, get your order in now!
Timzo • Loop appeal indoors and out Timzo are a brand leader in polypropylene loop pile carpets and came to Domotex to show its latest designs with six new on-trend products, a new runner and woven carpets which are suitable for outdoor use. Mistral will be a mainstream seller for Timzo as a versatile ‘salt and pepper’ design tight loop in 11 colours which is available in 4 and 5m weights and with both action backing and felt. Other newcomers in loop included Libra in nine warm colours and Fortuna, a low-level loop also in nine colours. Adventure is an interesting introduction – a sophisticated tip sheared finish in eighth gauge with a distinctive linear geometric design in seven colours. Finally, Timzo’s new flatweave-style range Lasis is attracting attention as a go-anywhere carpet suitable for outdoor use as well as indoors. Available in 4m width, it has a pile weight of 1,100 g/m2 and is water resistant and UV stable across its six colours. T +31 (0)38 385 44 77 • www.timzo.nl 50 March 2020
Adventure - linear geometric
Mistral - salt and pepper
Carpet&FlooringReview
Edel Carpets • Innovation, all over again Trend-setting Edel Carpets created something of a buzz at Domotex with an environmental innovation the company described as “one of our best inventions in carpet so far.” The concept is called ALLOA, a clever brand name derived from the phrase ALL Over Again to signify the impeccable environmental credentials of this new collection which is designed for recyclability. Ranges in the Alloa collection will have a “mono” construction, being made of either all polyester or all polyamide to make them much easier to recycle – including an integrated felt backing underlay. RAW
MAT ERI A
L
MA
CL CY
RE
C
100 %
RE
PRODUCT
COLLECTION
FA
TU
I
NG
NU
N
LE
US
SA
E
CIRCULAR
“We want to develop innovative products which contribute to a truly challenging circular economy,” said Edel MD, Robbert Wapastra. “If you care about the world and our next generation, the choice for the best flooring solution is obvious.”
S
I
Symbolised also by the infinity symbol in its branding, the Alloa collection is odourless and has excellent acoustic performance due to the special felt backing. Minimal energy is used during production, and no water is needed for the backing process. Edel will even take the responsibility to collect carpet for recycling after use, as the starter for the next generation of carpets. CAR
PE
T
CUSTO M ER
“We want to develop innovative products which contribute to a truly challenging circular Economy” MD Robbert Wapastra of Edel Carpets
T +31 (0)38 385 2211 • www.edelcarpets.com
Condor Grass • Growing authenticity Condor Grass is setting the standard across Europe for the breadth and realism of its ranges for sports, commercial and residential use with the UK as a key target market.
Vebe • Eco makeover for mats Vebe’s reputation for impressive product development is reinforced every year at Domotex as they develop their needlefelt and matting products and now with an increasing emphasis on the environment. The new Bologna mats made their debut, an impressive range of microfibre absorbent entrance mats and for each mat, seven PET plastic bottles are recycled. Vebe has also extended its popular Ecolux range, a soft, washable mat with a PVC-free construction and a backing of 100% recycled rubber and added a collection new PU mats. A centrepiece of the Vebe presentation was Protex, an innovative concept of ‘mobile floorcovering’ – replaceable bitumen-free floor tiles that can be laid and relaid in multi-purpose environments to create new flooring modules and protect surfaces.
The authenticity of artificial grass is best represented by the ranges Thrill and Impress. Condor Grass has deverloped these products with three different pile heights in one product. A basic root zone yarn, a basic straight yarn and a semi-textured / non-directional yarn that stands out in all directions and moves the basic straight yarn in different directions.
“... Condor also has a very extensive choice for those looking for perfectly maintained and ultra-soft lawns.” In addition to these natural designs, Condor also has a very extensive choice for those looking for perfectly maintained and ultra-soft lawns. This trend is reflected in the Blossom and Megan products and unique to both these ranges is the choice of four different colours of green. T +31(0)38 477 89 11 • www.condorgrass.com
T +31(0)88 8251 100 • www.vebe.net from The Stocklists
March 2020 51
DOMOTEX 2020 review Compelling appeal Oneflor-Europe Oneflor only launched in the UK a little more than a year ago but its already building a strong reputation for an LVT range that retailers can rely on for performance, choice and excellent environmental credentials. The company was a Flooring Innovation Award winner in 2019 for its sustainable low VOC, phthalate free and 100% recyclable tiles, and for 2020 they have now packaged their most popular products into the Home 30 Concept. “This is a collection that UK retailers can really work with,” says Jay Taylor of Oneflor. “It puts all the bestselling stands in one place including the increasingly popular herringbone designs and the latest large planks which have exceptional realism.” The Home 30 Concept comprises 29 decors in dryback, LVT click and SPC rigid click to make a compelling offer. There is a growing expectation that rigid SPC (stone plastic composite) will become the product of choice in this sector for its ease of installation and structural stability. Showcased at Domotex was the rigid XL plank at 1.5m long and 9 inches wide which oozes authenticity. T +32 56 41 06 04 www.oneflor-europe.com
“It puts all the bestselling stands in one place including the increasingly popular herringbone designs and the latest large planks which have exceptional realism.” Jay Taylor of Oneflor (pictured above, right)
Hand crafted brilliance Riviera Home
Riviera Home is fast building its position in the UK for unique hand-crafted carpets for higherend retailers and interior designers and has stepped up from some 10 ranges of two years ago to more than 28 ranges today. Combining traditional skills and high tech manufacturing in its Indian factories with a UK warehouse and showroom in Nelson, near Burnley, Lancashire, Riveria Home is well placed to serve the market. “We’re ready for what we expect to be an upturn in the demand for unique quality among discerning UK consumers,” says Howard Lindsay of Riviera Home. Distinctive designs launched at Domotex included hand woven nylon ranges with a unique, random pattern – Brilliance, a tight weave in nine colours (pictured right) and Quantum, a plush carpet in ten colours. Riviera is also promoting its exclusive Soft Strand solution-dyed polyester yarn which combines softness with resilience – a luxury construction takes on a highly fashionable but delicate viscose and cellulose at the top end of the market. Allure was launched in Soft Strand with a velvet style in seven colours alongside machine made Reflections and its heavier weight Impressions And rising to new heights in top quality New Zealand wool is Riviera’s Peak Collection Ben Nevis, Scafell and Snowden – three loop textures from chunky through to flat in six natural colours. T 01282 791255 www.rivierahomeuk.co.uk
“We’re ready for what we expect to be an upturn in the demand for unique quality among discerning UK consumers” Howard Lindsay of Riviera Home 52 March 2020
Carpet&FlooringReview
