The Stocklists - May 2011

Stocklists The

2 May 2011

with

FlooringNews

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

Are you all set for a

CAREFREE Summer?

The season’s hottest sellers are rolling out from Regency to make your living a little easier this Summer time!

Sell to your customers with confidence from the CAREFREE range – 100% bleach cleanable carpets that are proving to be a major sales driver in 2011.

View CAREFREE TV on our unique video lecterns or see it online at www.regencycarefree.co.uk Distributed by Furlong Flooring see pages 24-25 for details of your local representatives

Stocklists The

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

FIRST FOR FLOORING NEWS AND DATA

2 MAY 2011

Advertisers

FlooringNews starts on page 33

Monthly ‘Stocklisters’ shown in BOLD

Rug-ged outdoors

Index

If selling interiors is slow this summer, try selling in the garden! page 33

Page No

ABINGDON...................................................47

01274 655662

—

0800 862 0251

—

AFS

Feb 2011

.................................................................19

020 8805 8620

ASSOCIATED WEAVERS .................39

01422 431100

—

BALL

01536 200502

—

BONDWORTH ........................................20

01562 745000

1.9.2010

BRITISH WOOL ....................................65

01274 688 666

—

BROCKWAY CARPETS LTD.

.......21

01562 828200

Mar 2010 —

& YOUNG ............................................43

BRONTE

New range launches dominate the buying group shows pages 46 - 50

.....................................................61

01282 862736

CARPENTER ............................................59

01457 861141

—

CARPET

01527 511 860

—

CAVALIER ........................................................—

01254 268000

—

COLUMBIA FLOORING

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

0208 443 3322

—

LIFE...............................—

01254 296829

—

FLOORS ........................................57

0800 077 3301

—

& FLOORING ...............................45

CONTEMPORARY CROWN

Protection racket Dennis Flower takes a closer look at floor protection page 42

EDEL TELENZO......................................23

01422 374417

—

FITA ...................................................................66

01159 506836

—

FLOORTRAIN ................................................—

01709 780505

—

FLOORWISE

01509 673974

—

01772 696787

Nov 2010

.............................................18

FURLONG FLOORING ...................24,25 GREENDALE................................................53,55

01432 852000

—

HARROGATE

01423 779967

— —

FLOORING SHOW ..........36

HECKMONDWIKE

Harrogate’s ahead September show is already 40% ahead of last year’s bookings page 36

Put your best square foot forward

Buying Groups

—

LANO................................................................36

00800 5266 5266

—

LITTNER HAMPTON..........................—

0208 520 8474

—

MAYFIELD CARPETS .........................—

01706 639 866

—

MERRYFIELD

GROUP ..................................54

01422 373799

—

MOHAWK

..........................................27,51

01480 479830

—

NICF...............................................................66

0115 958 3077

—

PENTHOUSE.............................................—

01706 341 231

—

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

020 85319225 Mar/Apr 2011

RYALUX............................................................63

0845 652 8811

—

SENSA ..............................................................41

—

—

....29

SHOWS ......................................49

4 Pattern book page 8-9 Underlay 14-15 Wholesaler Distribution Directory

Carpet trouble-shooter

12-13 Wool fibre page 5 Woolsafe: the carpet care guide

—

10 16-18 11 6-7

01243 774623 May/June 2011 —

—

STAIRRODS UK LIMITED...............34

01207 591176

—

STS FLOORING DISTRIBUTORS......30

0845 341000

Feb 2011

T & E DISPLAY GROUP .................IFC

0121 585 7600

TRIPLE

01274 582056

—

0845 644 9090

—

KING...................................................3

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

Carpet Company Directory Carpet types

01924 410544 01706 213131

SOLIHULL

FlooringFactsheets Adhesives

new page.............26

INTERFLOOR.................................................37

SOLENT WHOLESALE CARPET

Metro’s David Kipping on selling up page 58

Price List Date

ACCU-CUT....................................................BC

Showtime in Solihull

Contact No

—

Classified advertising........................................ pages 67 carpets/rugs/tiles woods/laminates/smooths accessories/services/organisations fibres underlay wholesalers/distributors adhesives

ISSN 2046-7338 © Mayville Publishing Co. Ltd. 2011 Issue: 434 Every care is taken in compiling this magazine, but the proprietors assume no responsibility in the effects arising therefrom.

UK manufactured Carpet Cutting Machines

WWW.CARPETCUTTINGMACHINES.CO.UK

Flooring Factsheet Adhesives

4

THE STOCKLISTS May 2011

Flooring factsheet Carpet types TUFTED

WOVEN

With advances in manufacturing technology, 95% of all carpet produced today is tufted. It takes about an hour to make a roll of carpet that might take eight hours to weave. To make tufted carpet, hundreds of yarn-threaded needles are pushed through the primary backing fabric to form loops or tufts, which may be left as is or cut. A heavy adhesive coating is applied to hold the tufts in place and a secondary backing is usually glued on for strength and stability. A wide variety of styles and textures can then be created using various techniques.

Woven carpet may be in a tiny minority of today’s production but still produces some of the finest carpets which are used for prestigious installations.

Axminster • The pile of the carpet is inserted into the backing as it is woven and cut to length, creating U-shaped tufts to give a velvety surface. The process locks in the fibre to create a carpet of high durability and performance retention as well as a luxury feel.

The process allows for intricate designs and colours to be used – although modern trends mean that the traditional patterned axminster has given way to current fashion trends for plain carpets.

LOOP PILE Berber • Berber carpets look like and are named after a handmade, bulky wool carpet made by the Berber tribes of North Africa and Asia.

The loops are made from thick or bulky yarns of wool, nylon, polypropylene or a blend of these fibres to give a cushioned effect underfoot. These carpets are available in an assortment of colours and may be flecked and can be either level loop or multilevel loop.

Wilton • Wilton woven carpets are produced in a similar way to axminsters – the principal difference being that a continuous fibre is woven all the way through. The carpet can be sheared to create a range of cut and loop textured effects. The result is a high quality carpet of unrivalled durability.

Level loop • When all the loops are of the same height, a highly flexible and durable carpet is created which has a natural, casual appearance even when (commonly) it is made from synthetic fibres.

The tight loop texture tends to hide marks so it’s a good blend between luxury and practicality.

Flat weave • Manufactured in the same way as wilton, flat weave is a loop pile which allows the yarn to be woven across a wider area to created a flatter, more textured effect.

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

ends blend together which then further enhances the overall finish.

These carpets tend to ‘shade’ with heavy use. Footprints show easily and the colour looks different from place to place because fibres lying in different directions reflect the light differently. A luxury for occasional rooms.

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

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

CUT AND LOOP When some of the pile is cut and other left as loop, a variety of surface textures and patterns can be created (in a variety of colours). The multi-level surface is excellent for hiding footprints and stains so cut and loop is good for high traffic areas and general purpose rooms in the home.

Saxony • Saxony textures are made of twisted yarns, which should be heat set. The tips remain very distinct, rather than blending together to form a very elegant finish. Saxony textures show footprints and vacuum marks so are suitable for more occasional rooms in the home.

More textured variations improve the practicality of saxonies.

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

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

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

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

Tip Sheared

Level Loop

Random Sheared

Multi-Level Loop

V

Saxony

THE STOCKLISTS May 2011

Sha

Velvet/Plush

Frieze

Twist

Berber

S Shag

5

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

Services for Retailers Customer carpet care HELPLINE If you have trouble dealing with customer queries like “How do I get red wine stains out of my carpet?” Just give them our HELPLINE 01943 850 817 and we’ll give them the correct advice. Simple.

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

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

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

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

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

6

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

THE STOCKLISTS May 2011

maintenance • cleaning • spot removal • protection • inspection

General Rules for Spot Removal

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

Treatments 1.

Blot with white kitchen roll or paper tissues

2.

Vacuum clean

3.

Cold water

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

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

4.

Warm water

• Scoop up or scrape off solids

5.

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

WOOLSAFE-approved carpet shampoo solution (diluted)

6.

WOOLSAFE-approved spot remover for water-based stains

7.

WOOLSAFE-approved spot remover for greasy/oily stains

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

8.

Absorbent paper or paper tissue and hot iron

9.

Chewing gum remover (solvent or freeze type)

Life inspired cleaning innovations www.bissell.com

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

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

14. Rub gently with coarse sand paper

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

15. WOOLSAFE-approved disinfectant or deodorizer

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

16. Rust remover

13. Rub with a coin

17. Carpet re-colouring kit

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

(Treatments used by professional carpet cleaners)

More Difficult Spots Spot or stain

Easy Spots

Try 1st Try 2nd Try 3rd

Artificially coloured drinks 3

6

Bleach

3

17

C/heating radiator fluid

5

6

Coffee

4

6

16

Spot or stain

Try 1st Try 2nd Try 3rd

Blood

5

6

Felt-tip pen

7 or 11 12

Burn/scorch marks

13

14

Furniture polish

7

Butter

7

5

Glue/adhesive (plastic base)10

11

Candle wax

8

7

6

5

Chewing gum

9

5

15

6

5 15

3

Ink (fountain)

3

Ink (ballpoint pen)

12

5

7

6

Lipstick

7

Cola

3

5

6

Milk

4

Cream

7

5

Nail varnish

10

Egg

5

6

Paint (oil)

11

Rust

16

Soot

2

Tar (asphalt)

7

Urine (fresh stain)

3

5

Urine (old stain)

6

15

7

5

Fruit juice

3

5

Gravy and sauces

5

6

Herbal tea

3

6

Metal polish

5

Mustard

5

6

Oil and grease

7

5

Paint (emulsion)

3

5

Shoe polish

7

5

Tea

3

5

THE STOCKLISTS May 2011

6

5

5

Chocolate/cocoa

Floor wax

Environmentally Aware for Superior Carpet Care www.envirodri.com

Vomit

5

6

Red wine

1

6

15

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

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

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

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

7

Flooring factsheet Buying Groups Why join?

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

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.

www.smg-group.co.uk Contact: David Lewis Tel: 0118 932 3832 info@smg-group.co.uk

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

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

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

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

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

•

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

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

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

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

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

8

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

Increase sales

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

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

Access professional services

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

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

Key benefits

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

• Ensure you understand any rules that may limit your

• Business services • Financial services • IT and internet support • Training and workshops • Professional bodies

Some buying groups offer an excellent range of other services which may be valuable to your business.

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

Network with other independents

• Members-only exhibitions with preferred manufacturers

• Regular meetings • Regional workshops • Supplier presentations • Helpline

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

flexibility to run your business the way you want

THE STOCKLISTS May 2011

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

www.floorwise.co.uk

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

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

Setting up in-store demonstrations so customers can walk on samples with different grades of underlay and feel the difference has shown excellent results – some manufacturers offer point-of-sale units.

www.numa-online.co.uk

Benefits

Types

Good underlay will...

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

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

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

The product can be re-cycled again after use.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Poor or old underlay will...

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

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

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

Sponge rubber

Combination

Crumb

PU foam

www.carpenter.limited.uk

www.interfloor.com

www.interfloor.com

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

www.underlay.com

10

THE STOCKLISTS May 2011

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

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

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

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

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

SAFE

DURABLE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

EASY-CARE

COMFORT

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

11

Flooring factsheet Carpet trouble-shooter COLOUR MATCHING

SPROUTING

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For further information please check with the manufacturers recommendations.

