Design and colour in contemporary floor covering 6 February 2006

Carpet&RugNews

Colourful forecast from Wool InteriorsWool Interiors launched its latest international colour forecast at the Domotex 2006 show.Entitled Arabesque, the collection of colours encapsulates the interaction of lifestyles wherepreferences and choice are based on identity, aspiration, culture and tradition. The mood is

exotic and chic, evocative and exclusive, sensuous and elegant, rich and glamorous.

A total of 36 shades have evolved 'Out of Africa' for the 2007 colour forecast, inspired bythe beautiful and natural hues this continent has to offer. Identifying with new interior

styling trends and appealing to international tastes and preferences, the palette ranges fromwhiter shades of pale to sultry mid-tones, ethnic and cool brights to eclectic greens,

enhanced by true primary accents.

Colour interplays in tonal, harmonising and contrasting combinations while also introducingnew colour and styling trends. The 'Arabesque' palette satisfies all creative moods and

nuances via five colour groups: Sanctuary, Oasis, Casbah, Savanna and Rainforest.

Wool Interiors, a division of Canesis Ltd, collaborated closely with the UK spinner S Lyleswho provided the yarn, and Clariant who worked on the dye recipes for the colour

forecast. The Wools of New Zealand 2007 Colour Forecast is contained in a bound foliocontaining removable cut and loop pile carpet samples in each shade - designed as a

working colour reference.

New life for Domo’s Sensa NaturaSensa Natura is a waterproof vinyl floor with a thickness of 2,8 mm and a wear layer of 0,25 mm.This flooringhas several unique technical and aesthetic features that make it totally different from traditional vinyl flooring. It

has a unique surface structure that creates a very realistic natural look, not just visual but tangible too.Thisrelief appearance gives an extra dimension to the floor and ensures a natural, warm and distinct allure. It also

provides a rock hard surface structure, twice as strong as a standard cushion floor.The Sensa Natura range hasbeen given a fresh new look.Top designs are complemented by new colours and patterns.

Sensa Natura is a beautiful wood range inspired by the warmth and beauty of country living. Sensa Naturaparquet floors exude warmth and cosiness, and with their beautiful silky shine and textured appearance, theyhave a realistic charm.They are much easier to maintain and much more hygienic than the traditional parquetfloor.You can effortlessly wipe up splashes of water or other liquids, with no marks left behind. Exotic wood is

nowadays a must in every collection. Canyon (above), is a spotted gum wood pattern in sophisticated darkand warm shades. Sydney is an elm wood structure in the latest blackbrown tones.

Langdale launch for wool-rich RegencyLeading UK manufacturer Regency Carpets has continued itsinnovative product development programme with the launch ofLangdale Twist, an 80/20 British Wool twist in 12 fashion colours.

This new Regency range, distributed exclusively by Furlong Flooring,has been created for a luxurious, classic wool-rich feel with the verylatest yarn technology using Locbond fibre in three weights:32 oz/yd2 (Standard), 40 oz/yd2 (Supreme) and 50 oz/yd2 (Elite).

Langdale Twist is available in 4 and 5 metre widths and attractive new merchandising is available now for retailers.

20

News

Carpet&RugNews6 February 2006

Splash of Colourfrom Ryalux

Rochdale based Ryalux has beencelebrating its 35th birthday by

promoting art and industry in thecommunity with the launch of its first

ever art competition at the localHopwood College. The brief, open to

students studying for the HigherNational Diploma in Textile Design,was to make a piece of art using all

materials that go into producing acarpet. Using manufacturing materials,as well as samples supplied by Ryalux,

seven very individual and uniquepieces were created.

The overall winner was Karen Haynes from Rochdale for her entry 'A Splash ofColour'. Utilising materials including yarn, backing and virgin fibre, Karen was inspired by

Ryalux's emphasis on colour. All artwork produced will be showcased in the Ryaluxshowroom in Rochdale and at retail shows across the country. Each student who

entered was awarded £25 in gift vouchers.

