The Stocklists - March 2024

Stocklists The

with

4 March 2024

FLOORINGNEWS

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

Primo Textures

by

Easy Clean, moth proof, loop pile carpet manufactured in both Ribbed and Weave designs

E 195

ET

A

H PRO O

LIT

R

P

6

OT

F

NC

QU

SI

M

I N BRI

MA

E

IN TA

D

Made from 100% Excellon Polypropylene in a premium quality 3-ply yarn

Y CA

A UNIQUE CONCEPT

VISIT EUROPEAN FLOORING MANUFACTURERS IN FLANDERS

FLANDERS FLOORING DAYS

13 M AY

2024

16 MAY

SHOWROOMS & KORTRIJK XPO ‘THE HUB’

Register your visit with code FFD930 flandersflooringdays.com

Founding Partners

2

Sponsor

THE THE STOCKLISTS STOCKLISTS February March 2024

Stocklists The

ISSUE 588 : MARCH 2024 Published by Mayville Publishing Co Ltd., 219 West Ella Road, West Ella, Hull HU10 7SD @thestocklists Tel: 01482 659396 Fax: 01482 659397 www.thestocklists.com Sales Director: Diane Martin. diane@mayvillepublishing.co.uk Publication Director: David Spragg Founded by Roy Spragg in 1973.

THE MAGAZINE THAT’S ALL ABOUT FLOORING

Advertisers

FLOORINGNEWS starts on page 19

Monthly ‘Stocklisters’ shown in BOLD Index

Page No

Contact No

H ABINGDON FLOORING

4,38

01274 655694

n ACG

40

01942 825520

6-7,42

01422 431100

H AXMINSTER

35

01297 33533

H BETAP

5

+31 38 386 1060

t BRAMPTON CHASE

8

01604 664855

o CARPENTER

68

01457 861141

Ht ASSOCIATED WEAVERS

Positivity in store We review some of the smartest POS options available this year to elevate your store pages 37–44

Tile style

Rita Bancroft explores the desirability and flexibility of the latest tile collections pages 30-31ages 30–34

Competitive edge Trims and edging can enhance your installations and improve your bottom line pages 32-34

s COLUMBIA FLOORING

9

0208 443 3322

n COMPANY DYNAMICS

47

08000 72 85 39

H CONDOR CARPETS

45

+31 38 477 8911

= CONDOR GRASS

18

+31 38 477 8911

H CORMAR CARPET CO.

FC,42

01204 881234

l F BALL

10,52

01538 361633

n FITA

66

01159 506836

n FLANDERS FLOORING DAYS

2

—

s FLOORWISE

65

01509 673974

n FITTER OF THE YEAR

36

0115 958 3077

Ht FURLONG FLOORING

In and outdoors

Riviera Home launches premium rugs for patios and parlours page 19

Runners up and up

Bespoke runners are this year's ultra fashion accessory for flooring page 19

As seen on TV

Axminster Carpet's iconic Crabree loom is reality TV star page 35

11,40,41

01322 628700

n GREENDALE

27

01423 852000

t HARVEY MARIA

39

0330 330 1231

H HUGH MACKAY

12

01429 892555

n INDX

13

—

H INTERCARPET WEAVERS

45

+31 38 477 8911

H ITC Ht KELLARS

Show goes large

Harrogate will be 30% bigger this year as more exhibitors sign up page 24

New dates for awards

Flooring Innovation Awards update page 48

Premium perfection

Capture is Quick-Steps latest and one of their greatest for authenticity page 24

Cherry nice

Spring blooms mark Japanese blossom theme for LDP rugs page 22

"Cyclical low" for flooring Metro lines UK lags global sales recovery Business news – page 46

FlooringFactsheets

Brampton Chase diversifies page 20

The industry’s knowledge-bank

Adhesives

52

Underlay

60

Buying Groups

61

Vinyl +LVT Directory

58

Carpet Company Directory

54–55

Vinyl Options

59

Carpet Trouble-shooter

56–57

Wholesalers

65–57

Woolsafe: the Carpet Care Guide

62–63

Carpet Types

53

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

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

43

01622 534041

29,33

0161 443 0970

H LIKEWISE

43

01924 978400

t LEOLINE

21

—

t MODULEO

23

01332 851 500

n NICF

66

0115 958 3077

H PENTHOUSE CARPETS

14

01706 639866

n SMG

25

0118 932 3832

s STS

15

0345 899 1000

t TARKETT

44

01233 746020

s TRADECHOICE

49

0330 135 5800

l UZIN

—

01788 530080

Ht VICTORIA FLOORING

16,38

01562 749300

o WILSONS UNDERLAYS

17

01924 451138

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

page 67

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

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

STEP INTO

SPRING! Charter Plain Loop

Breath new life into your customers homes with our fantastic wool pricing.

4

Get in Touch

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

Discover more!

QUALITY FLOORING. ACCESSIBLE TO YOU.

Since 1918

Carpet: Winchester

WWW.BETAP.COM Excellence within your reach.

2023

THE STOCKLISTS March 2024

Betap stands as your premier partner for residential broadloom carpet and carpet tiles since 1918, offering a wide range consisting of more than 500 diverse carpet types, a vast array of textures, and a rich variety of designs. This is further enhanced by a comprehensive palette of colour options for each choice, ensuring a perfect match for any setting.

5

HUDSON & BROOKLYN updated with soft & natural tones

Hudson & Brooklyn from AW has been a popular range for us over the years, it’s a great everyday carpet and suitable for anywhere in the home.

We stock the Brooklyn quality and we find this a perfect family friendly carpet at an affordable price.

I’ve been using Hudson & Brooklyn for a few years and brooklyn has become one of my best sellers.

The new colours have definitely enhanced the range and kept it on trend for our customers.

Also which makes my life easier is that the fitters have no complaints and are complimentary to how it fits and looks after installation.

Lee - Direct Carpets

Hudson is our “go to carpet”.

Good quality, good colour range, good value.

Steve - Shaws floors

6

Brooklyn

Hudson

The colours are on point and the coverage of the product gives outstanding value for money.

With the new colour bank and more Heather’s options I’m confident it will remain my go to twist of choice!

Paul - Professional carpets

THE STOCKLISTS March 2024

SHARE YOUR #associatedweavers @associatedweavers www.associated-weavers.co.uk THE STOCKLISTS March 2024

A UK brand since 1964 7

ur

T ME

O

RO

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

Image: Studio Designs European Oak Herringbone CLH17

Next Day Delivery (as standard)

Luxury Flooring Award Winning

Trade

Portal 8

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

Columbia Flooring plc

The Leading Country Wide Carpet & Flooring Suppliers We can supply you with virtually any make of carpet and flooring at extremely competitive rates...

Delivered direct to business premises (delivery charges may apply)

For a Speedy and Efficient Service

Call US NOW!!!

020 8443 3322

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

THE STOCKLISTS March 2024

1970 – 2020

9

MADE IN GREAT BRITAIN

FIND THE RIGHT ADHESIVE, IN A TICK.

With an unrivalled level of compatibility testing and assurance, the F. Ball RAG® makes it easy to find the perfect adhesive match for floorcoverings.

Request your FREE copy at f-ball.com or call 01538 361633

10

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

It j u s t m

es... ak

ECO SENSE DID YOU KNOW?

The carpet yarn in this collection is

MADE USING *This applies to Beyond Wool ranges, Stanton, Callanish, Amesbury and Castlerigg and the EcoSense range Avondale & Enchantment

#1

Get the feel-good factor, not just because these carpets are super luxurious but also they represent serious steps towards living a sustainable life.

RECYCLED

PLASTIC BOTTLES OR

RECYCLED PLASTIC WASTE?

Scan to contact your sales representative for promotional prices and visit:

furlongflooring.com/collections to find out more on our role in helping shape a better future.

THE STOCKLISTS March 2024

Get your

£15

when ordering any cut length over 16m2 Special promotion will run from 5th February – 5th April 2024 100% recycled yarn ranges only

11

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

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

A D O R E

Y O U R

F L O O R

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

12

30 APRIL 1 MAY 2024 Curated by buyers, for buyers

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

THE STOCKLISTS March 2024

13

Meet the team !

FIND YOUR LOCAL REPRESENTATIVE HERE: SCOTLAND & BORDERS

Stephen Cawley

John Pringle

Areas covered: All Scottish Regions.

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

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

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

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

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

Ian Henderson

Christine Searle

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

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

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

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

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

SOUTH EAST & LONDON (South & Central)

David Harris

Chris Gee

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

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

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

WEST MIDLANDS & WORCESTER

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

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

Emily Davis

Guy Legg

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

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

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

EAST MIDLANDS & SOUTH EAST

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

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

Simon Beeby

Gavin Walters

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

Areas covered: Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire.

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

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

SOUTH WEST

SOUTH COAST

Graham Wood

Jason Andrews

Areas covered: Somerset, Devon and Cornwall.

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

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

NORTHERN IRELAND & REPUBLIC OF IRELAND

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

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

Herbie Montgomery (Agent)

James Thomas (Agent)

Areas covered: Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland.

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

M: 07774 695333 E: herbiehsm@gmail.com

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

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

M: 07932 458032 E: juncture2002@aol.com

4 Best of the

Aura - Edwardian Oak

Plank size 184.2 x 1219.2 mm

gauge 2.00mm

r layer we a 0.30mm

5 Trade Counter Locations.

Orpington, Croydon, Basildon Hemel Hempstead & Cambridge

Fusion - Willow Grey Oak

Parquet plank size 101.4 x 609.6 mm

gauge 2.50mm

r layer we a 0.55mm

gauge 2.50mm

r layer we a 0.55mm

URBAN 55 NEO

Ro c k 4 0 Ac o u s t i c Rigid Core - Atlanta

Plank size 208 x 1243 mm

gauge 5.20mm

r layer we a 0.40mm

Urban55 Neo Boardwalk Oak

Plank size 208 x 1243 mm

The Largest Independent Contract Distributor for the South of England

THE STOCKLISTS March 2024

0345 899 1000

sales@stsflooring.co.uk

15

New

www.myvictoria.co.uk

P O LO

PL A

IN

Pure & Simple Plain, Pasture

NEW

STYLE POS AVAILABLE TO ORDER NOW Keeping things Pure & Simple Victoria Carpets’ first undyed British wool offer truly encapsulates the origins of wool.

With eight shades that symbolise natures rawest tones of browns, beiges and cool neutrals, Pure & Simple is available in two designs, Plain and Loop. Plain, a velvet cut pile, is an 80/20 that sits perfectly alongside our 100% wool loop that will give any home a rustic and warm feeling throughout.

POS available to order now, contact the sales office to find out more.

Tel: 01562 749300 / Email: sales@myvictoria.co.uk 16

THE STOCKLISTS January 2024

Give your customers a spring in their step...

Plushwalk® customers return to their retailer to finish the rest of their home, time after time for more of that bounce!

45 dB noise reduction

DESIGNED IN THE UK

PROUD MEMBER

3.2 TOG rating

105 kg/m3 density

COMMITTED TO SAFETY & QUALITY LOW VOC/FORMALDEHYDE IN ALL PU FOAM AND WOOL UNDERLAYS

A+ INDOOR AIR QUALITY RATED

Scan the QR code to email us in one easy step!

Reach out to sales@wilsons-group.com or call 01924 451 138 17

Premium Guaranteed Premiumquality. quality. Guaranteed

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

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

18

THE STOCKLISTS March 2024

FLOORINGNEWS Indoor/outdoor excellence Whether outdoors or indoors, Riviera Home TufStrand handwoven carpets bring comfort and luxury that lasts.

Renowned for its fine-quality handwoven carpets, Riviera Home has launched two new ranges made from premium TufStrand yarn. Suitable for outdoor and indoor use, TufStrand is an all-weather yarn that’s stain-resistant and bleach cleanable. Soft enough to be comfortable and luxurious indoors yet durable and practical enough to resist the elements, the yarn brings unity between indoor and outdoor living. Thanks to TufStrand, these new carpets are protected from household spills, easy to clean and represent great value for money.

Part of Riviera Home’s Italian inspired collection, Livorno is handwoven from 100% TufStrand polypropylene.

Incorporating two distinct designs: a wilton textured basketweave and a flatwoven herringbone, each in two complementary duo-tone colourways, Livorno adds elegance to any home. With Livorno, homes can seamlessly flow from open plan living to outdoor relaxing with the comfort and luxury that comes with Riviera Home.