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

SHEDDING The original carpet tile

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

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

PULLED LOOPS

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

12

• shedding • pulled loops

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

SHADING

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

THE STOCKLISTS May 2011

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

PILE REVERSAL

FLATTENING

(SEE SHADING)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Spillages - Liquids such as soft drinks, cordials or

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

Shampoo - if incorrectly applied, can leave

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

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

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

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

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

THE STOCKLISTS May 2011

13

The Stocklists Carpet Company Directory Abingdon Flooring

01274 655694

Adam Carpets Ltd Be Tu Tw W Ww

01562 829966

Alternative Flooring

01264 335111

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

0121 550 5788 01297 32244

+32 56 62 2211

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

Belvedere Carpets Belvedere Carpets 020 8800 0740

+31 383 861 060

BIC Carpets Be Tw W

+32 56 23 54 10 01924 488882 020 7823 3040

BMK

0113 380 5333

Edel Telenzo’s Rembrandt

14

Craigie Carpets Be

01294 558400

Creative Carpets Ltd Be Tu Tw W

0116 284 1455

01282 862 736

+32 56 35 4444

Custom Carpet Company Ax Be Tu Tw W Ww

01737 830301

Dan-Floor UK W

01454 858014

Burmatex Tu

01924 262525

Domo International Be Pr Tu Tw W

Cadogan Carpet Co W

01562 733610

Drury Lane Carpets Ltd Be Tu Tw W

01254 296829

Cavalier Carpets Ltd Ax Be Tu Tw W Ww

01254 268000

E & WE Carpets W

01562 825952

Christy Carpets Tu Clarendon Carpets Tw

Condor Carpets BV Tu

+32 92 41 4511

019078 308777 01675 433066 0870 020 1725 +31 38 4778911

Edel Telenzo Carpets Ltd Tu Tw W sales@edeltelenzocarpets.co.uk www.edeltelenzocarpets.co.uk Enterprise Weaving Co Be Ww

01422 374 417

01562 745030

Contemporary Life & Textiles

Blenheim Carpets Ax Be Tw W Ww

Brintons Ax Tu Tw W Ww

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

Classis Carpets Tu W Ww

Betap Tufting BV Tu Tw W

800 223 6186

Creatuft Carpets Tu W

Bronte Carpets Ltd

Balta Industries NV Tu Tw W Ww

Bond Worth Ltd Ax

01562 828200 www.brockway.co.uk

01422 330261

+32 56783250

Bizspoke Custom Carpets Be Tw W

Tw W sales@brockway.co.uk

01422 431100

Bajong Carpets NV Tu Tw W

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

Brockway Carpets Ltd

Couristan Carpets Ax Tu W Ww

Be Tw sales@contemporarylife.co.uk www.contemporarylife.co.uk

01254 296829

Ww cummings@btinternet.com www.fellscarpets.co.uk

01562 745000

01977 662211

Fetcham Furnishings Ltd Tw

Cormar Carpets Ltd Tu Tw W info@cormarcarpets.co.uk www.cormarcarpets.co.uk

Fells Carpets

01204 881 234

Fletco Taepper A/S Tu W

020 8944 6220 +45 96 60 3000

0800 505055

Mohawk’s Cherbourg Check

Brockway’s Vogue

THE STOCKLISTS May 2011

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

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

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

Leigh Spinners Ltd Tw Louis de Poortere W

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

01772 696 787

Gaskell Wool Rich Tu Tw W

01827 831525

Gaskell Mackay Carpets Ltd Ax Tu Tw W Georgian Carpets Tu Tw W Godfrey Hirst (GB) Ltd Tu Halbmond Teppichwerke Be Pr Tu Heckmondwike FB ITC Be Pr Tw

01429 892525

Joseph Hamilton & Seaton W Kingsmead Carpets Tu Tw W

Lecaflor Ltd Ax Be Pr Tu Tw W Ww

+32 56 393 386

Tasibel NV Tw

+32 52 499600

01388 664101

01924 410544 0032 51 424 411

0161 368 2563 01827 831400 01827 831 424

+32 56 65 4300

+32 05685 4747 0800 78 33 712

01562 701456

The Sultana Carpet Co Ax

01299 822300

Mayfield Carpets Tu Tw W

01706 639 866

The Wilton Carpet Co Ax W Ww

0845 296 8850

Thomas Witter UK Ltd Tu Tw

0870 1128318

MID NL Be

+31 38 851 8700

Timzo Tufting Industry BV Tu +31 38 385 4477

Mohawk Europe +49 037 421 420

The Grosvenor Wilton Co W Ww

01827 831 434

0800 526696

Lano NV

Le Tissage d'Arcade Ax Ww

01623 481 221

Manx Carpets Tw W

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

01480 479830 01480 471304

01827 831 450

Tisca Tiara Tu Ww

+41 71 791 0111

Trendy Tuft Designs Be Tu Tw W

01274 855080

Ulster Carpets Ax Be Tu Tw W Ww

02838 334433

01675 433031

Penthouse Carpets Tu Tw W

United Carpets & Beds Tw W Ww

01706 341231

Phoenox Textiles Pr Tu

Victoria Carpets Tu Tw W Ww

01562 749300

01484 863227

Vorwerk

08700 104484

Pownall Carpets Tw W

0845 6528811

Westex Carpets Tu

01274 861334

Ossfloor UK

Roger Vanden Berghe.NV Tu Ww

Ax Pr Tu Tw W Ww marketing@lano.be www.lano.com

Tapibel NV Pr Tu Tw

01827 831430

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

Lusotufo Tu

01942 673232

+32 56 73 57 11

Ryalux Carpets Ltd Be Tu Tw W

0845 652 8811

Sans Frontieres Ltd Be Pr Tu Tw W Ww

0844 5611977

Shaw Home Foundations Tu TAT Carpet

01675 433 501 07976 607657

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

01709 732 666

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

Bronte’s stand

Cormar’s Berwick

THE STOCKLISTS May 2011

15

Are you a Wholesaler?

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

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

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

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

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

Fells Carpets Goole

Midlands

East

01977 662211

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

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

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

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

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

STS Flooring Distributors Watford

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

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

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

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

08454 342000 sales@stsflooring.co.uk www.stsflooring.com see page 30 for details

Woodall Brothers Ltd Shrewsbury - see Floorwise p18

Faithfull Floorcovering Suffolk 01473 822341 sales@faithfulls.co.uk www.faithfulls.co.uk STS Flooring Distributors Ltd Cambridge Tel: 01954 781142 sales@stsflooring.co.uk www.stsflooring.com See page 30 for details Vanguard Carpets Redditch 0845 601 1189 customerservices.redditch@ carpetandflooring.co.uk www.vanguardcarpets.co.uk Wood Floor Sales Redditch 01527 511888 help.redditch@ carpetandflooring.co.uk www.woodfloorsales.com

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

16

THE STOCKLISTS May 2011

Are you a Wholesaler?

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

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

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

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

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

Carpet & Flooring Camberley 01276 672100 camberley@carpetandflooring.co.uk www.carpetandflooring.co.uk Columbia Flooring Middlesex 020 8443 3322 sales@columbiaflooring.co.uk www.columbiaflooring.co.uk See page 22 for details

Faithfulls Service Centre Kent 01322 285001 Faithfulls Service Centre Walthamstow 0208 498 3040 sales.walthamstow@faithfulls.co.uk Faithfull Floorcovering Suffolk 01473 822341 sales@faithfulls.co.uk www.faithfulls.co.uk Kent Flooring Supplies Ltd Chatham 01634 668668 sales@kentflooring.co.uk www.kentflooring.co.uk

THE STOCKLISTS May 2011

Carpet & Flooring Bristol 0117 316 0555 bristol@carpetandflooring.co.uk www.carpetandflooring.co.uk Fitwell Flooring Ltd Redruth - see Floorwise p18 Fitwell Flooring Ltd Newton Abott - see Floorwise p18

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

Wales Carpet & Flooring Bristol 0117 316 0555 bristol@carpetandflooring.co.uk www.carpetandflooring.co.uk

Rackhams London 020 8531 9225 sales@rackhamsltd.co.uk www.rackhamsltd.co.uk See page 28 for details

Solent Wholesale Carpet West Sussex 01243 774623 sales@solentwholesale.co.uk www.solentwholesale.co.uk See page 29 for details

Salesmark Lancing, - see Floorwise p18

STS Flooring Distributors Thame (Oxford) 01844 213555 sales@stsflooring.co.uk www.stsflooring.com see page 30 for details

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

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

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

Solent Wholesale Carpet West Sussex 01243 774623 DMS Flooring Supplies sales@solentwholesale.co.uk Hemel Hempstead www.solentwholesale.co.uk 0845 643 5344 dmshemel@dmsflooringsupplies.co.uk See page 29 for details DMS Flooring Supplies Milton Keynes 0845 643 5320 dmslaser@dmsflooringsupplies.co.u

South West

STS Flooring Distributors Orpington/Croydon 0845 434 1000 sales@stsflooring.co.uk www.stsflooring.com see page 30 for details Vanguard Carpets Redditch 0845 601 1189 customerservices.redditch@carpet andflooring.co.uk www.vanguardcarpets.co.uk Wessex Flooring Amesbury - see Floorwise p18 Wood Floor Sales Redditch 01527 511888 help.redditch@carpetandflooring.co.uk www.woodfloorsales.com

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

Scotland

Roma Flooring Neath - see Floorwise p18

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

Carpet & Flooring Glasgow 0141 427 8456 glasgow@carpetandflooring.co.uk www.carpetandflooring.co.uk C. K. Davie Ltd Aberdeen - see Floorwise p18 C. K. Davie Ltd Dundee - see Floorwise p18

17

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

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

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

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

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

Provincial Floorcoverings Ltd 9 Dublin 12 Tel: 00353 (0)1 626 3913 Fax: 00353 (0)1 626 3960 LoCall: 1850 445 746 (ROI)

1 2 3

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

4

7 10

8

9

11 12

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

5

6

13

15

18 19

14

16 17

20

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

Award-Winning Flooring Accessories

GRIPPER

UNDERLAY

ADHESIVES & SCREEDS

PROFILES

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

THE STOCKLISTS May 2011

UNDERLAYS

CARPETS NATURAL/LOOPS HIGH FLYER NOMAD

Tex Loop 50/50 Nat Loop

SAXONY STAINFREE ROMANCE NOBLE SAXONY STAINFREE FLAIR SENSATIONAL

35oz PP Saxony 40oz Saxony 50oz PP Saxony 58oz Saxony

80/20 WOOL TWIST BELMONT TWIST BELMONT SUPREME

80/20 40oz 80/20 50oz

PP TWIST VIVA TWIST SALT N PEPPER

PP Twist PP Twist

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

Needle Punch Cord Needle Punch Loop Pile Cord Loop Pile Cord Loop Pile Stripe/Wave Loop Pile Gel Back Loop Pile Cord Loop Pile Cord

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

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

CORMAR CARPETS AVEBURY LINDISFARNE TOWN AND COUNTRY WEST COUNTRY 60

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

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

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

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

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

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

DURALAY CONTRACT UNDERLAYS TREADMORE 11 m2 8.0mm SYSTEM 10 11 m2 10mm DURAFIT 650 15 m2 6.5mm DURAFIT 500 15 m2 5.0mm DEFENDER 15 m2 100lb HEATFLOW CARPET 15 m2 6.0mm HEATFLOW WOOD 15 m2 2.75mm TECHNICS 5 15 m2 5.0mm FELT UNDERLAYS FELT 28 FELT 42 KENSINGTON DELUXE

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

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

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

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

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

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

REP DETAILS: Ashley Best Nick Hart Karl Goult

Tel: 07976 916752 Tel: 07771 967609 Tel: 07957 685428

Zac Marsh

Tel: 07828 663325

THE STOCKLISTS May 2011

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

Kent, South East London 19

91%

BOND WORTH

STOCKED

CONTRACT

Townshend Works, Puxton Lane, Kidderminster, Worcestershire, DY11 5DF. Sales: 01562 745000 Fax: 01562 732827 New trade price list effective 1st September 2010

www.bondworth.co.uk KNIGHTON HOTEL, POWYS

Berkeley Axminster 80% Wool / 20% Nylon available 3.66m & 4.57m Range comprises 8 Designs 1-9074 Jade Viceroy 4.57 width - Stock End May Stocked items Delivery 14 Days from Order

Variations Axminster 80% Wool / 20% Nylon available 3.66m Range comprises 12 Designs - All Stock Stocked items Delivery 14 Days from Order

Precious Gems Axminster 80% Wool / 20% Nylon available 3.66m Range comprises 5 Designs Stocked items Delivery 14 Days from Order 2-3555 Garnet - No Stock End May

Nestling in the heart of the Welsh borders the Knighton Hotel, Powys boasts the largest suspended staircase in europe; a superb example of craftsmanship and engineering that has been lovingly restored by the hotels owners Paul & Rowena Williams. To complete the sympathetic refurbishment of hotel the expert services of Acorn Carpets of Ludlow specified a Bond Worth traditional Red Turkey design, 2-9101 Anatolia.

