The Stocklists - July 2011

Stocklistswith4 July 2011 FlooringNews

The

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

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 8-9

Carpet Company Directory 14-15

Carpet trouble-shooter 12-13

Carpet types 5

Pattern book page —

Underlay 10

Wholesaler Distribution Directory 16-18

Wool fibre page 11

Woolsafe: the carpet care guide 6-7

ISSN 2046-7338 © Mayville Publishing Co. Ltd. 2011 Issue: 436Every care is taken in compiling this magazine, but the proprietors assume no responsibility in the effects arising therefrom.

FlooringFactsheets

StocklistsThe

FIRST FOR FLOORING NEWS AND DATA

Wool goes in the blenderTough times mean more 50/50 page 41

� carpets/rugs/tiles woods/laminates/smooths

� accessories/services/organisations � fibres � underlay

� wholesalers/distributors � adhesives

Classified advertising........................................ pages 63

4 JULY 2011

Sales surge at RoyalWedding firm page 40

Get with the Groups

New Zealand’sLaneve traceablewool comes tomarket pages 59

UK manufactured Carpet Cutting Machines

WWW.CARPETCUTTINGMACHINES.CO.UK

Victoria highness

Monthly ‘Stocklisters’ shown in BOLD

Index Page Contact Price No No List Date

� ABINGDON...................................................— 01274 655662 —

� ACCU-CUT....................................................IFC 0800 862 0251 —

� ADORE.............................................................50 01675433075 —

� AFS .................................................................19 020 8805 8620 July 2011

� ASSOCIATED�WEAVERS ..................— 01422 431100 —

� BONDWORTH ........................................20 01562 745000 June 2011

� BRITISH�WOOL ....................................61 01274 688 666 —

� BROCKWAY�CARPETS�LTD. .......21 01562 828200 Mar 2010

� BRONTE .....................................................— 01282 862736 —

�CARPENTER............................................BC 01457 861141 —

� CARPET & FLOORING ...............................— 01527 511 860 —

� CAVALIER.....................................................FC,47 01254 268000 —

� CAVALIO..........................................................52 01782 569840 —

� COLUMBIA�FLOORING ...................22 0208 443 3322 —

� CONTEMPORARY LIFE...............................— 01254 296829 —

� DYNE.................................................................35 0161 877 8877 —

� EDEL�TELENZO......................................23 01422 374417 —

� FITA ...................................................................62 01159 506836 —

� FLOORWISE .............................................18 01509 673974 —

� FORBO FLOORING.....................................53 01592 647222 —

� FURLONG�FLOORING ...................24,25 01772 696787 Nov 2010

�HARROGATE�FLOORING�SHOW ....57 01423 779967 —

� HECKMONDWIKE................................26 01924 410544 —

� INTERFLOOR.................................................37 01706 213131 —

� IVC GROUP ....................................................51 +32 5665 3211 —

� MERRYFIELD GROUP ...................................3 01422 373799 —

� MOHAWK .................................................27 01480 479830 —

� NICF ...............................................................62 0115 958 3077 —

� RACKHAMS..............................................28 020 85319225 —

� RYALUX............................................................— 0845 652 8811 —

� SOLENT�WHOLESALE�CARPET .....29 01243 774623 Jul/Aug 2011

� STAIRRODS�UK�LIMITED...............34 01207 591176 —

� STS�FLOORING�DISTRIBUTORS......30 0845 341000 July 2011

� TAT TEXTILE...................................................39 — —

� TARKETT .........................................................54 01622 854040 —

� T�&�E�DISPLAY�GROUP� ..................59 0121 585 7600 —

� TRIPLE KING...................................................3 01274 582056 —

� WESTON�HAMMER� ...........................31 0845 644 9090 —

Buying groups get theirheads together at theSolihull show pages 44-47

Premier premiere

The top five designs and decorspages 49-54,

Vinyl hotshots 2011

Make an entranceDennis Flower takes a closer look at halls and stairspage 42-43

4 THE STOCKLISTS July 2011

Adhesives

Flooring Factsheet

5THE STOCKLISTS July 2011

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

Velvet/Plush Frieze

Twist Berber

Saxony Shag



Velvet/Plush Frieze

Twist Berber

Saxony Shag



Velvet/Plush Frieze

Twist Berber

Saxony Shag



Velvet/Plush Frieze

Twist Berber

Saxony Shag

Flooring factsheet

Carpet�types


Flooring factsheetCarpet�care�guide�from�WOOLSAFE� maintenance • cleaning • spot removal • protection • inspection

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�Network

For experienced, specialist wool carpet cleaners

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

registered-carpet-cleaner.

WOOLSAFE Registered�Inspectors

Solve disputes with customers with our

independent carpet complaint Investigators. Just

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

inspector and call your nearest inspector.

WOOLSAFE Approved�Products

Have confidence in the cleaning product you

recommend, use the WOOLSAFE Approved

Products Directory it contains only safe and

effective carpet cleaning products. For spot

removers visit: www.woolsafe.org/spotremovers

Carpet�Care�Leaflets

We offer to help you develop custom carpet care

literature and we also offer generic carpet care

leaflets designed to be given away with each cut of

carpet. Correct�carpet�maintenance

should�start�from�day�one.

Web�pages�and�Links�

We offer to help you develop custom carpet care

pages for your website or you can link to our

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

accurate advice.

Contact us by email, telephone or post to:

The WOOLSAFE Organisation

49 Boroughgate, Otley, LS29 8NR

Tel: 01943 850817

E-mail: [email protected] or visit

www.woolsafe.org

The�WOOLSAFE Organisation�–

promoting�quality�carpet�and�rug�care

since�1991.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�WOOLSAFE

approved�products. Look for the WOOLSAFE

Mark on the bottle or package.

It�is�best�to�engage�the

services�of�a�professional

carpet�&�upholstery

cleaning�company.To get a

really expert job done entrust the

work to a WOOLSAFE accredited

carpet cleaning company.

These companies are fully trained, have been in

business for a considerable length of time, are

members of one or more recognised professional

trade associations related to the cleaning industry

and have a reputation for top quality service. And

they use�only�WOOLSAFE-approved

cleaning�agents on your wool carpets and rugs!

If you have a problem with a carpet or 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�Inspectors

have extensive experience in

investigating the causes for carpet

complaints based on their practical

involvement with carpets and rugs

over many years.

They are fully qualified to

investigate carpet and rug complaints on-site on

behalf of carpet manufacturers, retailers, cleaning

companies and carpet owners. They can carry out or

commission tests where required, and will provide

comprehensive reports.