Tile style

Rita Bancroft explores the desirability and flexibility of the latest tile collections pages 30-31

POSitivity in store

We review some of the smartest POS for your shop pages 37–44.

Medina is also from Riviera Home’s Italian collection, this time presenting wilton textured basketweave and flatwoven herringbone designs in three multi-tonal colour combinations. The carpet’s rich design makes it a statement in style and the multi-tonal yarn also helps to disguise dirt and spills more readily before cleaning.

Kuldeep Singla, chairman, Riviera Home UK, says: “The growth in outdoor living spaces in the UK has seen homeowners look for ways to add layers of comfort to terraces and balconies and to complement relaxed seating areas and entertaining. Outdoor rugs can achieve this, but these outdoor spaces are often connected by doors that open right up, so there’s a natural flow inside to out. With rugs it can be hard to find complementary finishes between indoors and out. Our 100% TufStrand carpets bring fine-quality, luxury and comfort indoors, but as TufStrand is weather resistant and durable, they can add all this to the outdoors as well, and create a sense of unity that make these spaces feel completely connected.”

T 01299 871446 • www.rivierahomeuk.co.uk

Competitive edge

Trims and edging can enhance your installations and improve your bottom line pages 32-34

Runners up and up Demonstrating the versatility of its woven wilton programme, Louis De Poortere lets anyone create their own bespoke runner with Richelieu Classic, choosing a bordered design in any two colours from 144 options. That’s 20,000 possible combinations to transform any staircase into a striking and personal feature of the home.

Available in four widths (60,70, 90 and 120cm) to provide the ideal fit on stairs, landings and hallways; a Richelieu Classic runner brings quality and sophistication to the home with a heavyweight wool-rich yarn. In fact, Richelieu Classic runners have such enduring quality that they are also suitable for use in commercial projects such as boutique hotels.

Retailers and homeowners alike will also be pleased to learn that this addedvalue service doesn’t come with a long-list of minimums or requirements.

Thanks to the 144 yarn colours permanently held in stock, Louis de Poortere offers Richelieu Classic bespoke runners from just eight linear metres - the same for its entire Richelieu runner programme. Designs can be created and downloaded in the easy to use Mix & Match tool on the website.

Alan Russell, sales director, tells more: “With a Richelieu Classic runner, homeowners can become really engaged in the process of creating their runner and deciding on just which combination is right for them. The programme is a great way for the best independent retailers to offer added value to their customers and provide a unique shopping experience.”

www.louisdepoortere.com

THE STOCKLISTS March 2024

19

FLOORINGNEWS Leoline for makeover maestros Velvetex is the easy to install cushion vinyl floor from LeoLine that’s perfect for DIY divas and makeover maestros.

The LeoLine collection comes in a range of wood plank, herringbone, stone and ceramic tile designs so there’s sure to be a style as unique as they are. From the smart and sophisticated stone of Challenger to the classic tile of Evora and oak herringbone floor of Patagonia; Velvetex is packed with high-quality designs that stand out from the crowd.

Stuart Reeves, LeoLine, says: “With everyone facing pressure on budgets, Velvetex is a great way to add some flooring style to a room without having to worry about the expense of fitting real planks or tiles with a floor that can be rolled into place and cut to fit. There’s no fuss, no glue and no hassle. For homeowners it’s a great DIY proposition and for retailers it can be used to offer a more affordable ‘supply and fit’ floor.”

Velvetex is kitted out with LeoLine’s Superguard protection for a floor that’s easier to clean and better at fighting off scratches and stains. It’s also a great performer when it comes to sound and slip-resistance, reducing impact noise by 18dB and achieving R11, making it a great choice for upstairs and bathrooms.

Dixon of "go green" Dixon Street Carpet Centre based in Lincoln are one of the latest flooring companies to install a Kenburn Carpet Crusher.

Their carpet crusher doesn’t just compact 225 square metres of carpet and underlay waste on to a pallet, it also compacts cardboard and plastic film wrapping waste as well.

Dixon Sreet Carpet Centre’s environmentally friendly initiative has not only created a ‘’zero to landfill’’ waste policy which impresses potential new customers, it’s also reduced their ever-increasing skip costs which increase again on the 1st April with the landfill tax increase.

With improvements in technology, it now costs less to recycle carpet and underlay waste than it does to send it to landfill, and polypropylene carpet waste is now used to produce plastic pellets for plastic injection moulded products such as car bumpers and UPVC window frames so the cost to recycle polyprop carpet waste is a fraction of the cost compared to landfill.

The LeoLine cushion vinyl floor comes in two, three or four-metre wide options and has a reassuringly long 15-year wear guarantee.

For more information on the financial and environmental benefits for installing a carpet crusher and how the scheme works, and the costs involved please contact Kenburn.

www.leoline.co.uk

T 01727 844988 • sales@kenburn.co.uk • www.kenburn.co.uk

Clean lines on the Metro Launched to diversify the Brampton Chase portfolio with a more lightweight flooring, the Metro range specialises in superior clean lines and minimalist designs, boasting a bevel-free finish.

Emphasising calming wood patterns and styles, Metro introduces fewer knots, consistent tone variation, and organic colours. This collection is thoughtfully divided into two sub-ranges, each offering distinctive style attributes and a unique palette.

Metro Trends: Herringbone and Wide Plank mimicks the highly coveted herringbone size from Brampton Chase’s Studio Designs range, Metro Trends introduces a new extra-wide plank option for maximum impact.

Metro Accents blends the clean line style inherent to the collection with a more traditional plank size. This option caters to customers seeking a classic plank size with a contemporary edge, seamlessly combining timeless elegance with modern sophistication.

The gluedown Metro collection is 2mm thick and has a 0.3mm wear layer.

T 01604 664855 • www.bramptonchase.co.uk/metro

DAILY HEADLINES ARE POSTED TO OUR NEWS WEBSITE AT WWW.THESTOCKLISTS.COM 20

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

Woodline Make a room something special with Woodline’s all-over colours.

In tropical green, ocean blue, white, black or somewhere in between this is a cushion vinyl floor that’s anything but ordinary.

Woodline is coming to LeoLine stores this spring.

Find out more from your LeoLine ASM.

LeoLine.co.uk THE STOCKLISTS March 2024

A BRAND OF

21

FLOORINGNEWS The smartly-sized classic herringbone Joining a wide selection of plank and tiles, including XL formats for impressive spaces, Herringbone Classic is the new luxury vinyl floor from Moduleo. Its plank size (40.8 x 10.2cm) has been carefully considered to maintain a striking herringbone look in a range of rooms. So, whether master bedroom, open plan kitchen, downstairs WC or a cosy living room; Herringbone Classic is the smartly sized herringbone floor..

As with the rest of the Roots collection, Herringbone Classic exudes the quality that comes from being made in Belgium. It’s authentic textured surface, matt finish and exclusive wood decors come in a floor that’s easy to look after, resistant to scratches, stains and water, and which comes with an impressive 25-year warranty. And with selected floors like the new Galway Oak available with EIR (emboss in register) for a true to nature feel, there’s no mistaking that this is another quality option from Moduleo Roots.

Herringbone Classic is available in 12 smart wood looks: from the rustic, richly grained charm of Country Oak to the modern and minimal Laurel Oak, (customers are sure to find the right style for their home). What’s more, as part of the Roots collection, Herringbone Classic can be matched to standard wood planks for an exclusive design floor. Or why not mix it up with Moduleo’s unique and exclusive stone, concrete and terrazzo looks?

Roots Herringbone Classic is now available on display boards for 36 and 72 slot displays, as well as all variants of the shop-in-shop unit.

If you’re interested in seeing what else Moduleo has to offer, then contact your ASM. T 01332 851 500 www.moduleo.co.uk

Spring bloom for cherry blossom Celebrating the timeless beauty of Japan’s cherry trees in bloom, Sakura is inspired by cherry blossom, an intrinsic part of Japanese culture and the country’s national flower.

In Sakura, Louis De Poortere’s design team has created a graphical representation of cherry blossom trees for a rug that has a delicate and poetic atmosphere. The floral motif evokes the new beginnings of spring and captures the beauty of the blossom that’s become a symbol of Japanese culture.

Alan Russell, sales director, says: “Sakura is a masterpiece in machine woven rugs, capturing the delicate and transitory nature of cherry blossom in a design that’s permanent and timeless. Its range of linenlike textured colours have a wonderfully soft and organic quality that make it appealing in interiors inspired by the natural world and that will complement and soften contemporary finishes like concrete and plaster.”

As an Ecorug, Sakura is also 100% recyclable through Louis De Poortere’s Take Care Program. Once finished with their rug, owners can scan the QR code on the rug’s label to arrange free collection and ensure that the rug is refurbished and reused or recycled back into a new Ecorug. Take Care is made possible by every Ecorug’s 100% polyester construction, right down to the label and anti-slip backing.

Currently, Sakura is made with GRS certified 20% recycled PET. Woven in Belgium, the hand-finished design is available in a range of standard sizes from 80cm x 150cm up to 280cm x 390cm, including a 140cm diameter circular rug. www.louisdepoortere.com

Better across the board Lion Floor is the purpose-made engineered resilient flooring underlay that’s better than flooring grade plywood across the board.

For installers used to using flooring grade plywood for their resilient flooring installations but finding variable quality and intermittent availability problematic, Lion Floor is better across the board.

Lion Floor is pre-conditioned so doesn’t need wetting before installation and it can be cut cleanly and quickly with a knife or saw. Fixed with screws or ring shank nails and suitable for screeds and feather compounds, there’s no longer a reason to choose BS 8203 compliant plywood. Lion Floor is one of a very small number of fabricated underlays which can be used for LVT and other resilient floor coverings that meets British Standards and CFA guidance.

Reliability is one of Lion Floor’s strengths. The dense board is exceptionally resistant to impacts and the construction eliminates the problems that come with the core gaps and overlaps found in plywood. It’s a fast and effective way to deliver a first-class resilient floor installation. Lion Floor is also a costeffective alternative to BS 8203 compliant plywood. Made in Finland from readily available wood by-product and free from the highly volatile shipping and material costs encountered by flooring grade plywood, the engineered fibreboard is also consistently affordable.

Peter Jones, Finnish Fibreboard says: “Lion Floor is for installers looking to provide high-quality, uncompromised and low risk flooring installations. More cost-effective than BS compliant plywood, more reliable than cheaper plywood that might not meet BS 8203 requirements, and with verified environmental performance; Lion Floor is just as easy to install, so there are very few reasons not to choose it.” sales@finfib.fi 22

THE STOCKLISTS March 2024

A Modern Classic Herringbone Classic is the smartly sized plank from Moduleo.

Whatever the room, Moduleo Herringbone Classic gives the perfect look. Choose from 12 wood looks designed and made exclusively in Belgium with selected floors available EIR for a true-to-nature floor.

Enjoy a premium natural look and authentic texture.

As part of our Roots collection, this smartly sized herringbone can be matched to standard wood planks for an exclusive design floor. Or mix it up with unique stone, concrete and terrazzo looks.

moduleo.co.uk THE STOCKLISTS March 2024

A BRAND OF

23

FLOORINGNEWS Premium perfection from Quick-Step Today, homeowners can choose between a wide range of long-lasting laminate, vinyl and wood floors that all share the same DNA: striving for perfection. So, whatever Quick-Step floor they choose, homeowners can be confident of beauty that lasts.

Since it first entered the flooring market in 1990 with its laminate floors, Quick-Step has been responsible for a long list of market-leading technologies. From the Uniclic joint that revolutionised installation in 1997 to Wood for Life that made wood flooring easier to live, the Quick-Step name has always stood for premium quality flooring.

Quick-Step’s latest ranges are the pinnacle of nearly 35-years of intensive research and development into how to make floors more beautiful, practical and durable. For example, its Capture laminate range is indistinguishable from real wood, 100% watertight and comes with 10 times the scratch and stain resistance of other laminate floors. Every design is thoughtful and true to nature, so that the detail of every knot, crack, grain and joint is brought to life.

Cascada is the first watertight wood floor that comes with a Lifetime warranty in kitchens and bathrooms. Not only this, but it comes with Wood for Life moisture-repellent technology to stop mud, spilled foods and other dirt from sticking to its surface. With beautiful natural woods in unique finishes like Wintry Forest Oak Extra Matt, Cascada brings the enriching charm and true warmth that can only come with a wood floor.