Wensleydale Axminster 80% Wool / 20% Nylon available 3.66m Range comprises 8 Designs - All Stock Stocked items Delivery 14 Days from Order

Cornell & Stanford Axminster 80% Wool / 20% Nylon available 4.00m Range comprises 5 Colourways in 2 Designs - All Stock Stocked items Delivery 14 Days from Order CORNELL 4-9301 & STANFORD 4-9300 DISCONTINUED

New Afghan Axminster

Restaurant, Bar and other public areas have also been supplied by Bond Worth working in close cooperation with Acorn Carpets to complete a traditional interior accented with contemporary touches.

80% Wool / 20% Nylon available 3.66m Range comprises 5 Designs - All Stock Stocked items Delivery 14 Days from Order

Romanesque Berber Axminster 80% Wool / 20% Nylon available 4.00m RANGE TO BE DISCONTINUED - PLEASE REFER TO WORKS 20

THE STOCKLISTS May 2011

REGATTA – 01 RAVEN BLACK TOP TO BOTTOM CONCERTO – 04 TEMPO TRUFFLE PORTOBELLO – 01 CHARCOAL AURELIA – 06 RYE

THE STOCKLISTS May 2011

21

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

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

CALL US NOW!!!

020 8443 3322 Columbia Flooring plc

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

22

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

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

THE SHOW’S WORTH DOING – WELL

OUR SALES TEAM Greater London as far as N. Circular on north side of Thames and as far as M25 on south side, Surrey, Middlesex, Sussex, Kent John A Constable T: 01622 685397 M: 07836 734322 E: john@jcagencies.co.uk

Exhibitions are good. We all get a chance to get out of the normal working environment – our shops, offices, factories, cars etc – to meet and mix on a much larger scale.

The value of some time out to share problems but also maybe a few laughs with like-minded people should not be under-estimated. Also, under the one, easily accessible roof, buyers get a chance to see and touch a whole range of products. We, as suppliers, can show you our current portfolios and also get feedback on prototypes, new textures, designs and colours. Face to face interaction does make a difference!

That’s why we at Edel Telenzo are looking forward to show time in Solihull this month.

We’ve got the Flooring One show on 17 May, followed by two days of the Buying Groups National Flooring Show on 18-19 May, both at Cranmore Park.

Edel Telenzo has been an approved Flooring One supplier for seven years, “Flooring One members always give us good feedback about Edel Telenzo,” says Glenn Harding, controller at Flooring One. “We’ve always found both the ranges and the company’s service to be of a very high quality. We are delighted to have them in our Cenpac portfolio.”

We’re excited to be part of the other Buying Groups’ combined initiative for the second year running too.

This co-operation is such a great idea for buyers and suppliers – very much in the spirit of the times!

We will also be supporting the Harrogate Flooring Show, 4-6 September – always an important platform for us to launch new products, trial new ideas and, of course, take orders for the all-important autumn and winter season and open new accounts. This year, we actually have a larger stand and will be rolling out a new look to our stand, too. If you’ve ever been to see us at Domotex, you’ll have an idea of where we are headed!

A lot of time, effort and costs go into preparing for a show and presenting ourselves well. We think it’s worth it. We urge retailers to come out and support not just our, but all exhibitors’, efforts. It’s really worth being there – even if you don’t plan to buy.

OTHER NEWS.....

Our special clearance offer on Taurus is still running – but stocks are getting low. This twotone polypropylene carpet on gelbac in seven colours is available for just £5.50 a m2 per single roll or £4.99 per m2 per multiple rolls.

EMAIL YOUR EMAIL Please keep those email addresses coming – we know we’ve still got loads to collect and we really do want to make sure you get to hear all our news and offers hot off the press. If we can reduce our post and paper bills, we can pass those savings on to you, after all! Email your email details to jwatson@edeltelenzocarpets.co.uk

THE STOCKLISTS May 2011

Belgrove

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

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

23

CAREFREE - the stunning new collection Contact your local representative

Best-selling products at every price point As a UK manufacturer and distributor, Furlong’s objective is simply to offer its customers the best of all worlds in terms of price, service and quality – a partnership that retailers can rely on and a comprehensive product range that consumers will respond to.

Furlong’s wholly-owned manufacturing company, Regency Carpets, is one of the UK’s top three tufters with a modern plant located in Bangor, Northern Ireland.

A long-term programme of substantial investment has created a major production facility for both 4m and 5m wide carpet and the new backing plant commissioned last year is now fully on line.

As a result, the company can produce hundreds of thousands of square metres of carpet every week, covering all the key sectors – stain resistant polypropylene, wool twist, wool natural and many others.

Being in control of its manufacturing means Furlong can control the cost base and the quality to provide a range of products that is competitive at each of the price points. Manufacturing also means they can manage stock more closely and respond to changes in demand so that the right carpet is always ready for dispatch.

Furlong’s nationwide distribution network operates across three depots – London, Preston and Newport – using a dedicated fleet to carry rolls and cut lengths to our customers usually within 24 hours.

Furlong’s product development team has created a portfolio of products matched to the diverse needs of different customer groups, rooms styles and performance requirements. Regency’s stain-resistant ranges use their own ‘Carefree’ fibre which is bleach cleanable and offered with a warranty for absolute confidence. New ranges are introduced several times a year to keep the offering fresh and interesting and respond to consumer trends and colour shifts.

the aim is simply to offer customers the best of all worlds in terms of price, service and quality Furlong have paid particular attention to the presentation of their product range to consumers with market-leading point-of-sale systems incorporating the latest video technology.

Furlong believes in working in partnership with their customers to provide products and services that ticks all the boxes.

Investing in quality and service

Extensive tufting expertise 24

Effective service systems

Large group stock-holding

Fast delivery fleet THE STOCKLISTS May 2011

All the products shown are available in the CAREFREE Collection Here are the people who try harder London & Home Counties JOHN AKIEN M: 07791 891024 S.W LONDON, SURREY (INS. M25) jonakien@furlongflooringltd.co.uk

GEOFF ABERNETHY M: 07970 229717 CUMBRIA, POTTERIES, CHESHIRE & FYLDE COAST geoff.abernethy@furlongflooring.co.uk

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

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

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

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

RAYMOND SMITH M: 07816 217565 ESSEX raymondsmith@furlongflooringltd.co.uk REG HOWSON M: 07816 217548 N, N W & E LONDON, HERTFORDSHIRE reghowson@furlongflooringltd.co.uk

South East

Seeing is believing Customers can buy with confidence when they see the Carefree cleanability in action with the new video units for your existing Regency POS systems.

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

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

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

Wales & South West

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

BEN THOMAS M: 07794 048809 S./MID & W. WALES bthomas@furlongflooring.com

Midlands

JASON BRIMBLE M: 07794 041266 AVON & GLOUCESTERSHIRE jbrimble@furlongflooring.com TIM BAILEY M: 07794 048414 S.E. WALES & HEREFORDSHIRE tbailey@furlongflooring.com STEWART WAITHMAN M: 07794 048413 DEVON & CORNWALL swaithman@furlongflooring.com

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

Wood Floor Specialists

Scotland

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

GEORGE WISELY M: 07967 148665 SCOTTISH SALES george.wisely@furlongflooring.co.uk COLIN RICHFORD M: 07970 163372 WEST SCOTLAND colin.richford@furlongflooring.co.uk

THE STOCKLISTS May 2011

DES BEST M: 07968 828516 NORTH EAST des.best@furlongflooring.co.uk RAY ANDREW M: 07973 719801 EAST LANCS/W.YORKS ray.andrew@furlongflooring.co.uk

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

quality choice availability service price

Yorkshire & North East

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

PAUL HARRIS M: 07980 786265 NOTTS & DERBYSHIRE paul.harris@furlongflooring.co.uk

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

North West

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

London Sales tel: 01322 628707 fax: 01322 698733

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

Preston Sales tel: 01772 696787 fax: 01772 311921

Newport Sales tel: 01633 283959 fax: 01633 275454

Email: enquiries@furlongflooring.co.uk

25

“CHECK OUT www.rackhamsltd.com!

My new website has been launched to wide acclaim, it’s being ‘hit’ rapidly!

It offers everything we offer, in the most modern medium!”

GRAPHICS / CONTRACT GELS

TWISTS - STAIN RESIST

VINYL / SMOOTH FLOORING

Arena Sapphire Scala Senator Sentinel Twilight

Balmoral Chislehurst Clyde Desert Twist Deluxe 4&5m Easy Heathers Fairfield Supreme 4&5M Heathertwist / Heathertwist Supreme Moorland Twist Mystery Twist Pembridge Twist Portman Rhapsody Salt ‘n’ Pepa Startwist/Startwist Supreme (2010 colours) 4&5M Stanford Summer Skies

Arte Della Ceramica Blackjack Casino Royale Chequers Eclipse Medley Mojo Puregrip XL Suregrip XL Thunderball

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

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

CORD & NEEDLEPUNCH Bolero Gala Rackcord Scorpio Supacord

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

VELOUR / VELVET Designers Dream Urban Life

WILTON The Arabica & Ceylon Wilton Collection 4&5M Parallel Lines Renaissance Ultimate Wilton Oakland

CARPET TILES Capital Plus Magnesium Neutron Oxygen Positron Proton Quark

Call now to receive a copy of our latest price guide, and our April 2011 special supplement!

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

Stop preSS – www.rackhamSltd.com – Stop preSS

type it into your browSer now! and check uS out!!!

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

28

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

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

THE STOCKLISTS May 2011

Solent Wholesale Carpet Company Ltd CARPET, FLOORCOVERING & ACCESSORY WHOLESALE DISTRIBUTORS Telephone: 01243 774623 Fax: 01243 533636 E-mail: sales@solentwholesale.co.uk Website: www.solentwholesale.com Zola Park, Barnfield Drive, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 6UX. Oxford, Berks, Bucks, Beds, Hants, Middlesex & Herts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ian Cardrick, Sussex E & W, Surrey, South London & Kent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John Robson, Hants, Wilts, Dorset, Somerset, Gloucs, & I.O.W. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Adam Ayling, Accessary Sales and IT Specialist (All Areas) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Luke Crooks luke@solentwholesale.co.uk, VICTORIA Berber Stripe Castillion Celtic Heathers Crown Twist Duchess Elite EasiCare (Twist, Tweed + Saxony) Gaelic Heathers Imperial Velvet Kelso Natural Accents Natural Companions (Sisal, Chenille, Ridge) Regal Twist Rustic Jewels Tudor Twist Coll Tudor Manor LANO Bolero - new colours Campus X-treme Chiselhurst Havana Heathertwist Coll Pembridge Twist - new colours Rustic Berber Rustic Sensations Scala Scala Tonals Sentinel Startwist Coll Twilight Coll Wilton Naturals Xtra Twist BALTA Berga Colorado Springs Desert Twist Desert Twist Deluxe Diva Fiesta Fusion Happy Days High Flyers Gala Cord-all options in stock Moorland Twist Nobility Rosemount Shetland Shepherd Twist Stainsafe Comfort Stainsafe Favourite Stainsafe Olympic Super Wiltax Techno Twisty LUSOTUFO Celtic Horizon Mandaly Tangier Titan Diagonal Unique

CORMAR Apollo Berwick 40/50 Buchanan Home Counties 42/50 Malabar Oaklands 32 Oaklands 42 Oaklands 50 Primo Plus West Country BROCKWAY Amore Cavendish Craftsman Elite Cresta 40/Cresta 50 Montrose Orion/Orion Major Radnor 30/Radnor 40 DOMO Absolute Luxury Alpina Auvergne Festival Twist Heather Twist Merino Mountain Peaks Legacy Planet Playground Portofino Scorpio Traditionals ITC Belgravia Concerto Consul Heritage Collection Jaguar - new colours Kreta Palace Stainblock Berber Stainblock Heathers Stainblock Tweed Ultimate Oak QUICKSTEP Solent Wholesale now a Quickstep stockist.

5 day delivery service on all ranges, very keen prices.