THIS IS YOUR PERSONAL INVITATION TO
BIG TRADE SHOW
THURSDAY19 TH MARCH STARTS AT 9.30AM S R O IT IB H X E E D A R T 0 3 R E V O E M O C L E W S R E M O T S U C E D A ALL TR GIVEAWAYS AND PRIZES GALORE ON THE DAY OFFERS ENT:
LEADING MANUFACTURERS SUPPORTING THE EV
THORNES FARM WAY, LEEDS LS9 0AN
THE BIGGEST INDEPENDENT FLOORING TRADE SHOW IN THE U.K
from The Stocklists
March 2020 53
BUSINESS NEWS Axminster Carpets survival uncertain Axminster Carpets has failed to find a solution to its financial woes and been placed into administration. “Despite a number of expressions of interest no acceptable offer for the core carpet business has been received,” said Benjamin Wiles, a joint administrator at Duff and Phelps, who took over at the iconic company. “We are continuing to explore all potential options for all or part of the remaining business and assets including the historic brand name itself,” he said. Ulster Carpets is to acquire the Axfelt underlay business of Axminster carpet, a deal which will preserve some jobs at the manufacturing facility in Devon (see news item below). Axminster Carpets went through a similar crisis back in 2013 when it was bought out of administration by a consortium led by private investor Stephen Boyd. and then sold on to wool supplier Dawsons. 300 jobs were lost then - a further 80+ are now under threat at the Devon factory. Axminster Carpets managing director Jonathan Young had said the company’s focus “remains on securing a sustainable future” but the situation now looks less hopeful. Weak consumer confidence, the trend towards plain carpet and LVT and delays to corporate orders have been blamed for the company’s woes. The rich heritage of Axminster Carpets stretches back 265 years and includes royal palaces, Prince Charles’ Clarence House, Chatsworth House, Brighton Pavillion (pictured left) and many more prestigious installations around the world, including luxury hotels and the world’s premier airlines.
Business news round-up
Axfelt acquired by Ulster Carpets
Flooring has had a happy new year according to BDO retail research which says in-store home sales were up 9% in January compared to 2019. Apparently that much vaunted “pent-up demand” really exists says BDO. “UK consumers may be more willing to splash out this year.” Home furnishing sales (including floorcoverings) for 2019 grew 1% to £14.87 billion according to figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) representing the ninth straight year of growth for the sector – but that growth rate was the worst in the sector for a decade.
Ulster Carpets has stepped in to acquire the Axfelt sustainable underlay business from Axminster Carpets, securing some jobs in Devon where production will continue while Axminster resolves its own wider future following financial issues at the firm.
The UK’s 3rd biggest carpet retailer United Carpets & Beds has issued a profits warning saying “disappointingly, there does not appear to have been any uplift in trading following the decisive result in the General Election.” Sales were down 5.7% for the 8 weeks reported since the company announced its half year results. The Flooring Show Harrogate has announced that flagship exhibitors Associated Weavers will be returning to the event after a two year break. The news is a major boost to the event which has been gaining strength in the last two years. Domotex Asia/ChinaFloor 2020 has been postponed due to the recent outbreak of the Coronavirus in several Chinese provinces. It was due to take place on March 24-26. Organisers have said they will confirm new dates as soon as possible. Victoria Carpets is launching a new smooth flooring division in a reorganisation that brings the Distinctive Flooring business in-house under the brand Victoria Design Floors. For more details, see page 30. Employee-owned Penthouse Carpets thanked retailers as the “bedrock of the group’s success” after posting a 2% growth in sales for the year ended last June 30 in a challenging market. The company says it’s “cautiously optimistic for the future”. Fast growing flooring distributor Likewise has bought A&A Carpets – a leading operation in the North West – for £854k. A&A are based in Manchester and had sales last year of £8.6m. Likewise CEO Tony Brewer says it’s “another step in developing Likewise into a meaningful player in the UK flooring market. It significantly increases our presence and logistics capability in the North West.” A&A boss Chris Melling moves with the business. Carpet imports to the UK fell 8.4% in December to under £60m with 2019’s major decline in Belgium imports continuing with a slump of 12% according to HMRC figures.
54 March 2020
The purchase of this successful brand further demonstrates Ulster’s commitment to developing complementary products to enhance its customer offering. Ulster’s ethos and future plans very much revolve around quality and service excellence, and these standards will be brought to bear at Axfelt ensuring the existing product is fully supported and developed at the existing Axminster Carpets base. David Acheson, Ulster’s Head of Strategic Operations commented, “We are delighted to be playing a part in the immediate retention of one part of the facility at the Axminster Carpets site. Working with the current employees, Ulster is committed to growing and developing this highly successful product in Devon. Ulster Carpets are already developing a number of related businesses in the locality with a view to further increasing employment opportunities as it continues to expand its wider brand portfolio.” Axfelt is made from 100% recycled materials, including wool rich carpet and rubber tyres. This fits perfectly with Ulster’s desire to develop environmentally responsible UK based manufacturing facilities. The recycled nature of the product was an important factor in the decision and it is planned that the Axfelt production facility will become a future Group hub for developments in recycling, as well as a home for repurposing the Group’s current yarn and carpet waste. The acquisition is being funded from cash reserves and continues to reflect Ulster’s philosophy of acquiring high quality businesses in the floor covering and luxury interiors sector. T 028 3833 4433 www.ulstercarpets.com
Carpet&FlooringReview
Flooring
Factsheet Adhesive Types Acrylic/Resin: Ideal for plasticized PVC and most modern flooring. Bitumen: A tar-like material, bitumen has a high degree of moisture resistance and is used for damp-proof membranes and installing tiles, wood blocks and mosaics. Epoxy Resin: A two-part chemical curing system that is used in aggressive environments such as conservatories, wet rooms, commercial kitchens and exterior installations. Polyurethane: An adhesive with rapid bonding characteristics, typically used for wood floors.
ADHESIVES
SELECTION CHECKLIST
The criteria to select an adhesive will cover the following points. Larger manufacturers offer detailed guides to select the correct adhesive – even indexing floor manufacturer’s products by name to ensure an accurate match. For accurate and up-to-date information consult the F. Ball Recommended Adhesives Guide. Open Time: The time you have to fit the flooring into the adhesive after which the bond will no longer be ideal. The time until the floor may be walked on should be checked. Odour: Low odour, solvent free and low VOC products are increasingly favoured and now have the same performance characteristics of older products.