Ryalux is the only carpet manufacturer to offer a full colour matching service in itsUltimate Living range.There are 250 colours to choose from and if the customer can'tfind the colour they require then Ryalux will colour match to any item at no extra cost

for orders over 10 square metres.

Makeover for popular Tivoli OnlineBurmatex, continues its exciting roll-out of restyled and enhanced product ranges - all part of the company's

comprehensive re-branding - with the first makeover for 2006, the ever popular Tivoli Online.

Tivoli Online, with its fine ribbed texture, is available in twelve eye-catching pin stripe colour combinations. Itsexceptional durability and practicality make it an ideal choice for schools, the public sector and busy offices,

where unforgiving wear-and-tear demands high levels of resilience.The updated collection is the perfect partnerto its sister product,Tivoli 24.

Both Tivoli Online and Tivoli 24 are shown together in a newly designed shade card, which highlights theircompatibility. Contractors or specifiers who require creative advice, or are unsure of the best flooring solution

to fit their requirements, can consult the in-house design team at Burmatex, who will offer guidance on flooringplans and design concepts.

All of Burmatex carpet titles are manufactured using backing made partially from recycled carpet waste -making them the perfect environmentally friendly choice.

Southern salesman for Gaskell Gaskell Mackay has appointed a new sales representative to sell its fullrange of axminster and tufted broadloom carpets and tiles in thesouth of England. Mike Willsmore is one of the most experiencedsalesmen to ever join the Gaskell Mackay sales team, with over twentyfive years’ experience of selling stocked and bespoke carpets into thecontract and specification markets. Much of Mike’s career was spentwith BMK (later Stoddards) but he has also worked for C P Carpets,Avina Carpets and most recently Antrim Carpets of Belfast. Mike’sterritory includes Northamptonshire, Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire,Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Norfolk, Suffolk and also the Northand North East and East postcode districts in London.

Be safe at Carpex The WoolSafe Organisation will unveil its latest initiativesand developments during the Carpex show on March16th - 17th 2006 at London's ExCel Exhibition Centre.

Held in conjunction with Windex 2006, Carpex 2006,the Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning and RestorationShow, has proven to be the industry's premier event,attracting key decision makers with an interest in thecarpet cleaning sector.

See next month’s issue of The Stocklists for more details

New bespoke service from TreadplatesTREADPLATES who have been designing and

manufacturing wooden thresholds with or withoutdecorative inlays for twenty years, now offer their

customers a bespoke service.This has proved to beextremely successful in helping fitters overcome problemswhen joining different types of flooring. For information onthis service or to request a brochure and display material

please contact TREADPLATES on

Telephone: 01608 685414 Fax: 01608 685665 Email: info@treadplates.co.uk

Fresh ideas for 200621-22 February 2006 Olympia 2 London

Recognising that flooring is nolonger just about traditionallines, London Floor Show hasdeveloped to allow a new breedof event to take place.

View the very latest innovationsand product ranges across allthe flooring sectors including:• Carpet• Laminate• Vinyl• Rugs• Wood• Ceramics• Resins• Leather• Underlay• Accessories

Perfectly timed at the start of theyear, you will be amongst the firstto view and purchase ranges forthe coming season, ensuring yourbusiness stays ahead of the game.

Whether you’re a retailer, contractoror specifier the London Floor Showis an unmissable event.

To pre-register for the event visitwww.londonfloorshow.co.uk or phone +44 (0)870 429 4344

www.londonfloorshow.co.uk

A4AW

A4AW

22

Back in profit

Although trading in the industry has been

tough over the past year with many much

loved names disappearing, Bond Worth

genuinely seems to have bucked the trend.

Headed by Tony Hinett, Bond Worth has

undergone a three year re-organisation

plan.The company now boasts one of

the strongest Axminster portfolios

available to retailers and furthermore

promises greater expectations following

a return to profitability.