To contact an inspector in your area call

01943 462127, email: [email protected], or

visit: www.woolsafe.org / Private Householder /

Registered Inspectors

The Green WOOLSAFE

Mark identifies those

products that not�only

are�the�most

suitable�for wool and

other quality carpets, but

also�have�the�right

environmental

characteristics.


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…

• 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.uk

Contact: David KippingTel: 01204 393539

[email protected]

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

www.flooringone.co.ukContact: Glenn Harding

Tel: 0121 683 [email protected]

Read the reviews of the first

Buying Groups National Floor

Show at SOLIHULL.

See pages 44-47.

Bond Retail Marketing

“Bond Retail Marketing, not justa buying group...”

Although a negotiating and buying function is amajor part of it’s business, BRM offers its retailersa varied menu of services to choose from.

• Department Design and Installation

• Range Planning and Maintenance

• GP% Return and Business Planning

• Retailers own Brand Design and Ranges• Group Collective Rebates no Individual Targets

“Not Standing Still...”

Web based trading, advertising and productsearches are vital to a modern retail industry.BRM created www.beautifulflooring.co.uk for itsretailers to put them on the map. Each retailerhas its own on-line store within the main site,making www.beautifulflooring.co.uk a uniquevisual opportunity.

“Small is Beautiful...”

For the full story please contact

PAUL PHILLIPS - Managing Director TEL: 01892 549 050 EMAIL: [email protected]

Featured buying group this month:

BRM retailers are given geographical protection and assuch the number of retailers is carefully monitored toenable the BRM team to give a high level of service.

“We have worked with BondRetail Marketing for over eightyears now and have alwaysfound them to be a mostvalued asset to the success ofour carpet and flooringbusiness.”

Robert BianchiDirectorAright Bianchi -Macclesfield



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�rubber

The 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)�foam

PU 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 its light weight helps handling. The product can be re-cycled again after use.

Crumb�rubber

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

Laminate�underlay

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

Combination

A 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�underlay

Always 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.

Felt

This 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�underlay

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

Benefits

www.underlay.com

www.numa-online.co.uk

www.interfloor.com

www.interfloor.com

Specialists in pre-tacked underlays,soft fibre boards & Roberts Tools.

www.estillon.co.uk

www.carpenter.limited.uk

www.floorwise.co.uk

Types

Sponge rubber Crumb

Combination PU foam


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�Carpet

aboutwool.com


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


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.

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

Abingdon�Flooring 01274 655694

Adam�Carpets�Ltd

Be Tu Tw W Ww 01562 829966

Alternative�Flooring� 01264 335111

Associated�Weavers

Tw Tu 01422 431100

Avena�Carpets�Ltd

Tu Ww 01422 330261

Axwoven�Carpets�Ltd

Ax Be 0121 550 5788

Axminster�Carpets�Ltd

Ax Be Tw 01297 32244

Bajong�Carpets�NV

Tu Tw W +32 56783250

Balta�Industries�NV

Tu Tw W Ww +32 56 62 2211

Beaulieu�International�Group

Be Pr Tu Tw +32 56 67 66 11

Belvedere�CarpetsTu W 020 8800 0740

[email protected]

www.belvederecarpets.co.uk

Betap�Tufting�BV

Tu Tw W +31 383 861 060

BIC�Carpets

Be Tw W +32 56 23 54 10

Bizspoke�Custom�Carpets

Be Tw W 01924 488882

Blenheim�Carpets

Ax Be Tw W Ww 020 7823 3040

BMK 0113 380 5333

Bond�Worth�Ltd

Ax 01562 745000

Brintons

Ax 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

Burmatex

Tu 01924 262525

Cavalier�Carpets�Ltd

Ax Be Tu Tw W Ww 01254 268000

Christy�Carpets

Tu 019078 308777

Clarendon�Carpets

Tw 01675 433066

Classis�Carpets

Tu W Ww 0870 020 1725

Condor�Carpets�BV

Tu +31 38 4778911

Contemporary�Life�&�TextilesBe Tw 01254 296829

[email protected]

www.contemporarylife.co.uk

Cormar�Carpets�LtdTu Tw W 01204 881 234

[email protected]

www.cormarcarpets.co.uk

Couristan�Carpets

Ax Tu W Ww 800 223 6186

Craigie�Carpets

Be 01294 558400

Creative�Carpets�Ltd

Be Tu Tw W 0116 284 1455

Creatuft�Carpets

Tu W +32 56 35 4444

Custom�Carpet�Company

Ax Be Tu Tw W Ww 01737 830301

Dan-Floor�UK

W 01454 858014

Domo�International

Be Pr Tu Tw W +32 92 41 4511

Drury�Lane�Carpets�Ltd

Be Tu Tw W 01254 296829

E�&�WE�Carpets

W 01562 825952

Edel�Telenzo�Carpets�LtdTu Tw W 01422 374 417

[email protected]

www.edeltelenzocarpets.co.uk

Enterprise�Weaving�Co

Be Ww 01562 745030

Fells�CarpetsWw 01977 662211

[email protected]

www.fellscarpets.co.uk

Fetcham�Furnishings�Ltd

Tw 020 8944 6220

Fletco�Taepper�A/S

Tu W +45 96 60 3000

The Stocklists

Carpet�Company�Directory

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


Belvedere Carpets

Furlong�FlooringTw W 01772 696 787

[email protected]

www.furlongflooring.co.uk

Gaskell�Wool�Rich

Tu Tw W 01827 831525

Gaskell�Mackay�Carpets�Ltd

Ax Tu Tw W 01429 892525

Georgian�Carpets

Tu Tw W 01827 831430

Godfrey�Hirst�(GB)�Ltd

Tu 0800 526696

Halbmond�Teppichwerke

Be Pr Tu +49 037 421 420

Heckmondwike�FB 01924 410544

ITC

Be Pr Tw 0032 51 424 411

John�Lanham�Watts�Carpets

Ax Tw Ww 01937 588511

John�Evans�Ltd

Ax Tu Tw W 0161 368 2563

Joseph�Hamilton�&�Seaton

W 01827 831400

Kingsmead�Carpets

Tu Tw W 01827 831 424

Lano�NVAx Pr Tu Tw W Ww +32 56 65 4300

[email protected]

