the stocklists - june 2012

Stocklistswith4 June 2012 FlooringNews

The

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

Colours Red

With the widest range and vast choice of colours, depthsand textures, plus different levels of comfort and performance, together with specialist applications, upselling through the range is easy.

Rubberiffic sellability

The deepest ‘ahhhhh-factor’™ Our sponge rubber underlays offer best in class performance. Tredaire Colours Red is the best the market can get when it comes to luxury and comfort – it simply oozes with what wecall the ‘ahhhhh-factor’.

Their words say it all... “Looks and feels more valuable”, “Feels more comfortable”, “It looks traditional and hard-wearing”, “It looks and feels like real underlay should”.

RUBBER FACT: Consumers preferrubber underlay because it hasexactly what they’re looking for. realunderlay

go towww.

.com

realunderlay

go towww.

.com

Looks better, feels better and sells better!

3THE STOCKLISTS June 2012

StocklistsThe

FIRST FOR FlOORIng newS and daTa

Published by Mayville Publishing Co Ltd219 West Ella Road, West Ella, Hull HU10 7SD

Tel: 01482 659396 Fax: 01482 659397 www.thestocklists.comSales Director: Diane Martin. [email protected]

Publication Director: David Spragg. Founded by Roy Spragg in 1973.

AdvertisersFlooringNews starts on page 33

Adhesives 4

Buying Groups 8

Carpet Company Directory 12-13

Carpet trouble-shooter 10-11

Carpet Types 5

Underlay 9

Wholesaler Distribution Directory 14-16

Wool Fibre Page 17

Woolsafe: the carpet care guide 6-7

FlooringFactsheets

4 JUNE 2012

Classified advertising....................................page 65-67

� carpets/rugs/tiles � woods/laminates/smooths � accessories/services/organisations � fibres � underlay

� wholesalers/distributors � adhesives

Monthly ‘Stocklisters’ shown in BOLD

Index Page Contact Price No No List Date

�ADORE 49 01675 433075 —

�ABINGDON F.C. 01274 655662 —

� AFS 18 020 8805 8620 Sept 2011

�ASSOCIATED WEAVERS — 01422 431100 —

�BONDWORTH 19 01562 745000 June 2011

� BGNFS 50 — —

�BRITISH WOOL 45 01274 688 666 —

�BROCKWAY CARPETS LTD. 20 01562 828200 Mar 2010

� BRONTË — 01282 862736 —

�CARPENTER — 01457 861141 —

� COLUMBIA FLOORING 21 0208 443 3322 —

�CORMAR — 01204 881234 —

�DYNE 41 0161 877 8877 —

� F.BALL 4 01538 361633 —

� FITA 32 01159 506836 —

� FLOORING ONE 48 0121 683 1426 —

� FLOORWISE 16 01509 673974 —

� FURLONG FLOORING 22,23 01772 696787 Nov 2010

�GEORGIAN — 01827 831430 —

�GREENDALE 43 01432 852000 —

�HEUGA 39 01675 433070 —

� INTERFLOOR IFC 01706 213131 —

�KINGSMEAD 24 01827 831427 —

�MANX — 01827 831 434 —

�MASTER WEAVERS 25 01562 754382 —

�MODULEO 35 — —

�MOHAWK 26,51 01480 479830 —

�NICF 65 0115 958 3077 —

�NOVOSTRAT — 00353 61 339287 —

� RACKHAMS 27 020 85319225 —

� SOLENT WHOLESALE CARPET 28 01243 774623 May/Jun 2012

� STS FLOORING DISTRIBUTORS 29 0845 341000 May 2012

� TAT CARPET 47 — —

�TELENZO 30 01422 374417 —

� THE FLOORING SHOW 37 01423 779967 —

�T & E DISPLAY GROUP 57 0121 585 7600 —

�WESTON HAMMER 31 0845 644 9090 —

Celebrating BritishnessDennis Flower reports on the flooring that hasmade Britain ‘Great’ pages 58-61

The big man bows outLord Harris hangs up his

sample book pages 62

Stronger FoundationNew fees structure to boost manufacturer involvement pages 62

Wool Week 2012Jubilee, Euros, Olympics and then.... pages 45

Golden GreendaleGroup celebrates 50thpages 43

Showtime in SolihullThe buying groups bring out the best inUK manufacturers with a superb eventreview and reports on pages 48-57

An extra V in LVTVictoria announces move into vinyl

pages 63

ISSN 2046-7338 © Mayville Publishing Co. Ltd. 2011 Issue: 447Every care is taken in compiling this magazine, but the proprietors assume no responsibility in the effects arising therefrom.

UK manufactured Carpet Cutting Machines

WWW.CARPETCUTTINGMACHINES.CO.UK

4 THE STOCKLISTS June 2012

Adhesives

Flooring Factsheet


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.

CUT PILE

Freize • Frieze (pronounced free-say) carpets are similar to saxony,

but the yarns are more tightly twisted and should always be heat set.

They have a dense, low pile surface which creates a coarse, pebbly

texture. Frieze carpets are very durable and hide footprints, dust and

dirt, which makes them suitable for heavy traffic areas.

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

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.

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

flattens easily and lacks durability.

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.

Tip Sheared Level Loop

Random Sheared Multi-Level Loop

V

Velvet/Plush Frieze

Twist Berber

S

Saxony Sha

Shag

Flooring factsheet

Carpet types


Flooring factsheetCarpet care guide from WOOLSAFE

Entrance or walk-off matsThe use of entrance mats at all outside entrances to

the house is highly recommended, as they will

significantly reduce the rate at which the carpet will

soil. They should be of adequate size to allow street

dirt to be removed from shoe soles and must be

cleaned regularly themselves.

Regular MaintenanceRegular cleaning will extend the life of a carpet and

maintain its appearance. Vacuum clean regularly and

thoroughly, which removes gritty dirt that can

damage the fibres.

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

Beware of products claiming to be safe on all fibres,

including wool. It might be true, but if it does not have

the WOOLSAFE Mark, it is not endorsed by most carpet

manufacturers!

Never use any detergents such as dishwashing

liquids, soaps or other cleaners recommended for

general household use. Although they may clean the

carpet satisfactorily they will almost certainly cause

problems such as rapid re-soiling, colour bleeding or

other damage to the pile or backing of the carpet.

Use only WOOLSAFE approved products

WOOLSAFE-approved carpet

care products have been

independently and

scientifically tested and are

safe and effective for

cleaning and maintaining all

types of carpets and rugs.

Housekeeping Tips for Carpets and Rugs

Services for RetailersCustomer carpet care HELPLINE If you have trouble dealing with customer queries

like “How do I get red wine stains out of my carpet?”

Just give them our HELPLINE 01943 850 817 and we’ll give them the correct

advice. Simple.

Certified Operator NetworkFor experienced, specialist wool carpet cleaners

you can trust visit: www.woolsafe.org/find/a-

registered-carpet-cleaner.

WOOLSAFE Registered InspectorsSolve disputes with customers with our

independent carpet complaint Investigators. Just

visit: www.woolsafe.org/find/a-registered-carpet-

inspector and call your nearest inspector.

WOOLSAFEApproved ProductsHave confidence in the cleaning product you

recommend, use the WOOLSAFE Approved

Products Directory it contains only safe and

effective carpet cleaning products. For spot

removers visit: www.woolsafe.org/spotremovers

Carpet Care LeafletsWe offer to help you develop custom carpet care

literature and we also offer generic carpet care

leaflets designed to be given away with each cut of

carpet. Correct carpet maintenance shouldstart from day one.

Web pages and Links We offer to help you develop custom carpet care

pages for your website or you can link to our

website’s carpet care pages for up-to-date and

accurate advice.

Contact us by email, telephone or post to:

The WOOLSAFE Organisation

49 Boroughgate, Otley, LS29 8NR

Tel: 01943 850817

E-mail: [email protected] or visit

www.woolsafe.org

The WOOLSAFE Organisation – promotingquality carpet and rug care since 1991.

Europe – North America - Australia

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

Periodic CleaningWhen the carpet or rug reaches a stage where it

could do with a really good clean, you can either do

the job yourself, or you can call in a specialist carpet

cleaning company.

If you are considering cleaning the carpet or rug

yourself make sure to use only WOOLSAFEapproved products. Look for the WOOLSAFE Mark

on the bottle or package.

It is best to engage theservices of a professionalcarpet & upholstery cleaningcompany.To get a really expert

job done entrust the work to a

WOOLSAFE accredited carpet

cleaning company.

These companies are fully trained, have been in

business for a considerable length of time, are

members of one or more recognised professional

trade associations related to the cleaning industry

and have a reputation for top quality service. And

they use only WOOLSAFE-approved cleaningagents on your wool carpets and rugs!

If you have a problem with a carpet or rugthat requires an independent inspector, a network of

carpet complaint investigators, trained and registered

by The WOOLSAFE Organisation is available

throughout the UK and Ireland.

WOOLSAFE Registered Inspectorshave extensive experience in

investigating the causes for carpet

complaints based on their practical

involvement with carpets and rugs

over many years.

They are fully qualified to

investigate carpet and rug complaints on-site on

behalf of carpet manufacturers, retailers, cleaning

companies and carpet owners. They can carry out or

commission tests where required, and will provide

comprehensive reports.

To contact an inspector in your area call

01943 462127, email: [email protected], or

visit: www.woolsafe.org / Private Householder /

Registered Inspectors

The Green WOOLSAFE

Mark identifies those

products that not onlyare the most suitablefor wool and other quality

carpets, but also havethe rightenvironmentalcharacteristics.


maintenance • cleaning • spot removal • protection • inspection

The Clean Carpet you Expect... the Service you Deserve

www.servicemasterclean.co.uk

Environmentally Aware forSuperior Carpet Carewww.envirodri.com

Vacuum Cleaners - the Choice of Cleaning Professionals

www.sebo.co.uk

British Wool makes a BetterCarpet... Naturally

www.britishwool.org.uk

This information is provided with thesupport of WOOLSAFE members for thebenefit of all carpet retailers and fitters.

General Rules for Spot Removal• Soak up liquids with white kitchen roll, tissues, toilet

roll or clean cloth

• Scoop up or scrape off solids

• Try to identify unknown spots prior to treatment –

if unsure, use solvent first

• Always work from the edge of the spot inwards

• BLOT, do NOT rub

• Use small quantities of spot remover at a time,

applied to a cloth, NOT directly to the spot; work

into the spot with a small, soft brush or sponge

• Take care with applying solvents to bitumen-backed

carpet tiles

• When using solvents always ensure there is plenty

of fresh air ventilation

• Always thoroughly rinse out water-based spotters

with clean water

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

Treatments1. Blot with white kitchen roll or paper tissues

2. Vacuum clean

3. Cold water

4. Warm water

5. WOOLSAFE-approved carpet shampoo solution

(diluted)

6. WOOLSAFE-approved spot remover for

water-based stains

7. WOOLSAFE-approved spot remover for

greasy/oily stains

8. Absorbent paper or paper tissue and hot iron

9. Chewing gum remover (solvent or freeze type)

10. Nail varnish remover or acetone

11. White spirit or turpentine substitute

12. Surgical spirit (ethyl alcohol or ethanol)

13. Rub with a coin

14. Rub gently with coarse sand paper

15. WOOLSAFE-approved disinfectant or deodorizer

16. Rust remover

17. Carpet re-colouring kit(Treatments used by professional carpet cleaners)

Easy SpotsSpot or stain Try 1st Try 2nd Try 3rd

Blood 5 6 3

Burn/scorch marks 13 14

Butter 7 5

Candle wax 8 7

Chewing gum 9

Chocolate/cocoa 5 7 6

Cola 3 5 6

Cream 7 5

Egg 5 6

Floor wax 7 5

Fruit juice 3 5

Gravy and sauces 5 6

Herbal tea 3 6

Metal polish 5

Mustard 5 6

Oil and grease 7 5

Paint (emulsion) 3 5

Shoe polish 7 5

Tea 3 5 6

More Difficult SpotsSpot or stain Try 1st Try 2nd Try 3rd

Artificially coloured drinks 3 6

Bleach 3 17

C/heating radiator fluid 5 6 16

Coffee 4 6

Felt-tip pen 7 or 11 12 5

Furniture polish 7 5

Glue/adhesive (plastic base)10 11

Ink (fountain) 3 6 5

Ink (ballpoint pen) 12

Lipstick 7

Milk 4 5 15

Nail varnish 10

Paint (oil) 11

Rust 16

Soot 2 6 5

Tar (asphalt) 7

Urine (fresh stain) 3 5 15

Urine (old stain) 6 15

Vomit 5 6 15

Red wine 1 6

These may require repeated attempts with stronger

spot removers. Some stains you may find impossible

to remove completely in which case the assistance of

a professional carpet cleaner is required.

Life inspired cleaning innovationswww.bissell.com

WOOLSAFE ApprovedCarpet Cleaning Products

www.prochem.co.uk

Home of the Legendary CleaningProduct - Carpet Power

www.ozkleen.co.uk

Flooring factsheet

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

• Evaluate all buying groups as they all work differently

• Talk to the main marketing contact and/or a member

of the committee

• Get a list of members and call up two or three for a

‘real-world’ view

• Establish your territorial exclusivity – where’s the next

nearest member of each buying group

• Ensure you understand the financial arrangements, any

fees that would relate to your membership, how the

bills are paid and whether your fees are refundable if

it doesn’t work out. Ask the buying group for a

consultation to estimate your potential savings

• Review all the extra benefits and services to see what

you would actually use

• 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

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 non-

members appears to be centred on fears of

surrendering some control to a committee – and most

particularly compromising long-established relationships

and negotiated terms with current suppliers.

The bottom line is the bottom line. A retailer selling

across a broad range of products is likely to improve

margins within a buying group – but you don’t need a

leap of faith to join up. Ask the buying groups for answers...

Buying Groups

Pick the right one

www.smg-group.co.ukContact: David LewisTel: 0118 932 3832

[email protected]

www.greendalecarpets.co.ukContact: Rob Harding

Tel: 01432 852000Fax: 01432 852005

[email protected]

Associated Carpet Groupwww.smartercarpets.co.ukContact: Richard Moore

Tel: 01942 [email protected]

[email protected]

Key benefitsIncrease margins

• Group purchases to get beneficial rates

• Rebates

• Exclusive higher-margin products

• Special promotions

One of the key reasons to join a buying group is tobenefit from the discounts they negotiate as a bulkbuyer from manufacturers. The way discounts andrebates are passed on to members varies betweengroups so make sure it’s absolutely clear how this will bedone. You’ll need to work out how this compares withdiscounts you have already negotiated locally withpreferred suppliers.

Increase sales

• ‘Best of both worlds’ proposition

• Wider ranges and exclusive products

• POS, displays and merchandising support

Your customers will like the proposition that you areindependent but with the buying power of a group –this gives them (and you) the ‘best of both worlds’ withpersonal service and competitive pricing. Most groupswill also offer you ‘own label’ ranges and support withpoint-of-sale, merchandising and displays. Centralstockholding may also be on offer.

Access professional services

• Business services

• Financial services

• IT and internet support

•Training and workshops

• Professional bodies

Some buying groups offer an excellent range of otherservices which may be valuable to your business.Financial services include invoice factoring, credit, loansand insurance. Some of the more sophisticated groupsoffering marketing packages, software systems to helpyou run your business operations and customisedwebsites ready to use. Relationships with professionaland training organisations can also offer discounts.

Network with other independents

• Members-only exhibitions with preferredmanufacturers

• Regular meetings

• Regional workshops

• Supplier presentations

• Helpline

A lot of retailers enjoy the buying group environment ofbeing independent but not alone out there on the HighStreet. Groups hold regular meetings and some havetheir own trade shows, regional meetings andworkshops to help you develop your business. Thenetwork gives you someone to call when you needadvice on, for example, an unusual installation, a technicalconsumer complaint, legal issue or business dilemma.

Metro Groupwww.carpet1st.co.ukContact: Jill CowardTel: 01204 393539

[email protected]

www.beautifulflooring.co.ukContact: Paul PhillipsTel: 01892 [email protected]

www.flooringone.co.ukContact: Glenn Harding

Tel: 0121 683 [email protected]


Flooring factsheet

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

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.

In a tight market for margins, underlay for carpet and

laminate flooring offers retailers one of the best

opportunities to add value to every sale – with good

profitability, trade-up potential once benefits are

understood and high satisfaction levels with customers.

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

Retailers should create an assumption that new

underlay is always required, the only decision is which

type. It’s also a good target-setter for sales staff.

Setting up in-store demonstrations so customers can

walk on samples with different grades of underlay and

feel the difference has shown excellent results – some

manufacturers offer point-of-sale units.

Underlay

Sponge rubberThe market’s most popular underlay is available in flat orwaffle patterns in a wide range of weights for differentapplications. It performs well for comfort and has adurable spring retention.

PU (polyurethane) foamPU foam is a relative newcomer to the market, typicallymade from recycled foam offcuts. The foam providesexcellent comfort and performance levels with lots ofthickness options and densities – and its light weight helpshandling. The product can be re-cycled again after use.

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

Laminate underlayThere’s still an opportunity to sell underlay with laminateflooring, improving the acoustic performance of the floorand helping the boards float above any imperfections inthe sub-surface.

CombinationA rubber crumb base with a felt top layer offers a goodcombination of protection, durability and comfort. It alsoallows carpet with seaming to bed into the top felt.

Underfloor heating underlayAlways ask if there is underfloor heating. Most manufacturersoffer specialised products. Underlay and carpet with acombined tog rating up to 2.5 can be used – which meansthe underlay would normally have a tog rating of 1.0.

FeltThis traditional (but environmentally friendly) underlay ismade from recycled fibres – wool, jute and synthetic – tocreate a firm, dense pad with excellent thermal insulation.Still a very popular choice among contractors whenstretch fitting woven carpets.

Pre-tackified underlayA self-adhesive single stick underlay in both needlefeltand PU. A removable system for heavy use whencomfort is desired.

Benefitswww.numa-online.co.uk

www.interfloor.com

www.interfloor.com

www.carpenter.limited.uk

www.floorwise.co.uk

Types

Sponge rubber Crumb

Combination PU foam



COLOUR MATCHINGCarpets are produced in batches - known ascreels - and usually each batch produces between500m2 - 3000m2 in a single width, depending onthe creel size. whilst the recipe used by the dyerremains constant, and is followed to the letter, in each separate production the colourreproduction will vary from batch to batch.However production is matched back to theoriginal or master sample to ensure that thecolour remains ‘within a commercial tolerance’.

This process if not an exact science and acommercial tolerance is subjective butnevertheless is usually the professional judgementof the head dyer based on his/her experience.

a greater level of tolerance is required onblended colours (Heathers etc). To ensure perfectcolour matching it is advisable that a single widthbe used in any installation requiring exact colourmatching.

n.B. Carpets which are laid with the pile travellingin different directions, even though they be fromthe same batch will appear not to match.

For further information please check with themanufacturers recommendations.

SAMPLESThe samples held by individual retailers may notbe from the same batch as current productionand therefore should be used as a guide and notan exact colour match.

SHEDDINGall cut pile carpets will lose short fibre, which iscreated during production when spun yarn is cutfor tuft formation. These fibres fall onto thesurface of the pile and appear as ‘fluff ’.

The effect varies with yarn type and may beremoved without detrimental effect upon thecarpet by vacuum cleaning. This excess fibre isonly a small fraction of the total fibre contained inthe carpet.

PULLED LOOPSPulled loops occur only in looped pile carpetwhere one or more loops in the continuous pileis pulled through the primary backing of thecarpet. This is usually due to some local condition,possibly some sharp object which has caught in aloop in situ and has resulted in a pull. Pulled loopsare easily dealt with by trimming the offendingend level with the rest of the pile. They should notbe left as this could result in further loops beingpulled and developing into a ladder.

SPROUTINGOccasionally an odd tuft or two can work its wayto the surface and stand proud of the rest of thepile. This is probably due to one end of the tuftbeing longer than the other i.e. J shaped tuftinstead of V shaped. Remedial action merelyrequires that the offending tufts be scissortrimmed level with the rest of the pile. Theyshould never be pulled out.