Key to implementing the recent changes

at Bond Worth has been the hard work

of the management team. In paying tribute

to his team Tony Hinett was at pains to

stress the closeness with which all

members have worked for success.The

key areas have been Sales -

Eamonn Prescott, Sue Brady - Design,

Mark Oakes - Marketing and

Barry Carrigan - Contract Sales. Indeed

their enthusiasm had been an essential

factor in this progress - with still more to

come from new, trend setting ranges and

designs being launched this spring.

Inside View

Carpet&RugNews6 February 2006

The highly regarded Berkeley Collection isextended by the addition of Berkeley Tonalsoffering three designs each in three colourways.The choice is a Jacobean-style scroll, a Tudor Roseinspired design and an all-over leaf pattern with the common theme of harmonising the design with the background.

The existing Berkeley Variations rangehas a new design of South Americanorigins in a choice of Inca or Aztecversions.

Aztec 2-9090

BerkeleyEXPANDED!

Berkeley variations

BOND WORTHDESIGNS FOR

LIVING

The

‘COUNTRY’COLLECTION

23from The Stocklists 6 February 2006

Bond Worth has always provided high qualityAxminster solutions for prestigious contractsbased particularly on their Olympus range.Thisrange is being substantially expanded with 10new designs in a common colour bank of 12options effectively giving the choice ofinterchanging designs/colours.

Contracts Manager at Bond Worth is Barry Carrigan.

Innovations abound in new axminster’s from Bond

Worth centred on two brand new qualities - the

Country Collection with five options in a plaid design in

two colours and a scroll in three colours using the same

tonal colour bank.The use in the face pile of an extra

thick, 80/20 ‘chunky’ yarn enhances the appeal of this

new range giving it a rustic ‘cottage’ appearance.

Under development at the moment is aflagship wall unit designed to display theentire Bond Worth portfolio. Finished in anattractive ‘apple wood’ the unit is expected toprovide a focal point for Bond Worth’sdedicated retail network

‘Bond Worth has always providedhigh quality Axminster solutionsfor prestigious installations’

Bond Worthdevelopments

New contractdesigns

24

Interface goes into OrbitOrbit and Polestar are the two exciting new styles which have been added to the

Highlighting Your Floor modular flooring collection from Interface.This range of popular,colour-coordinated, highly textured carpet tiles already includes Equilibrium, Menagerie,

Mineral, Acceleration and Proportion. The two new styles, as with the others, aredesigned to be used individually or, for optimum design possibilities, in combination.

Orbit features a circle on each tile - but each circle is different in terms of size andposition on the tile so that no two are exactly the same. Polestar's textured loop

construction enhances the subtle grid pattern by creating a more texturallook and feel.Each 50cm x 50cm tile is available in 12 colours and is made with 100% renewable

electricity.

Each product in the collection is manufactured using solution-dyed nylon yarn, whichprovides high levels of appearance retention and is suitable for heavy contract use

where both high performance and comfort levels are required.

Marketing man for Ryalux Ryalux has strengthened its renowned marketing team with the

appointment of a new marketing co-ordinator.

David Neville (23) graduated with a degree in Marketing fromLancaster University this summer and will bring a fresh and

enthusiastic pair of hands to the team. "As soon as I met the teamI knew Ryalux was for me. It's a fantastic opportunity to gain

hands on experience across the marketing mix, while helping togrow a quality renowned brand," said David.

Phil Bevis, marketing manager at Ryalux, said: "We have lots ofexciting plans for 2006, so it is perfect time for a new team

member to join and get involved right from the beginning.We arereally looking forward to David getting stuck in!"

Originally from South Cumbria and now living in Didsbury, SouthManchester, David is an avid supporter of Newcastle United.