www.lano.com

Le�Tissage�d'Arcade

Ax Ww +32 05685 4747

Lecaflor�Ltd

Ax Be Pr Tu Tw W Ww 0800 78 33 712

Leigh�Spinners�Ltd

Tw 01942 673232

Louis�de�Poortere

W +32 56 393 386

Lusotufo

Tu 01388 664101

Manx�Carpets

Tw W 01827 831 434

Mayfield�Carpets

Tu Tw W 01706 639 866

MID�NL

Be +31 38 851 8700

Mohawk�Europe01480 479830

[email protected] 01480 471304

www.mohawkinternational.com

Mr�Tomkinson

Tw Ww 01827 831 450

Ossfloor�UK 01675 433031

Penthouse�Carpets

Tu Tw W 01706 341231

Phoenox�Textiles�

Pr Tu 01484 863227

Pownall�Carpets

Tw W 0845 6528811

Roger�Vanden�Berghe.NV

Tu Ww +32 56 73 57 11

Ryalux�Carpets�Ltd

Be Tu Tw W 0845 652 8811

Sans�Frontieres�Ltd

Be Pr Tu Tw W Ww 0844 5611977

Shaw�Home�Foundations

Tu 01675 433 501

TAT�Carpet 07976 607657

Tapibel�NV

Pr Tu Tw 01623 481 221

Tasibel�NV

Tw +32 52 499600

The�Grosvenor�Wilton�Co

W Ww 01562 701456

The�Sultana�Carpet�Co

Ax 01299 822300

The�Wilton�Carpet�Co

Ax W Ww 0845 296 8850

Thomas�Witter�UK�Ltd

Tu Tw 0870 1128318

Timzo�Tufting�Industry�BV

Tu +31 38 385 4477

Tisca�Tiara

Tu Ww +41 71 791 0111

Trendy�Tuft�Designs

Be Tu Tw W 01274 855080

Ulster�Carpets

Ax Be Tu Tw W Ww 02838 334433

United�Carpets�&�Beds

Tw W Ww 01709 732 666

Victoria�Carpets

Tu Tw W Ww 01562 749300

Vorwerk 08700 104484

Westex�Carpets

Tu 01274 861334

Weston�Hammer

W 0845 644 9090

Whitestone�Weavers�Ltd

Ax Be Tu Tw W Ww 01429 892555

Wilkies�Carpets

Tw 0113 307 9955

Woodward�Grosvenor

Ax Tu Tw W Ww 0800 526696

Wool�Classics

Tu Ww 0207 349 1560

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�Directory

NationalFells�Carpets

Goole

01977 662211

[email protected]


North EastCarpet�&�Flooring�

Gateshead

0191 482 7373

[email protected]

www.carpetandflooring.co.uk

Fells�Carpets

Goole

01977 662211

[email protected]


Floorwise�(North�East)�Ltd�

Birtley - see Floorwise p18

Vanguard�Carpets

Redditch

0845 601 1189

customerservices.redditch@

carpetandflooring.co.uk

www.vanguardcarpets.co.uk

Wood�Floor�Sales

Redditch

01527 511888

help.redditch@


www.woodfloorsales.com

North West A&A�Carpets

Manchester

01204 701188

[email protected]

www.aandacarpets.co.uk

D.�M.�Miller�Ltd

Manchester

0161 205 9949

[email protected]

www.dmmillerltd.spaces.lives.com

Fells�Carpets

Goole

01977 662211

[email protected]


Kellars�Ltd

Stockport

0161 443 0970

[email protected]

Lee�Floorstok�Ltd

Liverpool - see Floorwise p18

Lee�Floorstok�Ltd

Manchester - see Floorwise p18

MCA�Floorwise�Ltd

Morecambe - see Floorwise p18

Mytton�Flooring�

Norwich - see Floorwise p18

Millbrook�Carpets

Darwen

01254 703999

[email protected]

Vanguard�Carpets

Redditch

0845 601 1189




Carpet�&�Flooring

Manchester

0161 786 6800

manchester@




Redditch

01527 511888

help.redditch@



MidlandsCarpet�&�Flooring�

Birmingham

0121 421 9131

birmingham@



DMS�Flooring�Supplies

Northampton

0845 643 5601

dmsnorthampton@

dmsflooringsupplies.co.uk

Floorwise�D�&�J�Ltd

Southam- see Floorwise p18

J�J�Wholesale�&�Distribution�Ltd

Birmingham

0121 765 4994

[email protected]

RPS�Flooring

Mansfield Woodhouse

- see Floorwise p18

STS�Flooring�Distributors

Watford

08454 342000

[email protected]

www.stsflooring.com

see page 30 for details

Vanguard�Carpets

Redditch

0845 601 1189





Redditch

01527 511888

help.redditch@



Woodall�Brothers�Ltd�

Shrewsbury - see Floorwise p18

EastBeds�Flooring

Bedford

01234 341234

[email protected]

www.bedsflooring.co.uk

Faithfull�Floorcovering

Suffolk

01473 822341

[email protected]

www.faithfulls.co.uk

STS�Flooring�Distributors�Ltd

Cambridge

Tel: 01954 781142

[email protected]

www.stsflooring.com

See page 30 for details

Vanguard�Carpets

Redditch

0845 601 1189





Redditch

01527 511888

help.redditch@



South EastAcorn�Carpet�Accessories

Bromley, Kent - see Floorwise p18

AFS

Middlesex

020 8805 8620

[email protected]


Ashmount�Flooring

Supplies�Ltd�

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�Directory

Beds�Flooring

Bedford

01234 341234

[email protected]

www.bedsflooring.co.uk

Carpet�&�Flooring

Bow

020 8525 5691

[email protected]


Carpet�&�Flooring�

Camberley

01276 672100

[email protected]


Columbia�Flooring

Middlesex

020 8443 3322

[email protected]

www.columbiaflooring.co.uk



Hemel Hempstead

0845 643 5344

[email protected]


Milton Keynes

0845 643 5320

[email protected]

Faithfulls�Service�Centre

Kent

01322 285001

Faithfulls�Service�Centre

Walthamstow

0208 498 3040

[email protected]

Faithfull�Floorcovering

Suffolk

01473 822341

[email protected]

www.faithfulls.co.uk

Kent�Flooring�Supplies�Ltd

Chatham

01634 668668

[email protected]

www.kentflooring.co.uk

Littner�Hampton

London

020 8520 8474

[email protected]

www.littnerhamptoncarpets.co.uk

Potts�&�Ward,�Woodcocks

Ltd

Brighton

01273 557211

[email protected]

www.pwwflooring.co.uk

Rackhams

London

020 8531 9225

[email protected]

www.rackhamsltd.co.uk


Salesmark�

Lancing, - see Floorwise p18

Solent�Wholesale�Carpet

West Sussex

01243 774623

[email protected]

www.solentwholesale.co.uk


STS�Flooring�Distributors�

Orpington/Croydon

0845 434 1000

[email protected]

www.stsflooring.com


Vanguard�Carpets

Redditch

0845 601 1189

customerservices.redditch@carpet

andflooring.co.uk


Wessex�Flooring�

Amesbury - see Floorwise p18


Redditch

01527 511888

[email protected]