Quick-Step has continued its know-how built over years of refining and innovating in laminate and wood floors into the world of luxury vinyl flooring and with the new Alpha Vinyl collection, it has set a new benchmark. With up to 20 times the texture and detail of other luxury vinyl, the clever Unizip joint for easy herringbone installation and built-in underlay across the range, Alpha Vinyl is packed with leading technologies that make it a premium choice. It also makes use of Quick-Step’s Hydroseal water repellent for a 100% waterproof floor, and with Scratch Guard for stain and dirt protection, Alpha Vinyl shows Quick-Step’s DNA in every plank and tile. www.quick-step.co.uk

F Ball tech rep for Midlands F. Ball and Co. Ltd. has appointed Dale Panter as technical representative for the West Midlands.

Harrogate show to be 30% bigger The Flooring Show has announced its expansion into Hall Q at the Harrogate Convention Centre in response to the demand for stands being higher than it’s ever been before, say organisers.

The national event, taking place from 15-17 September, will be 30% bigger than previous years.

"This firmly cements the event as the market leading flooring exhibition in the UK," says organisers Ocean Media. "With over 120 exhibitors already confirmed to showcase their innovative flooring products, this year’s event is tracking 21% ahead of 2023."

3,500 buyers, specifiers, contractors, fitters, architects, and interior designers descend on Harrogate every year for business, networking, and education.

The expansion into Hall Q provides opportunity for more extensive show features for visitors to enjoy, including the new ‘Designer Spotlight’ feature which has been developed in response to interior designers, property developers and high-end retailers looking for premium design led flooring solutions.

The Flooring Show attracts manufacturers and suppliers of carpet, laminate, LVT, wood, vinyl, cork, grass, as well as underlay, adhesives, and tools. Confirmed exhibitors include Abingdon Flooring, Ball & Young, Bostik, Brampton Chase, Cavalier Carpets, Cormar, COREtec Flooring, Kellars, Furlong Flooring, F Ball & Co, Hugh Mackay, Interfloor, Lifestyle Floors, Likewise, Penthouse Carpets, Tarkett, Westex and Wilsons Underlay and many more.

As one of F. Ball’s regional technical representatives, he will provide expert technical advice, training and on-site assistance to flooring contractors, distributors and retailers across the region on best practice in subfloor preparation and floorcovering installation and how to get the most out of F. Ball products. This will include conducting site visits and producing case-specific reports advising on the best course of action for particular flooring projects.

Dale has 10 years’ experience in sales and support roles in the commercial flooring industry, including eight and a half years as a trade account manager and a year and a half as a technical representative for a prominent UK PVC manufacturer covering the West Midlands. As a technical sales representative for a leading floorcovering manufacturer, he worked with F. Ball technical representatives to specify F. Ball adhesives for use with their products.”

Commenting on his appointment, he said: “I’m very excited to join a market leader in the flooring industry and apply my skills and knowledge to offer a personal approach to helping flooring contractors surpass customer expectations. Everyone has been incredibly friendly and welcoming, and I’m pleased that it’s a family-owned business, so I’m really looking forward to being a part of it.”

Dale and his partner Chloe have a sevenmonth-old daughter and a Sprocker Spaniel. They are family-oriented and enjoy time spent on long walks in the Peak District and holidays in Cornwall and around the world.

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

www.theflooringshow.com 24

THE STOCKLISTS March 2024

SMG ADVERT

Supporting Independent Flooring Retailers through it all, www.smg-group.co.uk 0118 932 3832 info@smg-group.co.uk come rain or shine.

VISIT US AT THE,

MAIN THE STOCKLISTS March 2024 HALL, STAND P400

You can register by visiting the website listed below or scan this QR code. www.indxshows.co.uk/indx-home/flooring/registration 25

FLOORINGNEWS The key to career progression Time spent at the Academy for Excellence in Flooring will accelerate your career progression. With a range of courses to choose from, you can find a way to boost your skills, improve your knowledge and take another step on the career ladder.

For those installers just starting out, or employers looking to upskill their workforce, the Foundation Installer course is the right one to choose.

Over two-days, the course covers the basics of wood and laminate or vinyl flooring installation to give a good understanding of the fundamental principles behind a high standard of workmanship.

Once this course has been completed, or you have over two-years’ experience in floor fitting, then the advanced Master Installer course is the one to pick.

This three-day programme unlocks the exclusive and accredited Master Installer badge, and you’ll leave as a highly skilled professional that can offer a lifetime workmanship warranty whenever you install Quick-Step floors.

Lee Thompson from the Academy for Excellence in Flooring says: “Whether you are just starting out on your career in flooring or have been around for a while, your time at the Academy will be highly rewarding. Our trainers are all experienced fitters, so they understand the issues that can arise on site and how best to solve them. This makes a difference when putting on a course that is genuinely useful and which will make itself felt when it comes to moving along in your career.”

The Master Installer badge is responsible for progressing the careers of installers around the country, with badge holders saying that it has established them in new locations, improved customer confidence and trust, and has helped to win new work through a listing on the QuickStep website.

For companies looking to improve the skills and knowledge of teams, the Academy can also develop bespoke courses to meet specific training requirements. General courses are held at the Academy’s advanced training facility in Knowsley, Liverpool.

Beauflor style in social Beauflor sheet vinyl floors can help landlords, authorities and associations to improve the flooring standards of social housing cost-effectively.

With regulations in Wales and growing pressure in Scotland and England trying to lower the number of social homes rented to tenants without floor coverings, there is a move towards improving the standards of flooring in social housing.

Carpets account for nearly 50% of floors used in social housing, but they are not an ideal solution for providers, often leading to them being removed at a change of tenancy. Sheet vinyl can eliminate many of the problems encountered with carpet that are faced by providers.

They are also easy to maintain and durable, and easier to assess for condition.

In fact, North Wales-based housing association, Clwyd Alyn, has piloted vinyl flooring in social housing properties before re-letting and has shown fewer empty properties, less anti-social behaviour and an improvement in wellbeing.

Made in Belgium, Beauflor sheet vinyl flooring offers an attractive finish across a wide range of popular natural looks with benefits for the developer and tenant alike. For the housing provider, it’s costeffective, fast to install and durable helping to deliver value throughout its life cycle.

In many domestic rooms, Beauflor sheet vinyl can be laid without glue, cutting down on material costs and time. The benefits of fast installation are made even more apparent in floors that feature a textile backing, such as the Blacktex Collection. These can be installed loose lay in areas up to 35m2 over a range of substrates, including tile and timber floors, making them an excellent choice for refurbishment.

T +32 56 67 66 11 • www.beauflor.com

www.quick-step.com/en/academy

Ball kicks off at Ramsgate FC F. Ball has continued its support of grassroots and lower league football clubs that aim to have a positive impact on local communities by donating products to be used to enhance facilities at Ramsgate F.C. Club sponsor Avenue Flooring, based in Surrey, used F. Ball’s Stopgap 1200 smoothing compound and Styccobond adhesives to install floorcoverings as part of the refurbishment of the main changing rooms at the WW Martin Community Stadium, undertaking the work for free. Fast-track products meant that this could be completed between fixtures.

After installing F. Ball’s Stopgap F77 waterproof surface membrane to prevent excess subfloor moisture potentially attacking adhesives and floorcoverings and resulting in floor failure, Stopgap 1200 was then used to create a perfectly smooth base for the receipt of new floorcoverings.

Fast-setting and fast-drying, it is walk-on hard in as little as 60 minutes after application and ready to receive floorcoverings from just four hours.

Contractors then installed green Altro Suprema safety flooring using F. Ball’s Styccobond F44 solvent-free, acrylic emulsion adhesive, which provides high bond strength, strong initial tack and a long open time.

Commenting on the project, Aaron Hams from Avenue Flooring, said: “The club does a lot for the local community, so we’re pleased to be a sponsor alongside F. Ball, whose products we use as standard. We are also grateful for F. Ball’s support with this project. We had a three-day window in which to complete the work in between matches, and their products made this possible.”

T 01538 361 633 • www.f-ball.co.uk 26

THE STOCKLISTS March 2024

individual | inspired | identity | interior design

New and Exclusive to Greendale members

THE STOCKLISTS March 2024

greendalecarpets.co.uk

27

FLOORINGNEWS Flanders boost for flooring If you're looking to explore new trends in soft and hard flooring, the Kortrijk area of Belgium is the place to be this spring. Producers from across Europe will come together in Flanders for Flanders Flooring Days from 13 to 16 May 2024.

Visitors can get to know the main players in the intimate setting of their own showrooms and at The Hub at the Kortrijk Xpo. This third edition will have an even stronger focus on welcoming European partners and international visitors to the bon vivant lifestyle in Flanders.

One of the producers ready to offer a warm welcome is Balta. With the birth of Studio B in Sint-BaafsVijve, they have the perfect space to meet with visitors: "Studio B is a unique venue that embraces the essence of elegance, comfort, and innovation. Visitors can find all the latest trends under one roof."

Decospan is one partner who will be presenting their wood flooring options. "Flanders Flooring Days is a unique opportunity to connect with customers and industry colleagues, gain fascinating insights and feedback on products, and learn more about new developments and trends in the flooring market.

It's an opportunity for us to showcase the next generation of wood floors: flooring that offers real, well-loved wood looks, is extra strong and durable, and that was produced with respect for the environment and natural resources," said flooring product manager Griet Fournier.

One of the things that makes Flanders Flooring Days so innovative is the combination manufacturer site visits and welcoming expo floor The Hub. The event's founding partners will be happy to welcome you into their showrooms. It's a unique opportunity to get a firsthand look at the products and production spaces of market leaders like Associated Weavers, Beaulieu International Group, Belysse, Coretec Floors, Lano and Unilin. As a visitor, you can drop by these and other showrooms in West and East Flanders, and then pay a visit to The Hub at Kortrijk Xpo. T +32 56 24 11 11 • www.flandersflooringdays.com

Pro-screed does its level best The popularity of Pro-Screed Gold has made it the best-selling floorwise subfloor preparation product ever and with a newly expanded range, the Pro-Screed name is set to become a firm favourite with installers looking for a range of versatile smoothing and levelling compounds.

Setting new standards in moisture-tolerant smoothing and levelling, Pro-Screed Ultra is rapid setting and can be walked on in just 80-minutes. It is capable of receiving resilient floors in just three-hours and ceramic tiles can be laid in only two-hours. Pro-Screed Ultra can be poured over old adhesive residue and DPMs and no priming is required on most subfloors.

Fibre reinforced for strength and flexibility, the new water-based ProScreed Xtra leveller is suitable for most subfloors. With excellent flow and a super-fine finish, it’s an exceptionally versatile leveller that’s also moisture tolerant so can be used above or beneath DPMs. Just like ProScreed Ultra, it can be walked in 80-minutes and has an install time of just three-hours, making it a true all-rounder.

As a plus, floorwise has ensured Pro-Screed Ultra and Pro-Screed Xtra use the latest chemical technology for a non-hazardous formulation that’s more versatile with great open and setting times, and one that’s less harmful for the installer.

Already proven as a firm fitter favourite, Pro-Screed Gold is the versatile, rapid setting levelling compound that can be walked on in 90-minutes and is ready for floors in just four-hours (three-hours for ceramic tiles). Again, no priming is needed on most subfloors and Pro-Screed Gold can be flowed over old adhesive residue and DPMs. When a cost-effective levelling solution is needed and drying times are not critical, new Pro-Screed Dura’s excellent flow and super fine finish makes it a go-to option that delivers great value on all kinds of project.

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

T 01509 673974 • www.floorwise.co.uk 28

THE STOCKLISTS March 2024

With Novoturf, the grass will always be greener on your side.

@kellarsflooring

sales@kellars.co.uk , 0161 443 0970 THE STOCKLISTS March February 2024 2024

29

Marketing insights Tiles deliver diversity in design Providing unrivalled design choice and installation versatility, we discover the unmatched durability and design diversity in our latest review of Tile Styles.

Furlong Flooring offers a comprehensive selection of Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) and Stone Plastic Composite (SPC) flooring options, including the Endura, Sirona, Carina, and Aurora ranges. These ranges exemplify cutting-edge technology and design, providing unparalleled benefits for both residential and commercial spaces.

Karndean Designflooring, Van Gogh collection, Palazzo Marble

One of the key advantages of Furlong Flooring's LVT/SPC tiling is durability. The Endura range, for instance, is engineered to withstand high-traffic areas, ensuring longevity without compromising on aesthetics.

SPC construction enhances resilience against scratches and dents, making it ideal for busy environments.