Polyvinyl Acetate: Typically used for close fitting joints in timber, laminate floors and panels.
Coverage: How thick and how far can the adhesive be spread.
Tackifier: An adhesive for carpet designed to increase the tackiness – or the tack range – of an adhesive.
Application Method: Different adhesives may be applied by roller, trowel or spray.
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.
Strength: Including how quickly the adhesive will “grab” the floor covering and its strength when fully cured. Underfloor Heating: A lot of modern adhesives are suitable for use with underfloor heating but
this criteria must be checked where appropriate. Subfloor: What surface will the adhesive stick to most effectively including concrete, sand cement screeds, levelling compounds, plywood and chipboard. While there are multi-purpose adhesives, specialist products will be better suited to certain surfaces. The porosity of the floor is a key determinant of the type of adhesive to be used and its performance during installation. Special Performance: Certain adhesives are more suitable for damp, humid or high temperature environments. Air Quality and the Environment: The old wisdom that the more it smells, the better it sticks is no longer acceptable to modern consumers and solvent-based products are increasingly replaced by water-based adhesives.
The Perfect System for your Designer Floor The perfect adhesive choice for luxury vinyl tiles Choose Styccobond F46, the market leading pressure sensitive acrylic adhesive. Stopgap 300 HD, Stopgap P131 and Styccobond F46. The perfect system for simply stunning luxurious floors.
GREAT BRITISH INNOVATION
F. Ball and Co. Ltd.
Tel: 01538 361 633 • email: mail@f-ball.co.uk • web: www.f-ball.co.uk
THE STOCKLISTS March 2020
55
Flooring factsheet from Interfloor Best Practice Guide Fitting the Right Underlay Selecting the right underlay is not always easy. There are a lot to choose from and there are many factors to consider such as comfort, durability, suitability with underfloor heating, noise reduction, warmth and more. Interfloor has been advocating the use of underlay with new floorcoverings since the 1940s, pioneering its “British method” worldwide and developing its market-leading brands Duralay and Tredaire to supply hundreds of customers in over 70 countries. Here they offer advice on the key considerations for selecting the best underlay …
Our Underlay Range
Sustainability Re-use and recycling are key considerations for determining a flooring product’s green credentials. Interfloor’s crumb rubber and PU foam underlays contain approximately 80%-90% recycled content. The crumb rubber is made from recycled car tyres and some 3 million are recycled every year to make our underlay. We launched FSC® certified carpet gripper in 2011 and produced the first EC1 and EC2 flooring adhesives in 2008.
Impact sound With more people opting for hard floorcoverings there are major benefits to using a specialist underlay; not least, the reduction in sound impact. Interfloor’s Duralay was the first brand to develop special noise reduction underlays for wood and laminate floors. Independent tests prove our sponge rubber Timbermate underlays, with their superior weight and density, reduce acoustic noise levels by up to 30 per cent.
Underfloor heating It’s important to make sure that the effect of underfloor heating is not reduced by the underlay. Choose a specialist underlay for use with underfloor heating and check its thermal insulation value, making sure the thermal resistance of the total installation doesn’t exceed 0.15m2 K/W. Interfloor’s high tog underlays, including Duralay Heatflow and Tredaire King and Defender, help keep rooms warm and cosy.
Quality standards With greater emphasis being placed on building products’ performance, it’s important that those used in residential and commercial environments conform to British and European quality standards. Interfloor’s underlays and accessories are compliant with the relevant quality and safety standards, including BS 5808: 1991 / EN14499 : 2015. They also hold the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) Green Label Plus accreditation, meaning our products conform to the CRI’s high standards for indoor air quality and low VOC emissions.
Interfloor manufactures Tredaire and Duralay, leading brands underlay market, that are recognized by customers as brands of quality, and with over 70 years of expertise, they are trusted by users throughout the world. 56
THE STOCKLISTS March 2020
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.
www.interfloor.com
The Carpet Foundation and its Consumer Code of Practice approved by the Trading Standards Institute (TSI) recommend that new carpet underlay is bought with every new carpet. Many consumers are now aware of the benefits of underlay but more needs to be done to provide information about the different types available and their suitability for different areas of the home.
www.interfloor.com
Setting up in-store demonstrations so customers can walk on samples with different grades of underlay and feel the difference has shown excellent results. Some manufacturers offer point-of-sale units 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
Combination
Crumb
PU foam
Sponge rubber Introduced in the 1950s, this is a more traditionally manufactured underlay available in flat or waffle patterns in a wide range of weights for different applications. It performs well for comfort and has a durable spring retention. Crumb rubber Flat and dense, crumb rubber is good for heavy footfall – offering maximum protection but a little less comfort (and very good over stair nosings).
www.underlay.com
Laminate underlay There’s still an opportunity to sell underlay with laminate flooring, improving the acoustic performance of the floor and helping the boards float above any imperfections in the sub-floor. Combination A rubber crumb base with a felt top layer offers a good combination of protection, durability and comfort. It also allows carpet with seaming to bed into the top felt. Underfloor heating underlay Always ask if there is underfloor heating. Most manufacturers offer specialised products. Underlay and carpet with a combined tog rating of 2.5 can be used – which means the underlay would normally have a tog rating of 1.0.
www.wilsons-carpet-underlays.co.uk
www.luxeunderlay.com
Felt This traditional (but environmentally friendly) undelay is made from recycled fibres – wool, jute and synthetic – to create a firm, dense pad with excellent thermal insulation. Still a very popular choice among contractors when stretch fitting woven carpets. Pre-tackified underlay A self-adhesive single stick underlay in both needlefelt and PU. A removable system for heavy use when comfort is desired.
THE STOCKLISTS March 2020
www.carpenterunderlay.co.uk
www.qaflooringsolutions.com
57
WoolSafe factsheet Caring for carpet the right way The WoolSafe Organisation is the UK’s leading authority for the correct care and maintenance of carpet and offers a range of services empowering retailers to build a reputation for great service and consumers to get the most out of their investment.