South West Carpet�&�Flooring�

Bristol

0117 316 0555

[email protected]


Fitwell�Flooring�Ltd�

Redruth - see Floorwise p18

Fitwell�Flooring�Ltd

Newton Abott - see Floorwise p18

Solent�Wholesale�Carpet

West Sussex

01243 774623

[email protected]

www.solentwholesale.co.uk


STS�Flooring�Distributors

Thame (Oxford)

01844 213555

[email protected]

www.stsflooring.com


Vanguard�Carpets

Redditch

0845 601 1189


andflooring.co.uk



Redditch

01527 511888

[email protected]


ScotlandCarpet�&�Flooring

Glasgow

0141 427 8456

[email protected]


C.�K.�Davie�Ltd�

Aberdeen - see Floorwise p18

C.�K.�Davie�Ltd

Dundee - see Floorwise p18

Headlam�Scotland�

North Lanarkshire

01698 831 000

[email protected]

www.headlamscotland.co.uk

Neil�Smith�Ltd��

Glasgow - see Floorwise p18

WalesCarpet�&�Flooring�

Bristol

0117 316 0555

[email protected]


Roma�Flooring�

Neath - see Floorwise p18

Vanguard�Carpets

Redditch

0845 601 1189


andflooring.co.uk



Redditch

01527 511888

[email protected]


IrelandProvincial�Floorcoverings�Ltd

Dublin - see Floorwise p18

Provincial�Floorcoverings�Ltd

Belfast - see Floorwise p18

Provincial�Floorcoverings�Ltd

Limerick - See Floorwise p18

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 261112

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 12Tel: 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 OFFICEFloorwise 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

4

56

7

89

11

10

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

National�Network�of�Floorwise�Distributors


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 July 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 , Hampshire, South LondonNick Hart Tel: 07771 967609 Essex, East LondonKarl Goult Tel: 07957 685428 North London, West London, North West London, Middlesex, Herts.Zac Marsh Tel: 07828 663325 Kent, South East LondonSteve Feher Tel: 07771 616018 Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire

NATURAL/LOOPSNOMAD 50/50 Nat 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 TWISTVIVA TWIST PP TwistSALT N PEPPER PP Twist

LOOP PILE AND CORDPINCH FELT Needle Punch CordPINCH FOAM Needle Punch ROCKY HB Loop Pile CordROCKY FB Loop Pile CordTITAN CORD Loop Pile Gel Back

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 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 PLUS Excellon TwistPRIMO ULTRA Excellon TwistPRIMO TWEED Excellon TwistPRIMO SAXONY Excellon SaxonyWEST COUNTRY 50 80/10/10 50 oz Twist

CORMAR CARPETS 3/5 DAYS DELIVERYAVEBURY 100% Pure New WoolLINDISFARNE 100% Pure New WoolTOWN AND COUNTRY 80/10/10 60 oz TwistWEST COUNTRY 60 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 UnderlayGRAPHITE 15 m2 Light Weight PE

WOOD FLOOR UNDERLAYSBOARDWALK (Timbermate) 15 m2 3.75mm 23dB Moisture BarrierALL IN ONE 10 m2 3mm 20dB Self Adhesive StripCOMFORT SILVER 15 m2 2.5mm 18dB PE Foam + Foil

TREDAIRE PU UNDERLAYSALPHA 15 m2 8mm Tredaire PUOMEGA 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


BOND WORTH

NEW PRICE LIST EFFECTIVE

1ST JUNE 2011

TRADITIONAL WOVEN CARPET

The newest design to be added to ourpastimes collection features a return torich reds and sumptuous details.

Pastimes Red Jacobean, 2-9901. Available3.66m wide.

Townshend Works, Puxton Lane, Kidderminster,Worcestershire, DY11 5DF.Sales: 01562 745000 Fax: 01562 732827New trade price list effective 1st June 2011

Variations Axminster80% Wool / 20% Nylon available 3.66m

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

Range comprises 5 Designs3-3555 Sapphire - Early August21-3555 Malachite - Early JulyStocked items Delivery 14 Days from Order

New Afghan Axminster80% Wool / 20% Nylon available 4.00m

Range comprises 12 Designs4-9078 Pampas - Mid July2-9101 Anatolia - Early AugustStocked items Delivery 14 Days from Order

88%

STOCKED

Wensleydale Axminster80% Wool / 20% Nylon available 3.66m

Range comprises 8 Designs1-3527 Sherwood Sage - Mid July4-3527 Willowdale Bramble - Early July11-3527 Sherwood Moss - Mid JulyStocked items Delivery 14 Days from Order

Camargue Axminster80% Wool / 20% Nylon available 3.66m

Range comprises 10 Designs4-7038 - Regal Garden - Early JulyStocked items Delivery 14 Days from Order

Cornell & Stanford Axminster80% Wool / 20% Nylon available 4.00m

Range comprises 5 Colourways in 2 DesignsCornell 1-9301 Lawnswood - Early JulyStanford 2-9300 Venetian Red - Mid AugustStocked items Delivery 14 Days from Order

Range comprises 5 Designs - All StockStocked items Delivery 14 Days from Order

PASTIMES

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

Range comprises 8 Designs - All StockStocked items Delivery 14 Days from Order


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


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 Midlands, South Wales(Wholesalers)Paul 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] Telenzo Carpets, 2- 4 Southgate, Elland, West Yorkshire, HX5 0BW.

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

In this new era of more cautious and consideredspending, it’s vital to be able to offer customersadditional features and benefits.

At Edel Telenzo we’re proud to be one of only a handful of approved partners for 3M ScotchgardProtector for carpets. The majority of our 100% wool and wool mix carpets are treated withScotchgard Protector as part of the manufacturing process – you can identify which ones from pricelists and sample labels.

What can you say to consumers about the benefits of Scotchgarding? Quite a lot!

• Scotchgard branded products provide a protective treatment by surrounding each individual carpetfibre with an invisible shield, making the carpet resistant to water-based and oil-based stains, aswell as soiling from everyday use.

• Carpets treated with Scotchgard Protector are more resistant to staining and soiling and are easierto clean, so the carpet stays looking good for longer.

• Carpets treated with Scotchgard Protector stay clean two-three times longer than a similaruntreated carpet

• Scotchgard Protector is applied at the mill as part of the manufacturing process. It treats the entirecarpet – from the tips of the fibre all the way to the carpet backing – locking the protection intoeach individual fibre, to provide durable, lasting protection against dirt, spills and stains.

Why do we choose Scotchgard? Because wethink it’s the best. Developed and marketed by3M for over 50 years, the product has evolvedover the years and meets current internationalstandards for containing chemicals which areneither toxic to humans nor bio-accumulativein the environment.