Moreover, Furlong Flooring's LVT/SPC offers versatility in design. The range boasts a wide array of colours and patterns, allowing customers to achieve their desired aesthetic effortlessly. Whether replicating the look of natural wood or contemporary stone finishes, the Endura, Sirona, Carina and Aurora ranges offer limitless design possibilities to suit various interior themes.

Another notable benefit is easy maintenance.

Furlong Flooring's LVT/ SPC requires minimal upkeep, thanks to its water-resistant properties and resistance to stains. This makes it a practical choice for spaces prone to spills and moisture, such as kitchens and bathrooms.

Furlong Flooring, Carina Dorato Stone

Furlong Flooring's LVT/ SPC combines durability, versatility, and low maintenance, making it a standout choice for modern living and commercial spaces.

With the Endura, Sirona, Carina, and Aurora ranges, customers can enjoy both style and substance in their flooring solutions.

“Furlong Flooring's LVT/SPC combines durability, versatility, and low maintenance, making it a standout choice for modern living and commercial spaces.”

We caught up with Gavin Smith, marketing director at Karndean Designflooring, to hear about their latest Tile Styles, he said: “Don’t expect herringbone to be going anywhere…

One of the many benefits of luxury vinyl flooring is its outstanding versatility, meaning that any pattern can be achieved in almost any material. So, a herringbone floor doesn’t have to be wood. In a stone design, from luxe Palazzo Marble and Midnight Marble to smooth 30

“We’ve seen a huge shift towards warmer beige tones, light greys and off-whites. Texture and bringing touches of natural materials indoors are still just as important in 2024.” grey limestones Fumo and Argento, a stone herringbone floor will bring a cool sophistication to any room. Not just restricted to kitchens and bathrooms, this is a floor that will bring visual impact to living rooms and bedrooms too.

Karndean Designflooring, Van Gogh collection, Bianco Breccia Marble

It could be to do with the time of year, and people trying to create a cosier feel, or maybe it’s because many of us seem to be spending a little more time in our homes, but it seems we are keen to create a warmer, more welcoming feel now than ever before. We’ve seen a huge shift towards warmer beige tones, light greys and off-whites.

Texture and bringing touches of natural materials indoors are still just as important in 2024”.

Introducing stone designs to its recently revitalised Van Gogh collection for the first time, Karndean has created a collection of iconic marble, slate and terracotta designs in cool tones, from the fresh white colouring and distinctive veining of Palazzo Marble to the clean charcoal hues of Milanese Slate. Four Breccia marbles (Bianco Breccia Marble shown) feature the natural stone’s characteristic embedded fragments in a new large 18" x 36" tile which amply highlights the natural variation of the product.

THE STOCKLISTS March 2024

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

Classic tiles, poured and polished concrete, slate, limestone and sandstone, and even marble; LeoLine cushion vinyl flooring has it all.

What’s more, LeoLine makes these hard to fit floors anything but and makes them more affordable and more comfortable too.

Stuart Reeves, LeoLine, says: “Concrete and marble are trending looks, but they’re also expensive finishes and need specialist installation. It’s the same for classic tiles and stones too. These floors cost a lot to install and need careful attention to maintain. With LeoLine, homes can get the look without any of those drawbacks, plus they also feel great to walk on. For homes that want the look of stone and tile, but that don’t want the fuss or just can’t quite afford them, LeoLine is a great alternative.”

“Concrete and marble are trending looks, but they’re also expensive finishes and need specialist installation. It’s the same for classic tiles and stones too.”

LeoLine Natural Trends Portoro

“The tile looks in Roots are there to inspire homeowners and trigger their imagination. We want to help them create a beautiful home with thoughtfully designed and unique living spaces.”

To this effect, the brand’s stunning Fiastra terrazzo is a real head turner, but it is perhaps the less daring looks that homeowners will often choose. Though as the collection shows, this doesn’t have to be conventional.

Moduleo Roots Triana

“Our Mattina stone design is a great example of how you can take a subtle poured concrete look and give it a Moduleo edge,” continues Elise. “Of course, we made the floor in typically popular shades like grey, but by adding tones of teal, green and blue we’ve also elevated it beyond the expected. In an XL tile it’s a statement look, but one that’s really liveable and which many homes can enjoy.”

“Our Mattina stone design is a great example of how you can take a subtle poured concrete look and give it a Moduleo edge,”

The LeoLine collection offers a wide choice of tile designs that can give homes an instant lift. Classic ceramic tile designs like Evora make a great flooring feature in hallways or bathrooms, while the marble of Portoro brings a high luxury look to kitchens. Add in concrete with Crosby, sleek stone in Toledo and Barcelona or the natural limestone of Vesuvio, and LeoLine has a style of tile that can make hallways heavenly, kitchens cool and living spaces luxurious.

When it comes to style in tiles, there’s one luxury vinyl brand that’s right up there – Moduleo.

With its Roots collection, the Belgian brand offers an impressive range of tile designs, as well as a giant XL format that brings an impressive look to rooms.

Elise Bylo, design manager, says: “The tile looks in Roots are there to inspire homeowners and trigger their imagination. We want to help them create a beautiful home with thoughtfully designed and unique living spaces.”

THE STOCKLISTS March 2024

Moduleo offers an exciting alternative for retailers and consumers alike.

With a diverse range of durable, stylish products as well as excellent customer service and unparalleled ‘green’ credentials, Moduleo has made a significant impact on the UK flooring market. Moduleo comes in both a traditional LVT construction and a simple-to-install Click system, which holds a strong cross-consumer appeal, making it ideal for any modern space. Be it home, office, or commercial, Moduleo offers luxury solutions for the ultimate in natural-looking and durable flooring.

For more information contact: Furlong Flooring • 01322 628700 • www.furlongflooring.com Karndean Designflooring • 01386 820100 • www.karndean.com LeoLine • 0800 032 3970 • www.leoline.co.uk Moduleo • 01332 851 500 • www.moduleo.co.uk

Join the online community on: facebook.com twitter.com

pinterest.com instagram.com

youtube.com houzz.com 31

FLOORING FOCUS

Leading at the edge If you’re looking for that competitive edge that sets you apart from your rivals, look at the “edge” of your actual flooring installations – the trims, tramlines and edge enhancements that make all the difference.

Smart finishing touches to carpet and LVT projects are increasingly popular with discerning consumers and can be the difference between customer satisfaction and customer delight – and an opportunity to add value to your sale.

Consumers with higher disposable incomes tend to be less price sensitive on up-market accessories which represent a small part of their total investment in new flooring. Manufacturers have risen to this opportunity with premium products that can be highly profitable for retailers and installers.

The Gripperrods Premier collection comes in a range of profiles for joining floors of different materials, different heights and between doorways. The impressive black POS displays for wall or counter-top reinforce the style, showcasing the shiny sophistication of the collection. floorwise's profile portfolio

A prime example is the highly popular range of profiles from Gripperrods, part of the market-leading Interfloor portfolio.

The Gripperrods Premier collection rates as fashion accessories for flooring with an uncompromising approach to quality and stylish point-ofsale presentation to create interest among aspirational homeowners.

The Premier range launched originally with very on-trend brushed steel nickel and an elegant bright chrome. Later last year, Interfloor added super smart brushed pewter and brushed black.

“Consumers are looking for contemporary, top quality finishing touches to their new flooring and this allows retailers to respond by up-selling accessories” These finishes co-ordinate well with other contemporary home accessories such as light switches, sockets and door handles.

Gary Cowley, Interfloor Sales Director, says: “Consumers are looking for contemporary, top quality finishing touches to their new flooring and this allows retailers to respond by up-selling accessories that will make the difference for the consumer and boost profits.”

floorwise has built up a comprehensive range of edging solutions and publishes a showcase “profile portfolio” to help installers choose between its Classic range, the Zenith range for wood, laminate and LVT, high-performance Max and the premium Max Reflections option.

“First impressions count, but it’s the lasting impression that’s really important and that’s why we engineer our profiles with quality first” Quality is central to the offer. “First impressions count, but it’s the lasting impression that’s really important and that’s why we engineer our profiles with quality first and foremost in mind,” says Richard Bailey, managing director of floorwise .

The floorwise profiles collection delivers a comprehensive range of solutions for any type of project and offers retailers valuable up sell opportunities.

Underlay leader Ball & Young also have a range of British-made high quality finishing accessories under their popular Floorline brand – a collection of classic aluminium and sim-brass edging and fast-fit stick-down metal components. continued on page 34

32

THE STOCKLISTS March 2024

CREATE YOUR

Masterpiece

Yourart Of Flooring starts here with our 8 laminate ranges including our impressive 9 colour Herringbone range.

THE STOCKLISTS March 2024

@kellarsflooring

sales@kellars.co.uk , 0161 443 0970

33

FLOORING FOCUS

Leading at the edge continued from page 32 Stair nosings for safety Stair nosings are vital safety accessories for public buildings, but selecting them shouldn’t be a matter of simply ticking the boxes. Quantum Flooring’s Q-Range Stair Nosing profiles are a great example of both form and function.

Q-Range Stair Nosings have an all over tread, which offers a slip resistance surface from the very front to the very back of the nosing. This helps to prevent slips, trips and falls, but also gives the profiles a sleek look, with no aluminium visible on the tread.

The riser is satin etched, which prevents glare for people ascending the steps. This also lends the riser a soft, appearance, while making them scratch-proof. For the ultimate in bespoke stair nosing design however, look no further than Q-Range DUO. Q-Range DUO has PVC tread material on both the tread and the riser. This offers the opportunity to have a solid band of colour on both, adhering to all relevant guidelines. It also gives customers the option of matching their ideal colours together.

“Wood, laminate and LVT has its own opportunities to enhance an installation with stylish strips and edging.”

the design of the floor to give the homeowner that sense of a unique, personalised installation.

Ball & Young's profiles have built-in protection ensures a pristine and beautiful result – delivering the kind of installation that all professional fitting companies desire to secure their reputation with consumers.

A new POS display and a fast 5-day delivery service means retailers can present an aattractive offer. “You can buy little and often instead of tying up your cash in stock,” says Ball & Young MD Rachel Attwood. “We have a 99% fulfilment success rate and our quality promise means complaints are dealt with quickly and efficiently, so you can spend more time selling instead of dealing with issues.”

Wood, laminate and LVT has its own opportunities to enhance an installation with stylish strips and edging.

Quick-Step’s Incizo range is a clever solution – a multifunctional profile that can be used to finish your floor and stairs in matching colours. By a simple cut in the Incizo, you can reach your desired shape to make a perfect transition to another floor type or to cover the expansion of the floor in a stylish way.

Stepping in a little from the edges, inlay and grouting strips offer another exciting dimensions to add custom quality to installations and meet the highest interior design expectations of consumers.

Border strips and tramlines add definition to the shape of an installation and LVT leader Karndean offer an extensive portfolio of design strips in many colours and including geometric, floral and patterned borders.

Inlay strips can be placed between tiles to create a natural grouting effect or to enhance 34

“But perhaps most distinctive of all are the metal inlay strips from Stairrods that can create exception border designs in chrome and nickel, brushed or shiny.”

Floor people are familiar with the exhaustive range of finishing options from sector specialist Stairrods and the company’s Premier Trims range plays up to the appetite for added value installations. But perhaps most distinctive of all are the metal inlay strips from Stairrods that can create exception border designs in chrome and nickel, brushed or shiny.

It’s the finishing touches that make exceptional installations!

FOR MORE INFORMATION Ball & Young • 01536 200502 • ballandyoung.com floorwise • 01509 673974 • floorwise.co.uk Interfloor • 01706 213131 • interfloor.com Karndean • 01386 820 200 • karndean.com Stairrods • 01207 591176 • stairrods.co.uk Quantum Flooring • 0161 627 4222 • quantumprofilesystems.com Quick-Step • 028 3025 0477 • quick-step.co.uk THE STOCKLISTS March 2024

FLOORINGNEWS

Legendary loom is TV star at Axminster Axminster Carpets were delighted when TV presenters Gregg Wallace and Cherry Healey visited the factory in Axminster to feature on the popular BBC series Inside the Factory.

The programme aired on Sunday 4th February at 8pm on BBC2 and is available to view on BBC IPlayer.

Millions of consumers tuned in to watch as the programme followed the woven to order carpets from start to finish at the Devon based factory – showcasing the generations of craftsmanship that go into the quality wool British carpets.