SHADINGShading occurs because the pile of the carpet hasbecome crushed, flattened or brushed in adifferent direction to the natural lie of the pilewhilst in situ. This causes light reflection atdiffering angles resulting in the creation of lightand dark patches on the carpet. This will occur onall pile fabrics but can be more noticeable onplainer carpets because the shadows created bypile pressure will not be disguised by a heavypattern or design.

STATICCarpets do not produce static but like otherhousehold fabrics and objects have the capacity tostore it. Static is caused by the build up of staticelectricity upon personnel in a dry environmentand is discharged when a person makes contactwith an object which can conduct electricity (i.e.door handle or filing cabinets, etc).

The static charges will vary in intensity dependingupon the individual, air humidity and the contactmaterials. Static is more usually associated withsynthetic materials as they do not retain moisturevery well but it can and does occur with wool invery dry room conditions.

Preventative measures include the introduction ofmoisture into the room or in situ carpettreatment.

FADING ON WOOLCarpets made from wool can and do fade in use.The degree of fade can vary depending on thecolour chosen and the local conditions to whichthe carpet is subjected.

Fading can be caused by exposure to ultra violetlight which is found in daylight, but is acceleratedwhen sunlight shines directly onto the carpet. Thishas the effect of lightening or “Bleaching” thecolour just as exposure to sunlight will lightenhuman hair. wool is after all animal hair.

Protection should be given to carpets exposed tosuch conditions just as you would protect otherfurniture or fabrics.

a complaint on fading would be consideredjustified if it failed to meet the required shadestandard when tested to the British StandardBS1006 (1990).

This information is given by

responsible manufacturers

to help you help your

customer to make

an informed choice.

The original carpet tile

Flooring factsheetCarpet trouble-shooter • shedding • pulled loops


PILE REVERSAL(See SHadIng)

like shading, this occurs when the pile or nap ofthe carpet changes direction and thus reflects lightat different angles showing the effects of shadingwhich can become permanent. It is also describedas ‘watermarking’. This can happen to every carpetconstruction be it axminster, wilton, Tufted, Handwoven, Persian, Chinese, Indian or even CoirMatting. like shading it can be more apparent onplain carpet because heavy patterns can disguisethe effects. It can occur quite quickly afterinstallation. a tremendous amount of research hasbeen carried out over many years by manyinstitutes to determine the cause of thisphenomenon but none of it has proved conclusive.There is no commonly known manufacturingprocess which can cause or cure this phenomenonand therefore it is not a manufacturing fault. Forfurther information please check with individualmanufacturers recommendations.

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

It must be remembered that it is not only the pileof the carpet that becomes indented. the underlaywill also indent and the backing of the carpet mayalso distort into the indentation in the underlay.Some underlay’s will recover well and some lesswell depending upon their composition, thickness,density etc.

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

The ability of a carpet to recover from a heavystatic load can be measured in the laboratory, usingthe test method described in BS 4939 and manymanufacturers will have data on this aspect ofcarpet performance. In this test the carpet isloaded for 24 hours and the degree of recovery ismeasured after 1 hour and 24 hours. Since thereare so many different underlay’s however, it is veryrare for the recovery from a heavy static load tobe evaluated on carpet and underlay.

Often normal maintenance (vacuum cleaning witha rotating brush machine) will speed up recoverybut in the case of serious indentations the use ofan iron and damp cloth or a steam iron togetherwith a blunt darning needle to carefully tease upthe pile can be beneficial. Care must be take notto over wet the carpet, of course.

FLATTENINGFlattening will occur as a result of traffic whicheventually flattens the pile particularly in the mainareas of use. all pile fabrics will flatten to greateror lesser degree dependant on the amount oftraffic to which it is subjected and the construction(tuft density/pile fibre/height/weight) of theproduct concerned.

SOILINGSoiling is usually the result of some local conditionto which the carpet has been subjected to, ormaintenance, or lack of maintenance programme.There is nothing we as manufacturers can do toprevent soiling in use. There are several types ofsoiling which are quite common:

Spillages - liquids such as soft drinks, cordials orany drink which contains sugar, particularly hotdrinks, is likely to leave a stain. In such instances,professional help should be sought.

Shampoo - if incorrectly applied, can leave stickysoap residues in the fibres which can result in thesoiling reappearing quite rapidly.

dust - which is carried on draughts can soilcarpets in various ways, apart from the obvioussoiled edges, at gaping skirting boards for instance,dark lines appearing on surface might suggestairborne dust vacuum-drawn through poorly fittedfloorboards. Sometimes the shape of floorboardscan be seen quite clearly. air borne dustsometimes shows itself as spots on the carpet, thisis due to the air carried on a draught under thecarpet escaping through minute holes both in theunderlay and the carpet, leaving dust deposited onthe pile much like a filter action. In suchinstallations, the use of a lining paper is essential asa preventative measure.

It is the responsibility of the retailer to advise theconsumer when the carpet is measured of anypoorly fitting doors, skirtings, or floorboards andthe consumers responsibility to ensure anyremedial work to seal draughts, is carried outbefore the carpet is fitted, if a resulting complaintis to be avoided.

INSTALLATIONSTelephone national Institute of Carpet Fitters(nICF) for further information – 0115 958 3077.

This information is given by

responsible manufacturers

to help you help your

customer to make

an informed choice.

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


Abingdon Flooring 01274 655694

Adam Carpets LtdBe Tu Tw W Ww 01562 829966

Alternative Flooring 01264 335111

Associated WeaversTw Tu 01422 431100

Avena Carpets LtdTu Ww 01422 330261

Axwoven Carpets LtdAx Be 0121 550 5788

Axminster Carpets LtdAx Be Tw 01297 32244

Bajong Carpets NVTu Tw W +32 56783250

Balta Industries Tu Tw W Ww +32 56 62 2211

Beaulieu International GroupBe Pr Tu Tw +32 56 67 66 11

Belvedere CarpetsTu W 020 8800 0740

[email protected]

www.belvederecarpets.co.uk

Betap Tufting BVTu Tw W +31 383 861 060

BIC CarpetsBe Tw W +32 56 23 54 10

Bizspoke Custom CarpetsBe Tw W 01924 488882

Blenheim CarpetsAx Be Tw W Ww 020 7823 3040

BMK 0113 380 5333

Bond Worth LtdAx 01562 745000

BrintonsAx Tu Tw W Ww 0800 505055

Brockway Carpets LtdTw W 01562 828200

[email protected] www.brockway.co.uk

Bronte Carpets LtdBe Tu Tw W 01282 862 736

[email protected]

www.brontecarpets.co.uk

BurmatexTu 01924 262525

Cavalier Carpets LtdAx Be Tu Tw W Ww 01254 268000

Christy CarpetsTu 019078 308777

Clarendon CarpetsTw 01675 433066

Classis CarpetsTu W Ww 0870 020 1725

Condor Carpets BVTu +31 38 4778911

Cormar Carpets LtdTu Tw W 01204 881 234

[email protected]

www.cormarcarpets.co.uk

Couristan CarpetsAx Tu W Ww 800 223 6186

Craigie CarpetsBe 01294 558400

Creative Carpets LtdBe Tu Tw W 0116 284 1455

Creatuft CarpetsTu W +32 56 35 4444

Custom Carpet CompanyAx Be Tu Tw W Ww 01737 830301

Dan-Floor UKW 0844 9151000

Domo FloorcoveringPr Tu Tw +32 55 335211

Drury Lane Carpets LtdBe Tu Tw W 01254 296829

E & WE CarpetsW 01562 825952

Edel Telenzo Carpets LtdTu Tw W 01422 374 417

[email protected]

www.edeltelenzocarpets.co.uk

Enterprise Weaving CoBe Ww 01562 745030

Fells CarpetsWw 01977 662211

[email protected]

www.fellscarpets.co.uk

Fetcham Furnishings LtdTw 020 8944 6220

Fletco Taepper A/STu W +45 96 60 3000

Firth Carpets & FlooringBe Pr Tu Tw W Ww 01484 721529

Furlong FlooringTw W 01772 696 787

[email protected]

www.furlongflooring.co.uk

The Stocklists

Carpet Company Directory

edel Telenzo’s Bakerloo Brockway’s VogueMohawk’s Cherbourg Check

Belvedere Carpets


Gaskell Wool RichTu Tw W 01827 831525

Gaskell Mackay Carpets LtdAx Tu Tw W 01429 892525

Georgian CarpetsTu Tw W 01827 831430

Godfrey Hirst (GB) LtdTu 0800 526696

Halbmond TeppichwerkeBe Pr Tu +49 037 421 420

Heckmondwike FB 01924 410544

ITCBe Pr Tw Tu 0032 51 424 411

John Lanham Watts CarpetsAx Tw Ww 01937 588511

John Evans LtdAx Tu Tw W 0161 368 2563

Joseph Hamilton & SeatonW 01827 831400

Kingsmead CarpetsTu Tw W 01827 831 424

Lano NVAx Pr Tu Tw W Ww +32 56 65 [email protected]

Le Tissage d'ArcadeAx Ww +32 05685 4747

Lecaflor LtdAx Be Pr Tu Tw W Ww 0800 78 33 712

Leigh Spinners LtdTw 01942 673232

Louis de PoortereW +32 56 393 386

LusotufoTu 01388 664101

Manx CarpetsTw W 01827 831 434

Master WeaverW Ww 01562 754 382

Mayfield CarpetsTu Tw W 01706 639 866

MID NLBe +31 38 851 8700

ModulyssBe Tu Tw Pr +32 52 457211

Mohawk Europe01480 479830

[email protected] 01480 471304

www.mohawkinternational.com

Mr TomkinsonTw Ww 01827 831 450

Ossfloor UK 01675 433031

Penthouse CarpetsTu Tw W 01706 341231

Phoenox Textiles Pr Tu 01484 863227

Pownall CarpetsTw W 0845 6528811

Roger Vanden Berghe.NVTu Ww +32 56 73 57 11

Ryalux Carpets LtdBe Tu Tw W 0845 652 8811

Sans Frontieres LtdBe Pr Tu Tw W Ww 0844 5611977

Shaw Home FoundationsTu 01675 433 501

Signature CarpetsBe Tu W 01422 845075

TAT Carpet 07976 607657

Tapibel NVPr Tu Tw 01623 481 221

Tasibel NVTw +32 52 499600

The Grosvenor Wilton CoW Ww 01562 701456

The Sultana Carpet CoAx 01299 822300

The Wilton Carpet CoAx W Ww 0845 296 8850

Thomas Witter UK LtdTu Tw 0870 1128318

Timzo Tufting Industry BVTu +31 38 385 4477

Tisca TiaraTu Ww +41 71 791 0111

Trendy Tuft DesignsBe Tu Tw W 01274 855080

Ulster CarpetsAx Be Tu Tw W Ww 02838 334433

United Carpets & BedsTw W Ww 01709 732 666

Victoria CarpetsTu Tw W Ww 01562 749300

Vorwerk 08700 104484

Westex CarpetsTu 01274 861334

Weston HammerW 0845 644 9090

Whitestone Weavers LtdAx Be Tu Tw W Ww 01429 892555

Wilkies CarpetsTw 0113 307 9955

Woodward GrosvenorAx Tu Tw W Ww 0800 526696

Wool ClassicsTu Ww 0207 349 1560

Woven Carpets of KidderminsterW 01299 827477

Bronte’s stand

Cormar’s Berwick

Tollgate stand

KEY TO CODES:

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

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 [email protected]

Every time you see a web or email address in The Stocklists,

you can click straight to it from our online edition at

www.thestocklists.com


The StocklistsWholesale Distribution DirectoryNationalMercadoleeds

0113 3802900

[email protected]

www.mercado.co.uk

Fells Carpetsgoole

01977 662211

[email protected]


North EastCarpet & Flooring gateshead

0191 482 7373

[email protected]

www.carpetandflooring.co.uk

Fells Carpetsgoole

01977 662211

[email protected]


Floorwise (North East) Ltd Birtley - see Floorwise p16

Vanguard CarpetsRedditch

0845 601 1189

customerservices.redditch@

carpetandflooring.co.uk

www.vanguardcarpets.co.uk

Wood Floor SalesRedditch

01527 511888

help.redditch@


www.woodfloorsales.com

North West A&A CarpetsManchester

01204 701188

[email protected]

www.aandacarpets.co.uk

D. M. Miller LtdManchester

0161 205 9949

[email protected]

www.dmmillerltd.spaces.lives.com

Fells Carpetsgoole

01977 662211

[email protected]


Kellars LtdStockport

0161 443 0970

[email protected]

Lee Floorstok Ltdliverpool - see Floorwise p16

Lee Floorstok LtdManchester - see Floorwise p16

MCA Floorwise LtdMorecambe - see Floorwise p16

Mytton Flooring norwich - see Floorwise p16

Millbrook Carpetsdarwen

01254 703999

[email protected]


0845 601 1189




Carpet & FlooringManchester

0161 786 6800

manchester@




01527 511888

help.redditch@



MidlandsCarpet & Flooring Birmingham

0121 421 9131

birmingham@



DMS Flooring Suppliesnorthampton

0845 643 5601

dmsnorthampton@

dmsflooringsupplies.co.uk

Floorwise D & J LtdSoutham - see Floorwise p16

J J Wholesale & Distribution LtdBirmingham

0121 765 4994

[email protected]

RPS FlooringMansfield woodhouse

- see Floorwise p16

STS Flooring Distributorswatford

08454 342000

[email protected]

www.stsflooring.com

see page 31 for details


0845 601 1189





01527 511888

help.redditch@



Woodall Brothers Ltd Shrewsbury - see Floorwise p16

EastBeds FlooringBedford

01234 341234

[email protected]

www.bedsflooring.co.uk

Faithfull FloorcoveringSuffolk

01473 822341

[email protected]

www.faithfulls.co.uk

STS Flooring Distributors LtdCambridge

Tel: 01954 781142

[email protected]

www.stsflooring.com

See page 29 for details


0845 601 1189





01527 511888

help.redditch@



South EastAcorn Carpet AccessoriesBromley, Kent - see Floorwise p16

AFSMiddlesex

020 8805 8620

[email protected]


Ashmount Flooring SuppliesLtd Tottenham

0208 808 2158

[email protected]

www.ashmountflooring.co.uk

continued overleaf....

Are you a Wholesaler?If you’re not listed here, please call

diane Martin on 01482 659396.


The StocklistsWholesale Distribution DirectoryBeds FlooringBedford

01234 341234

[email protected]

www.bedsflooring.co.uk

Carpet & FlooringBow

020 8525 5691

[email protected]


Carpet & Flooring Camberley

01276 672100

[email protected]


Clifford Floors Strood

01634 285900

[email protected]

Culpeck Strood

01634 299000

[email protected] .com

Columbia FlooringMiddlesex

020 8443 3322

[email protected]

www.columbiaflooring.co.uk


DMS Flooring SuppliesHemel Hempstead

0845 643 5344

[email protected]

DMS Flooring SuppliesMilton Keynes

0845 643 5320

[email protected]

Faithfulls Service CentreKent

01322 285001

Faithfulls Service Centrewalthamstow

0208 498 3040

[email protected]

Faithfull FloorcoveringSuffolk

01473 822341

[email protected]

www.faithfulls.co.uk

Kent Flooring Supplies LtdChatham

01634 668668

[email protected]

www.kentflooring.co.uk

Littner Hamptonlondon

020 8520 8474

[email protected]

www.littnerhamptoncarpets.co.uk

Potts & Ward, Woodcocks LtdBrighton

01273 557211

[email protected]

www.pwwflooring.co.uk

Rackhamslondon

020 8531 9225

[email protected]

www.rackhamsltd.co.uk


Salesmark lancing - see Floorwise p16

Solent Wholesale Carpetwest Sussex

01243 774623

[email protected]

www.solentwholesale.co.uk


STS Flooring Distributors Orpington/Croydon

0845 434 1000

[email protected]

www.stsflooring.com



0845 601 1189

customerservices.redditch@carpet

andflooring.co.uk


Wessex Flooring amesbury - see Floorwise p16


01527 511888

[email protected]


South West Carpet & Flooring Bristol

0117 316 0555

[email protected]


Fitwell Flooring Ltd Redruth - see Floorwise p16

Fitwell Flooring Ltdnewton abott - see Floorwise p16

Solent Wholesale Carpetwest Sussex

01243 774623

[email protected]

www.solentwholesale.co.uk


STS Flooring DistributorsThame (Oxford)

01844 213555

[email protected]

www.stsflooring.com



0845 601 1189


andflooring.co.uk



01527 511888

[email protected]


ScotlandCarpet & Flooringglasgow

0141 427 8456

[email protected]


C. K. Davie Ltd aberdeen - see Floorwise p16

C. K. Davie Ltddundee - see Floorwise p18

Headlam Scotland north lanarkshire

01698 831 000

[email protected]

www.headlamscotland.co.uk

Neil Smith Ltd glasgow - see Floorwise p16

WalesCarpet & Flooring Bristol

0117 316 0555

[email protected]


Roma Flooring neath - see Floorwise p16


0845 601 1189


andflooring.co.uk



01527 511888

[email protected]


IrelandProvincial Floorcoverings Ltddublin - see Floorwise p16

Provincial Floorcoverings LtdBelfast - see Floorwise p16

Provincial Floorcoverings Ltdlimerick - see Floorwise p16

Are you a Wholesaler?If you’re not listed here, please call

diane Martin on 01482 659396.


Acorn Carpet Accessories 16Bromley, KentTel: 020 8462 0422 Fax: 020 8462 0927

C. K. Davie Ltd 1AberdeenTel: 01224 820077 Fax: 01224 822344

C. K. Davie Ltd 2DundeeTel: 01382 226533 Fax: 01382 226544

Fitwell Flooring Ltd 20Redruth, CornwallTel: 01209 214344 Fax: 01209 211162

Fitwell Flooring Ltd 19Newton Abbot, DevonTel: 01626 835935 Fax: 01626 834334

Floorwise D & J Ltd 13Southam, WarksTel: 01926 814922 Fax: 01926 817899

Floorwise (North East) 5Ltd Birtley, County DurhamTel: 0191 410 7070 Fax: 0191 410 6116

Lee Floorstok Ltd 8 LiverpoolTel: 0151 708 7420 Fax: 0151 708 7241

Lee Floorstok Ltd 7ManchesterTel: 0161 231 8080 Fax: 0161 231 8787

MCA Floorwise Ltd 6Morecambe, LancashireTel: 01524 33517 Fax: 01524 381852

Mytton Flooring 14Norwich, NorfolkTel: 01603 624387 Fax: 01603 612888

Neil Smith Ltd 3GlasgowTel: 0141 552 1141 Fax: 0141 552 0623

Provincial Floorcoverings Ltd 4 BelfastTel: 028 9075 3202Fax: 028 9075 3901

Provincial Floorcoverings Ltd 9Dublin 10Tel: 00353 (0)1 626 3913Fax: 00353 (0)1 626 3960LoCall: 1850 445 746 (ROI)

Provincial Floorcoverings Ltd 10LimerickTel: 00353 (0)61 227 100Fax: 00353 (0)61 227 000LoCall: 1850 445 745 (ROI)

Roma Flooring 15Neath, West GlamorganTel: 01639 633001 Fax: 01639 646116

RPS Flooring 11Mansfield Woodhouse,NottinghamshireTel: 01623 624198 Fax: 01623 620931

Salesmark 17Lancing, West SussexTel: 01903 750522 Fax: 01903 851111

Wessex Flooring 18Amesbury, WiltshireTel: 01980 625888 Fax: 01980 676969

Woodall Brothers Ltd 12Shrewsbury, ShropshireTel: 01743 441584 Fax: 01743 441629

floorwiseNational Network of Floorwise Distributors

Award-Winning Flooring Accessories

Head OFFICe

Floorwise group limited,

Floorwise House, 22 High Street,

Kegworth, derby de74 2da, UK.