Always make sure recipients of our carpetsreceive a copy of our care instructions, whichwill provide advice on how to care for ourcarpets and deal with any spills or stains. It’simportant to point out that Scotchgardshouldn’t be overlaid with any other soilrepellent treatment and also that itsperformance will diminish every time a carpetis cleaned using hotwater extraction andcustomers shouldconsider having thetreatment re-applied,preferably by anaccreditedprofessional carpetcleaner.

Chelsea

Nature Wool Select

NEW CARPET CARE LEAFLET Don’t forget we’ve just updated our maintenance and care leaflets.We do strongly recommend that these are given to all customersbuying our carpets, as the information really does reassure them andhelp to minimise after sales queries and concerns. Contact the officeon the numbers above if you’d like some copies.

OUT NOW

A LITTLE EXTRA CAN GOA LONG WAY

Best-selling products at every price point

Large group stock-holdingExtensive tufting expertise Effective service systems Fast delivery fleet

As a UK manufacturer and distributor, Furlong’s objective is

simply to offer its customers the best of all worlds in terms of

price, service and quality – a partnership that retailers can rely

on and a comprehensive product range that consumers will

respond to.

Furlong’s wholly-owned manufacturing company,

Regency Carpets, is one of the UK’s top three tufters with a

modern plant located in Bangor, Northern Ireland.

A long-term programme of substantial investment has created

a major production facility for both 4m and 5m wide carpet

and the new backing plant commissioned last year is now fully

on line.

As a result, the company can produce hundreds of thousands of

square metres of carpet every week, covering all the key sectors

– stain resistant polypropylene, wool twist, wool natural and

many others.

Being in control of its manufacturing means Furlong can control

the cost base and the quality to provide a range of products

that is competitive at each of the price points. Manufacturing

also means they can manage stock more closely and respond

to changes in demand so that the right carpet is always ready

for dispatch.

Furlong’s nationwide distribution network operates across threedepots – London, Preston and Newport – using a dedicatedfleet to carry rolls and cut lengths to our customers usuallywithin 24 hours.

Furlong’s product development team has created a portfolio ofproducts matched to the diverse needs of different customergroups, rooms styles and performance requirements. Regency’sstain-resistant ranges use their own ‘Carefree’ fibre which isbleach cleanable and offered with a warranty for absoluteconfidence. New ranges are introduced several times a year tokeep the offering fresh and interesting and respond toconsumer trends and colour shifts.

Furlong have paid particular attention to the presentation oftheir product range to consumers with market-leading point-of-sale systems incorporating the latest video technology.

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

Investing in quality and service

the aim is simply to offer customersthe best of all worlds in terms of price, service and quality


CAREFREE - the stunning new collectionContact your local representative


Here are the people who try harder

London Salestel: 01322 628707fax: 01322 698733

Preston Sales tel: 01772 696787fax: 01772 311921

Newport Salestel: 01633 283959fax: 01633 275454

Email: [email protected]

� quality� choice� availability� service� price

The Regency range ofstain-resistant carpetsticks all the boxes:

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

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

DARREN SPENDIFF M: 07791 [email protected]

RAYMOND SMITH M: 07816 [email protected]

REG HOWSON M: 07816 217548N, N W & E LONDON, [email protected]

South EastPAUL LOVELL M: 07816 217549NORFOLK, SUFFOLK & [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]

MidlandsPAUL HARRISM: 07980 786265NOTTS & [email protected]

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

MARTYN REA M: 07968 324598LEICESTER/WARWICKSHIRE/[email protected]

ScotlandGEORGE WISELY M: 07967 148665SCOTTISH [email protected]

COLIN RICHFORD M: 07970 163372WEST [email protected]

ALAN CAIRNIE M: 07976 311434EAST [email protected]

North WestGEOFF ABERNETHY M: 07970 229717CUMBRIA, POTTERIES, CHESHIRE & FYLDE [email protected]

ALAN CHEETHAM M: 07966 263571GREATER [email protected]

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

Yorkshire & North EastDES BEST M: 07968 828516NORTH [email protected]

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

REG SYKES M: 07973 403450SOUTH [email protected]

Wales & South WestBEN THOMAS M: 07794 048809S./MID & W. [email protected]

JASON BRIMBLE M: 07794 041266AVON & [email protected]

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

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

Wood FloorSpecialistsJOHN POWERS M: 07792 477312SALES MANAGERBEDS, NORTHANTS, OXON, BUCKS,MIDDLESEX, W&S LONDON, BERKS, [email protected]

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

Seeing is believingCustomers can buy with confidencewhen they see the Carefree cleanabilityin action with the new video units foryour existing Regency POS systems.

All the products shown are available in the CAREFREE Collection


Ian PullingerLondon N, EC & E postals, Essex & Middx (withinM25) 07881-502506

Simon Brenner London SE & SW postals, Kent, Surrey & Sussex 07881-502507

Mark EuesdenLondon W & NW postals, South Middx, WesternSurrey, Berks & Bucks 07875-714269

James WhiteHerts, Beds, Essex (west of M11) & North West Middx 07881-502508

Paul HensonEssex (Outside M25), Cambs & Suffolk 07837-295379

Antony StapletonSales 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 EnduranceSapphireScalaSenatorSentinel

NATURAL EFFECTAgadirAnconaAutumn SunsetCountry Treasure 4&5MChallenger BerberCraftwork Berber 4&5MDelft 4&5MGold FieldsHopscotchIvory CoastLondon Life 4&5MMarrakeshNatures WritingPromenadeRustic TreasureSan Salvador 4&5MShetland/Shetland Design 4&5MTown & Country TweedWoolweave 4&5M

SAXONY / SHAG PILEChamonixCleopatraEminenceHalf CenturyNew CenturyNobilitySplendourSupreme EleganceTennessee

CORD, NEEDLEPUNCH &ENTRANCE MATTINGBedford GelBoleroExplorerHippo MatGalaMagnum MatMagnus MatScorpioSupacord

TWISTS - STAIN RESISTBalmoralChislehurstClydeDesert Twist Deluxe 4&5mDublin Twist 2011Easy HeathersFairfield Supreme 4&5MHeathertwist Supreme 4&5mHelmsleyMoorland TwistMystery TwistPembridge TwistPortmanRhapsodySalt ‘n’ PepaStartwist/Startwist Supreme (2010 colours) 4&5M

TWISTS - WOOLDiscovery 4&5MEden Twist 30/40/50 4&5MIconic Twist 40/50 4&5MParamount 30/40 4&5MRosemount TwistSuper Sixty 4&5MThe Berber Twist Collection 40/50 4&5MUltimate Textures 4&5MUltimate Berber Twist 4&5MUltimate Twist 40/50 4&5MUltimate TweedUltimate Luxury 4&5M

VELOUR / VELVETDesigners Dream Urban Life

WILTONThe Arabica & Ceylon Wilton Collection 4&5MParallel LinesRenaissanceUltimate WiltonOakland

VINYL / SMOOTH FLOORINGBlackjack Casino RoyaleChequersEclipseMedleyMojoPuregrip XLSuregrip XLThunderball

CARPET TILESBedford CordCapital PlusMagnesiumNeutronPositronProtonQuark

Stop preSS – SUMMerS Here! – Stop preSSAnd everytHing’S bUzzing At rAckHAMS!

new Website, new ranges, new Faces! Happy Holidays!