Axminster's iconic 8-pitch gripper loom is the star of the show with Greg Wallace describing it as "like the inside of the grandest piano I've ever seen."

Woven to Order by Axminster Carpets, features a selection of products which are woven personally to your order. Ready in just four weeks, this innovative service is a more sustainable method of production which means less wastage. As well as this, you have the assurance of knowing that your carpet has been beautifully crafted just for you, by the skilled team at the Devon based factory. The ranges included in this service are Myth & Moor, Hazy Days, Annalise, Havana and New Modern Classics.

Watch the film on BBC iPlayer - it's Series 8, Episode 7 of Inside the Factory and will be available for the next year - see a trailer at https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/ p0h71cft

All woven to order carpets are now available in 3.66m and 4.57m width.

To order bespoke Axminster Carpets POS and enquire about any Axminster Carpets product please email retail@axminstercarpets.uk or call 01297 33533.

Greg starts up the iconic loom with Axminster's Mike Hutchings THE STOCKLISTS March 2024

Woven-to-order Myth & Moor

Woven-to-order Hazy Days 35

HOSTED BY

national institute of carpet & floorlayers

DO YOU

Have the knowledge & skills to be

CARPET FITTER OF THE YEAR 2024?

THE 2024 COMPETITION FORMAT IS AS FOLLOWS 1). * You do NOT need to be an NICF member to enter this competition. Applicants must be aged 18 years or over on Sunday 30 April 2024. NICF Council members and previous Carpet Fitter of The Year winners are excluded from entering.

2). Deadline for entry is 23:59 on Sunday 30 April 2024.

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

4). The Semi-Finals will be held on Tuesday 25 and Wednesday 26 June 2024 (five fitters per day) at the FITA Training Centre, Loughborough. Five fitters will progress to the Final competition.

5). Briefing information for the five finalists will be supplied digitally in August.

6). The Final is at The Flooring Show, Harrogate, on Sunday 15 and Monday 16 September 2024.

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

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

36 Carpet 2024_CFJ Feb 2024.indd 1 NICF FOTY

THE STOCKLISTS 2024 07/02/2024March 10:38:45

ON DISPLAY 2 0 2 4

Positive POS for smart business

Effective POS is essential in a crowded, competitive market but your floor and wall space is a precious commodity that all your suppliers want a piece of.

So we’ve selected some of the best displays to help retailers drive forward your business in 2024 – pages 37-44.

• See also our ten top tips for successful POS – page 44.

THE STOCKLISTS March 2024

37

ON DISPLAY 2 0 2 4

Sleek and stylish Victoria New for 2024 Victoria have created a new style lectern that offers sleek lines, a uniform finish and a practical storage solution.

Premiered at The Flooring Show, the new design has been streamlined and made so that they can sit side by side as well as back-to-back, allowing for an ‘island’ of lecterns if space allows.

A handy soft close drawer been added which houses 2 pattern books, and underneath there is room for our suite of A4 folders to show off the rest of the ranges.

An added benefit to the new style lectern is the height. All lecterns are 135cm tall with a fixed header board that will have fresh and updated graphics.

To find out more, contact your Area Sales Manager or give Victoria a call on 01562 749300.

www.myvictoria.co.uk sales@myvictoria.co.uk 01562 749300

Elegance on show at Abingdon Flooring The most luxurious carpet in Abingdon Flooring’s Stainfree family, new Pure Elegance is one of the British manufacturer’s biggest recent launches and a serious option for customers looking for a premium and practical family carpet.

Now available on a compact yet stylish lectern, the carpet is attracting the attention of style savvy shoppers in stores across the UK. The lectern’s smart grey finish and appealing lifestyle graphics certainly make a striking addition to any store. Featuring clear reasons to purchase, such as the carpet’s made in Britain status, super soft twist, Stainfree for Life Guarantee and 12-year wear promise; it’s also makes it easy to see why Pure Elegance is a brilliant choice for today’s family homes.

Charlotte Coop, Head of Marketing, Abingdon Flooring, says: “Pure Elegance sets a new bar for our Stainfree family and makes our super soft polypropylene twist not only practical, but really desirable too. Because it hits the right balance between luxury, affordability and practicality; it appeals to homes that need a bleach cleanable, stainresistant carpet but that don’t want to compromise on luxury or quality. Unlike other premium qualities, that may come with the expense or complexity of dedicated wall units, we’ve chosen to show Pure Elegance on our standard lectern so that it can be enjoyed in as many stores as possible.”

The carpet’s 10th gauge construction and high twist count means it recovers from tracking marks for a carpet that has a classic look and it is available in 17 colours. Included are dark shades of black raven, sapphire and frosted steel, light tones of cloudy dreams and snowfall, as well as colours of putting green, oceanside, treasure isle and dock blue. Pure Elegance’s varied palette means that most shoppers will find a colour to complement their interior style.

www.abingdonflooring.co.uk sales@abingdonflooring.co.uk 01274 655 694 38

THE STOCKLISTS March 2024

Special feature: Point-of-sale and merchandising

The debut of the Design Studio for Harvey Maria Harvey Maria will be adding a brand new Design Studio to their point of sale portfolio. The stylish and eyecatching new display will appeal to retailers looking for an exclusive luxury vinyl tile offering for their customers. The clever design is totally flexible and can be scaled up or down depending on the retailer’s available space and existing Harvey Maria displays. The exciting and interactive display showcases Harvey Maria’s award-winning MSeries collection of authentic wood effect LVT - including their brand new Croft Oak range, which just launched in February.

Easy to use for both the retailer and customer, the Design Studio really creates a destination within a store. Incorporating an intuitive customer journey designed to maximise engagement and optimise retailer sales, as the customer can shop the collection by both colour & shade, and also by price. The main display presents premium wood effects, with best in class realism & natural touch, plus a versatile choice of plank, herringbone & parquet (Natural Oak, Natural Plank & Hurst Collections). The 26 elegant wood & stone effect free-standing, double-sided boards showcase 52 Skus - they provide total flexibility to browse the collections in-store, place on the floor, or take out on a home visit. Harvey Maria offers local territories and display rebates to all of their Retail Partners.

The Design Studio display acts as a hub which works best when incorporated with the Harvey Maria Design Table and Toast Rack stand of 10 exclusive Design Series pattern boards, showcasing 22 of the best-selling designs. This provides a handy and stylish display table with sampling for all 52 pattern designs. Alternatively it can be A significant part of ACG’s tailored to suit the retailer’s individual needs and used to incorporate existing Harvey member offering is its class Maria displays.

leading own label brand “Smartchoice”.

Croft Oak Collection - authenticity, practicality and responsibility

The brand new high margin Croft Oak collection, is made up of eight authentic Through its modernistic consumer designs with natural wood grain textures, four of which come withand a matching friendly appearance significant herringbone sized plank. They are the perfect blend of natural, neutral style and product choice, it allows retailers incredible practicality - with eco-conscious credentials, they quietly complement to rejuvenate their stores andwear give both new-build and more traditional homes. The planks have a high spec layer and high slip resistance, which means they not only budget friendly, but theirare showrooms the “WOW” factor. extremely robust and suitable for commercial contracts and high footfall areas.

Equally, if not more importantly, it allows members to maximise “The fabulous new retail display not only provides the perfect showcase for all our natural stone effect marginwood whilstand protecting their sale collections, it’s been optimised for an enhanced customer experience that’s designed to maximise sales conversions against the annoyance of high for our retail partners”, explains Harvey Maria’s Founder, Mark Findlay. “It’s the perfect new home forprice our stylish new street and online comparison Croft Oak collection, which has achieved the highest eco-credentials held by our MSeries collection, at an affordable and more recently, with the price, reflecting the twin priorities of our customers. Croft Oak is recognised for its low impactofon the counters environment in increase trade offered all aspects - production process, product composition, emissions & indoor air qualitybyand sustainable construction.” distributors, the man in a van.

www.harveymaria.com info@harveymaria.com 0330 330 1231

ON DISPLAY 2 0 2 4

THE STOCKLISTS March 2024

39

ON DISPLAY 2 0 2 4

Furlong Flooring's EcoSense and Beyond Wool Furlong Flooring's innovative EcoSense and Beyond Wool sustainable ranges are poised to revolutionise the carpeting industry, setting a new standard for environmental responsibility.

The use of 100% recycled polyester and polypropylene yarn in these ranges not only showcases Furlong's commitment to sustainability but also addresses the growing demand for ecofriendly flooring solutions.

By embracing recycled materials, Furlong Flooring not only reduces environmental impact but also takes a significant step towards a circular economy. The EcoSense and Beyond Wool ranges exemplify the brand's dedication to minimising resource consumption and promoting a greener future.

Moreover, Furlong Flooring's strategic approach extends beyond product innovation to include bold point-of-sale materials designed to captivate buyers' imaginations. The innovative point-of-sale displays create an immersive environment that educates consumers about the sustainability of the products, making the purchasing decision not only practical but also emotionally resonant.

www.furlongflooring.com dowen@furlongflooring.com 01322 628 700

Smart Choice at ACG The launch of the brand new smartchoicecarpets.co.uk consumer facing website, further reinforces ACG’s multi award-winning own label brand “Smart Choice” which continues to grow from strength to strength.

Through its modernistic consumer friendly appearance and significant product choice, the unitary offer allows retailers to rejuvenate their stores and give their showrooms that “wow” factor.

Equally, if not more importantly, it allows members to maximise margin whilst protecting their sales against the annoyance of high street and online price comparison, and more recently, with the increase of trade counters offered by distributors, the man in a van.

www.acgcarpets.com info@acgcarpets.com 01942 825520

40

The Smart Choice brand forms a significant part of ACG member benefits, which when coupled with best trade pricing, rebates and annual promotional activity, can result in substantial returns for members against their annual subscription investment.

THE STOCKLISTS March 2024

It just mSpecial feature: Point-of-sale and merchandising

es... ak

ECO SENSE

DID YOU KNOW? FURLONG ADVERT Furlong’s recycled carpets are

COMBINED WITH

*This applies to Beyond Wool ranges, Stanton, Callanish, Amesbury and Castlerigg and the EcoSense range Avondale & Enchantment

#1

The Furlong group is committed to manufacturing and distributing more sustainable and ecofriendly flooring solutions now and in the coming years. And with your help, it will all just make eco-sense.

RECYCLED BACKING SUBSTRATE

and use 100% sustainable electricity to manufacture it.

Scan to contact your sales representative for promotional offer and visit:

furlongflooring.com/collections to find out more on our role in helping shape a better future.

THE STOCKLISTS March 2024

Get your

£15

ON

when ordering any qualifying cut length over 16m2 Special promotion will run from 5th February – 5th April 2024 100% recycled yarn ranges only

DISPLAY 2 0 2 4

41

ON DISPLAY 2 0 2 4

Cormar's tempting textures Invictus excels in-store

Last year, award-winning carpet manufacturer Cormar Carpet Company introduced the newest addition to their refreshed range of in-store carpet displays.

Perfectly showcasing the wonders of wool, Cormar’s brand-new wool textures lectern allows customers to meet the increased demand for a more natural product and is carefully designed to create an eye catching and unique shopping experience, without dominating the retail space.

Following extensive consumer insight, retailer research and over thirty years’ experience providing marketleading carpet displays, Cormar’s latest offering exhibits the manufacturer’s popular loops on one distinctive lectern. Featuring contemporary branded graphics alongside a modern grey finish, this exciting new display is packed with a host of benefits not only to help consumers choose the right carpet, but to make selling easier in-store for their customers.

In 2018 Invictus Luxury Vinyl Flooring was launched, and immediately became a trade favourite. For three consecutive years, Invictus received trade awards (Interiors Monthly Awards and Flooring Innovations Awards (FIA)) for: best branding, best marketing and best display. Also the end consumer finds his way to Invictus, with 580.000 visitors on www.invictus.co.uk in 2023.

Associated Weavers stands out from the crowd as to UK presence, branding and in-store solutions. The Invictus luxury vinyl flooring concept and display are no exception to that rule. The attractive branding and visuals will be the highlight of any shop, immediately attracting the customer’s attention.

Associated Weavers has reinvented the in-store display and brings a tool with an intuitive digital module that is sure to offer a great customer experience and guide customers through an efficient and fun-to-do purchase process. The symbiosis between traditional samples and a digital journey is unrivalled in the flooring business.