Infinity for prestige bespoke contractDuring a £5 million redevelopment programme at the Macdonald Norton Grange Hotel in Rochdale Gaskell Mackaysupplied luxurious bespoke axminsters for the hotel’s new extension, which includes a new conference centre, spa andadditional accommodation. Manchester based architects and interior designers Street Design Partnership workedclosely with Gaskell Mackay to develop individual carpets for the project, taking advantage of Infinity, the Lancashiremanufacturer’s short run bespoke axminster weaving service.

Designer Mariam Dabhad said: “My maininspiration for the carpets in the conferencecentre was a simple barcode motif and GaskellMackay worked up a number of designs inchocolate, blue and beige shades.

In the largest of the rooms the carpets havebeen woven ‘chlidema style’, giving theappearance of a central rug and outfill, but withfar less wastage and seaming for thecontractors, M D Hotel Interiors of Warrington.A simple strip of the barcode pattern has beenused in smaller rooms to add interest to thefloorspace, and the neutral outfill has beenrepeated throughout the corridors.

Stick with therecommendationPrinted in its 1000s to satisfy high levels ofrequests throughout the year theRecommended Adhesives Guide from F. Balland Co. Ltd. is an essential reference bookfor UK flooring contractors and specifiersalike. Updated annually, the 2006 guide isnow out in its traditional A4 brochure andA5 spiral-bound booklet form.

The indispensable and freely available guidelists 5,000 adhesive recommendations forfloorcoverings from around 200 leadingfloorcovering manufacturers, all of whomapprove and endorse everyrecommendation. In addition, the guidecontains a quick reference StyccobondAdhesive Selector Chart, invaluable subfloorpreparation advice and a handy StopgapSelector Chart.

News

Carpet&RugNews6 February 2006

Although Belgian carpet imports are anything but new they stillgive rise to plenty of discussion and conjecture.Three retailers recentlyvisiting one of the largest manufacturers couldn't have been moreimpressed. 'Look at the investment they've put in. No wonder they're soefficient. Our lot are in the dark ages compared with their clinical approach.The processes run through the factory in a logical sequence and thewarehousing and distribution is amazing.Their machines continually throbaway whereas if you go to the average UK producer half the equipmentisn't working and you're told: "Sony, you've come at the wrong time." Whatsort of an answer is that?' But, apparently, those visiting retailers don'tbelieve the Belgians have it all their own way. 'They're way behind when itcomes to style and design and that's what will continue to keep Britishcompanies in business.'

Once upon a time, it was enough to produce a stand-alone range. Ifit was targeted correctly and represented value for money, it would sell. Butnow, according to one sales director, the emphasis has to be on 'telling astory'. 'The market has become so competitive that the basics of theproduct are taken for granted.The salesman needs something more toengage the interest of the customer and as far as we're concerned that'sco-ordinating ranges.The idea of using matching carpets throughout thehome is appealing and conveys a quality image.Whether customers actuallyuse them that way or buy just a single product is debatable, but it is theaspiration which counts.'

25from The Stocklists 6 February 2006

The Joy Lawrence columnThere was a time when smooth flooring was regarded as an ideal surfaceonly for bathrooms and kitchens. But those days are long past according toForbo which considers that its Novilon cushioned vinyl is now in directcompetition with textile floorcoverings. ln fact, the company's sales figures haveshown a consistent steep growth curve for the product in every area of thehome, induding bedrooms and living rooms. Style and quality are quoted as keyclements in Novilon's growing popularity along with the widest choice ofdesigns. A further advantage offered by the product is Aquagrip, an in-built safetyfeature which significantly reduces the risk of slipping associated with spills andsplashes. Forbo offers the trade a full cutlength service, both direct toindependent retailers and through distributors, and a range of pos material. Aninteresting statistic quoted by the company is that cushion vinyl sales into thedomestic sector of both UK-produced and imported ranges have risen by 15per cent during the past year.

Novilon offers styling versatility as well as practical advantages. Shownhere is Viva 8555 suitable for anywhere in the home.