Tel: 0044 (0)1509 673974 Fax: 0044 (0)1509 674841

1

2

3

45

6

789

1110

12

1315

16

17

18

19

20

14

www.floorwise.co.uk • www.carpetunderlay.netwww.signaturewoodfloors.com • www.siennawoodfloors.com

www.floorwise.co.uk • www.carpetunderlay.netwww.signaturewoodfloors.com • www.siennawoodfloors.com

gRIPPeR UndeRlay PROFIleS adHeSIVeS & SCReedS


THE BEST CARPET WOOL

Wool carpets have a historic reputation for quality because as afibre it is known to withstand pressure and have excellentappearance retention properties. The best wool for carpetproduction is ‘strong’ wool and this is grown on sheep breeds foundin Britain and New Zealand. Most carpets will contain both BritishWool and New Zealand Wool because British Wool is more bulkyand resilient and offers texture and unique heathery shades tocarpet, whilst New Zealand wool is softer and whiter andparticularly good for plain, lighter shaded ranges. Combining the twowithin a blend for carpet yarn gives manufacturers the perfectqualities for carpet.

100% wool or 80/20 – 80/10/10 wool richWool has yet to be matched by any man-made fibre; it has superiorstrength and does not need other fibres to improve itsperformance. However manufacturers choose to use synthetic fibreswithin the yarn blend for a number of reasons. These include fibreflexibility, dyeing, heat setting, stain resistance, durability and cost.These wool rich compositions offer industry standard carpets whichwill perform well in the home.

Flooring factsheetWool fibre

THE BENEFITS OF WOOL CARPET

PracticalStrong and Resilient – Wool carpet will provide superior performanceover many years as it can offer unique resilience and long lastingdurability. The natural crimp of wool offers valuable ‘bounce-back’ so thatpile compression is resisted and the effects of tracking and shading arereduced – maintaining good appearance over many years.

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

ComfortSoft and warm – Wool carpet adds luxurious underfoot comfort andwarmth to the home and acts as an insulator improving heat retentionand energy efficiency.

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

SafetyFire Retardant – Wool is naturally fire resistant, has a slow ignition rateand tests show that it is self extinguishing within seconds. It meets manysafety regulations without additional treatments and is favoured incontract locations for this reason.

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

Internal EnvironmentIndoor environment – As a natural ‘smart’ fibre with a complex physicaland chemical structure, wool helps to create a balanced atmosphere inthe home. It breathes and absorbs humidity in the air, releasing it whenthe atmosphere becomes dry and helps improve air quality by absorbingairborne toxins in indoor air.

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

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

energy efficient – Wool is energy efficient in the home and also in carpetproduction.

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

environmentally assessed – Wool is an environmentally responsible fibrethat has been measured in terms of its ecological impact. A Life CycleAnalysis study carried out by Leeds University to ISO 14040 standard forBritish Wool concludes that it compares favourably when measuredagainst man-made fibres.

SAFE EASY-CAREDURABLE COMFORT

British WoolThe Planet Friendly Fibre for Carpetaboutwool.com


PLUS A VAST RANGE OF ACCESSORIES AND TOOLS FOR CARPETS AND LAMINATESContact our sales office or your area representative for prices on any of the above ranges. We also offer a fast service on non stock items. Phone our showroom manager for prices and samples. Our latest price list is dated September 2011.

AFSUnit 4 Baird Road,

Enfield, Middlesex

EN1 1SJ

Tel: 020 8805 8620

Fax: 020 8805 6840

Email:

[email protected]

REP DETAILS:Ashley Best Tel: 07976 916752 Surrey, South LondonNick Hart Tel: 07771 967609 Essex, East LondonKarl Goult Tel: 07957 685428 North London, West London, North West London, Middlesex, Herts.Sales Office Tel: 020 8805 8620 Kent, South East LondonEric Flowerday Tel: 07826 649376 Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Hampshire

NATURAL/LOOPSPendleton 50/50 Wool Loop

SAXONYDEVOTION 30oz PP SaxonyNOBLESQUE 45oz PP SaxonySUMPTUOUS 55oz SaxonySENSATIONAL 58oz Saxony

80/20 WOOL TWISTNEW KILDARE 50/50 30oz TwistBELMONT TWIST 80/20 40ozBELMONT SUPREME 80/20 50oz

PP TWISTCABARET PP TwistSALT N PEPPER PP TwistTRIDENT HEATHERS PP TwistVIVA TWIST PP TwistVANTAGE PP Twist

LOOP PILE AND CORDDIVERSITY Loop PilePINCH FELT Needle Punch CordPINCH FOAM Needle Punch ROCKY HB Loop Pile CordROCKY FB Loop Pile CordCANBERRA CORD Velour Gel BackTITAN CORD Loop Pile Gel BackVARIETY Loop Pile

CORMAR STOCKEDAPOLLO Excellon TwistBERWICK 40 80/10/10 40 oz TwistBERWICK 50 80/10/10 50 oz TwistFOREST HILLS SUPER 50/40/10 32oz TwistFOREST HILLS ELITE 50/40/10 42oz TwistGLENDALE 50/45/5 40oz TwistHOME COUNTIES 42 oz TwistHOME COUNTIES 50 oz TwistMALABAR 100% NaturalNATURAL BERBER SUPER 80/10/10 35 oz TwistNATURAL BERBER ELITE 80/10/10 45 oz TwistNATURAL BERBER DELUXE 80/10/10 55 oz TwistNEW OAKLANDS 80/10/10 32 oz TwistNEW OAKLANDS 80/10/10 42 oz TwistNEW OAKLANDS 80/10/10 50 oz TwistPRIMO DELIGHT Excellon SaxonyPRIMO PLUS Excellon TwistPRIMO ULTRA Excellon TwistPRIMO TWEED Excellon Twist

CORMAR CARPETS 3/5 DAYS DELIVERYAVEBURY 100% Pure New WoolHEATHER CLASSICS 40 80/15/5 40oz TwistHEATHER CLASSICS 50 80/15/5 50oz TwistTOWN AND COUNTRY 80/10/10 60 oz Twist

Roll Size Full Roll EQ* Description

BRANDED TOP END RUBBER SPONGE RANGEELITE 11 m2 129lb Textured Rubber Underlay MAJESTIC 11 m2 135lb Waffle Rubber UnderlayCOLOURS RED 11 m2 135lb Waffle Rubber UnderlayWILLOW GREEN 15 m2 90lb Waffle Rubber UnderlayCRUSADER SUPREME 15 m2 100lb Waffle Rubber UnderlaySUPREME LIGHT 11 m2 101lb Waffle Rubber Underlay

UNBRANDED TREDAIRE SPONGE RUBBERAFS CLASSIC GOLD 15 m2 95 lb Rubber UnderlayAFS SUPER GOLD 15 m2 80lb Rubber UnderlayAFS STANDARD GOLD 15 m2 60lb Rubber Underlay

WOOD FLOOR UNDERLAYSBOARDWALK (Timbermate) 15 m2 3.75mm 23dB Moisture BarrierCOMFORT SILVER 15 m2 2.5mm 18dB PE Foam + Foil

TREDAIRE PU UNDERLAYSSUPER 8 15 m2 8mm Tredaire PUSUPER 10 15 m2 10mm Tredaire PUBRIO 15 m2 8mm Tredaire PUZEST 15 m2 10mm Tredaire PUSOFTWALK 15 m2 9 mm Tredaire PUDREAMWALK 15 m2 11 mm Tredaire PUCONTRACT 9 15 m2 9 mm Contract PUSENSATION 15 m2 11 mm Contract PU

DURALAY CONTRACT UNDERLAYSTREADMORE 11 m2 8.0mm CrumbSYSTEM 10 11 m2 10mm Crumb single stick under 40m2

DURAFIT 650 15 m2 6.5mm Double stick crumbDURAFIT 500 15 m2 5.0mm Double stick crumbDEFENDER 15 m2 100lb Flat sponge 0.80 TOGHEATFLOW CARPET 15 m2 6.0mm 0.75 TOG sponge carpetHEATFLOW WOOD 15 m2 2.75mm 0.35 TOG sponge laminate U/LTECHNICS 5 15 m2 5.0mm Double stick sponge

FELT UNDERLAYSFELT 28 15 m2 28oz Wool/jute felt 8mmFELT 42 15 m2 42oz Contract wool/jute felt 11mmKENSINGTON DELUXE 11 m2 74oz Felt crumb rubber

CARPETS UNDERLAYS


Townshend WorksPuxton LaneKidderminsterWorcestershireDY11 5DFSales: 01562 745000Fax: 01562 732827

Berkeley Axminster80% wool / 20% Nylon available 3.66m & 4.57m

Come Back to Colour!

Variations Axminster80% wool / 20% Nylon available 3.66m

Precious Gems Axminster80% wool / 20% Nylon available 3.66m

Wensleydale Axminster80% wool / 20% Nylon available 3.66m

Cornell & Stanford80% wool / 20% Nylon available 4.00m

Lawnswood, Wild Beet & Indigo Storm discontinued

Camargue Axminster80% wool / 20% Nylon available 3.66m

New Afghan Axminster80% wool / 20% Nylon available 3.66m

Sultan discontinued

OlympusAxminster

The Original Pub n Club Carpet

ax: 01562 732827FSales: 01562 745000

Y11 5DFDcestershirorW

KidderminsterPuxton Laneownshend TTownshend W

ax: 01562 732827Sales: 01562 745000

ecestershirKidderminsterPuxton Lane

orksownshend W

80% wool / 20% Nylon a

ange comprises 8 Designs R

.57m ailable 3.66m & 4v80% wool / 20% Nylon a

ange comprises 8 Designs

.57m

tems Deled il StockAlange comprises 8 Designs R


ange comprises 12 Designs Rage - End of June1-9077 Jade Mir

deaux - Mid Julyor2-9061 Ba - End of July4-9058 Sahar

tems Deled il StockAl

derom Orrys fery 14 Daivtems Delange comprises 8 Designs

ailable 3.66m v80% wool / 20% Nylon a

ange comprises 12 Designs age - End of June

deaux - Mid Julya - End of July

derom Orys fery 14 Daivtems Deltems Deled il StockAl


ange comprises 5 Designs Rl items stockAl

ery 14 Daivtems Deled iStock

derom Orrys fery 14 Daivtems Del



derom Orrys fery 14 Da


ange comprises 8 Designs Redl items stockAl



ailable 3.66mv80% wool / 20% Nylon a



.00m ailable 4v80% wool / 20% Nylon a

ange comprises 3 Designs Reet & Ild Bwnswood, WiLaery 14 Daivtems Deled iStock


ange comprises 10 Designs Rden End of Juneegal Gar4-7038 - R

a Mid July4-7100 - Andor

ange comprises 3 Designs ndigo Storm discontinuedeet & I



ange comprises 10 Designs den End of June

a Mid July

ndigo Storm discontinued

a Mid July4-7100 - Andorery 14 Daivtems Deled iStock


ange comprises 4 Designs Rtan discontinuedSul


a Mid Julyderom Orrys fery 14 Da

ailable 3.66mv80% wool / 20% Nylon a



C

UK S ALES MANAGER: Steve Glover 07896 871 502

SALES TE AM: Dan Milstead 07841 565 349 Essex, Suffolk, South Cambridgeshire, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire,

Beds, Hertfordshire, North LondonJon Ormrod 07918 081 782 Lancashire, Cheshire, North Wales, Merseyside, North Staffordshire,

North Shropshire, DerbyshireClem Eccles 00 353 86 609 6217 Northern IrelandHogan Enterprises 00 353 16234520 Republic of IrelandRichard Venn 07968 835 206 Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Devon, Cornwall, Somerset & Avon,

West Hampshire, Dorset, Channel IslesSteve Perks 07968 835 205 West Midlands, Northamptonshire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Mid Wales South Wales, Leicestershire, Herefordshire, South Shropshire, South StaffordshireSimon Stead 07968 835 204 Yorkshire, North Humberside, Lincolnshire, Notts, Norfolk, North CambridgeshireAndy Finch 07970 693 752 Sussex, South & South West London, Surrey, Kent, Berkshire, S.E. LondonStuart Pollock 07854 580 658 Scotland, Cumbria, North East England

This fantastic range is available for immediate delivery. Contact respective Brockway sales personnel for further detail.

U

South Wales, Leicestershire, Herefordshire, South Shropshire, South StaffordshireS Lincolnshire, Notts, Norfolk, North CambridgeshireA

• 40 colours on superb lectern

• 3 qualities – Diamond, Silver & Gold

• 80% Wool, 10% Nylon, 10% Polyester

• 4m and 5m widths

• 4 stacks of 18” x 9” samples

• 2 colour swatch books

• 9 coordinating stripes now available



The Leading

Country Wide

Carpet & Flooring Suppliers

Trade Show Rooms Available• Specialist advice and terms available on contract enquiries •

CALL US NOW!!!020 8443 3322

We can supply you with virtually any make of carpet and flooring at

GUARANTEED maker’s list price.......

Delivered direct to business premises FREE OF CHARGE.

For a Speedy and Efficient Service

TRAFALGAR TRADING ESTATEJEFFREYS ROAD

ENFIELD MIDDLESEX

EN3 7TY

Tel: 0208 443 3322

Fax: 0208 805 2346

Opening Times:

Monday - Friday 8.30am to 5.30pm

Saturday 8.30am to 12 noon

ColumbiaFlooring plc

� quality

� choice

� availability

� service

� price

The Regency range of stain-resistant carpetsticks all the boxes:

THE STOCKLISTS June 2012

Covering the country...

JOHN POWERS M: 07792 477312 SALES MANAGER: BEDS, BERKS, BUCKS, HAMPS, MIDDX,NORTHANTS, OXON, W&S LONDON, SURREY, [email protected]

RICHARD RICHMAN M: 07791 891044 AREA SALES MANAGER: NORFOLK, SUFFOLK, CAMBS,N&E LONDON, ESSEX, KENT, SUSSEX & [email protected]

CHRIS ALLCOCKM: 07872 964685NOTTS, DERBYSHIRE & [email protected]

MIKE SHUTT M: 07970 158594BIRMINGHAM/ STAFFORDSHIRE,[email protected]

MARTYN REAM: 07968 324598LEICESTER/[email protected]

Midlands

DES BEST M: 07968 828516NORTH EAST/EAST [email protected]

RAY ANDREW M: 07973 719801EAST LANCS/[email protected]

REG SYKES M: 07973 403450SOUTH [email protected]

Yorkshire & North East

BEN THOMASM: 07794 048809MID & WEST [email protected]

JASON BRIMBLEM: 07794 041266AVON & [email protected]

TIM BAILEY M: 07794 048414S.E. WALES & [email protected]

STEWART WAITHMAN M: 07794 048413DEVON & [email protected]

Wales & South West

Lighten up! Our new illuminated lecterns for

élegance and Satisfaction are the talk

of the trade. Ask your rep for more

details of our market-leading POS...

Wood Floor Specialist

22


. quality and serviceCAREFREE Carpets are

distributed by

www.regencycarefree.co.uk

Preston Sales tel: 01772 696787 fax: 01772 311921Newport Salestel: 01633 283959 fax: 01633 275454London Salestel: 01322 628707 fax: 01322 [email protected]

IAN COLLACOTT M: 07816 217550MIDDLESEX, W. LONDON, [email protected]

DARREN SPENDIFF M: 07791 [email protected]

RAYMOND SMITH M: 07816 [email protected]

London

JOHN AKIEN M: 07791 891024S.W LONDON, SURREY (INS. M25)[email protected]

IAN ROBERTSON M: 07816 217563E & WEST [email protected]

TONY CONWAY M: 07791 891025BEDS, NORTHANTS, OXON & [email protected]

PETER FLETCHER M: 07816 217561HAMPSHIRE, DORSET & SURREY (OUTSIDE M25)[email protected]

South East

PAUL LOVELL M: 07816 217549NORFOLK, SUFFOLK & [email protected]

DAREN STEDMAN M: 07816 217548N, N W & E LONDON, [email protected]

GEORGE WISELYM: 07967 148665SCOTTISH SALES [email protected]

COLIN RICHFORDM: 07970 163372WEST [email protected]

Scotland

CRAIG MELLINGM: 07970 269730CUMBRIA, CHESHIRE & FYLDE [email protected]

ALAN CHEETHAMM: 07966 263571GREATER [email protected]

BOB CHRISTIE M: 07980 786264MERSEYSIDE, WIRRAL & N. [email protected]

North West


Kingsmead CarpetsRelay Park, Relay DriveTamworth, B77 5PR. UK

Tel: +44 1827 831424Fax: +44 1827 831425

[email protected]

WOOL TWIST RANGESARTWORK • AYRSHIRE • GALLOWAY • GRAMPIAN • HOMESTYLE• LOTHIAN • NEW VITRONIC • TRIPLE TWIST BERBER • TRIPLE TWIST HEATHER • VITRONICTRADITIONS • VITRONIC BERBER.

LUXURY SAXONY RANGESNOW IN 4M & 5M WIDTHS: BRECON • MALVERN • RIDGEWAY • SILKSENSATION • SILK SUPREME • SNOWDONIA. 4M WIDTH ONLY: CHEVIOT • CHEVIOT SUPREME.

OTHER PRODUCTSHIGHLANDS • LOWLANDS • MADRAS • PALOMA •HOMEMAKER.

RECENTLY DISCONTINUEDARGYLL • BORDER TWIST • CHILTERN • PENNINE • STONEYGROUND.

WOLLTEC RANGESFREMANTLE • SIROCCO • ZEPHYR.

EVERLON CLEAN EASY RANGESENJOYMENT • GENIUS • MARVEL • MIRACLE • SUPERB •VIRTUOSO

SALES EXECUTIVES AND CONTACT DETAILSGlenn Baker - 07791 890441 - (South West England)[email protected]

Paul Bartle - 07980 737339 - (West Midlands)[email protected]

Clint Carver- 07970 888916 - (North West England)[email protected]

Colin Fielder - 07971 968517 - (South Coast & Home Counties)[email protected]

Adrian Garner - 07947 524633 - (East Midlands)[email protected]

Stewart Gillion - 07976 749552 - (East Anglia)[email protected]

David Guscott - 07773 04857 - (London within M25 & Kent)[email protected]

Dan Hemming – 07538 836273 - (South Wales & South Midlands)[email protected]

Mark Watkinson - 07980 737283 - (North East England)[email protected]

Bill Robertson - 07980 737278 - (Scotland & Northern Ireland)[email protected]

Sandhurst RangeThe Wilton Sandhurst range is woven with 24 beautifuland modern colours. This plain twist is a great choicefor both domestic and commercial markets.

Introducing the UK’s newest weaver, now open inKidderminster with high levels of stock for rapid delivery.

Modern carpets manufactured using traditional values

Contrast RangeA cut and loop range weighing in at 47oz comes in 6modern and exclusive colours. Unique contrast patternprovides this Wilton range with a vibrant and strongpresence.

Honeycomb RangeThis cut and loop range features in 6 natural and warmcolours. Made out of 100% new wool, the bee hive typeof texture our Honeycomb range adds additionalwarmth.

Chequers RangeA loop range weighing in at 35 oz and comes in 6colours with a unique chequers board like pattern. 100% new wool ensures high quality texture feel.

Marble Planet RangeThis range is made of 80% new wool and 20% nylonand is ideal for commercial and heavy domestic use. Itfeatures 8 strong and passionate colours.

Merlin RangeOur Axminster Merlin range features 10 vibrant andlight colours and is made out of 80% New Wool and20% Nylon, ideal for commercial as well as domesticmarkets.

Baroque Cameo RangeWith the 10 strong commercial colours, the medallion patternin combination with pindots makes this range ideal forballrooms, function rooms and public areas.

Baroque Pindot RangeThe traditional pindot pattern makes this range ideal for hotelrooms and receptions. Weighing in at 40oz our Baroque Pindotrange, this Axminster range has 10 strong commercial colours.

Trellis RangeThe range features 8 soft and natural colours whichmakes it extremely pleasant and warm. Made in 80%New Wool and 20% Nylon for the commercial market.

Tartan RangeMasterWeaver AxminsterTartan range features 6 modernand vibrant colours, combining traditional Tartan designwith modern and vibrant colours.