When it comes to delivering a great performance, nothing beats Invictus luxury vinyl flooring. The name is no coincidence: in Latin, “invictus” means “invincible”. Invictus luxury vinyl flooring is sure to meet all your expectations.

www.carpetyourlife.com info@awe.be 01422 431100

42

www.cormarcarpets.co.uk info@cormarcarpets.co.uk 01204 881234

THE STOCKLISTS March 2024

Special feature: Point-of-sale and merchandising

Eye-catching new marketing initiatives from Likewise The Likewise Group have focused on many new marketing initiatives to support their customers with some fantastic new displays and point of sale.

Stunning new Lectern Library Units are offered to compliment the already successful wall units and carpet lecterns. These compact yet eye-catching displays are optimised to make the best use of limited space in retail showrooms, Multiple units can be displayed side by side or back to back, Displaying 4 top feeler sets, shelving for a further 4 books and 8 Likewise deckboards – customers can choose from any new or existing best-selling ranges.

To promote their premium 'Floors

by Lewis Abbott' Luxury Vinyl Tile collections, a high quality, eyecatching premium display unit has just been launched. The unit displays both Holland Park and Chester Square ranges. A high quality steel construction with illuminated Lewis Abbott Graphic Box Frame at top and point of sale with lifestyle imagery and link to the website via a QR code.

www.likewiseplc.com enquiries@likewisefloors.co.uk 01924 978400

Luxury look from ITC Natural Luxury Flooring The black/gold textured stone effect finish and the attention to detail of ITC's display with beautifully crafted bronze finish handles brings the latest look to carpet stands.

A rug drawer, stylishly incorporated in the 8-bay unit, will hold a selection of tape examples for bespoke rugs.

The design led appearance and finish of the stands together with a brand-new logo, will look stunning on your shop floor.

The 8-bay stand highlights their ranges and the attractive new A4 folders fit in the especially designed section with the swatch books stored in the cupboard space.

The new stands will be available from early April, with each stand delivered and assembled on site.

If you wish to secure 1 or more of these stands, please contact your ITC Agent who will be pleased to discuss the finer details.

www.itcnaturalluxuryflooring.com info@itcnaturalluxuryflooring.com 01622 534041

THE STOCKLISTS March 2024

43

ON DISPLAY 2 0 2 4

Special feature: Point-of-sale and merchandising

Introducing Inspiration by Tarkett

Ten POS tips for top-selling stores 1.

nsure a large mix of standard and niche E products to reassure consumers they have plenty to choose from – even if they ultimately go for something safe.

2.

Mix more expensive items alongside cheaper products so that the opportunity to trade up is always there – don’t place the high end products on their own or in an increasing price layout where they can be disregarded by customers.

3.

4.

se your window – too often this is a U neglected area but a good display reassures consumers that you’re a smart retailer. se your floor! Have the most popular of U your higher margin products laid in sections of your floor. Consumers like to buy what they can see in a larger sample.

5.

Keep literature racks full – empty displays look tired and complacent and consumers like to have material to take away – and you can clip your business card to it.

6. Create different areas for different product types so that consumers are not confused by too much on offer in the same place.

7.

void an ‘industrial’ environment A – too many stores are sheds with industrial roofs, lighting and ventilation on show. Use suspended ceilings, black paint and screens to hide the worst parts – the buying environment should be as domestic as possible.

8.

Use soft furnishing, furniture items and flowers around the flooring displays to create a homely environment – and you can sell them too!

9.

The range includes the first ever digitally printed LVT: Inspiration Naturals by Tarkett, with an extremely high definition visual and a tough, best in class and super matt finish. Truly unique.

Oozing smart versatility and style is the best way to describe the Inspiration Classics by Tarkett collection which is also now available. With a compact colour bank and POS footprint, Inspiration Classics offers these great colour options across 0.55 & 0.3mm glue-down as well as 0.55 RCC+ Rigid Click, the next generation of SPC and some remarkably ingenious herringbone options.

The ranges are available exclusively from Tarkett directly with limited POS availability.

For request further information on these ranges and the availability of collateral in your area, please contact the Tarkett marketing team.

void the dark, dead bulbs and dark A video screens.

10.

Be careful about locating roll stock – very often it has a prominent position and lures consumers past the higher margin material. Consumers not only know it’s cheaper but the large area helps them visualise it in their own home which is more challenging with small samples.

44

The LVT market continues to grow, and product offers become hard to differentiate between, that’s why Inspiration by Tarkett is fast becoming a popular option for retailers and consumers alike.

www.tarkett.co.uk marketing@tarkett.com 01233 746020

THE STOCKLISTS March 2024

Specialist in woven carpet

Craftsmanship

makes the difference

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

Read more at our website! »

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

THE STOCKLISTS March 2024

45

BUSINESSNEWS Flooring retail prices finally fall

Happy new year for confidence

Flooring retail prices finally fell in January in marked contrast to the stubbornly high inflation in the sector during 2023.

Retail analysts report "exciting" trends in consumer confidence, including for big ticket items like flooring, with the best headline score for optimism in over two years.

The latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) says floorcovering prices were down 0.5% in January compared to an inflationery rise of 4.8% in December.

This time last year, floorcovering inflation was running at over 12% and sustained month-on-month rises of around 8–9% for most of 2023 even while the furniture sector as a whole was running at half that rate typically.

The retail price of furniture in January decreased by 1.5%, down from a rise of 1.2% in December.

Overall, the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) rose by 4% in the 12 months to January 2024 says the ONS - unchanged from the rate in December and a little lower than analysts were forcasting.

January sees rise in flooring sales Retail sales for flooring went up over 2% in January compared to December, despite sales in the furniture sector overal plunging 22%.

The latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows floorcovering retail sales increased month-on-month by 2.1% to £194.4m from £190.4m in December. But, compared to the same time last year, sales fell by 6.8% from £208.7m.

The January figures for furniture and lighting retail sales fell 22.2% to £1.22bn from £1.57bn in December. Compared to the previous year, these sales were down 3.1% from £1.26n.

Overall data for non-food stores sales volumes returned to broadly expected levels, with a rise of 3.0% over the month following a 3.9% fall in December.

Heather Bovill, Deputy Director for Surveys and Economic Indicators at the ONS, said: “After a very weak December, retail sales rebounded in January with the largest monthly rise since April 2021. This means that overall sales have now recovered to pre-December levels, although if we look at the broader picture, they are still below where they were pre-pandemic."

Flooring industry "at a cyclical low" The UK and Europe is lagging in the recovery from a low point in the economic health of the flooring industry says Mohawk, the world's biggest supplier in the sector.

US-based Mohawk CEO Jeff Lorderbaum said the global flooring industry "is at a cyclical low" in announcing the group's full year results for 2023 to investors.

"We anticipate Europe to lag given geopolitical risks and energy prices.

U.S. and Latin American markets should improve sooner," he said.

The group says it has "an expectation of improved results in second half of 2024."

The group's full year global sales for 2023 were down over 5% to $11.14 billion and fell 6.7% to $3 billion in their "Rest of the World" division which includes Europe and the UK. Mohawk is a major supplier to the UK and best known here for brands including Unilin, IVC, Quick-Step, Moduleo, Leoline and Pergo.

GfK’s long-running Consumer Confidence Index increased three points to -19 in January. The Major Purchase Index which covers furnishing, flooring and appliances, also rose three points to -20; this is 20 points higher than this month last year.

“Consumer confidence has started the year well with all measures up," says Joe Staton, Client Strategy Director GfK. "Importantly, the view on our personal financial situation for the coming year has gained two points and now stands at zero. This is exciting as it ends 24 consecutive months of negative scores for this measure and this significant change is the best single indicator for how the nation’s households feel about their income and expenditure."

Mr Staton added: “Despite the cost-of-living crisis still impacting many households across the UK, consumers appear to be encouraged by the positive news about falling inflation. On balance, while there is national and global turmoil, the Consumer Confidence Index has started 2024 on a positive note – let’s see if this optimism continues.”

Other company news The latest trading update from James Halstead plc ahead of its interim results next month says half year profits are expected to grow by as much as 20% despite softening of sales demand in some European markets.

Abingdon reported slower sales for the year ended April 1, 2023, of £104.7m compared to £111.9m for the previous year. Pre-tax profit resulted at £3.9m, down from £7.8m. “The market in the second half of 2023 showed signs of a slowdown against a buoyant year in 2022" said Abingdon. Margins were squeezed by increased raw material costs.

Carpet manufacturer G-Tuft, part of Victoria Plc, said sales fell by 9% in its accounts filed for the year ended April 1, 2023. “The reduction is primarily driven by a difficult year in the wider UK flooring market,” it said.

Major carpet retailer Mears Flooring reported a growth in sales of 3.1% in accounts filed for the year ended 31 March 2023 and added: “After a difficult first half to the year, growth in turnover increased in the second half of the year as the market improved.”

Italian sofa retailer Poltronesofà has now finalised its acquisition of ScS, taking private the UK’s second largest upholstery and flooring retailer – the former PLCs shares were delisted on the London Stock Exchange on January 31.

North West floorcoverings wholesaler A&S Carpets & Vinyls has called in restructuring advisers. Chris Brindle of Campbell Crossley & Davis, have been appointed as joint administrators of the company which is based in Worsely, Manchester.

DAILY HEADLINES ARE POSTED TO OUR NEWS WEBSITE AT WWW.THESTOCKLISTS.COM FOLLOW @THESTOCKLISTS ON LINKEDIN + X (TWITTER)

FOR KEY ALERTS AND NEWS UPDATES

46

THE STOCKLISTS March 2024

DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY FOR THE FLOORING TRADE

CONTACT US

THE STOCKLISTS March 2024

www.eGizmo.co.uk

08000 72 85 39

sales@eGizmo.co.uk

47

2025

New year fanfare for flooring awards The organisers are shaking up the schedule for the Flooring Innovation Awards to give even more prominence to what has become one of the most successful events in the industry's calendar.

"We'll be announcing the new winners of what will be the Flooring Innovation Awards 2025 with a real fanfare right at the beginning of the new year – on January 2nd, 2025. These highly sought-after awards will then set the agenda for the year ahead for floor buyers and specifiers," says organiser Bridgette Kelly.

So the schedule for the scheme will be moving back a bit this year with entries opening on June 3, 2024, and closing on November 8.

The Awards scheme will issue plenty of reminders later this year to make sure you get your entries in on time – all set, hopefully, for a happy new year in 2025! Readers of The Stocklists can nominate their favourite suppliers and products to go before the judges.

GET SET TO STAR

Entries open: June 3, 2024 Entries close: November 8 Winners announced: January 2, 2025 Gold winners announced: April, 2025

The Awards recognise everything that is genuinely new, exciting and innovative in the UK flooring trade so buyers can focus on fresh opportunities and the entries are judged by an independent panel of leading industry experts.

Check out the categories and rules at: www.flooringinnovationawards.com

For more info, contact: bradley@flooringinnovationawards.com

Golden moments of 2023

“Star” judge Bridgette Kelly was able to present several of the 2023 Gold awards to worthy winners at The Flooring Show in Harrogate last year

Bridgette with Neil Valentine of Furlong Flooring

Chris Adam of Adam Carpets

Kim Konig of Condor Carpets

Nial Cassidy of Quick-Step

Jenna Kane (centre) & Charlotte Jarvis (right) of Hugh Mackay with Bridgette

Debbie Turvey of Victoria

Check out all the winners at www.flooringinnovationawards.com 48

X / TWITTER @flooring_awards

INSTAGRAM flooringinnovationawards

THE STOCKLISTS March 2024

Retail Partner Programme

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

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

For more details about the Retail Partner Programme please contact

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

49

Get more from The Stocklists every day, online Online news service - updated daily Online news service - updated daily www.thestocklists.com www.thestocklists.com News alerts and snippets News alerts snippets Follow us onand LinkedIn and X @thestocklists Follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter @thestocklists Monthly e-newsletter by email Monthly by email Sign up ate-newsletter www.thestocklists.com/contact Sign up at www.thestocklists.com/contact Online digital editions (inc. back issues) Online digital editions (inc. back issues) Access via www.thestocklists.com/back_issues Access via www.thestocklists.com/back_issues Click on the website now and leave your email address on the “Join the list” button and we’ll keep you in touch with your industry online

www.thestocklists.com

50

THE STOCKLISTS March 2024

PAGE

PAGE

PAGE

PAGE

PAGE

PAGE

PAGE

PAGE

PAGE

PAGE

Flooring factsheet The trade’s knowledge bank

52 53 54 56 58 59 60 61 62 64

THE STOCKLISTS March 2024

F.Ball Adhesives Carpet Types Carpet Company Directory Carpet Trouble-shooter Vinyl/LVT Supplier Directory Vinyl Flooring Underlay Buying Groups Woolsafe Caring for Carpet Wholesale Distribution Directory Floorwise

51

MADE IN GREAT BRITAIN

FLOORING FACTSHEET

ADHESIVES SELECTION CHECKLIST

ADHESIVE TYPES Acrylic/Resin: Ideal for plasticised PVC and most modern flooring.