Ulster is moving firmly into the advance-tech age with new software packagesdesigned to make life easier for its customers. Information on stock levels and pricingis now available on the company's web-site seven days a week, and the system is to

be expanded within a few months to include an on-line facility covering orderplacing and tracking and e-mail invoicing. Ulster is also introducing a View a Room

package for use in store to help consumers with product selection.The programmedetails every range giving pile content and suitability and enables each design to be

seen in various room-sets, including stairs.The interiors are both traditional andcontemporary and show carpet in broadloom form and with border options.

Colouration is said to be extremely accurate. Ulster is installing the software for itsretail customers and supporting the project with a stand carrying a selection of

samples including patterns and textures. Service is now regarded as a number onepriority by the company, the aim being to achieve a five day lead time from receiptof order. As a result Ulster has undertaken a major review of its product portfolio

phasing out 150 items and reducing the total by 20 per cent.

Ulster has recently launched a spectrum of new colourways into itsclassically-inspired Sheriden range including muted natural shades and

resonantly rich colours.

Old carpets are not exactly put out to grass, but many do end up beingput down in gardens and allotments to help prevent weed growth beforeending their lives on the compost heap. Now, though, that time-honouredpractice is being questioned because, apparently, some of the various toxicsubstances used by gardeners could end up on wellington boots and bewalked into carpets on the plot making them potentially dangerous.Well,let's hope that every gardener always removes their footwear beforeentering the house, otherwise the wood floor brigade might try to notchup another reason why the consumer should go for 'hard' rather than 'soft'.

Much as retailers might like to carry a selection of rugs, display isfrequently a problem.To give them a start in the market, Flair hasintroduced a 10-arm mini-stand which holds twenty 6 by 4 rugs.Thecompany supplies the stand: the retailer buys the rugs, representing aninvestment of under £1.000.

DOMOTEX 2006

26

The Domotex exhibition in Hannover now lays claim to be the world's largestfloorcovering trade show. It is not just big and busy - above all it's bright and cheerful.

Bright because some colour is making a welcome return among the racks ofnaturals and beige.And cheerful because European manufacturers remainoptimistic about the opportunities to make progress - even in the UK market.

Their enthusiasm is not naive. Many expect substantial consolidation in theEuropean industry where over-capacity has become endemic and further joblosses in the sector are seen as inevitable. But at the same time, the appetite forinnovation is undiminished and opportunism abounds.

Maybe Lano exemplifies the trend more than most. Pierre Lano identified at lastyear's Domotex than there maybe unrealised potential for axministers in thecontract market and built and commissioned a major plant and starting bookingorders before the next Domotex show - a major acheivement. And this from acompany that also has a growing sideline in selling synthetic grass carpet andoutdoor rugs to the UK market.

Other enlightened marketeers such as Domo,Associated Weavers, Balterio,Bajong, Mohawk and Vorwerk have considered carefully the offering they shouldmake to the UK and the selected ranges that appeal to consumers and deliver agood return on their investment.

Domotex organisers were claiming a 10%increase in the number of exhibitors to astaggering 1,362 companies from 58countries. Outside Germany, Belgiummakes up the largest contingent but,maybe more suprisingly, it is Turkey thattakes third place in the country rankings.

The international flavour of the event isreinforced with the excellent staging ofthe European Team FloorlayingCompetition which this year had teamsfrom Germany, Italy, Switzerland, France,Belgium and the UK. John Hopkins of theUK’s NICF is instrumental in making thishappen and his full report is inside theback cover of this magazine.

Some 45,000 visitors attend the show -approximately 10 times more than theUK’s National Floor Show at Harrogate -but the sheer size of the Hannover venueacross 12 exhibition halls ensures theevent is not over-crowded.

UK exhibitors - ably led by the BritishWool Marketing Board - number just 33which may imply that European trade issomething of a one-way street into the UK.