“CHECK OUT www.rackhamsltd.com! My new website has been launched to wide acclaim, it’s being ‘hit’ rapidly! It offers everything we offer, in the

most modern medium!”

Call now to receive a copy of our

latest Summerspecial price

guide!


VICTORIABerber StripeCastillionCeltic Heathers Crown TwistDuchess EliteEasiCare (Twist, Tweed + Saxony)Gaelic HeathersImperial VelvetKelsoNatural AccentsNatural Companions (Sisal, Chenille, Ridge)Regal TwistRustic JewelsTudor Twist CollTudor Manor

LANOBolero - new coloursCampus X-tremeChiselhurstHavanaHeathertwist CollPembridge Twist - new coloursRustic BerberScalaScala TonalsSentinelStartwist CollTwilight CollWilton Naturals

BALTABergaColorado SpringsDesert Twist DeluxeDivaFiestaFusion Happy DaysHigh FlyersGala Cord-all options in stockMoorland TwistNobilityRosemountShetland Shepherd TwistStainsafe FavouriteSuper WiltaxTechnoTwisty

LUSOTUFOCeltic Horizon MandalyTangierTitan DiagonalUnique

CORMARApolloBerwick 40/50BuchananHome Counties 42/50MalabarOaklands 32Oaklands 42Oaklands 50Primo PlusWest Country

BROCKWAYAmoreCavendishCraftsman EliteCresta 40/Cresta 50MontroseOrion/Orion MajorRadnor 30/Radnor 40

DOMOAbsolute LuxuryAlpinaAuvergneCabaretFestival TwistHeather TwistMountain PeaksLegacyPlaygroundPortofinoScorpio

ITCBelgraviaConcertoConsulHeritage CollectionKretaPalaceUltimate Oak

QUICKSTEPSolent Wholesale - now a Quickstep stockist. 5 day delivery service on all ranges, verykeen prices.

TAPIBELCachetMelodyNevadaReedsSysoltex Homested/Aran/CrofterToscana

BEAULIEU carpets Adventure TwistAthena DublinDurham TwistExplorerEnduranceFashion/GalleryGrass CollectionHeavy Tread I-TwistIsis/MentuMarsMotor CarNatural LifeProntoSelectionsSweet HomesYucatanvinyls Arte Del Ceramic Celtic Stone - NEW COLOURSChessComfort GripJazzSherwood Oak Studio Sonata Texalino Supreme Urban laminatesEssentials (previously Casa)Cottage

BAJONGHome Twist SupremeMontanaMontana TwistSahara

IVCComfylux Extra ExpressionsFantasyFusionMaster GripPlanet Precious MetalsPrestoUltimate OakVictoria

MISCELLANEOUSCAVALIERCountry CollectionHamlet Parish and VillageLEIGH SPINNERSAtlasVelourTHOMAS WITTERInnovationsC&H Homestyle LVT - planks and tilesPARAGONToccarre Carpet TilesMOHAWK CARPETSCenturyHalf Century

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 July/August 2011.

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 01954 781142 01844 213555

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

Steve Osman 07919 128401Essex, Cambs, Suffolk, Norfolk

Paul Jones 07801 762719Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Bristol & Birmingham

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

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

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

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

STS GOLDLINE STOCK CARPETSAbbey Twist 30/40Aston TwistBernwood TwistBernwood SupremeBernwood Heather SupremeBlenheim Twist 40Blenheim Twist 50Cherwell CordChislehurstFairfield SupremeGladiator SupremeHarrier FeltHarrier GelHeathdaleMagnum GelMedicareMulticare Classic New Valley TwistOrinocoOpus TwistRavensbury Twist 32/40/50ScalaSupersava Elite

BALTA STOCK CARPETSNew Shepherd TwistGala Cord

EDEL TELENZOFleurHerculesOrinocoPuma

NEXT DAY DELIVERY PRICE LIST DATE JULY 2011

LANO STOCK CARPETSBoleroChislehurst Fairfield SupremeHeather Twist SupremePembridge TwistSapphireScalaStartwistStartwist Supreme

CORMAR STOCK CARPETSApolloBerwick 40/50Malabar TexturesNatural Berber TwistNew Oaklands 32/42/50Primo PlusPrimo TweedsPrimo UltraTown & CountryForest Hills

BEAULIEU INTERNATIONALBelliniDublin EliteRanger

FIBRE BONDEDSupacordEcocord

CARPET STOCK TILESAscotBeckenhamCheltenham ClipperCroydonCroydon StripeHeuga 727KestonLatourSaturnSelsdon

STOCK UNDERLAYSGoldtred CollectionCirrusCumulusNimbusSilver LiningCloud Nine ContractCloud Nine Super ContractDurafit 500Durafit 650Cosi 8mm & 10mmHeatflow CollectionRomaBlue HeavenWillow GreenTredaire EliteTreadmore

STS Area Managers


Weston Hammer UK16/17 Byford Court

HadleighIP7 6RD

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

[email protected]

We are pleased to announce the arrival ofour latest display stand showing all ourcollection on one compact unit.

If you are interested in having one of ourfree stands please contact our Sales officeor your local Sales Agent.

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 TEAM

Mr 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.

You can create a carpet websitefor your business in 5 minutes.

Fill out a form for five minutes and we’ll have a good-looking

flooring industry website online for you within 5 days*.

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

Flooring stores don’t generally need anything too fancy – most of the time,

visitors are just trying to find out your phone number, your opening hours

or where they can park! Or they’re just checking if you look professional.

The Floorsites package from The Stocklists offers:

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

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

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

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

� Auto-email form to let customers contact you direct

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

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

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

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

We’ll have it online for you within5 days.If you don’t like it, it will cost younothing.If you do like it, it will cost you£390 + £90/year.


33from The Stocklists July 2011

4 July 2011

Esher-based David Conran Limited is the first retailer to take fulladvantage of the Moduleo Design Floors collection as it sought anexclusive alternative to established LVT brands.