Tel: +44 (0) 1562 754382Fax: +44 (0) 1562 861 074Sales: [email protected]: [email protected]

www.masterweaver.co.uk

MasterWeaver LTD. Stourport Road, Kidderminster, Worcestershire, DYl17QL. England

• Wilton Hardtwist Cut Pile • 80% New Wool, 20% Nylon, 1458 g/m2 • 4m • Extra Heavy Wear

• Wilton Cut & Loop Pile • 100% New Wool, 1594 g/m2 • 4m • Extra Heavy Wear/Heavy Commercial

• Wilton Cut &Loop Pile • 100% New Wool, 1187 g/m2 • 4m • Heavy Wear/Medium Commercial

• Wilton Loop Pile • 100% New Wool, 1187 g/m2 • 4m • Extra Heavy Wear

• Axminster Cut Pile • 80% New Wool, 20% Nylon, 1255 g/m2 • 3.66m • Very HeavyWear/Medium Commercial


• Axminster Cut Pile • 80% New Wool, 20% Nylon, 1356 g/m2 • 3.66m • Extra Heavy Wear/Heavy Commercial

• Axminster Cut Pile • 80% New Wool, 20% Nylon, 1356 g/m2 • 3.66m • Extra Heavy Wear/Heavy Commercial



Wilton Sandhurst

Wilton Contrast

Axminster Contrast

Axminster Marble Planet


Ian PullingerLondon N,W, NW & EPostals, Essex & Middx(Within M25) 07881-502506

James WhiteLondon SW Postals,Surrey (West of A24), Beds,Berks, Bucks, Herts (Westof A1) 07881-502508

Paul Henson Essex (Outside M25)Cambs, Suffolk, Herts(East of A1) 07837-295379

Phil WheelerLondon SE Postals, Kent,Surrey (East of A24) &Sussex 07881-502507

Anthony Stapleton Sales Director 07881-502505 / 020-8498-2845

Area Sales Executives

We also stock Ball & Young Underlays,Accessories, Entrance Matting and offer aSpecial Order Service on products fromvirtually every flooring manufacturer inexistence! 48 hour Delivery Service on all

Balterio Laminate Ranges.

GRAPHICS / CONTRACT GELSArena EnduranceScalaSentinel

NATURAL EFFECTAnconaAutumn SunsetCashmere 4&5MCountry Treasure 4&5MChallenger BerberGold FieldsHopscotch 2012Houndstooth TweedIvory Coast 2012London Life 4&5MPromenadeRustic TreasureSan Salvador 4&5MShetland/Shetland Design 4&5MWoolweave 4&5M

SAXONY / SHAG PILEChamonixCleopatraEminenceHalf CenturyNew CenturyNobilitySaxon KingSupreme EleganceTennessee

CORD, NEEDLEPUNCH &ENTRANCE MATTINGBedford GelBoleroExplorerHippo MatGalaLineaMagnum MatMagnus MatScorpioSupacord

TWISTS - STAIN RESISTBalmoralBriar TwistChislehurstClydeDesert Twist Deluxe 4&5mDublin Twist 2011Easy HeathersExpressionsFairfield Supreme 4&5MHeathertwist DesignHeathertwist Supreme 4&5mHelmsleyMoorland TwistPembridge TwistRhapsodySalt ‘n’ PepaSomersetStain-Tex Twist 4&5MStartwist / Startwist Supreme 4&5M

TWISTS - WOOLCitation TwistDiscovery 4&5MEden Twist 30/40/50 4&5MIconic Twist 40/50 4&5MPalace Twist 120 40/50/55 4&5mParamount 30/40 4&5MRosemount Twist 4&5MSuper Sixty 4&5MThe Berber Twist Collection 40/50 4&5MUltimate Textures 4&5MUltimate Berber Twist 4&5MUltimate Twist 40/50 4&5MUltimate Luxury 4&5M

VELOUR / VELVETDesigners Dream

WILTONParallel LinesRenaissanceUltimate WiltonOakland

VINYL / SMOOTH FLOORINGBlackjack Casino RoyaleChampionChequersEclipseEclipse 2012 - Part IEclipse 2012 - Part IIMojoMojo 2012Puregrip XLSuregrip XLThunderball

CARPET TILESBedford CordCapital PlusHeuga 727MagnesiumNeutronPositronProtonQuark

Call now to receive a copy of our latest Springspecial price

guide!

Spring is here! And it will soon be Summer! But whenyou deal with Rackhams, the sun is always shining!Check out our latest price guide, check out our ‘aces

moving places’ and check out our latest new products!IT’S HOT!!!!’


Stop preSS – 2012 SeeS not only the london olympicS, the QueenS diamond Jubilee but it haS to beSaid the moSt momentouS occaSion of the year will be the launch of the rackhamS vinyl collectionfor 2012! our top Selling eclipSe range iS revamped and redefined, with not one collection but two,and the high value moJo collection iS re-engineered for the ultimate Quality offer. once theSeSampleS move into the market place the orderS JuSt Start flowing in, So make Sure you reServe yourSampleS with your area SaleS manager now! SampleS due thiS week! Stand by for action!!! – Stop preSS


VICTORIACastillionCeltic Heathers Crown TwistEasiCare - Full CollectionGaelic HeathersImperial VelvetKelsoNatural AccentsNatural Companions (Sisal, Chenille, Ridge)Options 288Regal TwistRustic JewelsTudor Twist CollTudor Manor

LANOBolero - New ColoursCampus X-tremeChiselhurstHeather Twist DesignHeather Twist SupremePembridge Twist - New ColoursSentinelStartwist Coll

BALTACasablancaColorado SpringsDesert Twist DeluxeFiestaFusion Happy DaysHigh FlyersHighland TweedGala Cord-all options in stockMoorland TwistNobilityRosemountSaxon KingShetland Shepherd TwistStainsafe FavouriteSuper WiltaxTechnoTwisty

LUSOTUFOCeltic Horizon MandalyPavillion VelvetSafiSintra BoucleTangierTitan & Tital DiagonalTwist BerberUniqueValencia

CORMARApolloBerwick 40/50Home Counties 42/50Living NaturalsMalabarOaklands 32Oaklands 42Oaklands 50Primo Plus - New ColoursWest Country

BROCKWAYAmore Stripe CollectionAvantiCavendishCraftsman EliteCresta 40/Cresta 50Orion/Orion MajorRadnor 30/Radnor 40

DOMOAbsolute LuxuryAuvergneBriar TwistCabaretFestival TwistHeather TwistMountain PeaksPlaygroundPortofinoPrimaScorpio

ITCBelgraviaConcertoConsulHeritage CollectionKretaPalace

TAPIBELCachetMelodyNevadaReedsSysoltex Homested/Aran/CrofterToscana

BEAULIEU carpets Adventure TwistAthena DublinDurham TwistExplorerEnduranceFashion/GalleryGrass CollectionHeavy Tread MarsMotor CarProntoSelectionsSweet HomesYucatanvinyls Arte Del Ceramic Celtic Stone - New ColoursChessComfort GripGrandiosoJazzSherwood Oak Studio Sonata Urban laminatesEssentials (previously Casa)Cottage

IVCClassic LimestoneComfylux Extra ExpressionsFantasyFusionMaster GripPlanet Precious MetalsPrestoTile StylesUltimate OakUltimate MineralsVictoria

MOHAWK CARPETSCentury Collection- Century- Half CenturyPresidential Collection- Independence- Liberty- Freedom (4&5M)- Splendor

MISCELLANEOUSCAVALIERCountry CollectionHamlet Parish and VillageLEIGH SPINNERSAtlasVelourTHOMAS WITTERInnovationsC&H Homestyle LVT - planks and tilesPARAGONToccarre Carpet Tiles

Solent Wholesale Carpet Company LtdCARPET, FLOORCOVERING & ACCESSORY WHOLESALE DISTRIBUTORSTelephone: 01243 774623 Fax: 01243 533636 E-mail: [email protected]

Website: www.solentwholesale.com Zola Park, Barnfield Drive, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 6UX.

CHECK STOCK, PLACE ORDERS AND MANAGE YOUR ACCOUNT 24/7 ALL THROUGH OUR WEBSITE

We carry other products not listed above, and can also provide a swift special order service on non stock lines. Our reps and sales office would be pleased to answer all enquiries. Our last Price List is dated May/June 2012.

Oxford, Berks, Bucks, Beds, Hants, Middlesex & Herts . . . . Ian Cardrick, [email protected], mobile: 07973 406329Sussex E & W, Surrey, South London & Kent. . . . . . . . . . . . John Robson, [email protected], mobile: 07973 898453Hants, Wilts, Dorset, Somerset, Gloucs, & I.O.W.. . . . . . . . . . . Adam Ayling, [email protected], mobile: 07973 406799Accessary Sales and IT Specialist (All Areas). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Luke Crooks, [email protected], mobile: 07966 664379


DID YOU KNOW?STS Flooring Distributors Ltd stock a large range

of carpets and carpet tiles via our 5 depots

ORPINGTON • CROYDON • WATFORD • CAMBRIDGE • OXFORD (THAME)08454 341000 08454 342000

AREA MANAGERS - NORTHERN

Dave Lowman 07500 847758North/East London, Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middlesex,Northants, Warwickshire, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire

Phaedra Duncan 07738 329714Berkshire, Oxfordshire

Steve Osman 07919 128401Essex, Cambs, Suffolk, Norfolk

REGIONAL MANAGER - NORTHERN

Rachel Sherwood 07801 762724

REGIONAL MANAGER - SOUTHERN

Dana Baldock 07801 762725

AREA MANAGERS - SOUTHERN

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

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

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

STS GOLDLINE STOCK CARPETSAbbey Twist 30/40Aston TwistBernwood DesignBernwood TwistBernwood SupremeBernwood Heather SupremeBlenheim Twist 40Blenheim Twist 50Cherwell CordChislehurstClassic Berber TwistFairfield CreationFairfield SupremeGladiator SupremeHarrier FeltHarrier GelHarrier Supreme GelHeathdaleMedicareMulticare Classic New Valley TwistOrinoco IIRavensbury Twist 32/40/50ScalaSerenitySupersava Elite

BALTA STOCK CARPETSGala CordNew Shepherd Twist

EDEL TELENZOHerculesLawrenceLimaPuma

NEXT DAY DELIVERY NEW PRICE GUIDE MAY 2012

LANO STOCK CARPETSBoleroChislehurst Fairfield CreationFairfield SupremeHeather Twist DesignHeather Twist SupremePembridge TwistSapphireScalaScala SolutionsStartwistStartwist Supreme

CORMAR STOCK CARPETSApolloBerwick 40/50Forest HillsLiving NaturalsMalabar TexturesNatural Berber TwistNew Oaklands 32/42/50Primo DelightPrimo PlusPrimo TweedsPrimo UltraTown & Country

BEAULIEU INTERNATIONALDublin EliteRanger

FIBRE BONDEDEcocord Supacord

CARPET STOCK TILESAscotBeckenhamCheltenham Clipper IICroydonCroydon StripeHeuga 727 (Interface)KestonLatour (Gradus)SaturnSeries Collection (Interface)

STOCK UNDERLAYSBlue HeavenCirrusCloud Nine ContractCloud Nine Super ContractCosi 8mm & 10mmCumulus Durafit 500Durafit 650Goldtred CollectionHeatflow CollectionNimbus Willow GreenRoma Silver LiningTredaire EliteTreadmore


Chelsea

OUR SALES TEAMGreater London as far as N. Circularon north side of Thames and as faras M25 on south side, Surrey,Middlesex, Sussex, KentJohn A ConstableT: 01622 685397 M: 07836 734322E: [email protected]

Yorkshire & North Lincs John AlsopT: 01904 762471 M: 07860 572220E: [email protected]

Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, DorsetBrendan Hart M: 07850 130221E: [email protected]

Lincs, Leics, Northants, Notts, Derbyshire Jim Osborne M: 07738 642934E: [email protected]

Hampshire, Berkshire, Bucks,OxfordshireNiall Martin M: 07866 735772 E: [email protected]

South Wales, Bristol,Gloucestershire, Wiltshire Andrew Jefferies M: 07831 457102E: [email protected]

Lancashire, Cumbria & Isle of ManJohn Rostron M: 07973 733208E: [email protected]

East Anglia, Bedfordshire, Cambs,Essex, Herts, Norfolk, SuffolkJonathan Hart T: 01621 817992 M: 07889 264466 E: [email protected]

West MidlandsPaul BrewerT: 0121 4277117 M: 07798 745181E: [email protected]

Greater Manchester, Cheshire, North Wales Philip HambletonT: 01925 740050 M: 07966 397676E: [email protected]

North EastRebecca Gibbons M: 07970 491215E: [email protected]

ScotlandTim TindalT: 01436 671421 M: 07836 705620E: [email protected]

Channel Islands, Isle of Wight John Eastlake T: 01323 896141 M: 07885 398858E: [email protected]

Northern Ireland Gary O’Boyle M: 07831 220675E: [email protected]

Tel: 01422 374417 or 01422 371226 Fax: 01422 377452 Email: [email protected] Edel Telenzo Carpets, 2- 4 Southgate, Elland, West Yorkshire, HX5 0BW.

YOUR HEAD OFFICETEAM CONTACTSOperations Manager: Lesley Inman M: 07703 337989 E: [email protected]

NEW TRIO IS ALLABOUT AFFORDABLESOPHISTICATION

At last – some fabulous new images of ourexciting new trio of 50% wool 50%polypropylene carpets, which are now inproduction, with swatches distributed toexisting customers (samples for tombolasand lecterns also provided).

“There is no doubt that 50-50 mix carpets are a very attractive option in the currentmarketplace,” says operations manager LesleyInman. “Since we extract our own yarn, wehave excellent quality control input and cancreate our own unique colour palette. Thiscollection looks really smart, will behardwearing, and is priced to represent verygood value for money.”

Not surprisingly, customer reaction to date hasbeen overwhelmingly positive!

All three carpets are textured loop pile carpetson Actionbac backing, with a pile height of4mm, a pile weight of 840-860g/m2 and a tograting of 1.4. They are all Scotchgarded foroptimum stain protection.

Islington is a versatile plain ribbed loop pile, infour and five metre widths and in six subtleshades of grey to beige: hessian, chalk, lead,down, smoke and mist (pictured).

Hampton Court has a slightly more irregulartextured high-low loop pile, also in six earthyshades and in four and five metre widths:nutmeg, cream, ash (pictured), shadow, cloudand mouse.

Highbury is a sophisticated two-tonecontrasting stripe in four colours designed toco-ordinate with both Islington and HamptonCourt: mother of pearl (pictured), ash grove,welsh slate and volcanic ash. It comes in fourmetre width only.

Islington

Islington

Hampton Court

Highbury


Weston Hammer UK16/17 Byford Court

HadleighIP7 6RD

Tel: +44 (0)845 644 9090Fax:+44 (0)845 644 9191

[email protected]

Please visit our website atwww.weston-carpets.co.ukfor online cutting requests and more information on

our products, or telephone 0845 644 9090 (local rate)

to speak to one of our telephone sales team

OUR UK SALES TEAMMr Ron FeweryTel: 07976 244892London, Oxfordshire, Berkshire,Buckinghamshire.Mr Steve Acton Tel: 07957 836207Kent, Sussex, Hampshire, Surrey, Dorset.Mrs Jac Hayman Tel: 07815 785801Contract Sales East Anglia.Mr Gary Foster Tel: 07515 283872East Anglia, Northamptonshire.

Mr John HinchliffeTel: 07774 990359North Wales, Cumbria, Manchester,Liverpool.Mr Derek Boyd Tel: 07940 320708Scotland.Mr Lee Palmer Tel: 07774 101640Channel Islands.Mr Jonathan Gorman Tel: 07815 121660Northern Ireland.

Mr Mark GarbettTel: 07840 664757Bristol & the West Country.Mr Steve Fletcher Tel: 07831 818989Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Tyneside. Mr Keith StevensTel: 07710 160166Midlands & South Wales.

Bespoke Design carpet fromHammer CarpetsYou may not have heard of them but Hammer Carpetsin Denmark are the worlds largest manufacturer ofColortec bespoke design carpets in the world.

Colortec is a state of the art tufting machine that usescomputer controlled technology to manufacture anydesign in a maximum of 8 colours.

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

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

Jacs Designer tonal loop pile in 100% Wool available in 4m and 5m widths.

Natural Lines Super luxurious 100% Wool loop pile available in 4m and 5m widths.

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

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

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

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

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

Supreme BoucleOur best selling level loop 100% Wool product available in 12 up tothe minute colours in both 4m and 5m widths.

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

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

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

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

The Stone Fibre CollectionOur unique flat woven quality in many fashion stylesand colours available in 4m and 5m widths.

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

New stands

We are pleased to announce the arrival of two new in-store display stands that hold all of our collections.

If you are interested in having one of these units,please contact your local sales agent or our sales office.


NO OBLIGATION ‘TEST DRIVE’...we set up your site free-of-charge for a month. If you don’t like it, you don’t pay. There’s nothing to lose!

You can create a carpet website foryour business in 5 minutes.We’ll have it online for you within

5 days.If you don’t like it, it will cost you

nothing.If you do like it, it will cost you

£390 + £90/year.

Fill out a form for five minutes and we’ll have a good-looking flooring industry website online foryou within 5 days*. Then you can update it, add toit or ignore it for ever!

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

The Floorsites package from The Stocklists offers:

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

� Instant online editing – if you can type, you cancustomise these pages yourself anytime to add latestoffers and news… or leave them as they are – we putall your contact information in there anyhow.

� Choose photos from our library to make your siteunique – or upload your own images.

� Link to Google Maps – let visitors find you quickly andsee where to park

� Auto-email form to let customers contact you direct

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

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

Check out what your site would look like atwww.thestocklists.com/floorsites or contact David Spragg [email protected] or call 01845 573241.

4 June 2012

American all-rounder

FlooringNews

Characterised by exceptionally hardwearing carpets perfect forbusy homes, the American Legacy collection from Mohawk’sEverStrand collection offers beautiful textures in a variety ofcolourways, so consumers are guaranteed to find the perfectmatch for their interior scheme.

Comprised of three different qualities, American Design,American Style and American Trend, consumers will be able tochoose the design that suits their lifestyle. Able to alleviateconsumer fears about carpet maintenance and care, AmericanLegacy carpets feature the consumer recognised ScotchgardProtector Advanced Repel Technology. Offering lifetime stain, soil,pet urine and anti-static warranties, along with 10-year abrasive,texture, fade and defects warranties, American Legacy givesconsumers complete peace of mind.

Carpet thicknesses range from 18 to 25mm, and feel beautifullyluxurious and soft underfoot thanks to EverStrand XtraSoftcarpet fibre. Eco-friendly too, EverStrand XtraSoft carpet fibrecontributes to the recycling of over 3 billion plastic bottles,tapping into the mind-set of eco-conscious consumers.

“American Legacy really does have something for everyone,”explains Howard Lindsay, Vice President UK, Ireland and SouthAfrica. “With a variety of colours and qualities and with strongpractical qualities, American Legacy has been created to offer asolution to all flooring needs. This collection is the first available inthe UK with the EverStrand XtraSoft fibre and we hope thatcustomers with eco sensibilities will really identify with the range.”

American Legacy is available on its own dedicated POS unit thatdisplays how the plastic bottle recycling process works andclearly outlines the benefits of the collection, providing retailerswith a fantastic focal point sure catch shoppers’ attention.

T 01480 479830 www.mohawkinternational.com

Naturally Cormar

33from The Stocklists June 2012

Cormar Carpets has introduced its brand new Living Naturals collectionthat epitomises the very best in affordable style in loop pile.

Designed to offer a natural look, at an ‘entry level’ price point, LivingNaturals is made from 50% pure new wool and 50% polypropylene. It isavailable in three distinctive designs – simple level pinstripe; classic rib andpopular basket weave; plus it comes in 12 ‘easy to live with’ colours. Andwith a retail price below £20 per sq m, it makes for exceptional value-for-money.

“Textured wool carpets are still a popular choice with homeownersthroughout the country and the success of our two recent 50% woollaunches – Glendale and Forest Hills in twist pile – tells us that price-conscious consumers are looking for the durability of a wool carpet at abudget price. So we believe that Living Naturals will enjoy the same successin the loop pile market. So far the reaction has been very good,” said DavidCormack, marketing director of Cormar.

Living Naturals complements Cormar’s existing portfolio of loop pile carpets– Malabar and Avebury, which are available in Plains & Stripes. All Cormar’swool twist, wool loop and easy clean polypropylene ranges are produced onsite at its Lancashire mills and distributed in the UK and Eire via its owndelivery fleet.