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

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

BEAULIEU carpets Adventure Twist Athena Dublin Durham Twist Fashion/Gallery Grass Collection Heavy Tread I-Twist Isis/Mentu Mars Motor Car Natural Life Pronto Selections Sweet Homes vinyls Arte Del Ceramic Celtic Stone - NEW COLOURS Chess Comfort Grip Jazz Sherwood Oak Studio Sonata Texalino Supreme Urban laminates Essentials (previously Casa) Cottage BAJONG Home Twist Supreme Montana Montana Twist Sahara IVC Comfylux Extra Expressions Fantasy Fusion Master Grip Planet Precious Metals Presto Ultimate Oak Victoria MISCELLANEOUS CAVALIER Country Collection Hamlet Parish and Village LEIGH SPINNERS Atlas Velour THOMAS WITTER Innovations C&H Homestyle LVT - planks and tiles PARAGON Toccarre Carpet Tiles MOHAWK CARPETS Century Half Century

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 May/June 2011.

THE STOCKLISTS May 2011

29

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

NEXT DAY DELIVERY STS GOLDLINE STOCK CARPETS Abbey Twist 30/40 Aston Twist Bernwood Twist Bernwood Supreme Bernwood Forest Bernwood Heather Bernwood Heather Supreme Blenheim Twist 40 Blenheim Twist 50 Cherwell Cord Chislehurst Fairfield Supreme Gladiator Supreme Harrier Felt Harrier Gel Heathdale Magnum Gel Medicare Multicare Classic New Valley Twist Orinoco Opus Twist Ravensbury Twist 32/40/50 Ruskin Twist Scala Supersava Elite BALTA STOCK CARPETS New Shepherd Twist Gala Cord

PRICE LIST DATE FEBRUARY 2011 LANO STOCK CARPETS Bolero Chislehurst Fairfield Supreme Havanna Heather Twist Heather Twist Supreme Pembridge Twist Sapphire Scala Startwist Startwist Supreme

CARPET STOCK TILES Ascot Beckenham Cheltenham Clipper Croydon Croydon Stripe Keston Latour Saturn Selsdon

CORMAR STOCK CARPETS Apollo Berwick 40/50 Malabar Textures Natural Berber Twist New Oaklands 32/42/50 Primo Plus Primo Tweeds Primo Ultra Town & Country Forest Hills

STOCK UNDERLAYS Goldtred Collection Cirrus Cumulus Nimbus Silver Lining Cloud Nine Contract Cloud Nine Super Contract Durafit 500 Durafit 650 Cosi 8mm & 10mm Heatflow Collection Roma Blue Heaven Willow Green Tredaire Elite Treadmore

BEAULIEU INTERNATIONAL Bellini Dublin Elite Mercator EDEL TELENZO Fleur Hercules Orinoco Puma

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

30

Steve Osman 07919 128401 Essex, Cambs, Suffolk, Norfolk

Paul Jones 07801 762719 Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Bristol & Birmingham

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

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

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

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

THE STOCKLISTS May 2011

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

We are pleased to announce the launch of two new prestige ranges along with a revamp of our highly successful STONE FIBRE COLLECTION. NEW NATURAL LINES: 100% Wool with a luxurious deep pile in fashion shades. 4m & 5m wide.

NEW COLOURS JACS: The much loved designer range in 100% Wool with new shades and now in 5m wide.

STONE FIBRE COLLECTION IN 5m WIDE : This very successful designer flatweave collection is being updated and is available in 4m and 5m.

Complex designs and inset rugs can be made in one continuous production, avoiding the need for joins and mitres.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Stone Fibre Collection Our unique flat woven quality in many fashion styles and colours.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

THE STOCKLISTS May 2011

Area Currently Vacant North Wales, Cumbria, Manchester, Liverpool.

Mr Derek Boyd Tel: 07940 320708 Scotland.

Mr Lee Palmer Tel: 07774 101640 Channel Islands.

Mr Jonathan Gorman Tel: 07815 121660 Northern Ireland.

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

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

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

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

31

You can create a carpet website for your business in

5 minutes.

We’ll have it online for you within

5 days.

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

nothing.

If you do like it, it will cost you

£390 + £90/year.

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

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

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

The Floorsites package from The Stocklists offers:

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

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

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

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

Auto-email form to let customers contact you direct

* The site takes a bit longer to set up if you already have a website or address.

A Floorsite from The Stocklists costs £390 for the set-up and the first year – and £90 per year thereafter (exc. VAT).

Check out what your site would look like at www.thestocklists.com/floorsites or contact David Spragg at davidspragg@thestocklists.com or call 01845 573241.

NO OBLIGATION ‘TEST DRIVE’...

We set up your site free-of-charge for a month. If you don’t like it, you don’t pay. There’s nothing to lose!

32

THE STOCKLISTS May 2011

2 May 2011

FlooringNews Rug-ged outdoors Outdoor living has become more than just a trend in the lifestyle of demanding consumers. The terrace, garden and balcony have become full-fledged extensions of modern interiors and Balta’s Outdoor Shaggy range responds to this trend perfectly.

This indoor and outdoor carpet range comes in six colours and provides the finishing touch to your personal atmosphere. Last year the cheerful summer colours of azure and lime green were added to the existing natural colours thereby offering a summery and rural style. The soft and pleasant carpets are made from 100% polypropylene and can remain outside all year round. They are water resistant and therefore easy to clean. All you have to do is hose them down and let them dry.

In addition to the Shaggy collection for outdoors, Balta also offers the Grace and Decora collections, which are a perfect supplement. The Grace collection is an elegant collection with a convincing sisal-look and many sophisticated weaves.

Decora combines soft colours with subtle black accents for a rural style. “The outdoor carpet market is a growing market.

Outdoor carpets combine different advantages,” explains Jasmine Geerinckx of Balta Rugs. “Our carpets are made from 100% polypropylene, which makes them suitable for all weather conditions. They are UV and water resistant, easy to keep clean and can remain outside all year round. The mixed, multi-colour yarn also gives a “natural effect” that suits patio furniture perfectly and creates a natural environment for your exterior space, which is becoming increasingly more important.”

T 00800 5266 5266

www.baltagroup.com

Fibre first for Mohawk Mohawk’s SmartStrand carpet fibre could be considered as the first ‘true’ alternative to wool, with 37% of its content made from Bio-PDOTM a renewable resource derived from corn.

This high percentage of natural content is also backed by SmartStrand’s much reduced manufacturing impact, with greenhouse gas emissions 63% lower and energy consumption reduced by 30% compared to an equivalent amount of nylon.

“SmartStrand is a major step forward in carpet fibre technology,” remarks Howard Lindsay, Vice President UK, Ireland and South Africa, “not only for Mohawk but for the industry as a whole, introducing ingredient that does not deplete reserves of non-renewable natural resources and that also takes less energy to turn into carpet fibre.”

SmartStrand is also the first fibre to reduce its environmental impact and still offer stain resistance, durability and luxurious softness in a range of carpets that represent excellent value.

“It would have been easy to position SmartStrand as a premium carpet but we felt it was imperative that it could be accessed by as broad an audience as possible, after all a great story should be shared far and wide. Also the industry needs to convince consumers that having a reduced impact on the environment needn’t cost the earth. Being better for the environment is not always enough to justify upgrading, particularly as consumers have a budget in mind for their carpet, so we must do our best to make sure it is within their budget wherever possible.”

All SmartStrand carpets are bestowed with maintenance characteristics that are equivalent to the very best polypropylene products, such as lifetime stain resistance, while having a durability characteristics comparable to that of nylon.

T 01480 479830

from The Stocklists

www.themohawkgroup.com May 2011 33

News

Get fresh Lano Carpets’ New Heathertwist Supreme and New Twilight bring sumptuous levels of detail raising the style benchmark for low maintenance carpets.

Thanks to unique yarns that offers the perfect blend of colour for a softer appearance, stain resistance and durability, both New Heathertwist Supreme and New Twilight offer retailers a different take on stain resistant carpet: “Both New Heathertwist Supreme and New Twilight are flagships within the Lano range and with their revived colour palettes offer a fresh and interesting take on carpets for a low maintenance lifestyle, bringing retailers two ranges that stand out from the crowd,” says Birger Karlsson, UK and Ireland Sales Manager. “As part of our Easy Care collection, both are excellent value and have a unique market position.”

In a 40oz weight, the two-ply multi-tonal yarn of New Heathertwist Supreme delivers luxury performance and is available in 14 fashionable natural shades, visually enhanced by the multi-tonal yarn. Available in four and five-metre widths for rooms of all sizes, the carpet is an ideal multi-purpose range suitable for use throughout living areas, in hallways and on stairs and landings. Made from 100% polypropylene, New Heathertwist Supreme has sumptuous levels of underfoot comfort, is bleach cleanable and comes with a 10-year stain and seven-year wear warranty Twilight is available in 12 on-trend pastel shades and has been developed specifically for bedrooms and bathrooms, with the option of Action back in four-metre width or a waffle backing in two-metre width. Made from 85% polypropylene and 15% polyester yarn and with a luxuriously soft texture, Twilight is bleach cleanable and comes with a 10-year stain resistant warranty.

T 00800 5266 5266

www.lano.com

Web we weave Axminster Carpets new online Ready to Weave Carpet Design Facility is set to play a vital role in the way retailers are able to meet the demands of a rising level of local hospitality businesses looking to benefit from semi-bespoke carpet.

The Ready to Weave Design Facility on www.axminstercarpets.co.uk lets retailers access the latest in webbased technology to guide hoteliers, restaurateurs and interior designers through the design process, ending in a beautiful semi-bespoke carpet tailored to the premises in question.

Thanks to the Design Facility’s intuitive nature, retailers can work with customers to select from any of 250 designs across a range of contemporary and traditional patterns before customising them with shades from the 32 strong colourbank now offered by the Ready to Weave concept. Once chosen the carpet can then be viewed in a variety of hospitality locations including reception and bar areas, corridors and bedrooms thanks to the latest 3-D visualisation technology. The completed design, with suitable references, can then be saved or emailed for reference and further development.

Ideal for local businesses looking to create semi-bespoke Axminster Carpets, Ready to Weave carpets are available in seven different qualities allowing retailers to cater for a wide range of locations, from bedrooms through to receptions and bar lounge areas. This means that by combining the latest technology with traditional Axminster weaving, retailers can offer their customers a fast-track custom carpet at costs previously only achieved with large production runs, in a fraction of the time normally associated with a custom commissioned service.

T 01297 630650

34 May 2011

www.axminstercarpets.co.uk

FlooringNews

News feature

Harrogate Flooring Show

Getting it together The flooring trade is really getting together around Harrogate with a show in September that’s already set to out-perform its successful launch last year.

Industry leaders have responded enthusiastically with 110 exhibitors already on board – that’s 40% ahead of the bookings this time last year and leaves just over 400 square metres of floor space remaining.

“There’s a strong feeling that Harrogate is the focal point for ALL the industry,” says organiser David Wildman. “There are all sorts of events now for flooring people during the year in Birmingham and Hannover but these only represent segments of the industry. Harrogate is where everybody wants to be, as part of one industry, to develop opportunities and renew established relationships under one roof.”

Since its widely acclaimed launch last year with over 3000 visitors, the show has gained strength for 2011 with new exhibitors, bigger stands and more ideas to make doing business easier in challenging times.

The key industry leaders are there including Abingdon, Asiatic Carpets, Associated Weavers, BMK, Cormar, F.Ball, Edel Telenzo, Furlong, Karndean, Kingsmead, Lano, Manx, Mohawk, Penthouse, Rama and Vorwerk – plus all the leading underlay, adhesives and tools companies. At the end of last month, Merryfield and Tramex re-booked for 2011.

David commented: “A number of main players such as Mohawk, Edel Telenzo, Carpet & Flooring and Ultimate Rugs couldn’t fit all their visitors on their stands last year and have substantially increased their floor space for 2011. That’s a real vote of confidence in the event.”

Harrogate is also attracting new exhibitors including the UK's newest carpet brand Crown Floors; Whitestone Weavers with their Hugh Mackay products; Bronte, Cavalio, Fells and, on the contract side, Sika and Coba Europe. V4 Wood Flooring also joins the show along with 3M and Mapei.

“There’s a strong feeling that Harrogate is the focal point for ALL the industry” www.harrogateflooringshow.net The Harrogate organisers have recently launched their new website which gives a real insight into the show experience and also offers access to excellent hotel rates which have been arranged for the event.

Thinking of joining a buying group?

36 May 2011

Buying groups are going to be a feature at the show with retailers given the opportunity to explore what membership could mean for their businesses. Associated Carpet Group and Metro Group will be presenting the options and their potential for group buying discounts and rebates.