The small UK component of the show hasbeen noticed in recent years and there wasone serious comment from a majorEuropean manufacturer that maybeDomotex should visit the NationalExhibition Centre in Birmingham every fewyears to involve the UK industry more fully.

Certainly it is not the small city ofHannover in January that provides any ofthe excitement - the town is dull comparedto Harrogate. But the creativity and flairthat is evident throughout the exhibitionhalls reassures visitors that the industry isalive and vibrant - and profitable, for thosewho who can rise to the challenge.

Carpet&RugNews6 February 2006

Brink & Campman continues to innovate withsophisticated, attractive designs for the UKbut Evert Kroon (above) says the UK is achallenging marketing environment.

Associated Weavers make a colourfulcommitment to Domotex with acres offloor space and a range to answer everysales enquiry.

Belgium’s General Carpets had a busy stand with agallery of patterns covering a wide range of designsand colours.

Bajong is enjoying good business with itsbest-selling Montana range - a 60 oz Maclonpolypropylene carpet with natual andcontemporary colours at 4 and 5m wide.

Domo’s area sales manager Filip Poelmanshows us the new Dalesway Twist - an80/20 45 oz carpet with air-purifying Tiontechnology which will reach the UKmarket this Spring.

Highlights of Hannover

276 February 2006from The Stocklists

Pierre Lano has given his family firm a march on the UK with the successfullaunch of a contract axminster range spanning up to 320 shades, a library of25,000 designs, easy customisation and a rapid turnaround.The new plant wasconceived at Domotex 2005 and was commissioned last month!

The Stocklists’ editor Diane Martin (left) was one of the judges forthe Wool Interiors design awards that attracted over 100 entries forcarpets and rugs with wool from New Zealand. She is pictured withJoanna Ramsden of Wool Interiors.

Balterio’s high quality laminates continue tosell well in the UK and a new range ofsmaller plank designs (at 13cm, not 19cm) islaunched in April and expected to be verypopular.

Vorwerk’s UK sales manager, Ian Hammond, hashigh hopes of a new roll collection launched atDomotex in 12 colours and six qualities fromcompact velours and twist piles to saxonies in100% branded nylon.

Intefloor’s comprehensive range of performanceunderlays attracted high levels of attention andensured a busy stand for the week.

Ann Shaw from Ball & Young reported brisk businessfeaturing their Cloud 9 range of underlays.

Howard Lindsay of Mohawk - the world’s largestfloorcovering manufacturer. Mohawk are demonstratingtheir committment to the European market with newwarehouse facilities in County Durham and a new base inthe Netherlands.

Telenzorolled out theirnew luxury Harrington range for Domotex - a 38oz100% wool boucle with8 natural colourways and a 7-year guarantee.

No nonsense from LomasLomas Carpets has extended its popular no-nonsense Interio collection to include a range of

natural textured loops, perfect for the younger, style-conscious buyer.

Interio Decor has three innovative design styles all in wool-rich yarns. Pollen is 100 per centwool, while Honey and Bracken are both 90 per cent wool/l0 per cent polyester. Each design

is available in five natural colours; Beige Blush, Cream Nectar, Sun Glow, Dark Taupe andCoffee Cup. The new range boasts striking new pos graphics with eye catching contemporary

room sets, which help home owners imagine what the carpet would like in their own home.

The Interio range embraces simple and easy to understand marketing and is designed toappeal to a wide variety of stylish and discerning consumers. Research has revealed that even

today consumers are confused and sometimes worried about buying carpets. In response,Interio uses a uniquely simple no-nonsense approach - it is made out of quality woollen yarns,

available in four and five metre widths and has a seven year wear warranty.

As well as Interio Decor, there are five other distinct ranges across the collection including ahard twist, a heavy twist, a velvet, a natural texture and a loop pile product.