T 01204 881234 www.cormarcarpets.co.uk

News

34 FlooringNewsJune 2012

Summery Saxon

The all-new Saxon King from Balta Broadloom is the ideal carpet for injecting vibrantcolour into interior spaces. Available in a range of 14 contemporary shades includingzesty summer brights, Saxon King will add a breath of fresh air to living areas.

The bold purple design fits with this summer’s trend for vivid tones and is ideal for addinga splash of colour to lounges, hallways and bedrooms. Saxon King will withstand heavydomestic use in even the busiest of areas and still remain really easy to clean and care for,dispelling any consumer worries about carpet stains and maintenance.

“The vibrant designs within the Saxon King range offer something bright and uplifting,”explains Geert Vanden Bossche, Marketing Director, Balta Broadloom. “We want to giveretailers the opportunity to provide customers with a wide array of beautiful vibrant carpetsthat are durable and easy to care for.”

Saxon King has an updated POS unit that reflects Balta Broadloom’s desire to offerretailers the best possible display materials with which to engage consumers.

With a tufted 5/32” cutpile and 27 dB of sound insulation, Saxon King offers practicalsensibilities as well as bright aesthetics. The 12.5mm pile is created from 100% Stainsafepolypropylene, so the carpet is very easy to clean and comes with a 7-year stain warranty.Extremely durable too, Saxon King is supported by a 7-year wear warranty for ultimatepeace of mind.

T +32 56 62 22 11 www.baltagroup.com

Freestile tile

CFS Carpets is proud to introduce Freestile intotheir carpet tile range. This high specification50x50cm carpet tile is Solution Dyed Nylon witha sophisticated multi directional design. Benefitsinclude reduced waste, installation time and a 15year guarantee.

With a commercial colour bank, this range will fitwell into any contemporary room design. Freestileis available from all Carpet & Flooring branchesthroughout the UK.

T 01527 511860 www.cfscarpets.co.uk

Perfect for the busiest of homes and even suitable for contract use, Zen from LanoCarpets offers maximum durability combined with supreme luxury for complete peaceof mind, allowing consumers to access carpet of the highest quality.

Crafted from 100% Invista polyamide 6.6 and available in a 1000gm/m2 pile weight, Zenfeels wonderfully indulgent underfoot and has the added benefit of high durability.Working well in hospitality, leisure and office areas, Zen is a fantastic choice for high-impact domestic zones such as hallways and lounges where endurance is important.

“Bang on trend, Zen embodies that sought-after balance between luxury and durability,”explains Birger Karlsson, Lano’s UK and Ireland Sales Manager. “The plush, indulgent feel of thecarpet creates a lavish impression in the home, but crucially Zen can also withstand impactand wear. As part of the popular, luxurious Ultimo Collection, this durable but soft nylonoption also reflects Lano’s commitment to provide retailers with the means to offer a wide variety of carpets that fulfil different consumer needs.”

With an array of 40 piece-dyed shades available in the standard collection across a large colour spectrum, including neutral beiges, vibrantreds and bold blue hues, customers are sure to find the perfect option that gives all the benefits of a contract carpet, such as maximumstrength and ease of maintenance for ultimate reassurance.

A tufted 1/10” saxony pile and suitable for heavy domestic and heavy contract use, Zen is available in 400cm width. Lano can offer a bespokecolour service for all orders over 400 square metres for ultimate choice.

T 00800 5266 5266 www.lano.com

Trendy Zen

Style and colour is about to surge through the UK with a fresh new approach to the LVT market from the IVC Group, world-class manufacturers of vinyl fl oor coverings.̶Designed around you and your customer, Moduleo is our latest product innovation that sets new benchmarks in design, luxury and quality of LVT fl ooring for residential and commercial use. ̶Manufactured at our purpose-built state of the art eco-facility in Belgium, the Moduleo ranges use patented processes and innovative technology to deliver a product that will inspire style-conscious customers and the most demanding of specifi ers.̶This revolution brings LVT manufacturing back from the East, with designers and production all in one place, Moduleo can meet the demands of the UK market quickly, effi ciently and competitively. ̶Best of all, Moduleo is here to support your business with an experienced sales team, a UK head offi ce and local stock all designed to make Moduleo your fi rst choice in LVT.

www.moduleo.co.uk

The UK fl ooring market will never be the same again


News

Cormar Carpets has hosted its fourth Flooring Guild training course togive independent carpet retailer’s staff a chance to boost their sales skills.

The three-day ‘Selling Quality Carpets’ event, run by Ray Morgan fromthe Flooring Guild, has been held every year for the last four years tohelp retailers train staff that are new to the flooring trade. It is designedto provide basic product knowledge about carpets, selling techniquesand how to effectively plan and estimate.

Alex Neale from Happy Feet Floors of Birmingham said: “I woulddefinitely recommend the course. It allowed me to look at my businessfrom the outside, rather than the day to day running.”

David Cormack, marketing director of Cormar Carpets said: “High Streetretailers throughout the UK and Ireland have had a tough timethroughout the recession. This course, run in conjunction with theFlooring Guild, is intended to help our independent carpet retailcustomers with their staff training. Every year we get really goodfeedback from those retailers that attend the course and I am sure thatthe training not only helps them in terms of sales, but benefits theircustomers too, because they get a better service.”

The Flooring Guild is a ‘not for profit’ organisation which was founded in1999 to raise standards in the floorcoverings industry through trainingand educational programmes.

T 01204 881234 www.cormarcarpets.co.uk

Retailer skills success

Fairtrade first for Kährs

Kährs has launched a world-first range of floors made from FSC-Fairtrade certified wood. One of the most eco-conscious andsocially responsible wood floors on the global market, this stunningrange has been produced as part of the first FSC-Fairtrade certifiedtimber, small scale forestry project in Chile’s Curacautin Valley.

Kährs collectionsupports not onlythe restoration ofbiodiversity in theforest, but alsoreduction of povertyand restoration ofrights to theindigenous Mapucheand descendants ofpioneer familyforesters.

Made from acombination ofsustainable nativeRauli and Roblehardwood timber, thenew range of two-strip floors featuresKährs multi-layerconstruction andglueless Woodlocjoint, which provideenhanced stabilityand promote a fast,precise installation.The floor’s surface is crafted from 100% FSC-Fairtrade certifiedwood whilst FSC Mix certified wood is used for the core layers.The products can also contribute to BREEAM or LEED certifiedproject.

Forming part of Kährs World Collection, designs include: Roja – an even grained floor with a warm, red tone and lots of colourvariation; Tierra - a rich, dark brown stained floor with a moreeven tone and subtle colour variation; Piedra - an on-trend greytoned floor for a modern, urban look and Cautin, with the boldestcolour variation and warm natural hue. Each unique floor, exceptfor the smooth-finished Cautin, is brushed and all products arefinished with Kährs Nature Oil for minimal ecological impact andeasy care.

T 023 9245 3045 www.kahrs.co.uk

Tile styles

Guaranteed to impress with its natural look and feel, the new TileStyles collection from Leoline Residential Floors is set make animpact on shop floors this year.

Part of the Privilege collection of luxury cushion flooring, Tile Stylesfeatures a range of designs to suit any interior space, fromcharacterful terracotta ceramic tiles perfect for kitchen spaces tocontemporary blue and green mosaic patterns that suit bathroomareas. Wood-effect styles also feature to ensure that retailers areable to offer consumers maximum product choice.

As well having beautiful aesthetic appeal, Tile Styles is sure to appealto customers’ practical sensibilities too. Extremely hardwearing andfeaturing a PU SuperGuard wear layer that gives great protectionagainst dirt, stains and scuffmarks, Tile Styles is durable and veryeasy to maintain for a perfect look that lasts. Ideal for use in areassuch as bathrooms and kitchens that are prone to spillages andsuitable for heavy domestic use, the range is ideal for high-impactareas and will suit even the busiest of homes.

“Tile Styles is a fantastic collection of realistic-looking tile designsperfect for any area of the home,” enthuses Caroline Wille, ProductManager for Leoline Residential Floors. “The broad range has beenspecifically designed to appeal to a wide customer base and with atotal of 18 different designs, ranging from contemporary to themore traditional, there is sure to be a style that meets the visualneeds of any home.”

With a 10-year guarantee for ultimate peace of mind, Tile Styles isthe ideal choice for smart shoppers. Available in two, three or fourmetre widths, Tile Styles provides the perfect option for thosecustomers who demand floors that offer a stunning style statementyet are simple and easy to maintain.

T 0800 032 3970 www.ivcgroup.com

Held at Cormar’s Brookhouse Mill site, the carpet training course wasattended by 20 carpet retailers from throughout Britain and Ireland.

FLOORING2-4 SEPTEMBER 2012 HARROGATE

SHOWwww.theflooringshow.com

OPPORTUNITY • DEVELOPMENT • INNOVATION

� Exclusive show offers

� Comprehensive programme of technical and business development seminars and demonstrations

� All the new and innovative floor coverings from the major suppliers

MORE THAN 100 EXHIBITORS ALREADY BOOKED!

� Top trade suppliers - major carpet & flooring brands

� Networking events and opportunities

� Improved travel and accommodation offers

� New partner activity programme

If you are a retailer, specifier, manufacturer, distributor or contractor, then ‘the AGM of the flooring industry’ is not to be missed!

THE EVENT YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO MISS!

Join us in September for the 50th anniversary of the first Harrogate Flooring Show. The UK’s only dedicated flooring event will again bring together the whole industry for three intensive days of business activity and networking

FREE VISITOR REGISTRATIONNOW OPEN online at www.theflooringshow.comTo discuss booking a stand please call Wendy Adams or Georgia Pick on 01423 779967 or email: [email protected] or [email protected]

since the first

flooring show in

Harrogate


News

Providing a stunning natural finish, Structural American Black Walnut engineered planks fromUK Flooring Direct are the perfect choice for installers and homeowners alike who wantdistinctive wood flooring with a modern and sleek twist.

An unusual design with a whole spectrum of colours displayed in every plank, StructuralAmerican Black Walnut features in the sophisticated Galleria range from UK Flooring Direct. Withattractive markings that add depth and dimension to the planks for an exotic and unique finish,Structural American Black Walnut is ideal for those who want a modern wood floor. With smallto medium knots, small amounts of sapwood and limited mineral steaks, these planks let thestriking colour variations take centre stage.

“These planks truly have a beautiful appearance,” says Josh Ashby, Product Manager, UK FlooringDirect. “Finished with a durable satin lacquer that gives a subtle, even sheen, the tone of thenatural walnut and the striking colour variations found in the planks are emphasised perfectly.Meeting the growing demand for different, unusual flooring options that add a unique style tointerior spaces, Structural American Black Walnut is sure to appeal to a variety of consumers whodesire that all-important style statement.”

Structural American Black Walnut is finished with a durable satin lacquer that provides a protective layer for easier cleaning and maintenance.

T 0845 287 5623 www.ukflooringdirect.co.uk

Cracking walnut

Royal class

Thomas Witter will this year celebrate 10 years as a member of the Dukefield Group.

Thomas Witter UK Limited was incorporated in May 2002 and began life based in Standish, Wigan. The business hasgrown significantly over the years and is now well established and operates from purpose built manufacturing andwarehousing facilities in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire.

The product range includes plain and heather twist piles, in a choice of pile weights, each with a palette of modern fashionable colours, Berbertwists and loops. All these ranges are manufactured on site in Dewsbury using good quality yarns in 80% wool blends and are available inboth 4 metre and 5 metre widths.

Good stock levels of all ranges are maintained enabling timely deliveries to all areas of the United Kingdom. Thomas Witter supplies carpet inboth full rolls and cut lengths to a cross section of market sectors which includes wholesale distribution, independent retail and house build.

Retail buying groups are now becoming an integral part of Thomas Witter’s marketing strategy and the company is extremely proud to havebeen presented with the Supplier of the Year Award by Greendale Carpets & Floorings. .

With the strong bond which now exists with its production partners, the availability of modern manufacturing and warehousing facilities andthe financial strength of the Dukefield Group, Thomas Witter will continue to develop and produce quality carpets at competitive prices andprovide good service to all of its customers.

T 01204 374170 www.thomaswitter.com

Witter tops ten

Part of seven exciting new ranges in the Crown Floors collection, Meaton and Hardwick Hall are twotufted 100% pure new wool loop pile designs for customers seeking a stylish carpet inspired by nature.

Crafted from British Wool, these two designs are exclusive to Crown Floors. Offering a rustic feel, MeatonHall comprises of a sophisticated alternate high and low level loop to add striking textural quality. In contrast,Hardwick Hall is a classic loop pile that lends an air of elegance and style to any interior.

Available in a selection of five tasteful natural colourways, from the more earthy tones of Royal Estate andthe popular appeal of Antique Grey to the timeless shade of Queen’s Ivory, Meaton and Hardwick Hall aresure to appeal to customers looking for carpets with a quality feel. With a 1/4" loop, both designs have atextural quality that is visibly unusual and will add depth and character to interior spaces.

Durable and resilient, these wool carpets are in 4 or 5 metre widths and suitable for heavy domestic use inhigh-impact areas such as hallways and lounges and they come with a 15-year wear warranty.

“Meaton and Hardwick Hall really capture the essence of the Crown Floors range”, explains James Caldwell,Sales Coordinator, Crown Floors. “Both floors offer a sophisticated, natural design that have fantastic texturalappeal and a true timeless quality. The addition of a wool loop pile in the Crown Floors range reflects ourcommitment to provide a wide variety of carpets that will appeal to many different customers.”

T 0800 0773301 www.crownfloors.co.uk


News

Victoria Carpets is offering retailers and consumers alike theultimate carpet choice with the launch of their new Options288 range.

This new collection of superb twist pile carpets is a mixture ofboth plains and heathers and in total offers 288 differentcombinations of carpet choices.

When it comes to choosing a carpet Victoria knows that colouris key, so Options 288 comes in a palette of 36 contemporarycolours. Not only does the collection offer a mixture of everpopular warm neutral shades such as Flapjack and Cane Heatherbut it also boasts bright, inspiring colours such as deep Cobaltblue and rich Carmine red.

Each of the 36 colours can also be ordered in 4 differentweights, starting at 32oz and moving up to 40oz, 50oz and 60oz.This new venture for Victoria, of offering 4 weights within onerange, gives the consumer more choice by allowing them topurchase a carpet in any colour at an affordable price.

Victoria has added even more choice to the collection byoffering all colours and weights in both 4m and 5m widths.

T 01562 749300 www.victoriacarpets.com

Offering 288 options

With a solid reputation for supplying high quality felt-based underlayfor contract and domestic use, Floorwise has now revamped its pointof sale materials to allow contractors and retailers to tap into thissource of potential extra revenue, further establishing Floorwiseunderlays as a natural choice.

The Duet, Duet Supreme and Symphony felt underlays from Floorwisenot only offer increased underfoot comfort but also have fantastic greencredentials. Created from recycled materials and potentially recyclableafter use, Duet and Duet Supreme are a combination of crumb rubberand wool felt, and Symphony is a wool felt composition.

With superior underfoot comfort, excellent sound absorption, insulationproperties and long-lasting resilience, these underlays have a wide-ranging appeal. Armed with new POS materials, retailers andcontractors will be able to tap into the mindsets of the growing numberof end users who demand eco-sensitive products that still have fantasticperformance benefits.

T 01509 673974 www.floorwise.co.uk

Belting felt

Part of the relaunched Fascination collection of carpets from Vorwerk,Lyrica is a beautiful carpet ideal for adding subtle style into interiorspaces. Now available in a sophisticated rug design, customers canpersonalise Lyrica for a truly individual look.

In an appealing colour palette, Lyrica adds warmth and style to livingareas and its silky thread gives off a subtle shimmer making this carpetthe luxurious choice.

Not only available as standard carpet, Lyrica is now available made intobordered rugs that offer a real injection of style. In any size up to fourmetres wide and six metres long, and with a range of 23 differentborders, customers can choose from faux leather, ribbed cotton andcotton velours in border widths of either 1.5cm or 6cm to allow a trueexpression of style.

“As part of the Fascination collection, Lyrica gives retailers the chance tooffer something different from the usual carpets that flood the market,’explains Ian Hammond, Vorwerk Carpets UK. “Lyrica has a lovely subtlesheen that adds depth and interest to living areas, and it is also practicaland robust.”

Crafted from 100% polyamide and with a Saxony cut pile, Lyrica is veryresilient, hardwearing too and easy to maintain.

T 020 7096 5090 www.vorwerkcarpets.co.uk

Living lyrically

WALK ALLOVERME!Stick the boot in! Give it some welly!

Our Heavy Velour heavy contract carpet tile can take what’s coming to it in any high footfall area.

Available in 12 dirt-resistant colourways, we’ve trodden down the price to just £6.72+VAT per m2 for June only.* So stroll along to Dyne and get piles more tile for your money!

JUNE ONLY!

FOR A FREE NEXT-DAY SAMPLE PACK CALL

0161 877 8877

We are the North West’s leading supplier of contract carpet tiles with an unbeatable range including: New York corded needlepunch, Heavy Velour velour needlepunch, Diamonds structured needlepunch, Tectonic loop pile, New Clearway structured needlepunch entrance mat tile, Astron loop pile, Mitrem loop pile, Cross Textures multi-level loop, Series 8 designer loop pile, Velveteen velvet cut pile. We also have great value range of seconds and discontinued lines - huge stocks always available. *Offer available on all orders placed and delivered in June 2012.

TO SEE THE FULL RANGE VISIT THE DYNE ONLINE SHOWROOM: www.dynecarpettile.com


News

Allow consumers to experience the imposing modernbeauty of architectural materials with the design-ledPierrot cushion floor from the Ultimate Mineralscollection by Avenue.

Part of the Ultimate Minerals collection that is inspired bynatural forms, Pierrot features visual and texturalcharacteristics that give it an attractive linoleum look,allowing consumers to achieve an individualistic, highly-stylised interior that is more usually associated with modernarchitectural spaces. Available in a neutral colour palette offive different shades including beige, slate and grey, consumersare sure to find an option that complements their existing interior scheme.

“Pierrot is a simply stunning design,” explains Caroline Wille, Avenue’s Product Manager. “The trend for using architectural-style designs to updateinterior spaces is definitely growing, and Pierrot provides an individual, modern twist on this movement wherever it is used. This is a flooring optionthat has fantastic visual appeal and will allow retailers to tap into the mindsets of those consumers who are demanding on-trend floor coveringsthat make an impact, but that still have that all-important timeless and natural quality.”

With a 15-year wear warranty, this floor will appeal to those who want that instant wow-factor in their homes but who also recognise theimportance of practicality. Perfect for adding a style statement to open-plan living areas and for adding contrast and interest to smaller rooms suchas home offices, customers will undoubtedly be enthralled by the realistic look of Pierrot.

T 00 32 5665 3211 www.ivcgroup.com

Inspiring lino

Mix it with Cemento

TrustMark, the Government endorsed quality mark fortradesmen, has approved its first industry training schemeoperator for flooring: the Quick-Step Academy for Excellencein Flooring. Recently opened, the Academy will be the largestflooring training centre in the UK with every approved MasterInstaller eligible to become a TrustMark Quick-Step registeredflooring fitter.

Following completion of the course, all Quick-Step MasterInstallers are invited to become TrustMark registered, which willenable them to win new business and gain a competitive edge inthe industry. Consumers will also be given better and morerigorous protection as Master Installers’ technical skills will beindependently checked through regular on-site inspections, aswell as on their trading record and financial status.

Covering all of the UK, the Manchester-based Academy will workwith leading subfloor preparation suppliers, sanding and powertool manufacturers to provide courses for all skill levels.

Darren Robinson of Quick-Step said: “We welcome theopportunity to work with TrustMark as it encourages consumersto use professional tradesmen to undertake domestic repair,maintenance and improvement work.

www.trustmark.org.uk

TrustMark for Academy

Contractors and specifiers looking for stunning contemporarycommercial flooring should look no further than the brand newCemento range from Itec Contract Floors.