For stand/show details, contact Wendy or David on 01423 779967

News

Top o’ wear Container Bright colours full of youthful style and a real go-anywhere attitude make Container, the latest collection from Avenue, a floor for the seriously cool.

Available in a spectrum of super funky colours, including primary red, green and blue, yellow, white and a whole plethora of industrial shades; Container shakes off cushion flooring’s reputation for look alike decors and turns the floor into a fresh-faced statement for the home.

Enhanced with a ribbed texture to amplify the floor’s contemporary edge, Container also fulfils the demands of fast-paced living, with a PU lacquer to keep stains and marks at bay and to make maintenance as simple as a damp mop and mild detergent. Backed by the insulating benefits of Thermo Back, great levels of underfoot comfort, a seven year warranty and available in two and four-metre widths; Container makes sense everywhere in the home, whether kitchen or bathroom, bedroom or living space.

“Container is a real break from the norm for cushioned vinyl and typifies the approach of Avenue,” says Caroline Wille, product manager. “We wanted to create something for a new generation of floor buyers, a cushion floor that would appeal to them thanks to its youthful and fresh take on flooring while also being great value.”

T 00 32 5665 3211

www.ivcgroup.com

Oak rules OK Galleria is an exclusive range of premium oak wood flooring now available from UK Flooring Direct, the UK’s fourth fastest growing retailer.

Each and every floor in the Galleria collection is created to bring homes an exquisite blend of style and durability, taking the finest grade solid and engineered oak and adding succulent finishes, resulting in floors of discerning quality.

Using only the highest quality European oak, Galleria selects only the best quality finishes, including brushed, lacquered, fumed and oiled varieties, to bring a range that offers diversity and quality at every turn.

Floors are available in widths up to 189mm and in various lengths depending on floor selected.

“Galleria offers a premium range that is perfectly poised to deliver consumers fine wood flooring with the hallmarks of the very best quality,” says Josh Ashby, product manager, UK Flooring Direct. “Everything about Galleria states quality, but we have made sure that it still makes financial sense and we are confident that consumers will love Galleria’s combination of quality and value.”

Colourful choices from AW Associated Weavers plan a bright Summer as colourful new options debut at the Solihull show.

The New Mood collection arrives in 8 colours and New Direction (pictured below) offers 14 modern shades in two weights - Supreme at 1200g/m2 and Deluxe at 900g/m2. Both these additions to the StainAway Collection benefit from AW’s 10-year stain warranty and 10-year wear guarantee.

And if that’s not enough colour for you, a new 100% wool carpet Cashmere Textures offers 12 colours in 2 designs Lorne and Mornay. This range complements AW’s popular Cashmere Berbers and features a 15% cashmere content for extra softness. www.associatedweavers.net salesuk@awe.be

Galleria’s solid and engineered wood floors are exclusively available through UK Flooring Direct at www.ukflooringdirect.co.uk and consumers can request up to three samples for delivery within 48 hours free of charge. UK Flooring Direct offers technical support through its hotline.

T 0845 287 5623

38 May 2011

www.ukflooringdirect.co.uk

Read more about the new ranges on show at Solihull on pages 46-52

FlooringNews

News

Vinyl cuts in fast Itec has announced that its Concept Wood, Silento and Atom ranges are now available in cut lengths on a fast delivery service through major distributors such as Mercado and Central Flooring.

“We are keen to make Itec the first stop for contractors looking for great value contract vinyl flooring,” says Tim Barratt, sales manager Itec. “We have a new range of decorative slip-resistant floorcoverings and felt that this needed to be matched by an exemplary service level and so we have worked hard to make sure that Itec can deliver the service contractors require on a daily basis.”

Manufactured by the IVC Group, Itec delivers performance across a wide range of locations, offering floors suitable for use in heavy commercial applications with the Itec 33 collection, through to very heavy commercial locations thanks to the Itec 34 collection and even ranges suitable for use in industrial locations with floors rated Class 43 according to the European classification system.

With a stunning array of styles, including numerous wood plank designs, metallic chips, mono block colours and marbled effects, Itec can provide the contractor with a floor for every conceivable application, delivering performance with value.

T +32 56 653211

www.ivcgroup.com

Film stars on red carpet

Hyper gets a lift

Packexe has re-designed POS and product literature with increased focus on uses and benefits.

Improving versatility and offering better value, Floorwise has introduced a brand new specification for its contract rated Super High Density HyperLIFT underlay, with durability and recovery properties in excess of its predecessor.

Packexe self-adhesive protection films are highperformance, transparent films that grip securely to the protected surface but peel away after use without leaving a sticky residue. All films in the Packexe range have colour-coded branding to help you select the right product to match the surface.

Existing protection methods, from dust-sheets to plastic or paper sheeting all have severe limitations in both effectiveness and safety. Packexe films addressed these problems head-on, providing a quickly installed, leak-proof and slip-resistant protection system. In addition to these benefits all films are fully recyclable with a European Fire Safety Standard of EN 13501-1.

Packexe films are ideal for, but not exclusive to: flooring installations; interior designers; office and retail renovations; conference and hospitality organisers; and painters and decorators.

The ultimate temporary protection for floors and surfaces, select roll colour to match the surface: red for carpet, black for hardcore. The product is also available in the Packexe film range: glass & glazing (blue) and multi-surface (grey).

T 01392 438191 www.packexe.co.uk

40 May 2011

Now IMO certified and with increased foam content (from 145Kg/m3 to 180Kg/m3), HyperLIFT is guaranteed for the life of the carpet. Despite a higher density than the previous incarnation, the underlay is still exceptionally lightweight making handling an easier proposition.

The entire Hyper range is made from recycled polyurethane foam and has the potential to be fully recycled. Performance wise, the six-mm thick HyperLIFT will reduce sound by up to 33dB as well as insulating by up to 1.77 togs. Suitable for both double stick and stretch fit installation methods, HyperLIFT is rated for Heavy Contract Use. In fact, the impeccable durability and recovery properties make it the ideal high performance underlay for heavy traffic commercial locations.

“The Hyper range is receiving a growing amount of recognition in the contract sector thanks to its performance and low roll weight, which makes it easy to handle and work with,” explains Richard Bailey, Managing Director, Floorwise. “Now with the renewed HyperLIFT, contractors are presented with even more opportunity to benefit from the Hyper advantage with an underlay made right here in the UK.” The Hyper underlay collection also includes the contract rated HyperTREAD, as well as domestic underlays such as the recently evolved HyperLUSH, HyperBASE, HyperGO and HyperSTART products. Hyper underlays are supported by fully branded POS and packaging to maximise recognition.

T 01509 673974

www.floorwise.co.uk

FlooringNews

Flower on Flooring News News

by Dennis Flower

The protection business There are a number of options to consider before and after laying a floorcovering that will protect its appearance and increase the length of its useful life.

The logical starting point, both for this article and for the subject of floor protection is subfloor preparation. F Ball advises that subfloor preparation products, such as smoothing underlayments, should be selected according to the levels of traffic and the loads that will be applied to a floor. Environmental conditions should also be considered, including demands of the building environment and floorcovering composition. The company says that selecting the correct underlayment is the most effective method to optimise the long-term performance of the floor and achieve a smooth, durable and aesthetically pleasing finish.

F Ball says its Stopgap Green Bag general purpose smoothing underlayment has been designed to incorporate excellent flow and self-smoothing properties, facilitating a fast and simple installation.

Suitable for light to heavy-duty applications, it is fast setting and can be used to cover most absorbent and non-absorbent substrates.

Floorwise aims to give ‘value from every bucket’ Fast work with Stopgap Green Bag from F Ball

The product is latex and protein free, with the added advantage of being low odour and is designed to prevent bacterial growth, making it ideal for biologically sensitive areas such as hospitals, schools and healthcare buildings.

Floorwise managing director Richard Bailey says his company’s Pro-Screed adhesives, screeds and surface membranes provide a base for all floor coverings.

“We have developed the Pro-Screed range with the fitter in mind, making sure that each and every product performs flawlessly, but we also realise that fitters also need to make sure that their adhesives, screeds and membranes also deliver excellent value, helping to provide them with a competitive advantage in a time where margins are under constant pressure. We don’t have the high marketing and overhead costs of other subfloor preparation suppliers, meaning that we can provide like-for-like quality without the price tag.

“We take the same approach to our adhesives, realising that not only is reliable performance crucial, but that fitters also need to keep an eye on costs. A fully featured range, covering everything from tackifiers through to versatile spray adhesives that provide a handyquick fix, the Floorwise range of high performance adhesives offers excellent coverage levels to help deliver maximum value from every bucket and can.” continued on page 44

“Not only is reliable performance crucial, but fitters also need to keep an eye on costs.

We need to deliver maximum value from every bucket.”

42 May 2011

FlooringNews

Flower on Flooring “Packexe films are designed to not only reduce cleaning costs and improve site safety, but also offer immediate product recognition.”

Transparent advantage of Packexe protection

Readers’ Survey

Colour blind?

Is the industry ever going to grow beyond beige?

Our industry makes great play of colour in extending consumer choice and has invested heavily in re-vamping their ranges to reflect the latest fashionable hues and tones.

• Has the consumer really gone beyond beige?

• Are strong colours just there to make the wall display look more exciting?

• Does the industry offer you the colours you want?

• Do you try to excite customers about pattern and

design - or does a tight market make you play it safe?

When the floorcovering is complete, there may be need for further protection. Packexe Films explains that its self-adhesive plastic films have each been specifically formulated with unique adhesive grades designed to grip the recommended surface, but remove easily without leaving a sticky residue.

Each of its films are transparent, the company states, with colourcoded branding, providing product guidance for the surface suitability; with high-strength adhesive for the carpet film, medium-strength for hardfloor film, light-strength adhesive for glass and glazing and a lowtack adhesive for the multi-surface film.

Packexe films are designed to not only reduce cleaning costs and improve site safety, but also offer immediate product recognition through the colour-coded branding, avoiding the products being used on the wrong surface.

All films are fully recyclable with a European Fire Safety Standard of EN 13501-1, says Packexe.

Stroolmount UK is a family run business selling a selection of long and short term solutions to furniture and floor protection. The company states that its products can deliver money savings, or generate increased revenue, depending on how they are used. Fitting its products onto furniture will avoid claims for damaged floors at a later date, it says, while also providing excellent customer service.

Using these products show that flooring retailers and fitters care about their customers and the products they sell, says Stroolmount.

For more information about featured products: F Ball • www.f-ball.co.uk • 01538 361633 Floorwise • www.floorwise.co.uk • 01509 673974 Packexe • www.packexe.co.uk • 01392 438191

44 May 2011

Tell us how colour can influence consumers and what you need to make design work harder to attract more business.

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

Please help us inform the industry.

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

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

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

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

FlooringNews

Colourful Spectrum

Solihull becomes the showcase for the flooring industry this month with the Flooring One buying group show that has become an essential opportunity to see the new season range launches from more than 40 key manufacturers.

Cranmore Park is the venue – the smart headquarters of the AIS retail buying organisation of which Flooring One is part.

The building has a sophisticated, purpose-built exhibition centre across 30,000 square feet which has attracted great acclaim for its quality environment and professionalism.

Flooring One’s long-established event for its own members and suppliers opens there on Tuesday, May 17th “Manufacturers have gone to a great effort to present their latest products and there are going to be a lot of new ranges to see,” says Flooring One head Glenn Harding, “It should be a great event.”

46 May 2011

The list of exhibitors includes all the main industry players such as Associated Weavers, Axminster, Brockway, Cormar, Furlong, Mohawk, Ryalux, Edel Telenzo, Ulster and Victoria Carpets - and newcomers this year, Wools of New Zealand.

Flooring One present their own ranges to members and new initiatives to “re-excite the customers” are planned, says Glenn. Colour will be a key theme with almost a third of the group’s core collection having been re-vamped and re-coloured and there will be a debut for Spectrum, a multi-coloured collection launched in March.

Flooring One has developed a special “design your own rug” stand with Crucial Trading. “We are also creating quite a few niche and designer ideas for retailers who are looking to do something a little bit different,” says Glenn.