Bitumen: A tar-like material, bitumen has a high degree of moisture resistance and is used for damp-proof membranes and installing tiles, wood blocks and mosaics.

Epoxy Resin: A two-part chemical curing system that is used in aggressive environments such as conservatories, wet rooms, commercial kitchens and exterior installations.

The criteria to select an adhesive will cover the following points.

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

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

Open Time:

Subfloor:

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

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

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

Odour:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Strength:

Air Quality and the Environment:

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

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

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

Polyvinyl Acetate: Typically used for close fitting joints in timber, laminate floors and panels.

Tackifier: An adhesive for carpet designed to increase the tackiness – or the tack range – of an adhesive.

YOU GET MORE WITH BALL REWARDS

EARN 10% CASHBACK ON F. BALL’S STOPGAP FAST-TRACK 30 SMOOTHING COMPOUND AND 5% CASHBACK ON THESE STYCCOBOND ADHESIVES*

A EAXSTHBRACK C

SIGN UP TODAY AT F-BALL.COM/REWARDS

*GET 2.5% CASHBACK ON EVERY F. BALL PRODUCT. 10% CASHBACK ON STOPGAP FAST-TRACK 30 AND 5% CASHBACK ON STYCCOBOND F44, F46, F48 PLUS, F49 AND F58 PLUS FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY. OFFER AVAILABLE 1ST JANUARY - 31ST MARCH 2024. REWARDS MEMBERS ONLY.

To find out more visit f-ball.com/training 52

THE STOCKLISTS March 2024

Flooring factsheet Carpet types

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

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

LOOP PILE

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

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

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

BONDED

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

THE STOCKLISTS March 2024

CUT PILE

Freize ­­– Frieze or frisée (pronounced freesay) carpets are similar to saxony, but the yarns are more tightly twisted and should always be heat set. They have a dense, low pile surface which creates a coarse, pebbly texture. Frieze carpets are very durable and hide footprints, dust and dirt, which makes them suitable for heavy traffic areas.

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

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

Velvet ­­– Velvet textures (sometimes called ‘velour’ or ‘plush’) all have a level surface pile of approx 5mm to 10mm height, which is then sheared to give a smooth finish. With very little twist in the yarn, the ends blend together which then further enhances the overall finish. These carpets tend to ‘shade’ with heavy use. Footprints show easily and the colour looks different from place to place because fibres lying in different directions reflect the light differently. A luxury for occasional rooms.

CUT AND LOOP

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

Shag pile –­­ Shag pile has varied in popularity.

The pile is up to 50mm long and the texture is casual and loose but the surface can flatten easily and may lack durability.

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

Axminster The pile of the carpet is inserted into the backing as it is woven and cut to length, creating U-shaped tufts to give a velvety surface. The process locks in the fibre to create a carpet of high durability and performance retention as well as a luxury feel. The process allows for intricate designs and colours to be used – although modern trends mean that the traditional patterned axminster has given way to current fashion trends for plain carpets.

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

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

53

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

01562 829966

Brockway Carpets Ltd

01562 828200

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

Alternative Flooring www.alternativeflooring.com

01264 335111

Associated Weavers www.associatedweavers.net

01422 431100

Avena Carpets Ltd

01422 330261

Axwoven Carpets Ltd www.axwovencarpetsltd.co.uk

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

0121 550 5788

Christy Carpets

019078 308777

Clarendon Carpets www.clarendoncarpets.com

01827 831480

Classis Carpets www.classiscarpets.com

0870 020 1725

Condor Carpets BV www.condor-group.eu

+31 38 4778911

Contempo Carpets

0800 689 4741

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

01297 32244

Balta Floorcovering UK Ltd www.balta-carpets.com

03303 411 410

Beaulieu International Group www.bintg.com

+32 56 67 66 11

Belvedere Carpets

Belvedere Carpets 020 8800 0740

Burmatex www.burmatex.co.uk

Bizspoke Custom Carpets

01924 488882

Blenheim Carpets

020 7823 3040

BMK

0113 380 5333

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

0800 505055

Love Story Deep Feelings by Abingdon

54

01737 830301

Dan-Floor UK

0844 9151000

Domo Floorcovering

+32 55 335211

E & WE Carpets

01562 825952

Edel Telenzo Carpets Ltd

01422 374 417

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

01562 745030

Fells Carpets

01977 662211

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

+45 96 60 3000

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

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

Custom Carpet Company www.customcarpetcompany.co.uk

Flock-living Limited

Cormar Carpets Ltd

01204 881 234

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

Firth Carpets & Flooring Be Pr Tu Tw W Ww

Couristan Carpets www.couristan.com

800 223 6186

Craigie Carpets UK Ltd

01294 558400

Creative Carpets Ltd

0116 284 1455

Creatuft Carpets www.creatuft.be

+32 56 35 4444

Durham Twist from Hugh Mackay

+44 (0)20 8440 8777

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

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

Brockway’s Vogue

THE STOCKLISTS March 2024

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

Gaskell Wool Rich www.gaskellwoolrich.co.uk

01827 831525

Louis de Poortere www.louisdepoortere.be

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

01429 892525

Lusotufo www.lusotufo.pt

Georgian Carpets

01827 831430

Godfrey Hirst (GB) Ltd www.godfreyhirst.com

0800 526696

Halbmond Teppichwerke www.halbmond.de

Hammer Carpets

+49 037 421 420

01473 826870

+32 56 393 386

Tapibel NV www.tapibel.be

01623 481 221

+35 12 56 750 500

Tasibel NV www.tasibel.be

+32 52 499600

Manx Carpets www.manxtomkinson.co.uk

01827 831 434

The Grosvenor Wilton Co www.grosvenorwilton.co.uk

01562 701456

Master Weaver www.masterweaver.co.uk

01562 754 382

Wilton Carpet Commercial www.wiltoncarpets.com

01722 746000

Mayfield Carpets www.penthousecarpets.co.uk

01706 639 866

Thomas Witter UK Ltd www.thomaswitter.com

0870 1128318

Timzo Tufting Industry BV www.condor-group.eu

+31 38 385 4477

MID NL www.mid.nl

+31 38 851 8700

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

01924 410544 0032 51 424 411

John Lanham Watts Carpets

01937 588511

John Evans Ltd

07850 935301

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

01827 831400 01827 831 424

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

0800 78 33 712 01942 673232

Bronte’s Cream Shagpile

THE STOCKLISTS March 2024

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

+32 55 50 9050

+32 52 457211

Mr Tomkinson www.manxtomkinson.co.uk

01827 831 450

Penthouse Carpets www.penthousecarpets.co.uk

01706 341231

Tisca Tiara www.tiscatiara.com

07860 911748

Ulster Carpets www.ulstercarpets.com

02838 334433

United Carpets & Beds www.unitedcarpetsandbeds.com

01709 732 666

Victoria Carpets www.victoriacarpets.com

01562 749300

Vorwerk Flooring www.vorwerk-flooring.com

01282 332025

Westex Carpets www.westexflooring.com

01274 861334

Weston Hammer www.hammercarpetsuk.com

0845 644 9090

0845 6528811

Whitestone Weavers Ltd www.hughmackay.co.uk

01429 892555

Sans Frontieres Ltd www.sansfrontiere.co.uk

0844 5611977

Wilkies Carpets

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

Shaw Home Foundations

01675 433 501

Woodward Grosvenor

Signature Carpets www.signaturecarpets.co.uk

01422 412756

Wool Classics www.woolclassics.com

TAT Carpet

07976 607657

Woven Carpets of Kidderminster 01299 827477

Phoenox Textiles www.phoenox.co.uk

01484 863227

Pownall Carpets

Pimlico by Cormar

0800 526696

0207 349 1560

Wellington Stripe from Ulster

55

Flooring factsheet Carpet trouble-shooter

• shedding • pulled loops

Fading on Wool

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

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

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

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

Soiling

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

Colour matching

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Static

Sprouting

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

56

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

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

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

THE STOCKLISTS March 2024

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

Flattening

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

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

Shading

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

Pile Reversal

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

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

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

Pulling Loops

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

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

THE STOCKLISTS March 2024

Shedding

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

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

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

Indentations

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

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

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

The original carpet tile

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

Samples

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

Installation

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

57

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

Flooring factsheet Vinyl + LVT Supplier Directory Victorian Treasure by Invictus

Van Gogh Classic Oak by Karndean Designflooring

Studio Designs by Brampton Chase

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

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

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

Adoretouch +1.631.843.0900

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

www.adorefloors.com

Alsaflooring j.bingham@alsaflooring.com 0759 2670782 www.alsaflooring.com Altro enquiries@altro.com 01462 489 516 Amtico info@amtico.com 0121 745 0800

www.altro.co.uk

www.amtico.com

Aspecta +31 (0) 88 1662500

www.aspectaflooring.com

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

www.beauflor.com

BerryAlloc +32 56 52 84 80

www.berryalloc.com

Harvey Maria info@harveymaria.com 0330 330 1231

www.harveymaria.com

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

www.kahrs.com

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

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

Kraus sales@qep.com 01283 245430

www.interface.com

www.invictus.co.uk/lvt

Kährs UK sales@kahrs.com 023 9245 3045

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

www.forbo.com

www.karndean.com

www.kellars.co.uk

www.krausflooring.co.uk

Leoline info@leoline.co.uk

www.leoline.co.uk

Moduleo salesuk@moduleo.com 01332 851 500

www.moduleo.co.uk

Polyflor info@polyflor.com 0161 767 1111

www.polyflor.com

Tarkett communication@tarkett.com 01622 854040

www.tarkett.com

Quick-Step 08448 118 288

www.quick-step.co.uk

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

www.en.wineo.de

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

Landscape Parquet by Victoria Design Floors 58

THE STOCKLISTS March 2024

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

Benefits

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

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

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

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

www.bramptonchase.co.uk

Product options

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Sound reduction – vinyl has neglible impact sound compared

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

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

Installation

Installation preparation Vinyl requires a dry, sound, level subfloor as the relative thinness of vinyl and its light reflection performance will quickly reveal imperfections after installation as well as cause potential wear issues.

Exisitng wooden/MDF floors may need a plywood underlay up to 6mm thick and then the joints will need to be skimmed or taped. Non-wood sub-floors will need a self-levelling screed to be laid to ensure a suitable base for the floor. A damp-proof membrane may be required depending on sub-floor moisture levels.

However, new rigid core products are less flexible and can be laid more easily over existing floors – see Construction.

Top Coating Wear Layer Decor Layer

www.invictus.co.uk

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

Appearance options Vinyl tiles and planks cover a hugh variety of sizes and shapes and can be mix-and-matched to achieve an infinite number of designs. Current fashions include extra wide and long planks for wood through to very small planks for wood. Border effects can be easy to achieve in LVT.

www.krausflooring.co.uk

Other notable options include:

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

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

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

www.myvictoria.co.uk

LVT construction

Top coating – A polyurethane or aluminium oxide coating provides protection against scratches and stains and gives enhances anti-slip.

Wear layer – This is a key layer - determining the performance and resilience of the product. A 0.3mm (12 mil) wear layer is a good for heavy wear areas. Commercial installations need 0.5mm wear layers or above with 0.7mm at the top end. The wear warranties and guarantees carried by products will be based on this thickness.

Decor layer – This is the decor itself - in essence it is a paper- or filmbased photographic inkjet print.

(A few LVT floors have the image printed directly to the surface of the floor but this implies less image definition and different wear characteristics.)

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

THE STOCKLISTS March 2024

PVC and fibre glass layers – The construction ‘sandwich’ can vary between products but a combination of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) layers for strength and flexibility and fibre glass layers for structural stability may be used. Any click-system profile will be incorporated into these layers. Products often use a combination of recycled vinyl which is cheaper and virgin PVC which lasts longer and is more stable.

Rigid core LVT has a solid, less flexible PVC layer with maximum stability which means it can be laid over exisiting, less even flooring without showing imperfections and therefore avoiding wear problems.