Realistically mimicking the surface appearance of real concrete, thisdecorative resilient flooring fits the trend for using raw architecturalmaterials in modern interior spaces while retaining the practical benefits ofa hardwearing floor. Available in a total of eight different shades, includingtimeless greys that match minimalist office spaces and warmer beige andred tones, Cemento is ideal for a variety of commercial environments.

Suitable for very heavy commercial use, Cemento is durable and perfectfor busy high-traffic areas. Easy to maintain, clean and comprising of a0.7mm wear layer and treated with HyperGuard+ PUR, Cemento isextremely resilient making it the ideal flooring match for the healthcare,corporate, retail and education sectors.

“Cemento is a high-performance floor,” explains Jason Barrett of Itec.“Durability and resilience are obviously the key factors to consider whenchoosing flooring for the wide spectrum of commercial areas andCemento combines these practical qualities with a current, stylish look thatis guaranteed to add modernity to interior spaces.”

Suitable for hot or cold welding and with a very good resistance tochemicals, Cemento is rated R10 slip-resistant and is available in two orfour metre widths.

T 00 32 5665 3211 www.ivcgroup.com

News feature

Greendale - 50 years young

The company, called Sworda, quickly branched out into carpet and

fabric buying, and the eleven initial members became affectionately

known as the “Green Group” because of the green paper used to

distinguish documents from others being handled by Findlater Smith,

one of the founding eleven whose staff administered group business..

In latter years, the three parts split into separate entities as the

business and membership grew with the furnishings side becoming

Minerva, fabrics disappearing and floor coverings continuing as the

Green Group with its own membership, board and operation.

From these beginnings, the Green Group - now known as Greendale

Carpets & Floorings - has grown to a multi-million pound 120 member

co-operative, with its own warehouse and operational centre in

Hereford. Greendale employs 14 staff covering sales ordering, accounts,

customer service, merchandising and warehousing, and stocks over

2,000 rolls of carpet from all the main British and Continental

manufacturers.

From Hereford, carpets are cut and shipped to members all over the

UK; from the Orkney’s in the north to the Channel Islands in the

south, and Northern Ireland in the west to Cromer in the east.

The members own the group which is run on a “not for profit basis”

meaning that all savings negotiated are passed onto members.

Obviously by purchasing rolls these are substantial.

The group supplies over 100 ranges of carpets all renamed to colour

level and marketed to members under the Greendale and Elizabeth

Grieves labels with the former covering the main mass market price

points and the latter more expensive specialist areas. The range covers

all main product types with Tufted Twists, Velvets, Saxonies and Loops,

as well as Woven ranges in wool and manmade fibres.

The group also sources its own exclusive range of UK manufactured

Wool Twists which offer members outstanding value and enhanced

margin opportunities.

Members are given their own areas to enable them to promote and

exploit the brand and feature the ranges on a wide range of bespoke

Greendale branded instore units. All supported by Greendale’s

merchandising team and twice yearly visits from agents.

An annual show and dinner for members and suppliers takes place

with over 250 people at last year’s event and this year’s likely to be

even larger.

Greendale has a website with details of the group and its philosophy

together with consumer information on flooring types, care and

maintenance, however, ranges and pricing are not shown allowing

members to retail them with confidence. A wide package of other

benefits include membership of BIRA (the British Independent Retail

Association) which offers a range of support services for independent

retailers. The group also provides members with a package of other

support which is shown on the member area of the website.

With the growth of the internet, the group’s policy on membership

and product rebadging is becoming even more relevant to today’s

independent retailers and as the group enters its second 50 years, the

future is looking bright for Greendale.

The Group welcomes interest from retailers who share its ethos.

Tel 01432 852000 www.greendalecarpets.co.uk

And going strong!

43from The Stocklists May 2012

The only true "Buying Group" in the industry is celebrating its 50th anniversarythis year, but Greendale's origins began in furniture. On the 10th May 1961, a smallnumber of quality high-street furnishers, all of whom were members of “The GoodFurnishing Group,” met to discuss what was minuted as a “Swedish FurnitureBuying Project.” Discussions with manufacturers went well and a few months laterin the early months of 1962 a dedicated company was established to handle theadministration of the bought in products.


News

A new website dedicated to floor laying apprenticeships has been launched by The Flooring Guild.

Detailed information on the training received, the qualification andfunding can be found at www.flooring guildapprenticeships.co.uk

There has never been a better time to take on a Floor LayingApprentice. With a £1500 wage incentive available to employers taking on an apprentice and free training available for all 16-18 year olds (and subsidised training for 19+), contact The Flooring Guild via the new website

T 01480 471476 [email protected]

Apprentices online

Matt Blackbourn, Master Fitter and FITA Council Member explains how FITAhelped to make a real difference to the work of floor laying:

“Throughout my school life I had helped my dad out in the holidays with thefamily business, as I’m sure you can guess it was a flooring shop. I left school ateighteen and had no idea what I wanted to do. So I decided to carry on helpingout my dad part time and here I am six years later, obviously full time now.

“After a year of working in the domestic sector for a few months I was advisedto go on a flooring course by my dad, after a few arguments and me thinking“why do I need to go on one of those…I know it all” I gave in. We had a lookaround and there seemed to be one place to go – FITA. I decided to attend theIntensive Basic Carpet Fitting Course.

“Over the five days I learnt and practiced a vast array of fitting techniques andknowledge in every aspect of the trade. The instructors were second to none andtheir advice, skills, knowledge and banter helped me to improve very quickly overthe five days, something I feel would have taken me years otherwise. Also realisingI didn’t know as much as I had originally thought.

“The whole experience was amazing and I enjoyed every minute, something you don’t

hear many people say about work”

“While I was on the course I also learnt about the NICF and what they are tryingto achieve and offer me as a floor layer. I joined as a fitter in carpet and they havehelped and guided me on a regular basis.

“I have always heard people talk about carpet fitter of the year, something I wouldhave loved to have a go at. So when I saw the advert for trials at FITA for theGreat Britain Flooring Team I was up for the challenge. I was very surprised to beselected as the under 25 member of the team. I knew this would be a massivechallenge but I knew that if anyone could train us for this Steve was the man forthe job, he had a lot of work ahead of him. Also wasn’t sure what would makeme more nervous, the thousands of people watching us, the judges or Steve.

“The whole experience was amazing and I enjoyed every minute, something youdon’t hear many people say about work and we would not have been able to doall of this without the NICF and FITA.

“I have now been on many different courses at FITA covering all aspects of theflooring trade. Recently I have started working more on the contract side of theindustry and once again FITA was there to help me with training. FITA offers anassessment to become an approved fitter for M&S which I completed, leading tomore and varied installations.

“I have made some very good friends through the NICF and FITA, some of whichI get work with now and again, well I’ll be honest it doesn’t really feel like workwhen your with your friends. FITA and the NICF are now part of my dailyworking life, and I would strongly advise anyone else starting out in the trade toget in touch with them and see what they can do for you. “

T 0115 9506836 www.fita.co.uk

‘Amazing experience’

The WoolSafe Organisation has announced new names forWoolSafe-approved carpet cleaners. Going forward,carpet-cleaning companies vetted and approved byWoolSafe will have the status of ‘WoolSafe ApprovedService Provider’, and individual technicians withinapproved service providers that have undergone WoolSafetraining will have the title of ‘WoolSafe Approved FibreCare Specialist’.

“The change of name reflects our desire tocontinue to maintain excellent working

relationships with our approved companies and individuals”

Responding to demand from carpet care companies forcompany specific accreditation, the new status of ‘WoolSafeApproved Service Provider’ allows entire companies to usethe WoolSafe Approved Mark. Individuals within approvedcompanies and solo technicians who have trained for andpassed the WoolSafe exam are able to use the title of‘Woolsafe Approved Fibre Care Specialist’ for greaterclarification that the technician on the job has been trainedto clean wool and other natural fibres.

“The change of name reflects our desire to continue tomaintain excellent working relationships with our approvedcompanies and individuals”, explains Steve Bakker, MarketingManager, The WoolSafe Organisation. Companies have cometo us requesting accreditation in order to convince potentialcustomers that they are the right choice and can offersuperior carpet cleaning services. It is the company that isnow able to bear WoolSafe’s prestigious mark, providinggreater consistency and ultimately reassuring customers thattheir organisation’s integrity, the skill of their technicians andthe safety and effectiveness of the cleaning products theyuse are endorsed by WoolSafe.”

WoolSafe members should not worry about changing theirexisting WoolSafe stationary and advertising overnight,however, as this change will be phased in over the comingmonths. New-style van decals are now available free ofcharge for all WoolSafe Approved Service Providers whohave previously purchased them, reflecting the WoolSafeOrganisation’s commitment to rolling out this new brandingworldwide with minimum disruption to members.

T 01943 850817 www.woolsafe.org

Revamp for stampof approval


Retailing wool carpetsand rugs USA style

The British Wool column

A number of things differentiate the way that wool flooring is retailed inthe USA from the UK but nothing seems to stand out more than thespace of the stores. In a country where there is a lot of space, clearly itis easier but there is something to be said for giving your product roomto be seen.

Landry and Arcari – is a Boston showroom which is a member of thehigh-end International Design Guild part of the same co-operative groupas Flooring One. The visual impact as you walk in to this store isimpressive – it is a stylish space with a very designer feel, this puts it ona parallel with smart furniture stores or quality kitchen showrooms andyou are eased in to an understanding that here they are selling qualityinterior fashion.

It has 5000 square feet of display space and it is filled with wool rugs andcarpets but his other store is four times the size. Jerry Arcari has overfifty years in the flooring industry – since he was a teenager – and henow stocks product from over fifty different manufacturers and fromcountries all over the world. The variety is amazing and he says thatcustomers expect fresh ideas and plenty of alternatives.

Speed and customer service are critical against warehouse competition,he can supply carpet from his stock rolls of 150 rolls in less than 24hours and he freely admits that these stock ranges drive his business.

On colour trends like the UK, Jerry says, “About 70% of everything wesell is ivory/vanilla shades but with wool, ultimately the shade and designis an aesthetic choice but because wool is natural and they are paying aluxury price – they want texture and they want choice.”

He is a wool advocate, truly understands the fibre and knows how tomarket it. He invests in radio advertising and has an excellent website,which he says is integral to their business. The store hosts a promotionalevent every month which vary from pure sales promotions to educationor creative events.

The USA and UK are very different – wool is low, mid and high-endhere whilst there it is high-end nevertheless there is much to learn bythe way they sell the products – the website, the showroom – all createan image and its very impressive.

Wool Week 2012 – Join thecelebration, plan an eventThe Campaign for Wool (CfW) host’s its third Wool Weekfrom 15th – 21st October and interest is still strong,according to Bridgette Kelly of the CfW. “The new in-storePOS created by the Carpet Foundation offers a uniqueopportunity for any wool retailer to flag up their woolproduct ranges.

The whole point ofWool Week is to dosomething to celebratewool and make it workfor the business too. Itcould be a straightforward in-storepromotion or perhapssome sheep in storewould appeal to thecustomers – last yearone leading fashionstore put sheep in theirshops and sold morewool coats on a hotday in September thanon a cold day in winter.The aim is to becreative and have somefun with it.

Let us know if you are planning an event for Wool Week andwe may even feature it on this page! Please [email protected] with your Wool Week plans.

British Wool at the FlooringOne show British Wool partnered with the Campaign for Wool andthe Carpet Foundation at the Flooring One show in Mayand found the two days at the event to be veryworthwhile.

“Retailers were drawn by the new bold POS which hasbeen created by the Carpet Foundation and funded bythe Campaign for Wool. It is great to see such a bigstatement for wool and the retailers we talked tothought it was brilliant,” Tim Booth of the British WoolMarketing Board said.

Landry and Arcari – the carpet and rugshowroom in Boston where wool leads the way.

British Wool at the Flooring One event in May.

Put some sheep in yourstore for Wool Week.


Modern commercial environments often require the installationof many floor coverings, and with TacFast, flooring contractorscan apply the same installation method across the board.

Based around a core technology of detachable attachment andincredibly popular across the pond, TacFast is a speedy and simpleinstallation process that will truly revolutionise the fitting processacross a range of flooring surfaces.

Suitable for use with wood and laminate planks, carpet tiles,ceramics, natural stone and LVT, the TacFast system provides fastinstallation for many different types of floor. Contemporarycommercial environments such as offices tend to create zonalareas with their flooring, using LVT for kitchen areas, carpet tilesfor communal work spaces and wood for break out zones, andTacFast works with all of these types of floor. Ultimately savingcontractors and end users time and money, TacFast provides arevolutionary installation system that will provide a perfectlyinstalled floor more rapidly than before.

Also ideal for time-sensitive projects, TacFast eliminates the needfor attaching the floorcovering to the subfloor adhesively. TacFastis a unique interlocking disc and plate system that sits above thesubfloor and acts as a DPM, leveller and mechanical fixer in one.With a hook and loop fastening system, floorcoverings can berapidly attached without the need for glue or lengthy drying.Eradicating the need for a complex subfloor preparation, anothermajor benefit of the TacFast method is that the floorcovering canalso be quickly removed or replaced – ideal for refurbishmentperiods or multi-location businesses.

T 01527 919891 www.tacfast.com

One size sticks all

As Mapei celebrates its 75th anniversary this year, they can look back in retrospect attheir contribution to many of the world’s most prestigious projects. This includes theGrade II listed Royal Shakespeare Theatre (RST) in Stratford where Mapei played aconsiderable part in its £112.8m refurbishment. The award winning RST, which wasdesigned by Bennetts Associates Architects, has been transformed to create a magnificent,interactive experience for the 1,000 seat audience.

A full system of Mapei products were utilised; from mortar repair and priming through tothe adhesive. Mapei supplied products used to prepare the refurbished flooring for theheavy weight bearing and high footfall conditions characteristic of a tourist attraction.

Mapei had to take into consideration the four differing substrates throughout the building; plywood, chipboard, sand cement +75% r.h. & sandcement -75% r.h., which resulted in four systems of product being specified.

Fireclad carried out the installation of the final floor finishes throughout the dressing rooms using Ultrabond Eco VS90 adhesive to install vinylflooring and impact rubber matting. While Loughton Contracts Plc. installed the soft flooring to the remainder of the building, including impactrubber, vinyl and carpet flooring. Impact rubber flooring was installed backstage of the theatre on an upper level ensuring noise is limited whileback stage scenery is moved up and down into place. Ultrabond Eco Tack was utilised to install new carpet tiles throughout the central coreareas over five floors, back of house, auditorium and seating areas. Mapei products and final flooring in these areas were all professionallyinstalled by SDP Floor Screeds.

T 0121 508 6970 www.mapei.co.uk

Mapei takes centre stage

Stopgap 850 Exterior, a frost-resistant, smoothing and resurfacingcompound for outdoor areas is thefirst exterior floor smoothingproduct F. Ball has launched, and isa result of the company’s ongoingproduct development programme.

Non-structural, exterior gradeStopgap 850 is formulated to smoothrough or damaged external concrete or sand/cementscreeds such as walkways, balconies and patios. It is ideal for preparingexterior concrete surfaces prior to the application of a non-slip coatingor external covering such as artificial grass. Stopgap 850 can be laid tofalls, for example on gentle slopes such as walkways.

Unaffected by rain, frost or excessively high temperatures, Stopgap 850is a hard-wearing product that can be left as a stand-alone exteriorwearing surface and can be given a textured finish to further reduce thepotential for slip. It is suitable for use in areas subject to vehicular trafficsuch as garages and driveways. In addition, Stopgap 850 can be used as asmoothing underlayment for internal damp subfloors due to receive aStopgap waterproof surface membrane or Stopgap Isolator Membrane.

Stopgap 850 Exterior is a self–smoothing product with a walk-on hardnesstime of 2 hours at 20°C. The protein free, water mix compound is suppliedin 25kg bags and will cover 2.9m2 at a thickness of 5mm. The product canalso be pump applied over larger areas - up to 900m2 per day - dependingon manpower, thickness of application and equipment used.

Commenting on the launch of Stopgap 850 Exterior, F. Ball’s MarketingManager, Richard Harris, said: “F. Ball is continuously working to enhanceits product range, demonstrated by launching our first exterior product.The self-smoothing properties and frost-resistant formulation of Stopgap850 makes it an ideal external smoothing compound or a stand-alonewearing surface.”

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

Great outside

News


TAT ADVERT


Intelligent retailingFlooring One has a reputation for innovation in theservices they offer to their members and they launched anumber of exciting new initiative’s at their buying groupevent in Solihull last month.

Tackling two key issues for flooring stores, a new retailer-friendly web-basedtrading system was announced plus a scheme to win back insurance businessfor the independents was also unveiled – see panels for details.

In the carpet department, Flooring One has been busy too. “We have beenlooking hard at giving our retailers the right price points across our ranges,”says Glenn Harding who heads the Group. “This is a challenging market andour members need all the options to suit the budgets of hard pressed consumers.”

Flooring One has tackled this issue with the launch of a new entry-level PPoffering, The Homemaker Collection, and a 50/50 wool range Oxford Twist.

Homemaker is one of the most ‘affordable’ luxury collection the buying grouphas ever introduced and comprise 4 versatile ranges – Columbia and Caress,two colourful twists; Divine, a plush Saxony; and Diversity, a stripe and texturedloop. In 100% Permalon polypropylene, they are available in an assortment of 4m and 5m widths.

Five PP twists have crept into Flooring One’s top 20 best-sellers where therewas only one 18 months ago. The group has recognised the need foraffordable wool and responded with a 50/50 Oxford Twist and a competitive100% wool range High Sierra.

But where there is still some spare cash, Flooring One has looked after thetop end of the market with their exclusive range Oakdale Elite, a British-madeeight-gauge 80/20 at 55 oz and available in 20 contemporary new colours.

Flooring One is keen on colour and their persistence has paid off as demandgrows. The bright Spectrum Twist 80/20 launched two years ago is now sellingstrongly so more new colours have been added as they have in theCaledonian and Chester Twist ranges.

The initiatives don’t stop at carpets. A clever new combination swatch todisplay underlay samples easily was well received as was the new vinyl stand.

Rugs are set for a major step forward with Flooring One’s collection of 80designs including 60 known best-sellers “to take the risk out of rug buying.”The collection is referenced by Flooring One’s first-ever colour gallery bookletwhich shows retailers the full selection in categorised sections.

See the following pages for further reviews from the Solihull event.

Clever clicks BFlooringDirect is a smart collaboration between Flooring One and the

BRM buying group to create a web trading platform that works in favour

of independent retailers and competes with the direct-to-consumer

flooring websites active elsewhere.

With a clean, easy interface and a quick click-through to the final sale,

BFlooringDirect offers an exclusive range of floorcoverings which

consumers can opt to have delivered via an independent retailer matched

to their postcode or have delivered direct. Either way, that local retailer

gets a commission on the sale – as well as a new customer relationship.

The membership of Flooring One and the BRM are being encouraged to

sign up as soon as possible to complete the national network.

The website is at: http://www.bflooringdirect.co.uk

Loss adjusterThe insurance industry is about as unpopular

as the internet for stealing sales off retailers so

Flooring One (and ACG) have teamed up with

RIVAS – the Rainbow International Validation

and Settlement service.

Rainbow works for the insurance companies

whose first objective is to repair or restore

damaged flooring. But the RIVAS model means

that if a carpet does have to be replaced, the

business will go to the consumers’ local buying

group member.

There will be a full report in the next issue.

Flooring One’s Glenn Harding with Oakdale Elite

SHOWTIME IN SOLIHULL

Solihull has become a showcase for flooring each Maywith the expansion of the buying group events that arenow an essential date in the diary of retailers. Thisyear’s occasion was full of innovation to tackle thedemands of a hard-pressed consumer market.

The event is hosted at Cranmore Park, the modern,purpose-built exhibition centre at the headquarters of AIS,the major retail group who have Flooring One as a business.On the second day, the invitation is extended to membersof other buying groups to the Buying Groups’ NationalFlooring Show, in collaboration with ACG, BRM, Metro and SMG.

Some 60 preferred suppliers including all the topmanufacturers use the event to launch their latestproducts in time for the selling season and this year therewere interesting initiatives in stain-resistantpolypropylenes, ‘affordable’ wool products and eye-catching new rug designs.

Full reports, company-by-company, are included in thefollowing pages with part 2 to follow in our July issue.