“Manufacturers have gone to a great effort to present their latest products and there are going to be a lot of new ranges to see,” says Flooring One head Glenn Harding (above).

Flooring One Show is on Tuesday, May 17th (members only).

There will be a full report in next month’s The Stocklists.

FlooringNews

from The Stocklists

May 2011 47

Preview: Showtime in Solihull

Interfloor meets rise in demand Interfloor will be presenting their top selling range of PU and rubber underlays at both the buying group events. The company have experienced strong underlay sales growth, on a sustained basis, since last summer. Supported by an extensive marketing campaign their Tredaire Seventh Heaven PU has consistently broken both sales and production records as retailers, wholesalers and contractors have switched from competitor brands. They are also finding that the sales of quality, branded rubber underlays are rising too.

“We’ve been very pleased with the sales performance of our Tredaire Seventh Heaven PU underlays” says Gary Cowley, Interfloor’s sales director. “Since we commissioned our brand new, state of the art, production line in Dumfries last year we’ve seen a steady rise in demand from across the market. In the second half of 2010 this rate of growth shifted up a couple of gears and we’ve had to increase our output to keep pace with the surging demand ever since.”

T 01706 238 810

www.interfloor.com

Success through recycling Image conscious Carpenter

Recycling carpet waste is good for retail business and good for the environment. That’s the strong sustainability message Carpet Recycling UK is taking to the AIS/Flooring One and Buying Groups National Flooring Show in Solihull this May. CRUK, the industry-backed association for recycling and reusing waste carpet, is making its debut at Cranmore Park from May 17 to 19 to raise awareness among retailers that fitting waste and uplifted old carpets can be recycled, rather than landfilled, through its nationwide recycling service.

“By offering a take-back and recycling service for consumers’ old carpets, retailers have the opportunity to enhance their business and ‘green’ credentials, as well as potentially save on disposal costs,” comments CRUK Director, Laurance Bird.

“Consumers feel better knowing their waste carpet is diverted from landfill, while retailers can reduce the frequency of their general waste collections, as uplifted and fitting waste material can be recycled into new products.”

Carpenter, one of the world’s largest producers of underlay, exhibits its comprehensive portfolio of PU underlays at the Solihull event.

Laurance adds: “We are confident there is the recycling capacity to meet retailers’ needs – and by demonstrating their commitment to recycling waste carpet, they can differentiate their businesses from their competitors.”

T 0161 440 8325

www.carpetrecyclinguk.com

Since entering the UK market just five years ago, the company has become a significant player in the underlay sector and now offers a range of nine different products for the domestic and contract markets.

Light and durable, Carpenter underlays are made from recycled foam which is fully recyclable and can be used for stretch fit or double-stick applications. It is also backed with high performance polyethylene which aids recycling more effectively than paper backing.

Said Carpenter underlay national sales manager, Helen Rowberry: “To support the retail sector we have recently created a new brand image to establish consumer awareness.

The new identity is reflected across all external communications including products and packaging, so that it is easily indentifiable by the customer and retailer.”

T 01457 861141

48 May 2011

www.carpenter.ltd.uk

FlooringNews

SHOWTIME IN SOLIHULL Cranmore Park, Solihull is pleased to be hosting its very first BGNFS on 18/19 May 2011. With over 50 exhibitors, including leading manufacturers and suppliers, covering carpets, rugs, laminates, underlay, vinyl and woods.

The ‘first of its kind’ trade show welcomes, but is restricted to, all members from BRM, Metro, and SMG buying groups. Cranmore Park is a 2,500 square metre showroom with purpose built restaurants, dedicated catering team, private reception and free on site car parking.

Chris Moffat, SMG Chief Executive said “this is a fantastic and unique opportunity for all buying group members to see the majority of their approved suppliers in one very convenient venue”.

BRM Managing Director Paul Phillips added “feedback from last year’s pilot show from retailers and manufacturers alike was enthusiastic to say the least. For both flooring sectors it is the way forward.”

On behalf of the Metro Group, Chief Executive David Kipping commented "a combination of the largest collection of flooring suppliers exhibiting in the UK, at a superb central location, and at the perfect time for the peak Autumn trade make this show unmissable"

Cranmore Park Cranmore Avenue, Shirley, Solihull, West Midlands, B90 4LF

49 May 2011

“We are delighted to welcome the buying groups to this superb venue”, said a representative of Cranmore Park. “We are very proud of these facilities and for sometime suppliers have been asking if we would consider hosting such an extended trade show. We tested a one day event last year and it went very well.

The quality of the supplier stands is excellent and I’m sure delegates and suppliers alike will benefit from the experience.

We are looking forward to a good turn-out”.

FlooringNews

Preview: Showtime in Solihull

Ulster’s magnificent seven Ulster Carpets have announced the launch of seven new colourways this spring – four new Country House Beaumont plaids and three new Anatolia colourways.

Country House Beaumont, a versatile, stylish and sophisticated plaid design will be enhanced with Chalk Downs, Balmoral Red, Turtle Dove and Brindle.

The three new colourways in the classically designed Anatolia range – Isis, Luxor and Delta will be available in co-ordinating medallion, scroll and runner designs.

New Country House Beaumont and Anatolia colourways will be 80% wool and 20% nylon woven axminster, suitable for extra heavy wear. All Beaumont and Anatolia medallion and scroll designs will be available in 4.57m (15'), 3.66m (12'), 2.74m (9'), 1.83m (6') and 0.91m (3') colour matching widths and the Anatolia runner in 0.69m (27") wide.

T 028 38 334433

www.ulstercarpets.com

New Ulster Carpets Country House Beaumont in Brindle.

Simply quality at Ryalux Ryalux and Pownall Carpets are delighted to be at the Flooring One Show, exhibiting their full range of products and new design, point of sale units, which are available to purchase at discounted rates during the show.

Simply Ryalux is a straightforward collection of good quality, affordable carpets; perfect for a first home or any room that needs a smart, reliable and comfortable floor covering.

William Classics is a collection of 72 contemporary colours and textures celebrating classic British style. The V&A collection takes its colour and styling cues from the V&A museum’s many collections.

Subtle tones and textures give the Ryalux Naturals Collection a distinctively contemporary feel, across 10 different textural designs.

The Pownall collection of carpets is a contemporary collection of quality wool carpets that will transform your house into a stylish home.

Finally, the flagship Ultimate Collection (left) from Ryalux is a truly outstanding carpet collection – offering unparalleled design, unlimited choice and unrivalled luxury.

Available in a range of superior twists, saxonies, and shagpiles, and made from the finest quality New Zealand wools and beautiful Oriental silks.

Customers can choose from an inspiring palette of fashion-led colours or specify their own shade with our colour matching service.

Classy Cavalier Cavalier Carpets stand at the AIS show will demonstrate their continuous product development programme with their re-coloured market leading velour ‘Cartouche’ (F1 - Avondale). Customers can spoil themselves with this sumptuous velvet which will enhance the floor of any home.

Its 1/10th gauge construction and quality wool blend provides an extra heavy domestic certification ensuring it is hard wearing, long lasting and most importantly luxurious to the touch.

Available in a palette of 20 colours enabling the discerning customer a choice that reflects both modern and traditional furnishing tastes.

They will also be introducing ‘Lupo’, a geometric design that gives that sophisticated ‘Brussels Weave’ look and offers superb value for money.

Made using 100% 3 ply New Zealand Wool Yarn and available in 4m & 5m Widths and 6 Natural Colourways Also on show will be the latest addition to the stylish new POS collection, a new lectern to match the highly successful ‘Slim Line’ wall units.

T 01254 268000

www.cavaliercarpets.co.uk

T 0845 652 8811 www.ryalux.com

50 May 2011

FlooringNews

Preview: Showtime in Solihull

Regency’s Carefree rolls out on TV The strong promotion of Regency’s Carefree range of carpets has become something of a standard setter for an industry that is paying more and more attention to the customer appeal of stain resistant polypropylene carpets.

The Carefree range, distributed by Furlong Flooring, has been extended since its launch and now comprises 12 ranges. The full set will be on show at Solihull alongside the video lectern that has been a key part of Carefree’s successful launch.

The Carefree collection is a 100% bleach cleanable carpet with advanced wipe-clean technology and the video programme demonstrates real-life clean-ups on carpets with food and drink spills.

“The Carefree range now has something for everyone at every price point,” says Furlong’s Neil Valentine, “and the video gives consumers the confidence to make their purchase.”

T 01772 316155 www.regencycarefree.co.uk

Million-a-month mouse Axminster Carpets has revealed that approximately £1m of its domestic carpet sales per month is a result of Internet-based research by consumers, underlining the growing importance of their website in the manufacturer’s retailer support strategy.

Research carried out by Axminster Carpets highlights the incredible impact a quality website can have on a business and with it add to the value chain. Findings suggest that many consumers will visit the website as part of the purchasing decision, making its functionality and ability to deliver information an essential part of the buying process. With the manufacturer’s entire residential portfolio available to view along with a stockists search, online brochure and detailed company information, consumers are provided with the necessary tools and information to make a considered carpet choice.

“Axminster Carpets is a household brand, regarded as a manufacturer of fine quality carpet and it is essential that our website delivers upon the expectations of consumers,” explains Group Head of Marketing, Richard Lawrence. “As the first point of contact for many consumers the website must uphold our brand values and provide the information necessary to forward the purchasing process by driving them to the nearest stockist.

“Our research proves that we are getting the blend right and that www.axminstercarpets.co.uk is helping retailers to convert interest into sales, driving consumer footfall to store. More importantly, these consumer arrive with the Axminster Carpets name at the fore of their mind and with a distinct idea of the carpet they require.”

T 01297 630650

www.axminstercarpets.co.uk

Now you can sell StainFree carpets with the total confidence of a LIFETIME GUARANTEE against all household food and drinks stains.

See www.stainfreeforlife.com and turn to page 49 of this magazine...

52 May 2011

FlooringNews

from The Stocklists

May 2011 53

Merryfield Cutting Edge Showcase presented during March saw the unveiling of their Gnat Mk 11 cutting station, the trades accepted standard for cutting and despatch of 2m roll products.

Thrilled at the success of this 'Open House' Merryfield's have decided to extend it throughout the Summer to give buyers the chance to visit their showroom in Elland and discuss warehouse cutting operations. This unique UK concept enables a full range of British manufactured cut order machines to be demonstrated in the confines of this modern showroom facility. From your high street carpet shop to multi national operators Merryfield will manufacture the machine to suit your budgets with their standard range of Eco-Wasp 4m cutting machines starting as low as ÂŁ7500.00 plus vat. Visit their new web site for details www.carpetcuttingmachines.co.uk

54 May 2011

FlooringNews

from The Stocklists

May 2011 55

Feature

Voice of the Trade Dalreen Buchanan Retail Commercial Manager, Ulster Carpets

“

Are consumers more interested in pattern and design?

While there is most definitely still a place for plains, in recent years axminster pattern and design has been revolutionised and there is now an even wider variety of style and colour on offer for the consumer.

From the tonal designs in natural hues that are echoed in our Natural Choice range through to the classic motifs and scrolls in more contemporary colours in our new Anatolia colourways launching in early Summer.

We have also successfully used heather and berber yarns in the development of a number of plain and patterned products. We will introduce four new plaids into our beautiful Country House Beaumont collection in late Spring where these yarns create an elegant and soft texture whilst also being practical as they are often more ‘forgiving’ in the home.

How important are co-ordinated ranges?

Consumers love to create and reflect their individuality in the styling and interior schemes they choose throughout their home. To achieve flowing schemes consumers can select from Ulster’s many coordinated ranges. These ranges offer individuals the freedom to continue their chosen style throughout their home creating harmonious, luxurious and naturally merging interiors with timeless appeal. We recently launched our Natural Choice Collection featuring nature-inspired axminster designs and co-ordinating plain woven wilton colourways in naturally occurring wool tones.

What’s the next big thing?

The availability of choice is vitally important across many colours, textures and designs from which distinctive and personally styled interiors can be created.

‘Greiges’ are a beautiful new palette of sophisticated muted grey and beige tones that have a natural organic look. Ulster is launching Grange Wilton in early summer, a new woven wilton range with a beautiful twist finish available in a nostalgic heritage palette that includes soft subdued classic colours from muted greys and earthy naturals through to gentle reds and greens.