Base (or backing) layer – The final high density PVC layer varies according to the installation requirement and is designed for taking adhesive or as an ‘underlay’ for loose-lay and click installations.

59

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

The Carpet Foundation and its Consumer Code of Practice approved by the Trading Standards Institute (TSI) recommend that new carpet underlay is bought with every new carpet.

www.interfloor.com

Many consumers are now aware of the benefits of underlay but more needs to be done to provide information about the different types available and their suitability for different areas of the home.

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

www.floorwise.co.uk

Benefits

Types

Good underlay will...

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

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

Poor or old underlay will...

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

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

Sponge rubber

Crumb

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

PU foam

www.unifloor.nl

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

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

www.underlay.com

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

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

Underlayment for LVT • This provides a smooth surface on which you can glue down immediately. If there is a time or acoustic issue or a problematic underfloor, a stable, smooth dual underlay system will provide the best solution.

60

CLASSIC

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

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

Combination

www.carpenterunderlay.co.uk

www.interfloor.com

THE STOCKLISTS March 2024

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

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

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

of the committee

Why join?

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

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

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

The bottom line is the bottom line. A retailer selling across a broad range of products is likely to improve margins within a buying group – but you THE don’t need a leap of faith STOCKLISTS Feburary 2022 to join up. Ask the buying groups for answers...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Access professional services • Business and financial services • IT and internet support • Training and workshops • Professional bodies Some buying groups offer an excellent range of other services which may be valuable to your business.

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

THE STOCKLISTS March 2024

Increase sales

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

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

Network with other independents • Members-only exhibitions with preferred manufacturers • Regular meetings and supplier presentations • Regional workshops • Helpline A lot of retailers enjoy the buying group environment of being independent but not alone out there on the High Street. Groups hold regular meetings and some have their own trade shows, regional meetings and workshops to help you develop your business. The network gives you someone to call when you need advice on, for example, an unusual installation, a technical consumer complaint, legal issue or business dilemma.

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

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

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

61

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

A

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

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

Approved Service Provider

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

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

:RRO6DIH 79 RQ <RXWXEH LQFOXGLQJ KRZ WR UHPRYH UHG

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

62

$ VHULHV RI RQH PLQXWH VWDLQ UHPRYDO YLGHRV DUH YLHZDEOH RQ

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

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

01943 850817

THE STOCKLISTS March 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ZZZ ZRZZDUUDQW\ FRP ZZZ ZRZZDUUDQW\ FRP

Vacuum cleaners - the choice of cleaning professionals www.sebo.co.uk 63

Are you a Wholesaler?

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

The Stocklists Wholesale Distribution Directory NATIONAL

MIDLANDS

SOUTH EAST

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

Birch Distribution Sheffield - see Floorwise page 65

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

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

Birch Distribution Hull - see Floorwise page 65

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

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

NORTH WEST A&A Carpets Manchester 01204 701188 sales@aandacarpets.co.uk www.aandacarpets.co.uk Hathaway Flooring Manchester - see Floorwise page 65 Kellars Limited Manchester - see pages 29,33 0161 443 0970 sales@kellars.co.uk Lakes Flooring Supplies Kendal - see Floorwise page 65 Millbrook Carpets Darwen 01254 703999 millbrookcarpets@live.co.uk Preston Underlay Centre Ltd Preston/Lancashire - see Floorwise page 65 EAST Beds Flooring Bedford 01234 341234 sales@bedsflooring.co.uk www.bedsflooring.co.uk Salesmark Ltd St Neots Tel: 01480 212888 sales@salesmark.co.uk www.salesmark.co.uk STS Flooring Distributors Cambridge - see page 15 and Floorwise page 65 NORTH EAST/YORKSHIRE Fells Carpets Leeds 0113 3071900 carl.cummings@fellscarpets.co.uk www.fellscarpets.co.uk Kellars Limited Darlington - see pages 29,33 0161 443 0970 sales@kellars.co.uk Fells Carpets Goole 0113 3071900 carl.cummings@fellscarpets.co.uk www.fellscarpets.co.uk RBV Flooring Bradford 01274 670011 rbvflooring@yahoo.com Trade Carpets and Floors Ltd Rotherham 01709 437723 sales@tradecarpetsandfloors.co.uk 64

Birch Distribution Leeds - see Floorwise page 65

Cornerstone Flooring Supplies Doncaster - see Floorwise page 65

DMS Flooring Supplies Northampton 01604 664850 sales@dmsflooringsupplies.co.uk Floorwise D & J Ltd Southam - see Floorwise page 65 Kellars Limited Rugby - see pages 29,33 0161 443 0970 sales@kellars.co.uk Matty’s Wholesale Carpets Birmingham 01675 433072 sales@mattys.co.uk STS Flooring Distributors Hemel Hempstead - see page 15 wand Floorwise page 65 Trade Counter Carpets Leicester 0845 604 3055 tradecountercarpets@gmail.com Woodall Brothers Ltd Shrewsbury - see Floorwise page 65 SOUTH WEST BL Flooring Supplies Bristol - see Floorwise page 65 BL Flooring Supplies Gloucester - see Floorwise page 65 Fitwell Flooring Ltd Redruth - see Floorwise page 65 Fitwell Flooring Ltd Newton Abott - see Floorwise page 65 Flooring Supplies (Wessex) Amesbury 01980 625888 orders@flooringsupplieswessex.co.uk R & M Wholesale Bristol 01179 531222 Tiverton 01884 258266 sales@rmwholesale.co.uk Salesmark West Ltd Amesbury - see Floorwise page 65 Tel: 01980 880933 mail@salesmark-west.co.uk www.salesmark-west.co.uk Solent Wholesale Carpet West Sussex 01243 774623 sales@solentwholesale.co.uk www.solentwholesale.co.uk

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

Salesmark Lancing - see Floorwise page 65 Tel: 01903 750522 sales@salesmark.co.uk www.salesmark.co.uk Solent Wholesale Carpet West Sussex 01243 774623 sales@solentwholesale.co.uk www.solentwholesale.co.uk STS Flooring Distributors Basildon - see p15 & Floorwise 65 STS Flooring Distributors Croydon - see p15 & Floorwise 65 STS Flooring Distributors Orpington/Croydon - see page 15 & Floorwise page 65 Trade Carpet London Wimbledon 0208 247 3891 sales@tradecarpet.com www.tradecarpet.com IRELAND (NI + ROI) Flanagan Flooring Distributors Saintfield, Belfast 028 9751 0932 sales@flanagan-flooring.com www.flanagan-flooring.com Flanagan Flooring Distributors Republic of Ireland 048 9751 0932 sales@flanagan-flooring.com www.flanagan-flooring.com

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

Provincial Floorcoverings Ltd Dublin - see Floorwise page 65

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

Provincial Floorcoverings Ltd Limerick - see Floorwise page 65

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

Provincial Floorcoverings Ltd Belfast - see Floorwise page 65

TCS “The Carpet Specialists” Co. Louth 00353 429 351 351 info@tcsthecarpetspecialists.com www.tcsthecarpetspecialists.com SCOTLAND Flanagan Flooring Distributors Baillieston 0141 773 1122 scotland-sales@flanagan-flooring.com www.flanagan-flooring.com Kellars Limited Glasgow - see pages 29,33 0141 647 7685 sales@kellars.co.uk MCD Scotland Uddingston Glasgow 01698 808000 mcdscotland@mcd.co.uk www.mcdscotland.co.uk Neil Smith Ltd Glasgow - see Floorwise page 65 WALES CBW Flooring Supplies Pontypridd 01443 492510 www.cbwflooringsupplies.co.uk THE STOCKLISTS March 2024

wiseup to floorwise quality&value guaranteed

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1

2 5 6

3 4

7 9 10 8 11

12

19

18

13 20 21 22 14 15 23 24 16 17

g tin at m

pe s ta

pe r

25

ad h +s esiv cr es ee ds la m in at es

THE STOCKLISTS March 2024

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

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

gr ip

un

de rla

y no pv sin c s gs ki + rti ng

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

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

ol s

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

to

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

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

s

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

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

pr of ile

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

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

65

The home of professionals working in the

DOMESTIC FLOORING TRADE

national institute of carpet & floorlayers

Membership gives clients assurance of quality workmanship Use of NICF logo — promote yourself as a quality installer

FREE NICF website listing — helps to gain work opportunities FREE Technical Advice and Business Support Helplines 15% OFF FITA* Standard Training Courses/Workshops: Improve

Rob F it zgerald

your existing skills, learn to fit new flooring types, learn new fitting techniques and reduce the number of complaints

NICF Fitter

Discounts on tools and workwear

*Flooring Industry Training Association — members get automatic FITA membership (fita.co.uk)

FREE use of the NICF Guide to Domestic Flooring FREE annual magazine subscription to The Stocklists and CFJ

SCAN ME!

nicfltd.org.uk Tel: 0115 958 3077 E: info@nicfltd.org.uk

FITA provides short training courses, workshops and assessments for both commercial and domestic markets.

Both our fully equipped training centres at Loughborough and Kirkcaldy are run by seasoned professional instructors with specialist knowledge of the flooring industry.

CALL NOW FOR MORE INFORMATION!

66

C AT I

O N AD D

ED

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

Linoleum

Linoleum Installation — Basic Linoleum Installation — Intermediate

Resilient

Resilient/LVT Fitting — Basic Resilient/LVT Fitting — Intermediate Resilient/LVT Fitting — Advanced

Wood

Laminate and Floating Wood Fitting — Basic Wood Fitting — Intermediate Wood Fitting — Advanced Wood Sanding and Finishing

Subfloors

Subfloor Preparation — Commercial Subfloor Preparation — Domestic

Supplementary

Cost-Effective Estimating and Planning — Commercial Profitable Measuring and Quoting — Domestic Moisture — Preventing Floor Failures

CARPET WORKSHOPS — ALL 1 DAY DURATION

FITA is a joint venture by CFA and NICF

Email: info@fita.co.uk

LO

Vinyl

national institute of carpet & floorlayers

Tel: 0115 950 6836

KIRKCA LDY

W

PROFESSIONAL FLOORING TRAINING

BOROU GH or

NE

Carpet

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

D DE

TRAINING COURSES — 1 TO 4 DAYS

LOCATION AD EW Now can trayinou at LOUGH

N

Joining the NICF has worked really well for my business and me. Customers can find me listed on the NICF website where they can read the reviews of my work, giving peace of mind that the job will be carried out to the highest standard. Getting a big discount on FITA courses helped me improve my skills too.”

www.fita.co.uk

Carpet

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

THE STOCKLISTS March 2024

Stocklists Classified The

SITUATIONS VACANT

Balta are hiring...

We are currently looking to increase our sales team within the UK. Due to expansion, 2 new roles have been created to help us achieve an ambitious sales targets. If you are looking for a new challenge in 2024, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Sales Representatives • East Anglia Postal Codes include: NR, PE, IP, CB, MK, SG, AL, LU and HP. • The North Postal Codes include: LA, DL, DH, SR, TS, FY, PR, BB, BL, OL, HX, BD, HG, LS and YO.

Your Challenges: • • •

Managing key retailers and buying group members in your area Expansion of the exisiting customer base Increasing the product ranges with exisiting customers based on a clear sales strategy combined with a wide range of new products.

Your Talents: • • • • •

Experienced Sales Manager looking to challenge themselves and thrive in a busy and fast paced environment Eager to drive sales and able to spot opportunities for growth Excellent time management with the ability to work with numbers and data Able to travel approximately 4 days of the week Experience in carpet & flooring industry preferrable but not essential.

What We Offer: • • • •

Opportunity to have a direct influence on accounts in your area The chance to be a part of a world leader in broadloom A working environment based around sustainability, safety and strong communication Attractive salary, company car and other excellent benefits.

To register your interest, please send you CV to wim.verest@baltafloorcoverings.co.uk

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

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

Thank you!

FOLLOW @THESTOCKLISTS ON

LINKEDIN + X/TWITTER

FOR KEY ALERTS AND NEWS UPDATES

THE STOCKLISTS March 2024

67

HI LUX HD TM

www.carpenter.com

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

DISCOVER THE DIFFERENCE

With 22 products to choose from we are the only choice when looking for superior underlay. Every step of the manufacturing process is tried and tested.

We believe in quality and comfort together with a product that lasts. Request a sample and discover the difference! Call us on 01457 861141

THE STOCKLISTS March 2024

68