A
W :RRO6DIH ZH ZRUN KDUG WR EULQJ \RX VHUYLFHV WKDW KDYH D SRVLWLYH LPSDFW RQ \RXU EXVLQHVV /RRNLQJ DIWHU \RXU FXVWRPHUV LV NH\ LQ PDLQWDLQLQJ \RXU UHSXWDWLRQ :KHQ \RX VHOO D FDUSHW RU UXJ WR D FXVWRPHU GR \RX SURYLGH WKHP ZLWK DQ\ DGYLFH DERXW KRZ WR ORRN DIWHU WKHLU YDOXDEOH LQYHVWPHQW" $IWHU DOO LI WKH\ FDUH IRU WKHLU FDUSHW SURSHUO\ LW ZLOO SHUIRUP ZHOO RYHU WKH ORQJ WHUP DQG \RX ZLOO KDYH D PRUH VDWLVČ´HG FXVWRPHU
Stain Removal Guides 7KH IUHH WR GRZQORDG :RRO6DIH &DUSHW 6WDLQ &OHDQLQJ *XLGH $SS SXWV WKH ULJKW ZD\ WR WUHDWLQJ VSLOOV DQG DFFLGHQWV DW \RXU Č´QJHUWLSV 7HOO \RXU FXVWRPHUV DERXW WKLV DSS DQG KHOS WKHP WR PDLQWDLQ WKHLU LQYHVWPHQW WKH FRUUHFW ZD\
Approved Service Provider
$YDLODEOH IRU L3KRQH DQG L3DG RQ $SS 6WRUH DQG $QGURLG GHYLFHV RQ *RRJOH 3OD\
7KH :RRO6DIH 2UJDQLVDWLRQ LV GHGLFDWHG WR UDLVLQJ VWDQGDUGV LQ WKH FDUSHW FOHDQLQJ VHFWRU DQG VR UXQV WKH :RRO6DIH $SSURYHG 6HUYLFH 3URYLGHU 1HWZRUN
:RRO6DIH 79 RQ <RXWXEH LQFOXGLQJ KRZ WR UHPRYH UHG
2Î?HULQJ FRYHUDJH RI WKH 8. DQG Î&#x2013;UHODQG WKH :RRO6DIH $SSURYHG 6HUYLFH 3URYLGHU 1HWZRUN FRQVLVWV RI WUXVWHG DQG KLJKO\ SURIHVVLRQDO FDUSHW FOHDQLQJ FRPSDQLHV WKDW RSHUDWH WR D VWULFW FRGH RI SUDFWLFH 6HUYLFH 3URYLGHUV KDYH DW OHDVW RQH :RRO6DIH )LEUH &DUH 6SHFLDOLVW LQ SHUPDQHQW HPSOR\PHQW ZKR KDV SDVVHG :RRO6DIHČ&#x2021;V ULJRURXV WUDLQLQJ FRXUVH 7KHVH SURIHVVLRQDOV DUH DPRQJ WKH EHVW LQ WKHLU LQGXVWU\ DQG VKRXOG EH WKH Č´UVW SRLQW RI FDOO ZKHQ SURIHVVLRQDO FOHDQLQJ VHUYLFHV DUH UHTXLUHG )LQG \RXU $SSURYHG 6HUYLFH 3URYLGHU DW ZZZ ZRROVDIH RUJ
The clean carpet you expect... the service you deserve www.servicemasterclean.co.uk 58
$ VHULHV RI RQH PLQXWH VWDLQ UHPRYDO YLGHRV DUH YLHZDEOH RQ
ZLQH DQG FRÎ?HH VSLOOV IURP D ZRRO FDUSHW ZLWK MXVW WLVVXH SDSHU DQG D :RRO6DIH DSSURYHG VSRW UHPRYHU
Free Customer Care Helpline Î&#x2013;I \RX KDYH WURXEOH GHDOLQJ ZLWK FXVWRPHU TXHULHV RQ FDUSHW PDLQWHQDQFH VXFK DV Č&#x2020;KRZ GR Î&#x2013; JHW UHG ZLQH RXW RI P\ FDUSHWČ&#x2021; WKHQ MXVW JLYH WKHP WKH :RRO6DIH +HOSOLQH QXPEHU DQG ZHČ&#x2021;OO JLYH WKHP WKH ULJKW DGYLFH
01943 850817 British Wool makes a better carpet... naturally www.britishwool.org.uk THEâ&#x20AC;&#x2C6;STOCKLISTS March 2020
Registered Registered Inspectors Inspectors Network Network 7KH :RRO6DIH 5HJLVWHUHG ΖQVSHFWRUV 1HWZRUN LV 7KH :RRO6DIH 5HJLVWHUHG ΖQVSHFWRUV 1HWZRUN LV RQ KDQG VKRXOG D SUREOHP EH WRR ELJ WR VROYH RQ KDQG VKRXOG D SUREOHP EH WRR ELJ WR VROYH :KHWKHU EHWZHHQ EHWZHHQ \RX \RX DQG DQG \RXU \RXU FXVWRPHU FXVWRPHU :KHWKHU \RXU FXVWRPHU FXVWRPHU DQG DQG WKH WKH PDQXIDFWXUHU PDQXIDFWXUHU RU RU WKH WKH \RXU PDQXIDFWXUHU DQG DQG \RX \RX :RRO6DIH :RRO6DIH 5HJLVWHUHG 5HJLVWHUHG PDQXIDFWXUHU ΖQVSHFWRUV XVH XVH WKHLU WKHLU H[SHUW H[SHUW NQRZOHGJH NQRZOHGJH WR WR ΖQVSHFWRUV LQGHSHQGHQWO\ LQYHVWLJDWH FDUSHW FRPSODLQWV LQGHSHQGHQWO\ LQYHVWLJDWH FDUSHW FRPSODLQWV 8VLQJ H[SHULHQFH H[SHULHQFH JDLQHG JDLQHG RYHU RYHU PDQ\ PDQ\ \HDUV \HDUV RI RI 8VLQJ SUDFWLFDO LQYROYHPHQW ZLWK FDUSHWV DQG UXJV DQG WKHLU H[WHQVLYH SUDFWLFDO LQYROYHPHQW ZLWK FDUSHWV DQG UXJV DQG WKHLU H[WHQVLYH WUDLQLQJ :RRO6DIH :RRO6DIH 5HJLVWHUHG 5HJLVWHUHG ΖQVSHFWRUV ΖQVSHFWRUV DUH DUH IXOO\ IXOO\ TXDOLȴHG TXDOLȴHG WR WR WUDLQLQJ LQYHVWLJDWH FRPSODLQWV RQ VLWH IRU ERWK GRPHVWLF DQG FRPPHUFLDO LQYHVWLJDWH FRPSODLQWV RQ VLWH IRU ERWK GRPHVWLF DQG FRPPHUFLDO LQVWDOODWLRQV 7KH\ 7KH\ FDQ FDQ FDUU\ FDUU\ RXW RXW RU RU FRPPLVVLRQ FRPPLVVLRQ WHVWV WHVWV ZKHUH ZKHUH LQVWDOODWLRQV UHTXLUHG DQG ZLOO SURYLGH D FRPSUHKHQVLYH UHSRUW UHTXLUHG DQG ZLOO SURYLGH D FRPSUHKHQVLYH UHSRUW 5HJLVWHUHG ΖQVSHFWRUV DUH OLVWHG DW ZZZ ZRROVDIH RUJ 5HJLVWHUHG ΖQVSHFWRUV DUH OLVWHG DW ZZZ ZRROVDIH RUJ
WoolSafe Approved Approved Products Products WoolSafe 6RPH RI WKH ZRUOGȇV ELJJHVW FOHDQLQJ SURGXFW QDPHV DUH HQUROOHG 6RPH RI WKH ZRUOGȇ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