What’s your favourite Ulster range – and why?

It’s hard to choose from our current varied offering, but for me Ulster Velvet stands out. It is luxurious and elegant yet hardwearing, available in a beautiful colour palette to inspire many ideas for creating stylish rooms.

“We are continuing to invest in our commitment to keep our manufacturing operations in the UK in order to provide a high quality, fast and reliable service to our customers.”

56 May 2011

Are environmental credentials a marketing benefit – or just a vital part of the context of doing business today?

Vital - It is becoming more important that retailers and consumers know that they are buying a product that is sustainably manufactured, in that neither the product nor the process will have a negative impact on the environment.

Sustainability is the foundation of Ulster’s manufacturing process. In the past 8 years, we have collectively reduced our energy use by 46% and carbon emissions by 52% while steadily increasing production volumes. We are well on the way to achieving our corporate goal of being carbon neutral and recycling 100% of our waste within the next 5 years. Ulster’s investment in technology and innovation has been and continues to be key factors in that reduction. We have steadily increased recycling efforts with a target in 2011 of 80% and are proud to have been the first textile company in the UK to be awarded The Carbon Trust Standard in recognition of our achievement and continued commitment to reducing our CO2 emissions.

How important is it to be ‘British-made’?

Ulster manufactures all of its signature high quality woven axminster and wilton ranges in the UK. Through the continual drive to embrace productivity improvement and invest in innovative technology, we profitably compete with other companies who operate in low cost labour areas of the world - maintaining and securing hundreds of jobs in the UK. Ulster has its own spinning mill, Ulster Yarns, in Dewsbury, Yorkshire where strict quality control measures are implemented from purchasing through to spinning. Wools are not all the same, at Ulster Yarns we have control of the wool contract, selecting and using only the best wools in our carpet to ensure the highest quality of product.

By offering ‘British-made’ products we can ensure that Ulster provides a high level of customer service and reliability to the UK Retail market.

“

How has Ulster changed in the last five years?

Ulster has continued to listen and act on the needs of its customers embracing technology and innovation to continue investing long term in the UK. In early 2010, Ulster set up a new Retail Distribution Centre ensuring that we continue to exceed the high level of customer service and reliability that we deliver to the UK Retail market and surpass UK mainland based companies.

What do manufacturers need to do better in 2011?

As responsible manufacturers we always need to review what we do and look at ways to improve. At Ulster, the customer will remain central to everything that we do. We are continuing to invest in our commitment to keep our manufacturing operations in the UK in order to provide a high quality, fast and reliable service to our customers.

How big a problem is the price of wool at the moment?

Wool, a naturally sustainable product, is currently in short supply and as a result continues to rise in price. At Ulster, we insist on using only high quality wools and despite the challenges which these rising prices present we will not compromise on the quality of wool which we use.

Obviously as wool is the main component in all of our products, the impact of doubling wool prices within 12 months is having a very heavy impact on our cost base. In fact all of our raw material prices have risen rapidly and we have absorbed a high proportion of these price increases without passing them onto the retailer.

When do you expect consumers to regain their confidence?

The recovery of the housing market would have a significant and constructive effect on consumer confidence. It is hard for us to know when, but we are continuing to invest in the development and launch of new products to ensure that Ulster is providing consumers with the best choice and value for money on offer within the marketplace.

FlooringNews

News feature by David Kipping of Metro Group

Put your best square foot forward!

Those members present at the Metro AGM last year will remember Warren Tyler saying that all customers should be shown the very best of what you have to offer, when they take the time and trouble to visit your store. They may not end up buying the best for various reasons, only one of which concerns the price, but in order to make an informed balanced decision, they need to be aware of their options.

Actually you are insulting your customers if you don’t show them the best product available that meets their requirements.

How would you feel if you went into a gent’s tailor for a suit and the salesman took you to the nastiest shiny polyester suit in the store? What does that say about you? Perhaps that you look like someone who wants cheap and nasty crap, rather than something elegant stylish and well tailored that costs more money?

I’m raising this because I am worried when I hear about retailers seeking cheaper and cheaper carpets to promote in response to the downturn. I have an uneasy feeling that the headlong rush for cheap goods is driven by retailers not consumers. Yes, consumers want to feel they’ve got a bargain, and are not afraid to negotiate on price, but they will still buy quality if it’s made desirable. You only have to look at iPhone and iPad sales to recognise that the price isn’t a problem if they want it badly enough. I defined selling in a previous column as “creating a desire” to

“Yes, consumers want to feel they’ve got a bargain, and are not afraid to negotiate on price, but they will still buy quality if it’s made desirable” own something.The best salesman in the world will struggle to create desire for a 20oz PP felt back twist, on promo at £4.99m2.

Unfortunately there are people out there who have suffered a significant drop in their disposable income. They simply can’t afford the best – they have no money. If they do buy it will be something very cheap and they are going to compare prices everywhere. Make a sale to these consumers and you are not likely to make much profit. On the other hand MOST consumers have suffered either a very small or no reduction in their disposable income. However, due to a lack of confidence they are holding on to their money and being careful about parting with it. If they really want something they will buy it. Make a sale to these consumers and although you may need to be light on your feet, you can still make a decent profit. So which set of consumers are you going after?

If you are going to show the best you have to show it FIRST. You will really struggle to sell up to the best, and in fact there are proven reasons why you should show the best first. I’m talking about clinical psychological tests which go to the very core of human behaviour. In Dr Robert Cialdini’s seminal book “Influence”, he outlines six principles of influence. Showing the best FIRST, works on the levels of Comparison (whatever you show after that will appear much less by comparison), and Reciprocation (where you are doing the buyer a favour in finally selling them a lower priced product). It doesn’t work the other way round. I would recommend reading this book if you want more details.

You can actually get this to work on yet another level if you actually explain that the best isn’t for everyone.

I know that much of this stuff works because I’m a sucker for a good sales line. Show me the best TV/Computer/Watch/HiFi/ Camera or whatever and I’ll spend days convincing myself that I NEED it before rushing out to own it.

All it takes is for someone to show me how and why it’s the best.

Simple!

Flooring Forum - Join our panel

Readers’ Survey

The Forum is the platform for retailers to respond to trade issues and inform the industry about the problems and opportunities they face on the High Street.You can join our online survey panel and you’ll be invited every two months to contribute your views - it’s anonymous so you can say exactly what you think.

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

Visit page 44 for our latest survey...

58 May 2011

FlooringNews

News

Calendar girl Sales receptionist Maria Eggelton from Cullingfords of Wincanton, will soon be spending a day at the races all thanks to Axminster Carpets’ 2011 calendar competition.

Maria beat off stiff competition from across the country, answering 12 questions on the history and activity of Axminster Carpets, the answers to which could be found on the company’s updated website at www.axminstercarpets.co.uk.

Since its introduction over a decade ago, the annual calendar competition has provided light-hearted entertainment for retailers nationwide and thanks to the creative handy work of Axminster Carpets’ very own Paul Johnson, this year proved to be no exception.

Delighted Maria was presented with her prize, including £200 for which to place a bet, by area sales manager David Grebby. “I’m really delighted to have won,” said Maria on collecting her prize. “I joined Cullingfords in May of last year and this is a lovely way to mark my first year in the business, which I have grown fond of thanks to the all the different people I get to meet.”

T 01297 630650

www.axminstercarpets.co.uk

The men at Mohawk Vorwerk covers UK As Mohawk International looks to strengthen its position within the residential carpet sector it is welcoming three new members to its rapidly growing sales force.

Rob Simpkins is brought to the role of Sales Manager for the South West and South & West Wales; Martin Taylor as Sales Manager for Derby, Doncaster, Huddersfield, Hull, Leicester, Lincoln, Nottingham, Sheffield and Wakefield and Lee McCartney has been appointed as Sales Manager for Oxon, Northants, Berkshire, Luton, Watford and Hemel Hempstead.

Joining Mohawk with 26 years of experience within the industry, Rob Simpkins is ideally positioned to work closely with retailers throughout the regions to promote the advantages of SmartStrand® carpets. Previously at Cavalier Carpets, Rob Simpkins is married with two children. With numerous sporting interests, Rob also coaches his son’s Under 12 football team.

Previously South Yorkshire representative for Mercado, Martin Taylor joins the manufacturer as it looks to reinforce the advantages of its SmartStrand® carpet to retailers throughout the UK. Before entering the flooring industry, Martin was a dedicated musician and singer, spending several years touring local clubs.

With experienced gained from a previous role at Florco, Lee McCartney will be helping retailers within his region to realise the full potential of SmartStrand® carpets, working closely with them to maximise the sales potential of the range. Lee was formerly with the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards and completed two tours of Iraq, in his spare time he now enjoys playing football within the Lord Jersey and Banbury District League and is a fitness and boxing enthusiast.

Martin Taylor

T 01480 479830 www.themohawkgroup.com

60 May 2011

Lee McCartney

Vorwerk Carpets has announced the appointment of two new sales agents, strengthening its sales and support offering in the Midlands and South wales, and the North West of England and North Wales.

John Hinchcliffe will liaise with retailers throughout the North West of England and North Wales. John has over 30 years experience within the carpet industry, with time previously spent at Carpets of Worth and Whitestone Weavers, and he is perfectly positioned to improve the recognition of Vorwerk among retailers within his region.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge and working closely with retailers, explaining the many benefits of carpets from Vorwerk,” says John. “Vorwerk is regarded as one of the most cutting edge carpet manufacturers in the contract sector and I am keen to see that this is also the case for retailers throughout the North West and North Wales.”

John Hinchcliffe

Keith Stevens will be working with retailers throughout Midlands and South Wales to push forward Vorwerk’s innovative carpets and display solutions, including the premium display tower.

Keith has extensive experience of the residential carpet industry, joining the industry in 1973 with Montgomery’s of Birmingham and having recently spent time at Carpets of Kidderminster and Weston Hammer.

Keith Stevens

“Vorwerk has such a diverse range of carpets that there really is something for everyone,” comments Keith. “I have every confidence that retailers throughout the Midlands and South Wales will appreciate the mix of colour, texture and pattern on offer.”

T 020 7096 5090

www.vorwerkcarpets.co.uk

FlooringNews

Tel:01282 862736 Fax:01282 868307 Email: office@brontecarpets.co.uk Web: www.brontecarpets.co.uk

Bankfield Mill Greenfield Rd, Colne Lancs. BB8 9PD

29 years of custom made carpets

EXCITING CHANGES TO BRONTE RANGES We are delighted to announce the launch of an exciting new colour palette for all our ranges. New for Spring 2011 we now offer 60 standard colours in our 80/20 Twist range and 60 standard colours in our 100% wool Saxony/Velvet and Shag Pile range which together with our offer of a special dye colour matching service provides endless possibilities when it comes to selecting your exact colour requirements.

New qualities have also been introduced We have added 3 new qualities to our 100% wool Saxony/Velvet range and 2 new "Chunky" felted yarn qualities to our ever popular Shag Pile range.

We have also introduced a new innovative addition to our Hand Crafted Border range.

The "Embossed" Fleur De Lys Border (pictured right) is unlike anything currently offered.

Our existing qualities along with our new additions are available in ANY width up to 12m wide and in ANY colour via our special dye service.

The Bronte offering is beautifully displayed in a new high quality sample book that is available now.

Please contact your local representative for more information.

Sales Agents James Hall Area: Scotland.

Mobile: 07787 140136, Fax: 0131 343 3353 E-mail: jameshall195@btinternet.com John Rostron Area: North West/Cumbria/ North Wales Mobile: 07973 733208, Fax: 01254 876548 E-mail: johnrostron@aol.com Mark Garbett Area: South West England Mobile: 07840 664757, Tel: 01752 696377 E-mail: mgarbett11@aol.com

from The Stocklists

Niall Martin Area: Central London/Oxon/Berks/Bucks/Essex Mobile: 07866 735772, Fax: 01628 541497 E-mail: niallmartin@msn.com Keith Leslie Area: Northern & Southern Ireland Mobile: 07860 873838, Fax: 02894 468005 Aldo Berettoni Area: Yorkshire/North East/Humberside Mobile: 07971 173560, Fax: 01484 666703 E-mail: aldo@berettoni.freeserve.co.uk

Ian Millward Area: East Midlands/Notts/Staffs/Lincs/Derbyshire/Cambs/ Norfolk/Suffolk Mobile: 07939 319385, Fax: 0121 430 3682 E-mail: ian.millward2@virginmedia.com Steve Acton Area: South East/South London Mobile: 07957 836207, Fax: 01323 872415 E-mail: actonsta@aol.com James Thomas Area: West Midlands (west of M1) & South Wales Mobile 07932 458032, Tel/Fax: 01656 784514 E-mail: juncture2002@aol.com

May 2011 61

Business News

Inflation inflicts losses

The only way is up?