Market sentiment among suppliers and retailers in Solihullwas surprisingly positive given the daily diet ofapocalyptic news from the Eurozone. Most are having asolid second quarter’s trading with many businessesreporting increased sales over the last year.

“The better retailers are doing better but the reverse isprobably also true,” said one commentator and there is a

general sense that consumers are returning to the safetyof the larger independent retailers. “There is less footfallbut there are more buyers amongst those who do turnup,” was another comment.

Colour is coming back to carpet according to manymanufacturers – there will be a full colour trends reportfrom Solihull in our July issue.

7 pages of exhibitor reports starts here with more next month...


Austerity is the mother of invention

Telenzo are doing things a little differently with stripes with a moresubtle, less traditional approach. The new collection has four stripes inthe 50/50 Highbury range which coordinates beautifully with thesmooth plains of Hampton Court and the more textured finish ofIslington. The collection is at the samplers now to go out to retailerslater this month.

Another take on stripes is represented in new Casablanca, a high-endsynthetic in 66 nylon which has a smart textured stripe in the yarnand is available in 12 colours.

T 01422 374417 www.edeltelenzocarpets.co.uk

Telenzo


Retailers bracing themselves for an unpredictable summer this year due to Her MajestyQueen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee and the 2012 London Olympics need not worry asAxminster Carpets have announced a special Royal Promotion to help increase salesover the upcoming summer months.

Having recently been awarded a Royal Warrant for the supply of goods and services tothe Royal Household, Axminster Carpets have decided to show support for Her Majestyand its retailers by offering 20% off the list price of all woven Axminster carpets. This willenable retailers to push prices down by the same percentage and entice consumers totake advantage of this fantastic offer. A variety of exciting Jubilee-themed POS material isalso available to help push sales, and retailers can choose from posters, show cards andwobblers all with impactful promotional visuals.

T 01297 630650 www.axminstercarpets.co.uk

Axminster

Interfloor have come up with a neat new way to encourage people totake a fresh look at underlay with a smart bound book of samples.“This lets retailers keep a set of samples on the counter and talk tocustomers about the options without having to go away and drag outa selection of hanging samples,” says Jim Cross, Interfloor’s SouthernSales Manager.

The book contains a range of Tredaire and Duralay, including PU andrubber, and the company is happy to create a customised booktailored to the preferences of a particular retailer.

Interfloor’s attention to detail for retailers was recognised by theFlooring One buying group with the presentation of Supplier of theYear award for smooths and accessories.

T 01706 213131 www.interfloor.co.uk

InterfloorThe new colours of the best-selling Satisfaction range were unveiledfor the first time at Solihull. “This is a brand leader,” says NeilValentine of Furlong Flooring. “First launched in 2007 and re-coloured in 2009, these latest on-trend colours take Satisfaction to a new level.”

Furlong has followed up its success with the eye-catching illuminatedlectern that was first seen with the launch of the elegance range lastyear. The units will now be available for Satisfaction and have proveda great hit with retailers.

Neil Valentine (left) is pictured with Peter Sharpe of Furlong Flooring,“modelling” the new range!

T 01772 316155 www.regencycarefree.co.uk

Regency Carpets

Showtime in Solihull


Flooring Guild

Crucial Trading are reporting good growth with adoretouch LVTflooring now that the first range of this attractive and innovative LVT is available in the market. adore’s embossed wood decors havemajored on oaks, of course in the UK market and have created acontemporary selection with some grey tones doing especially well.There are 14 wood decors available at present with a set of mineraland ceramic designs set to follow shortly.

The easy-click technology of adoretouch has made the product aspopular with fitters as it is with consumers and now a new swing-arm stand has just been introduced to showcase the range withlarger samples than the standard tall rack.

T 01675 433075 www.adorefloors.com

The national apprenticeship programme from Flooring Guild is nowfully launched following a highly successful regional pilot scheme lastyear. Apprentices undertake a 14 – 16 month course whichincludes four separate weeks of specialised tuition at the Guild’straining centre in Devon and supervised on-the-job experience.

For retailers, the scheme offers a great opportunity to build theskills of young people that they can select themselves or haverecruited by the Guild. Better still, 16-18 year olds are fully fundedby the Government during their training while the retailer also gets£1,500 on top.

T 0845 308 1400 www.flooring-guild.co.uk

Crucial Trading


The border business has proved highly resilient in the recession for customspecialists Bronte Carpets. The company designs embossed and inlaid borderswhich create a stunning effect for high-end residential installtions. Thecompany has just launched a sophisticated new Fleur-de-Lys pattern in anembossed border but the striking high-contrast designs are equally popular.

“The business for borders used to fluctuate but now we find strong demandthroughout the year,” says sales manager Andrew Broughton, pictured (right)with his brother Stuart who is MD. Bronte is one of the few suppliers in thissector and have benefited from greater exposure in the market for theirproducts.

T 01282 862736 www.brontecarpets.co.uk

Brontë

“Colour is coming back into 80/20 wool twists!” says Robbie Thomsonof Thomas Witter. “Everyone said they wanted colour but you neverknow if it will follow through into sales but we are seeing strongdemand. Customers want something fresher.”

Thomas Witter says that 40% of its plains are now being sold instronger colours – noticeably it is the larger cuts – say 25m2 and above – that tend towards these shades with red being among thefavourites now.

T 01204 374170 www.thomaswitter.com

Thomas Witter


Associated Weavers showed a new brightly coloured stand inSolhull complemented by a couple of bright ideas that provedpopular with visitors.

The strong success of Temptation, an indulgent multi-width60oz PP saxony, when it was launched as a roll line atHarrogate prompted the company to take a closer look andthey have added new contemporary colours to build a fullrange that is likely to increase its popularity.

In another major launch, Woodland Twist has arrived as awool-like synthetic and it is one of the most convincingversions in the market with a very natural texture and feel.Available in 14 colours and multi-width, the range will startgoing out to retailers in June.

T 01422 431100 www.associatedweavers.net

Associated Weavers

CRUK


New and innovative point of sale material, exclusively forthe carpet industry, is set to be introduced by theCampaign for Wool. The initiative is the brainchild of theCarpet Foundation and is being project managed by themon behalf of the industry.

There are three components to the point of sale – avisually arresting free standing graphic pod (as pictured);interactive wool boxes complete with coloured wool andan A3 poster. All three put a ‘modern twist’ on thetraditional benefits of wool and do so in a very strikingand eye catching manner. It will be available from themiddle of June and although subsidised by the Campaignfor Wool, participating retailers will have to make amodest contribution. It is intended to install the materialsin as many retailers as possible up and down the country.The project is the latest part of the Campaign for Wool’sglobal campaign to drive consumer interest in wool.

T 01274 688666 www.campaignforwool.org

Campaign for Wool

Consumer concern over end of life options for their wastecarpets is prompting more retailers to offer take back andrecycling services, says Carpet Recycling UK - the industry’sassociation for recycling and reusing carpet.

At the end of the show, CRUK Co-ordinator Jane Gardnerdescribed the response from retailers as ‘very positive’ withseveral reporting increased interest in recycling and end of lifeoptions from householders.

“With more than 50 enquiries over the two days, we wereencouraged by this level of interest and the retailers we spoketo at our stand were keen to enhance their offering to theconsumer by providing a take back service and recycling carpets.These forward thinking retailers are the entrepreneurs of theretail world,” she said.

T 0161 440 8325 www.carpetrecyclinguk.com


Adam is re-inventing itself and rolled out the latest storedisplays in their modern new branding at the Solihull show.The prototype wall units have clean, modern lines withstronger use of creative roomset photography and LEDlighting. They were popular with visitors.

“Everybody knows Adam, but they don’t know much aboutus,” says Eamonn Prescott. “We’ve been hiding our light alittle so now we have our sharp new branding and havebeen adding to our range substantially, we’ll be making morenoise out there.”

The company has also just relaunched its website in amodern, gallery style to showcase its products.

T 01562 829966 www.adamcarpets.com

Adam

The Ryalux flagship range V&A Twistjust got a little more attractive forretailers with the launch at Solihullof a fixed width promotion – a full25% off the trade price comparedto the any-width pricing that hasbeen standard since the rangewas launched in 1998.

Carl Quail of Ryalux explains:“We realised that nearly half ofall sales of V&A Twist wereeither 4 or 5 metres and thismeans those cuts can beplanned for less wastage. Byreducing the price to retailers,we give them the opportunityto pass on a discount toconsumers and we arealready starting to seeingincreased sales as a result.”

T 0161 762 3030www.ryalux.com

Manx has been building up to the Solhull show with the promotionof its new Easy Living Collection which has been launched in fourranges so far under the names Ultimate Choice, Luxury Heathers,Royal Kingdon, Supreme Living – a twist in two weights and a choiceof saxonies.

The two-ply yarn comes with a 10 year stain resistant and wearguarantee. Neat new lectern units which contain each of the fourranges start to go out to retailers which month.

T 01827 831434 www.manxcarpets.co.uk


Manx

Ryalux


Ball & Young

Louis de Poortere are never shy of trying something new and withtheir new Vintage rug range of chenille and wool they are on to awinner. The patchwork designs and the bleached, worn look are righton trend today and LDP have just added 14 new fashion colours tothe mix to make Vintage a highly saleable collection.

About to arrive as a sister product range is the Pop-Art collection withsimilar design themes but in vibrant, edgy colours. “This design trend isvery hot at them moment and we have had a tremendous response tothese ranges,” said LDP’s Alan Russell.

T 07976 433269 www.louisdepoortere.be

PU has gone all posh atBall & Young with thehighly successful launchof their British madeCloud 9 Connoisseurrange – a luxury, highdensity product thatlooks the business in its‘designer’ white livery.

“It has had an excellentresponse in the trade,”says B&Y’s Ann Shaw.“Consumers are oftenreluctant to replacequality underlay thatstill looks OK but thisproduct gives theretailer a real reason totrade up consumers tosomething that isdistinctively differentand noticeably better.”

T 01536 200502www.underlay.com

Louis de Poortere

Kingsmead has made astrong statement in thebooming stain resistantmarket with the launch ofits Clean Easy range madefrom its Everlon fibre, atwo-ply yarn which is highfade resistant and bleachcleanable. The carpet isavailable in 4 and 5 metrewidths and rated for heavydomestic use. The distinctiveblack and green brandingshows off well on thecompact lectern (pictured)and a four-sided tower willalso be available.

Kingsmead also rolled out acreative new colour palettein their popular polyestersaxony Paloma range withsome strong options in redsand blues and on-trendspinach, plum and gold.

T 01827 831424www.kingsmeadcarpets.co.uk

Kingsmead

An unsung hero of the Stairrods product range is Easyshim – firstlaunched at Harrogate two years ago but attracting a growing numberof supporters who have found just how useful it can be. Easyshim is athin wooden profile for use when carpet is being installed next tohardwood, stone, marble and ceramic tiles. The ramp is available is 6, 9and 12mm thicknesses and avoids the need and delays of using screedsto create the correct surface. Side shims are available for situationswhere the carpet shim protrudes into a doorway.

“Once a fitter has used Easyshim, they come back for more and telltheir friends,” says Stairrods agent Quentin Morris (pictured with agentRichard Brown).

T 01207 591176 www.stairrods.co.uk

Stairrods




Mastercraft Rugs are totally committed to continuously improving their offer toretailers with innovative new ideas and by strengthening the options in their existingranges. The result of their dedication was the Supplier of the Year award from theFlooring One buying group for the fourth time.

The sensation of the show at Solihull forMastercraft was Genova – a distinctive multi-level creation in viscose on chenille describedas ‘art silk’ which is available in 8 designs. Theeffect is a stunningly fashionable rug with a highperceived value at a middle market price (twoof the designs are pictured right).

“We’ve moved the production of these rugs onto an 8-colour frame loom and can producesomething so different,” said Mastercraft’sRobert Dickson. “People are more careful withtheir money now and they want to see morequality per pound. We have had a tremendousreaction to this range.”

Mastercraft are also adding designs to their popular new Isfahan range oftop quality silk fringed viscose rugs and report especially strong businessfor their Mehari range – a thick super-soft berber style wilton rug.

Robert (right) is pictured receiving his Supplier of the Year Award for Rugsfrom Flooring One’s Glenn Harding.

T 01282 694565 www.mastercraftrugs.co.uk

Mastercraft

NewsNewsNewsFlower on FlooringFlower on Flooring


and traditional styles, with typically British names such as LondonBus, Village Green, Bowler Hat and Lemon Curd. Tailored to suit adiscerning market, the palette has been designed to create stylishinteriors with a quintessential British feel. The collection is namedafter Ryalux's founder, William Lomas.

Alternative Flooring has also joined in the mood of nationalcelebration, introducing regal cheer with its British-designed LondonCalling. This red, white and blue wool stripe is from its Rock 'n' Rollcollection and is available as carpet, rugs and runners. Lorna Haigh,marketing manager, says: “With the British flag flying high it is greatthat we have this original London Calling, which is in tune with theexcitement of London 2012.” The company is also continuing itscelebrations online through discussions on Facebook and Twitter.

Balta Broadloom states that its Funky Stripes collection features abright new colour combination using Union Jack colours to appealto patriotic homeowners. A bright design in red, white and blue, itis vibrant, bold and features stripes of differing thickness.

Coinciding with the Queen’s Golden Jubilee celebrationsthis year, the flooring industry has seized the initiative tomatch the mood of celebration.

Among the various companies are UK manufacturers such asAbingdon Flooring, which has launched its Made in Great Britaindisplay stand. The company reminds customers that it is a truly“vertically integrated” polypropylene manufacturer and the onlyBritish company to produce its own yarn, quality and service, socompetitiveness is guaranteed. Abingdon explains that it has added“a little diversity to the mix” to provide retailers with added salespotential. “This superb display unit takes up very little space andyet will produce very many large orders for months and monthsto come!” the company says.

The William Classics collection from Ryalux Carpets, a woolcollection of twists, velvets, plain and striped loops, also celebratesBritish design and style. The four textures have been created towork on their own or co-ordinate with each other. The 72 WilliamClassics colours take their inspiration from both the latest trends

Abingdon reinforces its UK-made credentials

Flying the flag

Alternative Flooring’s red, white and blue London’s Calling


Created from 100% Stainsafe polypropylene for easymaintenance, Funky Stripes is a tufted 1/8in cutpile,available in 4m width. Tying in with The Queen’supcoming Diamond Jubilee celebrations and the 2012London Olympics, it is designed to appeal toconsumers keen to support their country this year.“The inclusion of the red, white and bluecombination in Funky Stripes offers retailers thechance to offer a product that is very now and thatprovides a great focal point that resonates with thecurrent patriotic national conscience,” says GeertVanden Bossche, Balta Broadloom marketing director.

As a Royal Warrant holder, Brintons is proud of itslong established British heritage, which has recentlyadded new colours across all collections. As well asworking with great British brands like Laura Ashleyand The Royal Horticultural Society, it also workswith admired British designers from VivienneWestwood to Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen. Brintonsplains have had a complete makeover this jubileeyear. Each collection has its own unique finish andappeal and all are genuine wiltons, woven inKidderminster.

The company has some highly relevant collections tomatch the jubilee celebrations, such as Majestic,Brintons’ most luxurious velvet. New colours includepolished silver and frosted diamond. True Velvet iselegant, graceful and quintessentially British, with newcolours including custard cream and trenchcoat.

continued on page 60

The William Classics collection from Ryalux Carpets has a British feel

Flying the flag with Funky Stripes from Balta Broadloom

by Dennis Flower

Finepoint is inspired by great British artists; new colours includeConstable Millstone and Lowry Russet. Bell Twist has been a

favourite for almost 50 years, the company states, with recentadditions including Thatch and Malt.

Brockway Carpets is also flying the flag with its patriotic trio of red,white and blue themed colour carpets, including the launch of astripe offering to its Vogue range. With its striking red, blue and whitecolour palettes, the company’s new Trafalgar stripe evokes a royalrichness and versatility to match any room setting.

Also capturing the British spirit, Carnaby features stunning red, whiteand blue bold stripes, ideal for creating a unique backdrop for anyroom. For a classic touch, Brockway states that its Jubilee in BurgundyStripe can be co-ordinated with several plain complementary colour

carpets in the range.

Another company joining in the celebrations is Manx Carpets, which reportsthat its Metropolitan collection has recently been recoloured and nowconsists of an attractive, fashionable colour palette with 16 solid shades,including patriotic colours such as red (Ladybird), royal blue (Blueberry) andwhite (Snow), all complimenting hues for today's modern living.

Made from two ply 80% New Zealand wool, 10% meltbond and 10%polyester, Metropolitan is available in two qualities of 40oz and 50oz yarn inboth 4m and 5m widths.

Axminster Carpets head of marketing Richard Lawrence, highlights hiscompany’s Devonia collection as a traditional range of plain wool, British-designed carpets, suitable for heavy domestic use and available in 4m and 5mwidths. With 52 solid colourways and eight heathers, each shade has a veryEnglish name.

The company is additionally celebrating the award of a Royal Warrant thisyear, described as a “fantastic moment for us”.“Now in the third generationof the Dutfield family, Axminster is one of the few truly British carpetproducers left and we still use British wool that has been spun and dyed

NewsNewsNews


Brockway’s Carnaby in Union StripeYou don’t get more British than Royal Warrant holder BrintonsPictured below is Majestic (top), Bell Twist (centre) and True Velvet (bottom)

by Dennis Flower


Flower on Flooring continued

in-house to create the most beautiful, resilient and luxuriousproducts possible,” says Mr Lawrence.

Victoria Carpets is another long-established British manufacturer,gaining further recognition last year when its Imperial Velvet waschosen as the red carpet installed at Westminster Abbey for themarriage of Prince William to Catherine Middleton. Imperial Velvet isone of the company’s latest velvet finish carpets, made from 80%British wool, 15% nylon and 5% polyester, supplied by its ownspinners, Westwood Yarns, in Yorkshire. It has a new weight of45oz/sq yard and is supplied to leading independent retailers. Afterthe wedding, the carpet was taken up by the contractors and will bereused elsewhere by the Church of England.

Manx’s Metropolitan is celebrating with red (Ladybird), white (Snow) and royal blue (Blueberry).

For more information:

Abingdon T 01274 655662 www.abingdonflooring.co.uk

Alternatiuve Flooring T 01264 335111 www.alternativeflooring.com

Balta T +32 5662 2211 www.baltagroup.com

Brintons T 0800 505055 www.brintins.et

Brockway T 01562 828200 www.brockway.co.uk

Manx T 01827 831434 www.manxcarpets.co.uk

Ryalux T 0161 762 3030 www.ryalux.com

retailers respond toindustry issues

Every product that can is waving the flag thismonth but do your customers buy British? Do you? And does the economic crisis meanwe should care where a carpet comes from –do we support UK jobs or go for the bestmargin wherever?

And with the football and the Olympics, there’smore to come - have you found the flag is anattraction or distraction – are you selling morered, white and blue carpets as has beenreported!

Tell us what you think and join the debate...

Flying the flagIs patriotism good for your business?

The online survey takes less thanfour minutes and it’s anonymousand doesn’t need any form filling.Please help us inform the industry.

Visit www.thestocklists.comand click on the survey banner totake part.

Flooring Forum - Join our panelThe Forum is the platform for retailers to respond totrade issues and inform the industry about the problemsand opportunities they face on the High Street.

You can join our online survey panel and you’ll beinvited every two months to contribute yourviews - it’s anonymous so you can say exactly whatyou think.

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

PU


News

In such challenging economic conditions, with record numbers of retailers going to the wall, survival instincts should be leading retailers to evermore closely examine their business model, and explore ways of improving profitability, says ex-Metro Group boss David Kipping,

Only around 20% of carpet retailers are members of a buying group and David, a carpet retailer for more than 25 years and former Chief Executiveof Metro Group wants more retailers to benefit. He is launching a new buying group, Carpet-Force, with a completely free membership offer thataims to convince those retailers of the benefits of combining their buying power, whilst not interfering in the way they choose to run their business.

The greatest strength, and at the same time the greatest weakness of independent retailers is their independence, he says. Often carpet retailers arefiercely independent and resist any attempt to force them down a particular route. Carpet-Force will therefore offer members a menu of benefitsfrom which they can pick and choose, with no commitments and the ability to leave at any time if they feel it isn’t working for them.