Wool Owners Warranty 7KH :RRO6DIH 2UJDQLVDWLRQ LQ SDUWQHUVKLS ZLWK VRPH RI WKH 7KH :RRO6DIH 2UJDQLVDWLRQ LQ SDUWQHUVKLS ZLWK VRPH RI WKH 8.ȇV OHDGLQJ OHDGLQJ ZRRO FDUSHW PDQXIDFWXUHUV KDYH 8.ȇV KDYH ODXQFKHG ODXQFKHG DQ DQ LQGXVWU\ ȴUVW D EUDQG QHZ DIWHUFDUH VHUYLFH IRU LQGXVWU\ ȴUVW IRU WKRVH WKRVH ZKR ZKR SXUFKDVH D ZRRO FDUSHW WKH :RRO 2ZQHUV :DUUDQW\ :2: SXUFKDVH D ZRRO FDUSHW WKH :RRO 2ZQHUV :DUUDQW\ :2: :KHQ D FRQVXPHU EX\V D ZRRO RU ZRRO ULFK FDUSHW IURP DQ\ :KHQ D FRQVXPHU EX\V D ZRRO RU ZRRO ULFK FDUSHW IURP DQ\ RI WKH UDQJHV RI WKH SDUWLFLSDWLQJ PDQXIDFWXUHUV DQG UHJLVWHUV RI WKH UDQJHV RI WKH SDUWLFLSDWLQJ PDQXIDFWXUHUV DQG UHJLVWHUV WKHLU SXUFKDVH SXUFKDVH RQOLQH RQOLQH WKH\ WKH\ DUH DUH DOORFDWHG WKHLU DOORFDWHG WKHLU WKHLU RZQ RZQ SHUVRQDO SHUVRQDO FDUSHW FDUH DGYLVRU D :2: 5HJLVWHUHG &DUSHW &OHDQHU FDUSHW FDUH DGYLVRU D :2: 5HJLVWHUHG &DUSHW &OHDQHU 6KRUWO\ DIWHU DIWHU LQVWDOODWLRQ LQVWDOODWLRQ WKH WKH :2: :2: &DUSHW 6KRUWO\ &DUSHW &OHDQHU &OHDQHU YLVLWV YLVLWV WKH WKH FDUSHW RZQHU GHOLYHUV D IUHH ERWWOH RI VSRW UHPRYHU DQG JLYHV FDUSHW RZQHU GHOLYHUV D IUHH ERWWOH RI VSRW UHPRYHU DQG JLYHV VRPH LQYDOXDEOH FDUSHW FDUH DGYLFH 7KLV LV D )5(( VHUYLFH VRPH LQYDOXDEOH FDUSHW FDUH DGYLFH 7KLV LV D )5(( VHUYLFH ΖQ WKH HYHQW RI D VSLOODJH RQ WKHLU WUHDVXUHG ZRRO FDUSHW \RXU Ζ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ȇV FXVWRPHUȇV SUHPLVHV WR DWWHPSW D SURIHVVLRQDO WUHDWPHQW )5(( RI FKDUJH SUHPLVHV WR DWWHPSW D SURIHVVLRQDO WUHDWPHQW )5(( RI FKDUJH 7KH HDV\ VWHSV WR UHJLVWHU \RXU FXVWRPHU IRU 7KH HDV\ VWHSV WR UHJLVWHU \RXU FXVWRPHU IRU :RRO 2ZQHUV :DUUDQW\ :RRO 2ZQHUV :DUUDQW\ 9LVLW ZZZ ZRZZDUUDQW\ FRP FOLFN RQ WKH UHWDLOHU SRUWDO 9LVLW ZZZ ZRZZDUUDQW\ FRP FOLFN RQ WKH UHWDLOHU SRUWDO DQG UHJLVWHU \RXU FRPSDQ\ ΖQ IXWXUH \RX ZLOO ORJLQ WKURXJK DQG UHJLVWHU \RXU FRPSDQ\ ΖQ IXWXUH \RX ZLOO ORJLQ WKURXJK WKH VDPH SRUWDO WKH VDPH SRUWDO ΖQSXW \RXU FXVWRPHUȇV GHWDLOV DQG WKH LQIRUPDWLRQ RI WKH ΖQSXW \RXU FXVWRPHUȇV GHWDLOV DQG WKH LQIRUPDWLRQ RI WKH FDUSHW SXUFKDVHG FDUSHW SXUFKDVHG (LWKHU VHOHFW D ORFDO :2: 5HJLVWHUHG &OHDQHU RU OHDYH LW RQ (LWKHU VHOHFW D ORFDO :2: 5HJLVWHUHG &OHDQHU RU OHDYH LW RQ DXWRPDWLF DOORFDWLRQ DJUHH WR WKH 7 &V DQG FOLFN 5HJLVWHU DXWRPDWLF DOORFDWLRQ DJUHH WR WKH 7 &V DQG FOLFN 5HJLVWHU 7KH SURFHVV LV VLPSOH DQG WDNHV MXVW WZR PLQXWHV 7KH SURFHVV LV VLPSOH DQG WDNHV MXVW WZR PLQXWHV
TheWoolSafe WoolSafe Academy Academy The 7KH :RRO6DIH $FDGHP\ LV \RXU SRUWDO IRU SURIHVVLRQDO 7KH :RRO6DIH $FDGHP\ LV \RXU SRUWDO IRU SURIHVVLRQDO OHDUQLQJ DQG \RX FDQ GLVFRYHU D ZRUOG RI DGYLFH WHFKQLFDO OHDUQLQJ DQG \RX FDQ GLVFRYHU D ZRUOG RI DGYLFH WHFKQLFDO ȴOHV DQG D IXOO OLEUDU\ RI LQIRUPDWLRQ RQ FDUSHW FDUH ȴOHV DQG D IXOO OLEUDU\ RI LQIRUPDWLRQ RQ FDUSHW FDUH ZZZ ZRROVDIHDFDGHP\ RUJ ZZZ ZRROVDIHDFDGHP\ RUJ 7KH :RRO6DIH 2UJDQLVDWLRQ 7KH :RRO6DIH 2UJDQLVDWLRQ %RURXJKJDWH 2WOH\ :HVW <RUNVKLUH /6 $* %RURXJKJDWH 2WOH\ :HVW <RUNVKLUH /6 $* 7HO RɝFH#ZRROVDIH RUJ 7HO RɝFH#ZRROVDIH RUJ
Environmentally aware for superior carpet care www.cleantecinnovation.com THE STOCKLISTS March 2020
:RRO 2ZQHUV :DUUDQW\ LV XQLTXH DQG FDQ EH H[WHQGHG IRU WKH :RRO 2ZQHUV :DUUDQW\ LV XQLTXH DQG FDQ EH H[WHQGHG IRU WKH OLIHWLPH RI WKH FDUSHW RQ FRQGLWLRQ LW LV FOHDQHG DQQXDOO\ E\ D OLIHWLPH RI WKH FDUSHW RQ FRQGLWLRQ LW LV FOHDQHG DQQXDOO\ E\ D :2: 5HJLVWHUHG &OHDQHU ΖW LV XQOLNH DQ\ RWKHU FDUSHW ZDUUDQW\ :2: 5HJLVWHUHG &OHDQHU ΖW LV XQOLNH DQ\ RWKHU FDUSHW ZDUUDQW\ RU ȆVWDLQ SURRIȇ JXDUDQWHH DWWDFKHG WR FHUWDLQ V\QWKHWLF FDUSHWV RU ȆVWDLQ SURRIȇ JXDUDQWHH DWWDFKHG WR FHUWDLQ V\QWKHWLF FDUSHWV 1R RWKHU ZDUUDQW\ RHUV D IUHH VSRW UHPRYDO VHUYLFH IUHH 1R RWKHU ZDUUDQW\ RHUV D IUHH VSRW UHPRYDO VHUYLFH IUHH ERWWOH RI VSRW UHPRYHU DQG IUHH SHUVRQDOLVHG FDUSHW FDUH ERWWOH RI VSRW UHPRYHU DQG IUHH SHUVRQDOLVHG FDUSHW FDUH DGYLFH ΖPSUHVV \RXU FXVWRPHUV VHOO PRUH ZRRO FDUSHW DQG DGYLFH ΖPSUHVV \RXU FXVWRPHUV VHOO PRUH ZRRO FDUSHW DQG PDNH PRUH SURȴW 5HJLVWHU WRGD\ PDNH PRUH SURȴW 5HJLVWHU WRGD\
ZZZ ZRZZDUUDQW\ FRP ZZZ ZRZZDUUDQW\ FRP
Vacuum cleaners - the choice of cleaning professionals www.sebo.co.uk 59
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.
60
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 March 2020
• 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.
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.
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.
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.
Pulling Loops
Samples
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 March 2020
The original carpet tile