1 in 2 companies in the UK Floor Coverings industry are making a loss according to new research from market analysts Plimsoll. Many in the market are finding it difficult to pass on the pain of cost inflation to their customers as competitive pressure is restricting their pricing power.

A ‘spending strike’ by consumers was reported in the latest report by the British Retail Consortium (BRC) with the furnishing sector one of the hardest hit, say analysts. But the UK’s leading flooring retailer reckons we have hit the bottom and a further slump is unlikely.

Lead analyst and author of the new Plimsoll Analysis has explained the growing problem in the market, “Whether its fuel, materials or wage demands every company in the UK Floor Coverings industry is being squeezed by ever increasing costs. 61% of companies have seen their gross margin fall in the latest year. Unfortunately, many are reluctant to pass on price rises for fear of losing customers to cost savvy competitors. However, falling profit margins across the industry is the first warning sign that this strategy has become unsustainable”.

Figures for March showed a 3.5% decline over the previous year on like-for-like sales. “This is the worst drop in total sales since we first collected these figures in 1995, commented Stephen Robertson, Director General of the BRC.

Pattison continues, “Over the past 2 years the average profit margin in the UK Floor Coverings industry has fallen to 3%. More worryingly, 414 companies are losing money with 244 of these doing so for the 2nd year running. These companies face a tough decision – protect their market share and continue to lose money or adjust their prices to reflect their increased costs. Without refocusing on the bottom line, many of these companies will simply run out of cash”.

Pattison goes on to explain that it’s not all bad news though and that many companies are getting it right, “319 companies have managed to actually increase their profit margins over the same period. In all 586 companies have managed to stay in the black despite rising costs.

Clearly, operating profitably in the UK Floor Coverings industry is difficult but not, as yet, impossible”.

The new Plimsoll Analysis – Floor Coverings will reveals which companies are prospering in the post-recession market place, those set to be bought out and those heading for trouble – across the whole of the market and in the individual regions. It gives an instant performance rating on 1000 companies and highlights those ripe for acquisition. Each company is assessed using the Plimsoll Model - A graphical and written analysis that lays bare the facts and gives an instant opinion.

T 01642 626400

“Non-food retailers were particularly hard-hit. This is strong evidence of the pressure customers and traders are under. This year’s later Easter is a factor but this fall goes way beyond anything that can be explained by that alone. Falling house prices, higher VAT and the prospect of more tax rises and job losses left people unwilling to spend unless they really had to,” he added.

“We are in a tough trading environment. But are we going to see another big step down in trading? I don't think so.“ Carpetright underscored the trend after issuing its second profit warning to the City. Pre-tax profits in the year to the end of April are expected to show a decline of almost 40% to £17.2m. But the retailer is suggesting we have hit the bottom.

Neil Page, the company's finance director, said: “We are in a tough trading environment. But are we going to see another big step down in trading? I don't think so. We are just in the middle of things being down.

"People have adjusted the level of spending to where we are. It is just tough."

He said that shoppers are in the mentality of cutting their spending: "We are in a difficult market and that will continue through 2011 but I do not think it will take a step down again."

Woolsafe fast tracks The WoolSafe Organisation has announced a partnership with leading online flooring retailer UK Flooring Direct that will see the WoolSafe range of services and products promoted to a growing number of consumers purchasing carpet through the UK Flooring Direct website.

“As an entrant into the Fast Track 100, UK Flooring Direct has established itself as the UK’s fourth fastest growing retailer and we are delighted to be working with the company to pass on our knowledge and advice to its customers,” says Steve Bakker, Marketing and Promotions Manager, The WoolSafe Organisation. “The partnership will not only help UK Flooring Direct customers to learn about proper carpet care and maintenance, it also provides our WoolSafe Approved chemical licensees and Certified Operators with valuable direct-tomarket exposure.”

As part of the partnership, The WoolSafe Organisation will be developing content to the technical and advisory sections of the UK Flooring Direct website, as well as placing helpdesk employees through a training programme geared towards the consumer. The WoolSafe Organisation will also be producing literature dispatched with every cut length sent out by the retailer and consumers will have access to the WoolSafe Helpline.

The partnership represents The WoolSafe Organistion’s move towards working with large retailers and buying groups in order to promote its benefits and range of services to consumers with the aim of improving standards within the industry and delivering the WoolSafe message to a wider consumer audience.

T 0800 731 5688

62 May 2011

www.woolsafe.org

FlooringNews

William Classics from Ryalux - 72 contemporary colours and textures, celebrating classic British style

News

Head for the hills The latest addition to Cormar’s Wool Twist Collection is Forest Hills – a 50% pure new wool twist pile in fifteen natural heather shades available in two pile weights – Super and Elite.

With the price of wool trading at a high, Cormar have introduced Forest Hills to expand customer choice and continue providing hard wearing wool carpets at value for money prices.

Said Cormar’s marketing director, David Cormack: “The market for wool twist carpets retailing around £20 has always been strong for the UK independent retailer. As the raw material price of wool increases and the economic conditions for most households tighten, it makes sense for Cormar to come out with Forest Hills – a great value 50/40/10 that looks as good as an 80/10/10.”

Available in an array of 15 subtle natural heather shades, the colour palette offers a

“The market for wool twist carpets retailing around £20 has always been strong for the UK independent retailer.” neutral backdrop for the home in the ever popular beiges and browns, as well as new distinctive colours such as grey and damson. Forest Hills follows on from the successful Berwick / Home Counties and New Oaklands ranges by being tufted on fine tenth gauge machinery to provide a denser, more compact wear surface.

The collection comes in four and five metre widths and a choice of two pile weights: Super 32oz and Elite 42oz / sq yd. It is made from 50% wool, 40% lanelle polypropylene and 10% polyester tuft bond.

All Cormar ranges are produced on site at their Lancashire mills and distributed in the UK and Eire via their own delivery fleet.

T 01204 881234

www.cormarcarpets.co.uk

Clean reading British fibre bonded carpet manufacturer Heckmondwike FB is helping educational establishments keep clean by the introduction of its new Cleaning and Maintenance Guide.

The attractive guide, which contains nine pages in a handy reference point style, features clear and concise pictorial instructions as well as the cleaning products needed for each specific job. It details the best ways to tackle general cleaning; deep cleaning; stain removal and the biggest problem faced when maintaining flooring, the removal of chewing gum.

Caretakers, facilities, estates and site managers across the country can request their cleaning and maintenance guide by calling 01924 406161, with a digital version available to download.

Abby Chandler, Marketing Manager at Heckmondwike FB commented; “Heckmondwike FB is dedicated to manufacturing cost effective durable flooring options for schools and educational facilities which we have been doing for over 40 years. The Cleaning and Maintenance Guide was created to maximise the life of existing and new carpet options – making carpet - as cost effective an investment as possible for these facilities.”

If installed and maintained properly, many carpets from the Heckmondwike FB range should have a life span of at least 10 years and at a time when cuts are at their peak, schools need to be able to depend on this promise by maintaining their flooring correctly.

T 01924 410544

64 May 2011

www.carpetsforeducation.co.uk

FlooringNews

The British Wool column Campaign for Wool announces Wool Week 2011 The Campaign for Wool (CfW) commenced in 2010 with a major asset in HRH The Prince of Wales as Patron and since the moment he gathered the textile industry players together on a cold day, in a breezy barn at Wimpole Hall in Cambridgeshire, it has quite simply never looked back.

The amazing momentum of Wool Week last September became the flagship event of the Campaign for Wool calendar and when the world’s media gives editorial space amounting to millions of pounds worth of free advertising; it is probably fair to say that you must be doing something right.

This year the Campaign for Wool will run the Wool Week from 5th September for seven days and there is already major interest from the high street retailers and well-known brands.

John Thorley, Chairman of the Campaign for Wool, and HRH The Prince of Wales.

“We are building on the success of everything we did last year where we certainly hit the ground running,” John Thorley, Chairman of the Campaign for Wool said.

Choose wool at Grand Designs This year there are great plans to bring the interiors section to the fore. The Grand Designs Show held at Excel in London in the first eight days of May (30th April-8th May) will provide a magnificent iconic Choose Wool exhibit. It will be surrounded by a designer studio of wool carpets and rugs and will feature the Roger Oates Collection along with a huge hanging rail of samples from a variety of different manufacturers.

The event is jointly hosted by the CfW and the British Wool Marketing Board (BWMB) and the carpet ranges will be a broad selection of many different ranges and colours.

“We wanted to showcase product in a way that visitors to the show could just come and look – almost as if they were in a very large carpet shop,” explained Tim Booth, product development manager at the BWMB. We intend to have a leading magazine stylist at the event and she will be there to advise on wool trends and colours, inspiring people to use more wool carpets and rugs.

“The aim is to really fire up the enthusiasm for the wool flooring trend. We already know that the softer feel for the home is very much a growing style because Grand Designs said that they needed to bring a textile flooring feature to the event as their research showed that consumers were returning to carpets.”

Rolling out the carpet for the Campaign The moment has never been better for taking the wool message to carpet consumers.

This year the plan is to offer a series of interiors events that will support the carpet retailer’s business by helping to embed the interest and style of wool.

“We would love retailers to host their own events and if they want material to support them – POS, literature, even a specialist speaker on wool – we are happy to work with them. Last year we did many events across the UK and the carpet sector can really benefit from this kind of interaction,” Tim Booth of the BWMB said.

It is certainly amazing what a gathering of loyal customers can do for your business as John Lewis found out when they invited their knitting consumers to their stores and were amazed to find the numbers simply grew and grew – it was very good for business.

If you have any ideas for the Campaign for Wool and want to discuss them British Wool can be contacted by sending an email to marketing@britishwool.org.uk Choose Wool – an iconic exhibit at Grand Design.

Wool on the hoof This is a busy time of year for our sheep farmers, young lambs will be born and the giddy gambol of the lamb in the fields is a welcome Spring sight. They never wander far from their mother but freedom is their birthright and they will enjoy the open space from being very young. Shearing will follow and the heavy fleece will be removed to allow freedom and as soon as it is clipped it is folded in one piece to be sent to the wool grading centres.

Every single British Wool fleece is graded by hand and eye before being scientifically tested. It is then sold in lots at auctions and from there to be cleaned, spun and manufactured. One day that fleece will be in a carpet or rug while the new wool grows...

from The Stocklists

British lambs will eventually produce the strongest carpet wool in the world.

May 2011 65

Sharpen up your fitting skills with fita Are you working in the flooring industry but need further skills to widen your client base? Or perhaps you are a new beginner in flooring and need training to go one step further?

If so, then why not contact FITA, the Flooring Industry Training Association.

Co-founded by the Contract Flooring Association (CFA) and the National Institute of Carpet and Floorlayers (NICF), FITA has courses to suit not only real beginners just getting started in the industry but upskilling courses aimed towards seasoned professionals too!

BOO K EA RLY TO

AVO ID D ISAP POIN TME NT

FITA has a fully equipped training centre at Loughborough in Leicestershire. Our wide range of courses are presented by experienced instructors with specialist knowledge of the flooring industry. All course content can be used as evidence towards an NVQ in Floorcoverings.

Visit www.fita.co.uk for details of all FITA training courses available along with our booking form which is available for download.

CALL TODAY FOR MORE INFORMATION ON:

0115 950 6836 or visit www.fita.co.uk

FITA - kindly sponsored by

Fita Training Centre Loughborough Unit 10, Windmill Road Loughborough Leicestershire LE11 1RA.

66 May 2011

FlooringNews

Stocklists Classified The

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THE STOCKLISTS May 2011

davidalmondltd@btconnect.com Union Works, Bacup Road, Waterfoot, Rossendale, Lancs. BB4 7LN Tel. 01706 214817 Fax. 01706 214819

67