David’s passion is in helping retailers to sell better as well as buy better. “Of course buying prices are important - but they are not the whole story.”he says. “Carpet-Force will therefore provide many free resources including training in sales, customer service, and marketing to help retailers sell moreprofitably. It is hard to imagine why any retailer would not want to at least try something that has the potential to dramatically improve profits at no cost.”

www.carpet-force.info

The Carpet Foundation is set to introduce

a new funding model for its retail

members.

The current 1% levy on sales of all carpetmade by Carpet Foundation manufacturersis set to be replaced by a flat rate fee paidon a monthly basis. A subscription of £35a month, paid on a standing order basis, isset to be introduced from 1st August

2012. Letters notifying retailers of the proposed change havebeen sent out to all existing Carpet Foundation members. Thechange was arrived at following extensive discussions withmanufacturers and retailers.

The move comes against a backdrop of a challenging economicclimate and a changing world. The new system will mean that noretailer is financially disadvantaged by selling Carpet Foundationmanufacturer products and equally that no manufacturer ispotentially disadvantaged by being a member. It will also be a taxdeductible business expense for retailers.

This is the latest in a number of changes instigated by new CFChief Executive Andrew Stanbridge who has revitalised theFoundation since his appointment in April 2011. Moremanufacturers are poised to join the Foundation and it is hopedthat the flat retail fee will appeal to those retail members whohave been reluctant to join in the past.

Commenting on the proposals, Andrew Stanbridge said: “I amdelighted to say that several manufacturers have expressed theirdesire to join the CF in recent months. However, under thecurrent levy system, this could mean that some retailers wouldsee their levy payments increase substantially.

The Carpet Foundation is not allowed to know how much eachretailer pays as it is collected by an independent third party.However, the new system will create a level playing field as eachretailer will pay the same money for the same benefits. It will alsoenable us to plan and budget more effectively.”

The Carpet Foundation is currently preparing to undertake adigital campaign with IPC Media’s housetohome.com in theAutumn as well as playing a prominent role in the Campaign forWool. This, allied to consistent editorial exposure for carpet inthe influential home interest magazines, continues to ensure thatcarpet and CF members get value for money from theirinvestment in the Foundation.

T 01562 755568 www.carpetfoundation.com

Foundation’s new way to pay

New buying group targets doubters

Lord Harris, the carpet industry’sbiggest personality, has finally steppeddown as chief executive ofCarpetright, nearly 25 years after hefounded the business. He will remainas chairman.

After seven profit warnings in the lastyear, the troubled retailer will now berun by its finance director, DarrenShapland - a move that suprised somecommentators who expected Lord Harris’ son Martin to succeed- Martin is currently commercial director.

Darren Shapland has an interesting past as a former Carpetrightdirector who left the business in 2005 to join Sainsbury’s wherehis success led to expectations he would be appointed chiefexecutive. But Darren rejoined Carpetright last year as a non-executive director - a move that was seen as succession planningby Lord Harris although this was denied at the time.

Carpetright’s share price nudged up nearly 1% on the news.

Lord Harris said: “I am delighted that Darren has agreed tobecome Chief Executive of Carpetright. He was an outstandingFinance Director of the Group from 2002 to 2005 and knowsour business well."

Its latest profit warning, in April, underlined the scale of the jobahead. The group made £16.9m in its previous financial year butnow estimates underlying profits for the year to April 28 will be inthe region of £3m and £4m.

Phil Harris, now 69, founded Carpetright in 1988 after the sale ofHarris Queensway, a business he had built up from his acquisitionof Queensway Carpets in 1977.

Lord Harris of Peckham is a colourful character who hasgenerated mixed feelings in the trade among manufacturers withwhom he has been the toughest negotiator and amongindependent retailers who have taken some delight in the recentdecline of Carpetright’s fortunes.

The personal fortune of Lord Harris is secure, however. TheSunday Times Rich list ranks him aound 200th in the UK and hashim worth about £200m but he is well known for charitablegiving - estimated at more than £100m in his career with anemphasis on educational and health causes. The Harris Foundationsupports many new academy schools in South London.

A good friend of David Cameron - and a major Tory party donor- Lord Harris also holds non-executive directorshps with Matalanand Arsenal Football Club.

Lord Harris stands down

PU


News

Part of the new GO2 flooring concept from Mohawk, TrailBlazer offers contractors and specifiers durable and stylishcarpet tiles to suit a range of commercial environments, fast.

Available in four different colourways, Trail Blazer featurescontrasting abstract stripes that add interest and depth tocommercial floors. With a wide colour spectrum of two differentblue combinations, a grey version with black stripes and a blackand purple design, Trail Blazer definitely has optimum appeal. Thecarpet tiles offer a tufted loop pile and are created from 100%solution dyed nylon for maximum durability and superior stainresistance. Ideal for high-impact areas, Trail Blazer is suitable forclass 33 heavy contract use.

Trail Blazer can also be paired with coordinating colours in theMountain Plains collection – the other part of the GO2 range –for an interesting and smart look that can be used to divide upthe floor into zonal areas. Ideal for public buildings where spaceneeds to be maximised, Trail Blazer can be used to demarcatebreak out zones, work areas and other specific locations withoutthe need for ugly partitions.

“Trail Blazer offers contractors high quality carpet at a great pricepoint ideal for a range of locations,” explains Howard Lindsey, VicePresident UK, Ireland and South Africa. “As part of the excitingGO2 concept, commercial locations can mix up their floorcoverings to create defined zonal areas, and the fantastic range ofcolours offered in Trail Blazer will give flooring areas an attractivelooking finish that looks expensive.”

T 01480 479830 www.mohawkinternational.com

Trail blaze into the zoneVictoria’s big entry into LVT

Bronte Carpets have appointed MarkViner as sales agent for EastMidlands, Norfolk, Suffolk,Staffordshire, Derbyshire,Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire,Cambridgeshire and Northampton.

Mark will already be well known tomany on the area as he brings over20 years experience in the carpetindustry to Bronte and will continueto service the middle to top endretailers throughout the area withBronte's custom made collectionsmanufactured to any colour and anywidth up to 12m wide.

T 01282 862736 www.brontecarpets.co.uk

Bronte appoints

Register online at: www.theflooringshow.com

Get set to go to the show!

Victoria Carpets has made its long awaited entry into the mainstream,luxury vinyl market with a new division and a new brand, VictoriaLuxury Flooring (VLF). The launch is backed by significant investmentin product and marketing.

The initial product offer is an extensive collection of wood, stone andslate products that are available in a range of designs, sizes and surfacetextures. A state of the art, highly contemporary Point of Sale unit hasbeen designed and produced, with the purpose of targeting a networkof carefully selected authorised dealers across the UK.

Extensive lifestyle photography has been produced, together with aconsumer brochure and a dedicated website. Although the initialprimary focus is the residential market, the contract market has notbeen ignored, with a new contract sales team recruited and brandedsample folders and brochures readily available.

The four introductory ranges cover most price points of the market.The flagship product is Mode, a collection of wood and stone designs.Both modern and stylish, Mode is a glue free, click-fit floating floor, whichis quick to install, with minimal preparation.

Victoria’s defining Signature Collection, offers a wide selection andchoice of styles. Beautiful designs and textured surface finishes, from lightto rich dark woods and natural looking stones and slates. Innova, is aninnovative range of contemporary wood designs, with a super mattfinish and a range of textures including hand scraped effect. and Essenciais a collection of wood and stone products, which are simply elegantdesign essentials to complete and compliment any interior scheme.

Commenting on the introduction, Robert Byrne, VLF’s marketingmanager, said: “Victoria Carpets is synonymous with premium qualitycarpets backed up by first class service and we aim to build a similarreputation in the LVT market with the launch of our new brand VictoriaLuxury Flooring. Our portfolio of products and styles are designed toprovide the consumer with a wide choice of affordable luxurious andperformance led flooring.”

T 01562 749300 www.victorialuxuryflooring.com


News

1000 today!

Flooring Assessments, a leading provider of training and qualifications to theflooring industry have hit their big number - 1000 assessments completed!Simon Bell a flooring contractor from Carpetright’s Nottingham store wasthe lucky young man to achieve this number.

Flooring Assessments and supporting company FloorSkills have offered aprize to mark the occasion. Matt & Sid Bourne, head trainers ofFloorSkills presented the Carpetright Nottingham store with a free 2 daytraining course worth over £1600 at their training centre in Birminghamas a mark of this achievement. Simon also receives an additional prize offitting tools.

Flooring Assessments are continuing to register and assess fitters and arenow working towards the next milestone. Jon Whitfield head of Trainingand Development at Carpetright said: “We are delighted to be workingwith Flooring Assessments who have provided fantastic training andassessment support to our business and our fitting partners.”

Flooring Assessments offers NVQ assessment to all fitters, in most casesit is completely funded, the fitter may be of either employed or selfemployed status. The fitter is assessed on site, there is no classroomwork and no need to attend college – the assessor goes to the place ofwork and assesses on site.

T 07515 885912 www.flooringassessments.com

Online apprentices

Carpet Recycling UK’s fourth Annual Conference opens inBirmingham on July 11th with a packed programme providinginformation and inspiration for all sectors of the carpet waste supplychain, including presentations from leading American carpet recyclers.

Preceding the one-day event at the city’s Institute of Engineering andTechnology will be a networking dinner on July 10th. This yearsponsorship is provided by Invista, manufacturers of ANTRON®

Carpet Fibres.

The conference is aimed at organisations seeking outlets for theircarpet waste as well as carpet manufacturers and firms interested innew recycling technologies. A new format features three parallel‘breakout’ sessions in the afternoon allowing attendees to select themost relevant talks for them. Topics will include wasteprevention/redesign, reuse, recycling and energy from waste (EfW).

Up to 100 delegates are expected at the event, which is organised byresource recoveryspecialists Axion Consulting.Axion manages CarpetRecycling UK, the industry-backed association forrecycling and reusing wastecarpet.

CRUK Co-ordinator JaneGardner of AxionConsulting comments:“Delegates havetremendous opportunitiesto learn about available andemerging technologies forcarpet recycling, as well asto meet those already inthe business and findoutlets for their carpetwaste.

To register, please call Marie Rhodes on 0161 440 8325 or email:[email protected].

T 0161 440 8325 www.carpetrecyclinguk.com

Recofloor, the UK’s vinyl flooring take-back scheme, celebrated successand its vinyl flooring recycling champions at its second annual awards andseminar event in April at The Building Research Establishment InnovationPark (BRE), Watford.

Flooring companies, contractors and distributors collected trophies andcertificates in six major award categories plus Gold and Silver groupings atthe ‘Recofloor – Closing the Loop’, event, which also featured key speakerscovering sustainability topics across the flooring and construction sectors.

In the morning seminar session, Dr Jason Leadbitter, Sustainability &Compliance Manager at INEOS ChlorVinyls explored the key sustainabilitycredentials of PVC for use in the construction sector. Other guest speakersincluded Richard Catt, Chief Executive Officer at the Contract FlooringAssociation and Mike Falconer-Hall of WRAP on Recofloor’s contribution tothe Halving Waste to Landfill initiative.

Since 2009 when it was founded by leading flooring manufacturers Altro and Polyflor, Recofloor has achieved great success in working withthe supply chain to divert a total 785 tonnes of vinyl flooring waste from landfill. A 137% year on year increase of waste vinyl collectedbetween 2010 (188 tonnes) and 2011 (447 tonnes) is testament to its tremendous achievement.

The Recofloor awards have been comprised principally from 2011 results, but also take into account those collectors who have madesignificant contributions to the scheme that warrant recognition. The awards were presented by directors of Recofloor’s founder companies,Altro and Polyflor, Geoff Cleverdon and John Whitesmith.

T 0161 355 7618 www.recofloor.org

Recycling celebration

Left to right - Geoff Cleverdon (Altro), Mark Merryweather (HullFlooring), Rebecca Pridham (Alan Parker Flooring), Jamie Wilkins(Tingdene Homes), Mark Mulchinock (The Axiom Group), EllenBunting (CB Contracts) and John Whitesmith (Polyflor)

Left to right: Keith Mallinson, Nottingham store manager Carpetright andMatthew Bourne, Floorskills head of training handing over the courseinvitation to Simon Bell for the store fitters.


NewsStocklistsThe

Classified

NICF

FOXISuper PlusThe Rug Tamer! Keeps Rugs In Their Place

COMBINATION UNDERLAYSNEEDLEFELT UNDERLAYS

For orders and further information, please ringP&R Ratcliffe (Underlays) Ltd.Burnley, Lancashire BB10 3BH

Tel: 01282 421026, Fax: 01282 412321www.foxirugtamer.co.uk

UNDER RUGSFOR SALE

SPECIAL OFFERSShaggy Rugs 45mm Pile Height - Acrylic Yarn

with Latex Back - Anti Slip

120 cms Circular £12.95120 x 170 cms £17.95

Assorted Colours - Subject Unsold Ref: SL/512

Selected Rug and Matting Ltd020 7407 8471 - [email protected]

StocklistsThe

Classified

66 FlooringNewsMay 2012

SITUATIONS VACANT

Regional Sales ManagerReporting to the Managing Director, Bury.

Significant salary to reflect the responsibility.A rare opportunity to join at a senior level Cormar Carpets

the ‘UK Manufacturing’ brand leader in tufted carpets.

Over the last few years, Cormar has continued to expand and as a consequence of a retirement in its Sales team require a self-motivated, positive and enthusiastic individual to join

their Management team.

The successful candidate will be responsible for managing andworking with a team of Sales Representatives who sell to

independent carpet retailers.

The role involves working with the Managing Director and twoother Regional Managers to develop and implement sales and

growth strategies. The applicant must have good commercial skillsand a proven track record.

Applicants must have good written and spoken communicationskills, the ability to get on with people and work as a team player.

Much of this role will involve motivating, supporting and developingthe team. Applicants must also be able to prioritise work and

respond well under pressure.

Knowledge of the carpet trade is not essential. Howeverexperience in managing and directing a sales team is vital.

If you are interested in joining a family run business in this varied andchallenging role then please forward your C.V. with a hand written coveringletter summarising your relevant skills and experience to Carla Grant, HR Manager, Cormar Carpets, Brookhouse Mill, Bury, BL8 4HR. Close date is June 29th

Operations ManagerBolton £Negotiable + Benefits

The Metro Group is one of the UK’s leading Carpet and FloorCovering Buying Groups currently with in excess of 150 membersacross the UK and with well developed relationships with theleading manufacturers and suppliers.

The Group is now seeking to appoint an Operations Manager to takeresponsibility for the day to day operation of the Group, leading anddirecting the Head Office team in Bolton to ensure the highest level ofservice delivery to members. Reporting to the Board the personappointed will work closely with manufacturers and suppliersmaintaining effective relationships and ensuring competitive deals arenegotiated for members; as well as maintaining positive relationshipswith existing members and developing the offerings to them andstriving to ensure that the Group is an attractive proposition toencourage new members.

Ideally you will have a proven track record of experience within the carpet& floor covering industry with a strong commercial and sales background.Proven management and leadership skills with the ability to communicateacross all levels are also essential requirements for this position.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone with drive and enthusiasmto contribute to and to be a key player in the future growth and successof this market leading operation. Success will be rewarded by careerdevelopment and chance to take a more prominent role going forward.

Please send a letter of application detailing what you are able to bringto this job and what you believe that you can contribute together withyour CV to our retained consultant Bob Cox at:[email protected] or call him for more information on 01202 875900.

SALES MANAGER & SALES ASSISTANTS The Floorstore is a leading independent carpet and wood flooringcompany based in Leeds. We currently have a position for a sales

manager and also sales assistants.

The successful candidate will be dealing with both retail and trade customersand will be able to demonstrate a proven track record in customer service andsales. Candidates must be adaptable, flexible and reliable with a willingnessto learn. Experience in retail flooring is desirable but not essential, withexperience in the interior design and contract market an advantage.

If you are a hard worker with enthusiasm drive, ambition and a desire tosucceed, please contact Steven Walker at The Floorstore, 91 Roseville Road,Sheepscar, Leeds LS8 5DR or [email protected], for an informal chat,alternatively please send your CV to the above address.

Competitive salary package negotiable dependent on skills and experience.

AGENTS REQUIREDSimply Rugs have been supplying Carpet and FurnitureRetailers for 20 years. We require successful agents to promoteour range of heatset and wool rugs in territories nationwide,including Home Counties, London, East/West Midlands, NorthEast and other areas. We offer high rates of commission.

For more info, please contact Nick Clinch on 01264 352218 oremail [email protected]

Advertise here!Call Diane Martin on 01482 659396

FloorsitesPlug-in an ‘instant’ flooring industrywebsite branded for your store or businessfor just £390 set-up + £90 per year

Check out our dummy site at www.thestocklists.com/floorsites

Contact David for more details: [email protected]

67from The Stocklists May 2012

StocklistsThe

ClassifiedSITUATIONS VACANT

Interested in the above? Send letter and CV to [email protected] or post CV to HR Manager, Designer Contracts, 5 Freshwaters, Park Road, Chesterfield S42 5UY.

Biggin HillAdministrator with warehouse dutiesYou need good administration skills,computer knowledge, excellentcommunication skills and whennecessary be able to load and unload carpets

Warehouse Operative You need to be able to load andunload carpets, book goods in andout and deal with aspects ofadministration

Birmingham – SaltleySenior Administrator Must have excellent administrationand supervisory experience and bevery organised

BrentwoodEstimator/Planner Primarily Office based - must be ableto estimate, plan and price floorcovering from working drawings and on site

EastleighOperations Manager – knownas Contracts Manager You must be able to manage a smallteam, promote sales and be able toestimate, plan and price floorcoverings. Be very organised, haveexcellent communication and IT skillsand be able to drive.

SloughArea Manager (Excellent basic + commission + Audi A3) We require an Area Manager todevelop our new region and run ouroperations on a day to day basiswhich will involve managing a smallteam, looking after existing customersand bringing in new ones

Exeter – Marsh Barton EstateSales Manager (Excellent basic + commission + Audi A3) Must be absolutely focused on salesin order to gain new business andlook after our present customers

Administrator with warehouse duties Good administration skills required,computer knowledge, excellentcommunication skills and able to loadand unload carpets

Newport, Gwent

Sales Manager (Excellent basic + commission + Audi A3) Must be absolutely focused on salesin order to gain new business andlook after our present customers

Preston – Longridge Rd Administrator with warehouse duties You need good administration skills,computer knowledge, excellentcommunication skills and whennecessary be able to load and unload carpets

Southern basedSales Manager in Design(Excellent Salary + Commission + Audi A3) Absolute focus on Show Home salesrequired across the South of thecountry. You will need to work closelywith our Design team and must beable to manage close clientrelationships as well as having anunderstanding of the building industryand interior design. Must be able to drive.

If you want to join a forwardlooking Company who has rapidlyexpanded over the past few yearsand increased their turnover by25% just in the last 12 months,then look no further.

We need staff including Managersand subcontract fitters to furtherour progress either to strengthenour new regions being opened orour existing regional structure. We are nationwide based withoffices and warehouses in BigginHill, Birmingham, Brentwood,Chesterfield, Corby, Eastleigh,Exeter, Falkirk, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Newport (Gwent), Prestonand Slough.

Our staff positions are full time

Monday to Friday with excellent

salary packages which all have the

benefit of health care, life cover, staff

discount and staff bonuses.

Even if the position you are lookingfor is not mentioned below, pleasestill contact us.

All positions require highly motivated,confident, successful individuals who are keen to succeed.

GOOD QUALITY FITTERS required for our Depot’s nationally whichare mentioned above; working on a sub-contract basis. Must have own van.Plenty of work available for:

• Carpet – domestic • Amtico/Kardean• Vinyl • Laminate• Contract Flooring • Cap and Cove• Communal areas • Curtain fitters • Furniture pack installers

Interested in being a sub-contract fitter – phone 01246 854577 for details

www.designercontracts.com Email: [email protected]

Designer ContractsWe are market leading suppliers of Floor covering, Curtains, furniture packs, lighting and Show Homes to the House Building Industry

the stocklists - june 2012

Documents