The samples held by individual retailers may not be from the same batch as current production and therefore should be used as a guide and not an exact colour match.
Installation
Telephone National Institute of Carpet Fitters (NICF) for further information – 0115 958 3077.
This information is given by responsible manufacturers to help you help your customer to make an informed choice. 61
The Stocklists Wholesale Distribution Directory East
National
North East
Fells Carpets
Fells Carpets Leeds 0113 3071900 carl.cummings@fellscarpets.co.uk www.fellscarpets.co.uk
Beds Flooring Bedford 01234 341234 sales@bedsflooring.co.uk www.bedsflooring.co.uk
TCS “The Carpet Specialists” Morecambe 01524 840177 info@tcsthecarpetspecialists.com www.tcsthecarpetspecialists.com
Floorwise (North East)Ltd Birtley - see Floorwise page 64
Salesmark Ltd St Neots - see Floorwise page 64
Midlands
STS Flooring Distributors Cambridge Tel: 0345 899 1000 sales@stsflooring.co.uk www.stsflooring.co.uk
Leeds 0113 3071900 carl.cummings@fellscarpets.co.uk www.fellscarpets.co.uk
Xylo Wood Flooring London 020 8368 8122 infouk@xyloflooring.com www.xyloflooring.com
North West Carpet Line Direct Manchester 01204 701188 salesnw@carpetlinedirect.co.uk www.carpetlinedirect.co.uk Fells Carpets Goole 0113 3071900 carl.cummings@fellscarpets.co.uk www.fellscarpets.co.uk Choice Flooring Manchester - see Floorwise page 64 Millbrook Carpets Darwen 01254 703999 millbrookcarpets@live.co.uk Preston Underlay Centre Ltd Preston/Lancashire - see Floorwise page 64
Birch Distribution Sheffield - see Floorwise page 64 Birch Distribution Leeds - see Floorwise page 64
South West
Birch Distribution Hull - see Floorwise page 64
BL Flooring Supplies Bristol - see Floorwise page 64
Cornerstone Flooring Doncaster - see Floorwise page 64
BL Flooring Supplies Gloucester - see Floorwise page 64
Cornerstone Flooring East Midlands and Warwickshire 01159 444711 sales@cornerstoneflooring.co.uk www.cornerstoneflooring.co.uk
Fitwell Flooring Ltd Redruth - see Floorwise page 64
DMS Flooring Supplies Northampton 0845 643 5601 dmsnorthampton@dmsflooringsupplies.co.uk
Flooring Supplies (Wessex) Amesbury 01980 625888 orders@flooringsupplieswessex.co.uk
Floorwise D & J Ltd Southam - see Floorwise page 64 Matty’s Wholesale Carpets Birmingham 01675 433072 sales@mattys.co.uk STS Flooring Distributors Watford 0345 899 1000 sales@stsflooring.co.uk www.stsflooring.co.uk Trade Counter Carpets Leicester 0845 604 3055 tradecountercarpets@gmail.com
Fitwell Flooring Ltd Newton Abott - see Floorwise page 64
R & M Wholesale Bristol 01179 531222 Tiverton 01884 258266 sales@rmwholesale.co.uk Salesmark West Ltd Amesbury - see Floorwise page 64 Solent Wholesale Carpet West Sussex 01243 774623 sales@solentwholesale.co.uk www.solentwholesale.co.uk see page 21 for details
Woodall Brothers Ltd Shrewsbury - see Floorwise page 64
62
THE STOCKLISTS March 2020
Are you a Wholesaler? If you’re not listed here, please call Diane Martin on 01482 659396
South East Acorn Carpet Accessories Bromley, Kent - see Floorwise page 64 Ashmount Flooring Supplies Tottenham 0208 808 2158 sales@ashmountflooring.co.uk www.ashmountflooringsupplies.co.uk Ballister London 020 8570 1668 london@ballister.co.uk www.ballister.co.uk Ballister Reading 0118 931 3535 reading@ballister.co.uk www.ballister.co.uk Beds Flooring Bedford 01234 341234 sales@bedsflooring.co.uk www.bedsflooring.co.uk Clifford Floors Strood 01634 285900 sales@clifford.uk.com Culpeck Strood 01634 299000 sales@culpeck.uk.com Columbia Flooring Middlesex 020 8443 3322 sales@columbiaflooring.co.uk www.columbiaflooring.co.uk see page 12 for details DMS Flooring Supplies Hemel Hempstead 0845 643 5344 dmshemel@dmsflooringsupplies.co.uk DMS Flooring Supplies Milton Keynes 0845 643 5320 dmslaser@dmsflooringsupplies.co.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 Salesmark Lancing - see Floorwise page 64 Solent Wholesale Carpet West Sussex 01243 774623 sales@solentwholesale.co.uk www.solentwholesale.co.uk - see page 21 STS Flooring Distributors Basildon 0345 899 1000 sales@stsflooring.co.uk www.stsflooring.co.uk STS Flooring Distributors Orpington/Croydon 0345 899 1000 sales@stsflooring.co.uk www.stsflooring.co.uk Trade Carpet London Wimbledon 0208 247 3891 sales@tradecarpet.com www.tradecarpet.com