Top London line-up London Floor Show 2006 is rapidly filling up with some fantasticcompanies, ensuring the event will be a resounding success. From21-22 February 2006, Olympia 2 will be packed with the best ofthe best from the world of floors covering all aspects of theindustry, including carpet, laminate, vinyl, rugs, wood as well asceramics, underlay and accessories, plus even more...

The latest names that have confirmed attendance at the eventinclude Amtico International; Ardex, Causeway Carpets, offering aselection of top quality fine and chunky twist products; CrucialTrading, F. Ball, Furlong Flooring, who will be displaying engineeredand solid woods in a variety of finishes; Interfloor, KarndeanInternational, Konig UK who will demonstrate their extensive rangeof touch-up and repair products; Lewis Abbott; Mapei, Mercado,Ovation Interior Flooring, showcasing ranges of luxury vinyl tilesand THG. For a complete exhibitor listing, please visit_www.londonfloorshow.co.uk

Not only are there a host of exhibitors to see, but London FloorShow 2006 also gives you the opportunity to gain CPO points tocontribute to your Continued Professional Development, by visitingthe RIBA accredited seminars, held over the 2 days. Seminarthemes include Building Regulation Part L, Sustainability, DDA,Energy Efficiency and Successful Tendering in the Olympic BidProcess.

There's also an Architects Evening Reception with presentationsfrom the RIBA Olympic steering group, access to the ABI BuildingData Reference Book and discounts on the ABI Education BlackBook, so what are you waiting for? Register FREE today onwww.londonfloorshow.co.uk

28

News

Carpet&RugNews6 February 2006

Floor first forvinyl designBuilding on its reputation as the marketleader in design vinyl flooring KarndeanInternational are excited to be launchingseveral new products at this yearsLondon Floor Show.

Representing the very best and mostinnovative vinyl flooring Karndean’s newproducts will feature a range of woodeffects that are the first of their kind.There are also some fantastic newcolour options being launched into theaward winning Van Gogh range.

Karndean allows retailers, contractorsand specifiers to follow the currenttrend for natural flooring without having to compromise on practicality.With fivedifferent ranges of tiles and planks all suitable for use in nearly every demandingcommercial environment together with a large range of design strips and borders, theoptions are virtually endless.

Replicating products such as wood, slate and ceramic Karndean doesn’t just look greatbut also offers significant advantages in terms of durability, cost and maintenance.

Visit stand Q10, opposite the bar, to see the full range.

Fine finish from OsmoSpecially formulated to meet the demands of the professionals, Osmo has developed a high quality, durable range of productsincluding Osmo Industrial Wood Wax Finish and Osmo Polyx Professional Hardwax Oil, to help keep wooden surfaces lookingas beautiful as the day they were installed.

Osmo’s Industrial Decorwax is a high quality interior industrial wood finish made with natural plant oils and waxes, designed foreasy application and to maintain and enhance the natural character of the wood. It can be used for the furniture industry,interior work and for parquet, flooring and stairs. The Osmo Industrial Decorwax will not crack, flake, peel or blister. It is water-repellent, dirt-resistant, washable and insensitive to household chemicals and reduces swelling and shrinking of the wood.

Osmo’s Polyx Professional Hardwax Oil is a high quality, solvent free hard wax oil made with natural vegetable oils, waxes andresins, designed to maintain and accentuate the grain and texture of the wood. This unique combination penetrates into thewood surface keeping it elastic and healthy and preventing it from getting dry and brittle. It is suitable for all kinds of woodenfloors and creates a professional, clear surface in satin-matt or satin.

Plan accurate cuts from carpet rolls, vinylsheets and laminates for maximum efficiencyand minimum waste.

• Simple, intuitive interface with pre-defined room shapesor free-draw option

• Print detailed, dimensioned drawings and cutting plans

• Automatic quotes for material and accessories

• Intelligent room-to-room pattern matching

• Any roll/sheet size and pattern match

• Let sales staff estimate and quote with accuracy

The Estimators - a special offer from The Stocklists from £470.