“Our location sees us catering for discerning customers who are oftenlooking for something a little out of the ordinary or new to market,”says store owner David Conran. “We wanted a collection that was notonly different, but that could bring us high levels of quality and wide-ranging styles backed with the correct in-store image, and Moduleoproved to be that brand.

“The stylish display units present Moduleo floors as a design element,rather than a practical choice, and this is something that appeals toour customers who are as much into the design and look of theirfloor as they are the practical aspects. That said, the quality of floorson offer is second to none and the unusual wider boards also helpModuleo to distinguish itself from the rest.”

Moduleo Design Floors is a brand of international manufacturer IVCGroup and products are European manufactured with this too provingto be a factor in the decision for David Conran. The retailer also citedpoint-of-sale literature as impressive, paying particular note to thearchitect’s folder and consumer-orientated brochure.

Three Moduleo display units capturing the Global collection, withoptional overhead lighting units, have been installed in the 800ft2

premises of David Conran Limited.

T 0800 032 3970 www.ivcgroup.com

Moduleo by design

FlooringNews

The Devonia collection from Axminster Carpets has beenrefreshed to capture the latest on-trend colours adding evenbroader appeal to an industry favourite.

Now with 60 colours, ranging from rustic creams through tovibrant reds, blues and even a striking black the Devoniacollection can blend with any interior palette, whether aheritage-inspired traditional style, or a contemporary settinglooking for a touch of luxurious comfort.

Available in 48 plain colours and 12 heathers, the Devoniacollection is beautifully made from a blend of 80% pure newwool and 20% nylon, using a strong two-ply yarn for improveddurability and lasting good looks. All colours are available in40oz Heavy Domestic and 50oz Extra Heavy Domesticqualities.

Produced in either four or five-metre widths, the carpetprovides retailers with an opportunity to meet the qualityexpectations of consumers from a broad spectrum of buyingprofiles, as Richard Lawrence, Group Head of Marketing,Axminster Carpets explains: “Axminster Carpets is famed forits quality, luxury and evocative sense of ‘Britishness’ and theDevonia collection helps to capitalise on this while providing acarpet with broad appeal. With a palette of 60 shades, therereally is a colour for everyone and retailers will find that thecollection will appeal to all homeowners looking for qualityand value, regardless of décor or taste.”

T 01297 630650 www.axminstercarpets.co.uk

Devonia’s colourful choice

First retailer 'Crowned'

34 FlooringNewsJuly 2011

News

Get the hang of it

Capturing the softness of SmartStrand, hangingsamples of the corn-fibre-based collection are nowbeing rolled out to retailers across the country.

Whether the luxurious pile of Sheer Ecstasy or thematt and gloss yarn combination of Intelligent Style,each of the initial four hanging sample folders reallyallow the softness and beautiful colour palettes of eachrange to stand out.

“SmartStrand really needs to be felt to be believed,”says Howard Lindsay, vice president UK, Ireland and South Africa. “Apart from its renewable content, durability and ease of maintenance the beauty ofSmartStrand is in its incredible softness and with these new hanging samples homeowners can finally get to grips with just how luxurious thesecarpets feel.”

From black and rich burgundy through to almost whites, greys and pastel blues, the SmartStrand collection delivers a broad spectrum of colours, withtwist pile textures that offer an unparalleled sense of luxury and opulence. Backed by a lifetime stain, soil and pet warranty, SmartStrand carpets aremade with Bio-PDOTM - an ingredient derived from corn – marking the first time that a luxuriously soft, highly durable and stain-resistant carpetmakes a lower environmental impact.

The hanging samples are also being supported by a free-standing SmartStrand display that communicates the benefits of the fibre, including thelifetime stain, soil and pet warranty and takes interactivity with consumers to a new level with the use of an innovative video display.

T 01480 479830 www.themohawkgroup.com

Walsall-based Jubilee Carpets & Flooring is the first retailer to benefitfrom the Crown Floors carpet collection as the manufacturer undergoesa UK-wide rollout of its stunning display units and point-of-sale. Theretailer has been fitted out with the entire 10-unit wall display establishingCrown Floors as a key brand within the 5,100ft2 of showroom space.

“It was the combination of modern presentation and the carpet ranges onoffer that attracted us to Crown Floors,” says Carl Alldritt, owner of JubileeCarpets & Flooring. “The carpets within the collection offer an excellent mixof polypropylene and wool-rich creations in colours and textures that willundoubtedly appeal to our customer base. I was also impressed by thepoint-of-sale on offer from Crown Floors, it is rare that we see suchforethought go in to in-store support for the retailer.”

With 10 ranges specifically developed for independent UK carpet retailers,the heart of the shop floor presence for Crown Floors is a display unit thatcan accommodate back-to-back, wall and island layouts. The units aresupplied in combinations of four, six, eight or ten.

Other branded merchandise includes mats, posters and ‘Appointed Dealer’window stickers. .

T 0800 0773301 www.crownfloors.co.uk

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 July 2011.

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

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 £6.60 per m2 for July only.* So stroll along to Dyne and get piles more tile for your money!

JULY ONLY!

FOR A FREE NEXT-DAY SAMPLE PACK CALL

0161 877 8877


News

In Touch With Tarkett is a brand new online resource designed to makelife easier for everyone who specifies, installs or distributes resilientflooring. It brings together all the latest product news, inspiration andadvice from Tarkett in one place. As well as offering downloadableresources and in-depth features on current topics of interest, the siteenables users to request assistance directly from Tarkett’s experts.

Through In Touch With Tarkett (www.itwt.co.uk) users will be able to askspecific questions about Tarkett products; get assistance with a currentproject; or catch up on the latest news and views from the company. Thenew website features dedicated sections for specifiers, installers andretailers making it easy for busy professionals to get straight to theresources that are most useful and relevant to them.

Users can also subscribe to an email newsletter, which will keep them upto date with new material as it’s added to the site.

Tarkett offers the ‘ultimate flooring experience’ for just about every application, from sportsand education, to healthcare, housing, offices and shops. Now Tarkett’s expert knowledge isjust a couple of clicks away.

T 01622 854040 www.tarkett.com

Tarkett’s tekkie touch

When style is key, City flooring is the answer. Exclusively available from leading onlineretailer UK Flooring Direct, City floors bring together premium quality wood, cork andbamboo designed to appeal to a fashion conscious audience.