Scotland Flanagan Flooring Distributors Glasgow Business Park Baillieston Tel: 0141 773 1122 sales@flanagan-flooring.com www.flanagan-flooring.com MCD Scotland Uddingston Glasgow 01698 808000 mcdscotland@mcd.co.uk www.mcdscotland.co.uk Neil Smith Ltd Glasgow - see Floorwise page 64
Ireland Flanagan Flooring Distributors Belfast & Saintfield Co. Down Northern Ireland Tel: 028 9751 0932 sales@flanagan-flooring.com www.flanagan-flooring.com Flanagan Flooring Distributors Willow Business Park Dublin Tel: (01) 429 7800 sales@flanagan-flooring.com www.flanagan-flooring.com Provincial Floorcoverings Ltd Dublin - see Floorwise page 64 Provincial Floorcoverings Ltd Belfast - see Floorwise page 64 Provincial Floorcoverings Ltd Limerick - see Floorwise page 64
Wales Matty’s Wholesale Carpets Birmingham 01675 433072 sales@mattys.co.uk
TCS “The Carpet Specialists” Co. Louth 00353 429 351 351 info@tcsthecarpetspecialists.com www.tcsthecarpetspecialists.com
Flooring Storage UK Potters Bar 01707 245999 sales@flooringstorage.com www.flooringstorage.com
THE STOCKLISTS March 2020
63
wiseup to floorwise quality&value guaranteed
gripper
underlay
stair nosings
profiles
tools
adhesives + screeds
Nosings Artificial Grass Tools network Tools Profiles Stair N national distributor Profiles Laminates Tools Gripper Underlay Scre ols Gripper Underlay Screeds Adhesives Profiles Grip Tools Profiles Stair Nosings Tools Gripper U ols Gripper Underlay Screeds Adhesives Profiles Screeds Adhesives Profiles Stair Screeds Profiles air Nosings Tools Gripper Underlay Screeds Profile creeds Adhesives Profiles Stair Nosings Tools G es Profiles Stair Screeds Profiles Stair Nosings To 1 Neil Smith Ltd 16 Salesmark West Ltd 8 Choice Flooring Ltd Glasgow Amesbury, Wiltshire Trafford Park, Manchester Tel: 0141 552 1141 Tel: 01980 880933 Tel: 0161 872 8003 sales@neilsmithltd.co.uk mail@salesmark-west.co.uk sales@choiceflooringwholesale.co.uk 2 Provincial Floorcoverings Ltd 17 Acorn Carpet Accessories 9 Cornerstone Flooring Belfast Bromley, Kent Doncaster Tel: 028 9075 3202 Tel: 020 8462 0422 Tel: 01302 835117 Fax: 028 9075 3901 Fax: 020 8462 0927 Fax: 01302 302542 salesbelfast@pfl.ie sales@acorncarpetsacc.co.uk cornerstonefloor@btconnect.com 3 Provincial Floorcoverings Ltd 10 Birch Distribution 18 Salesmark Dublin 12 Lancing, West Sussex Sheffield, S9 5PH Tel: 00353 (0)1 626 3913 Tel: 01903 750522 Tel: 0114 243 1230 Fax: 00353 (0)1 460 4669 Fax: 01903 851111 Fax: 0114 243 5118 salesdublin@pfl.ie sales@salesmark-floorwise.co.uk n.maude@birchdistribution.co.uk 4 Provincial Floorcoverings Ltd 11 Woodall Brothers Ltd 19 Fitwell Flooring Ltd Limerick Newton Abbot, Devon Shrewsbury, Shropshire Tel: 00353 (0)61 227 100 Tel: 01626 835935 Tel: 01743 441584 Fax: 00353 (0)61 227 000 sales@fitwell.co.uk Fax: 01743 441629 sales@pfl.ie sales@woodallbrothers.co.uk 20 Fitwell Flooring Ltd 5 Preston Underlay Centre Ltd Redruth, Cornwall 12 Floorwise D & J Ltd Preston, Lancashire Tel: 01209 214344 Southam, Warwickshire 1 Tel: 01772 556345 sales@fitwell.co.uk Tel: 01926 814922 sales@pucflooring.co.uk Fax: 01926 817899 sales@fwdj.co.uk 6 Birch Distribution 2 Leeds, LS10 1AG 13 Salesmark Ltd Tel: 0113 244 4363 St Neots, Cambridgeshire Fax: 0113 244 8665 Tel: 01480 212888 5 6 l.sigsworth@birchdistribution.co.uk Fax: 01480 218585 3 8 9 7 sales@salesmark.co.uk 7 Birch Distribution 10 4 Hull, HU7 0XD 14 BL Flooring Supplies Ltd 11 Tel: 01482 826654 Gloucester 12 Fax: 01482 878693 Tel: 01452 223355 13 d.ostler@birchdistribution.co.uk Fax: 01452 371284 14 info@blflooring.co.uk 17 15 16 15 BL Flooring Supplies Ltd 18 19 Bristol 20 Tel: 0117 955 5454 Floorwise Group Ltd. Fax: 0117 955 2626 Floorwise House, 22 High Street, info@blflooring.co.uk Kegworth, Derby, DE74 2DA, UK Tel: +44 (0)1509 673974 Fax: +44 (0)1509 674841
he +s sive cr ee s ds lam ina tes
ad
ng tti ma
es tap
ls too
pr ofi les
gr ipp er
n pv osin c s gs kir + tin g
64
un de rla y
headoffice:
THEâ&#x20AC;&#x2C6;STOCKLISTS March 2020
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 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.