Save money, save time. Ask for Gil Wilson on 01845 527766 for a free demonstration.

Orchard Resourcebase Limited, 52 Market Place, Thirsk, North Yorkshire YO7 1LH enquiries@orchardresourcebase.com

The Estimators - save money and time!Planning, estimating and quoting made easy

30

Catelli agnascor vix chirographi.Octavius vocificat apparatus bellis.

Carpet&RugNews6 February 2006

The British Wool column

Philip Marshall and Steve Ward of Bluestone Carpets meeting RichardPoole, European Business Manager for British Wool on a recent visit toBWMB’s Head Office.

The showroom at George Street Furnishers of Newport.

Bluestone Carpets put personal service firstAnother new British Wool licensee is Bluestone Carpets of Huddersfield, who

commenced in business last year. The company is owned and run by PhilipMarshall and Steve Ward; both have extensive knowledge of the carpet

business. “We are concentrating on wool rich products and in particularBritish Wool. “ Said Philip “Our focus is on having the right product at theright price and offering prompt, personal service. We know our customers

by their first name and will do everything we can to ensure that they getwhat they want, when they want it. This approach is helping us to develop

good relationships and on this basis we are moving forward positively.”

A recent visit to the British Wool Marketing Board’s Head Office in Bradfordto discuss the operation of the BWMB and its membership benefits was, he

commented “A very helpful and worthwhile trip. We want to be a Britishbusiness using British products.”

‘Real benefits’ of British WoolIt is always nice to hear from retailers who want to know more about British Wool andhow we can support them in their sales operations. So, when Dan Yates from GeorgeStreet Furnishings contacted us we were only too pleased to help. George StreetFurnishers is a family firm in Newport and has been established fifty-five years. “Wetrade on our reputation, with repeat business and referrals being the mainstay of oursales.” Said Dan.

Music to our ears was that increasingly he and his team have noticed the positive effectthat mentioning the content of British Wool in product was having. “Customers fall intotwo categories; those that feel that in buying British Wool they are doing something goodfor the industry and those that feel that British Wool carpets will be superior. Of courseboth are true but customers undoubtedly have different motivations.” Most of theirbusiness is in the £25 to £40 per sq. yard sector with Brintons, Brockway and Adamsbeing key sellers but Dan commented that “The customer’s knowledge base is still fairlylimited, most are looking for 80/20 wool/nylon but other than that they do not fullyunderstand the real benefits of wool or the additional benefits that British Wool brings tothe floor.”

Tim Booth, BWMB product development manager discussed the ways in which BWMBcan help to emphasize British Wool in store and also provide key wool facts in the soonto be published information guide ‘About Wool’. Dan added, “Our sales team is alreadyvery knowledgeable but we felt it was worthwhile highlighting British Wool, to ensure theyknow we have it and also to relay the many real benefits it offers.”

Adam Carpets add stripe to Kasbah rangeAdam Carpets of Kidderminster have introduced an interesting new range tocomplement their popular ‘Kasbah Twist’ range. ‘Kasbah Stripe’ will belaunched in February and will be available in six different natural colour ways,selected from the ‘Kasbah Twist’ range. The design, which features a broad andnarrow stripe, offers a subtle yet stylish alternative to plains and offers theopportunity to introduce floor interest without risking the overbearing effectof too much pattern.

“We feel confident that ‘Kasbah Stripe’ echoes the current trend, which ismoving away from one carpet throughout the home, to running plain and subtlepattern together from one room to another. ‘Kasbah Twist’ is already verypopular and we think this will be too.” Said Tony Hardwick, Sales Director atAdam Carpets.

The range is 80% British Wool with 10% nylon and 10% polyester and is madeusing twist and velvet yarn in 4m. width only.

Kasbah Stripe in British Wool by Adam Carpets shown here in the broadstripe design.

from The Stocklists Issue 2006.1

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2006 edition - fully updated database