• Get a list of members and call up two or three for a
www.greendalecarpets.co.uk Contact: Rob Harding Tel: 01432 852000 Fax: 01432 852005 rharding@greendalecarpets.co.uk
‘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
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.
• Review all the extra benefits and services to see
The bottom line is the bottom line. A retailer selling across a broad range of products is likely to improve margins within a buying group – but you don’t need a leap of faith to join up. Ask the buying groups for answers...
flexibility to run your business the way you want
Metro Group www.carpet1st.co.uk Contact: Jill Coward Tel: 01204 393539 jillcoward@carpet1st.co.uk
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
www.smg-group.co.uk Contact: Mike Reed Tel: 0118 932 3832 info@smg-group.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 March 2020
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.
Associated Carpet Group www.acgcarpets.com Contact: Richard Moore Tel: 01942 825520 richard@acgcarpets.com
www.beautifulflooring.co.uk Contact: Carl Harris Tel: 01892 549050 charris31@sky.com
www.flooringone.co.uk Mandy Powell Tel: 0121 683 1426 mandy.powell@flooringone.co.uk
65
FITA provides short training courses, workshops and assessments for both commercial and domestic markets. Both our fully equipped training centres at Loughborough and Kirkcaldy are run by seasoned professional instructors with specialist knowledge of the flooring industry.
CALL NOW FOR MORE INFORMATION!
Tel: 0115 950 6836 Email: info@fita.co.uk www.fita.co.uk
66
N
LO
C AT
IO N AD D
ED
Vinyl
Sheet Vinyl Installation — Commercial — Basic/Intermediate Sheet Vinyl Installation — Commercial — Advanced Sheet Vinyl Installation — Domestic Sheet Vinyl — Wetrooms Installation — Advanced
Linoleum
Linoleum Installation — Basic Linoleum Installation — Intermediate
Resilient
Resilient/LVT Fitting — Basic Resilient/LVT Fitting — Intermediate Resilient/LVT Fitting — Advanced
Wood
Laminate and Floating Wood Fitting — Basic Wood Fitting — Intermediate Wood Fitting — Advanced Wood Sanding and Finishing
Subfloors
Subfloor Preparation — Commercial Subfloor Preparation — Domestic
Supplementary
Cost-Effective Estimating and Planning — Commercial Profitable Measuring and Quoting — Domestic Moisture — Preventing Floor Failures
national institute of carpet & floorlayers
FITA is a joint venture by CFA and NICF
KIRKCA LDY
W
PROFESSIONAL FLOORING TRAINING
NE
Carpet
Carpet Fitting — Basic Carpet Fitting — Intermediate Carpet Fitting — Advanced NEW! Carpet — Borders NEW! Natural Floorcoverings
D DE
TRAINING COURSES — 1 TO 4 DAYS
LOCATION A D EW Now you can tr LOUGHB ain at OROUG H or
CARPET WORKSHOPS — ALL 1 DAY DURATION Carpet
NEW! NEW! NEW! NEW!
Bullnose and Double Bullnose Joins (including Repairs) Stairs (including Open Plan) Stretching Techniques (including Power Stretching)
THE STOCKLISTS March 2020
or email sales@buckscarpets.com with your CV
StocklistsClassified The
SITUATIONS VACANT
Super Plus The Rug Tamer! Keeps Rugs In Their Place UNDERLAYS Area COMBINATION Sales Manager NEEDLEFELT UNDERLAYS
South London (Inside M25)
For orders and further information, please ring P&Ris Ratcliffe (Underlays) Ltd. Furlong Flooring a dynamic, ambitious company that Burnley, Lancashire BB10 3BH produces and supplies a wide range of high-quality Tel: 01282 421026, Fax: 01282 412321 flooring to leading retailers across the UK. www.foxirugtamer.co.uk We aim to be the first-choice supplier and the first-choice employer, and we offer a friendly, supportive working environment where people stick around because they believe in working for a company that’s always striving to be the best.
SALES AGENTS REQUIRED for the South and North East of England and Midlands.
Oneflor-Europe is a global LVT flooring brand, based in Kortrijk, Belgium. We supply a full assortment of high-quality Luxury Vinyl Tiles across Europe and now the UK. With a competitive commission structure and a wide range of products available this is a fantastic opportunity for a motivated sales person. For more information. please contact Jay Taylor directly through linkedin or j.taylor@oneflor-europe.com
We are looking for a high calibre individual to represent our carpet and vinyl brands. You will be responsible for managing, nurturing and developing current customer relationships, while your knowledge of the industry and contact-book will help you to develop and grow new business in the retail and commercial sectors.
In an independent survey which asked 450 retailers which of trade titles they actually read, If you are ready for yourthe talents tonine be recognized, your skills to be developed, and are motivated to succeed, we want to hear from you. In return your efforts will be rewarded with a great benefits our magazine came top package (company car, healthcare scheme, attractive salary and uncapped commission structure), and a key role within of thea company pile.with plenty of potential. If you are interested, please send your CV and a personal statement to Ian Collacott, Sales Director, Furlong Flooring (Southern) Ltd at icollacott@furlongflooring.com
Thank you! THE STOCKLISTS April 2019
FOR SALE
Sales Opportunities Hathaway Flooring are a rapidly growing wholesaler based in Manchester 67
We are in the process of expanding our sales across Great Britain, in the following areas:
South of England • Midlands • Scotland • Wales We are looking for ambitious and experienced sales agents who can help us to expand and sell our exciting new laminate flooring ranges, including our new, market-leading fully registered embossed laminate flooring. If you are interested please contact us at jobs.hathawayflooring@gmail.com for more details
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 THE STOCKLISTS March 2020
Are you ready for the industy’s Oscars!
Entries are now open for the most prestigious award in flooring.
AWARD SCHEME LOGOS
See page 40 for details. The National
FLOORING INNOVATION AWARDS 2020
67