Including striking takes on solid wood such as the stunning Onyx Oak Brush Matt Lacquerfloor and the stylish Classic White engineered cork floor, the City collection is one builtaround the latest trends, balancing these with a range of timeless styles for an all-roundappeal. “The City collection holds some of the most inspirational floors in our entireportfolio,” explains Josh Ashby, product manager, UK Flooring Direct. “It’s a collection firmlyfocused on floors that appeal to a generation of interior savvy shoppers. These are thepeople that want floors that differ from the norm and City responds with a great range ofsuper stylish creations.”

Retaining excellent value at its core, the City collection is particularly focused on the latestcork and bamboo flooring. Sustainable and beautiful, it is expected that cork and bamboofloors will become a more popular choice over the next few years as homeowners lookfor a move away from less responsible flooring choices.

T 0845 287 5623 www.ukflooringdirect.co.uk

Lifestyle Floors is delighted to announce the launch of itsnational merchandising initiative to support the success of theLifestyle Floors brand.

The national merchandising team, pictured above, will be visitingLifestyle Floors retailers on a regular basis to both updatedisplays with new ranges and maintain the stands and lecterns.

The merchandising teams’ dedicated vehicles have beenequipped to carry both new ranges and spare parts for theongoing maintenance of the displays, thereby ensuring LifestyleFloors retailers receive the best possible service.

www.lifestyle-floors.co.uk [email protected]

Lifestyle rolls out

City slicker


News

Formula for success

Itec is now a member of the Contract FlooringAssociation (CFA), the contract flooring tradeassociation in the UK.

The association represents contractors and the industryas a whole at government level, working with theNational Specialist Contractors Council (NSCC) andConstruction Products Association (CPA), and looksafter the interests of flooring contractors offering legaladvice, specialist insurance services and training as wellas a number of other services. The association’smembers adhere to strict codes of practice.

“We have joined the CFA as we believe it is afundamental part of correct industry practice,”comments Christ Taveirne, product manager Itec.“Without the association to regulate the industry webelieve the market would be a lot more volatile and weare keen to be involved as much as we can, helping toshape the future of contract flooring within the UK.”

IVC Group manufactures the Itec brand for thecommercial market, along with cushioned vinyl flooringproducts under the Leoline and Avenue brands and theModuleo design floor range. The internationalmanufacturer is constantly looking to innovate in productand in service, ensuring that it maintains its reputation asone of Europe’s foremost manufacturers of vinyl flooring.

T 00 32 5665 3211 www.ivcgroup.com

Future of flooring

As part of continual R&D to offer the best value and performance, Floorwise has openedthe bag on a new formulation for its F5001 Pro Screed Water Mix Smoothing Compound.

The new formulation provides a freer flow for the compound, which has become a favouriteof many contractors as part of the Pro Screed collection. F5001 is also versatile and is capableof being used over concrete, sand/cement screeds, stone and anhydrite screeds, terrazzo andceramic tiles. Applicable in thicknesses from 1.5mm up to 10mm, F5001 can be poured orpump applied making it ideal for both small and large-scale projects.

Walkable in under three hours under normal conditions, F5001 Pro Screed Water MixSmoothing Compound is compatible with other products in the Pro Screed range meaningthat contractors can confidently provide a complete subfloor preparation and repairrecommendation. Other products in the Pro Screed range include F5007 Pro Screed SurfaceMembrane ONCE and F5008 Pro Screed Universal Primer*. The smoothing compound is alsocompatible with Floorwise advanced range of adhesives.

With low odour and high yield, F5001 Pro Screed is an ideal solution for a wide range ofsubfloor smoothing requirements and is available through Floorwise’s national network of localdistributors and trade counters.

T 01509 673974 www.floorwise.co.uk

Packexe protection products are color-coded for each surface type and redis the colour for the temporary protection of carpets and rugs.

This film prevents the trip hazards normally associated with dust sheets,especially on stairs by sticking to the carpet without the need for tape. Itprovides a low-slip surface even when wet, protecting carpets and rugs againstspillages, heavy foot traffic dirt and debris. The film can be vacuumed, sweptor mopped throughout the project.

Its strong adhesive grips securely to carpet pile but is easily removed withoutleaving a sticky residue.

For safety and traceability all Packexe films are transparent with colour-codedbranding, leaving users with no trip hazards as you are able to see under thefilm. Unlike dust sheets and similar reusable protection methods Packexe filmsare laid down clean which means there is no dirt transfer and less cleaningrequired after use.

All films in the Packexe range are fully recyclable with European Fire SafetyStandard of EN 13501-1.

The other products in the range include black branded film for hard floors,blue for glazing and grey for multi-surface.

T 01392 438191 www.packexe.co.uk

Roll out red for carpet


News

Harrogate show stars Victoria highnessTwo top speakers have agreed to take part in keynoteseminars at September’s floor show in Harrogate.

The CFA has announced that Paul Morrell – Chief ConstructionAdvisor to the Government will speak on Monday, September5, and the theme this year is sustainability.

The seminar will begin with a presentation from Jane Thornback– Sustainability Policy Advisor from the Construction ProductAssociation (CPA), who will talk about the recently launchedWaste Resource Efficiency Plan, part of the series of ResourceEfficiency Plans the CPA have published in collaboration withindustry, including one on flooring.

Paul Morrell will then take the stage to provide a widerconstruction industry perspective of sustainability and thelanguage of carbon. Paul’s appointment in 2009 was widelywelcomed by the construction industry, with one of his maininitial objectives being to put forward proposals for theconstruction industry to deliver the UK's low carbon reduction commitments.

An authoritative insight into future colours trends will beanother key seminar at September’s Harrogate Flooring Showwhen Joanna Ramsden of Wools of New Zealand presents anupdate to the current forecasts.

Joanna works with several major carpet manufacturers tosupport the colour styling of new range launches and re-vamping of existing palettes and she is recognised as the pre-eminent carpet textile stylist in the UK.

Each year, the colour trends forecast by Wools of New Zealandis eagerly anticipated when it is launched at the January flooringfestival that is Domotex in Hannover. The forecast has a stronginfluence on planning and designing in the sector to keepcolours looking fresh and on-brand.

Show organiser David Wildman commented: “We are reallydelighted to have someone of Joanna’s expertise and insight totalk to us about colour. She already works with many of ourexhibitors at the leading edge of their design and has a greaterdepth of knowledge that almost anyone else in the industry onthis subject.”

T 01423 779967 www.harrogateflooringshow.net

Milliken & Company has been recognised by the Ethisphere Institute asone of World’s Most Ethical Companies.

Out of a record number of nominations for this year’s award, Milliken &Company secured a hard earned spot on the list by implementing upright business practices and initiatives that are instrumental to thecompany’s success, benefit the community and raise the bar for ethical standards within the industry.

“Milliken has long understood that ethical behaviour is not just the right thing to do, it is a key to sustainable growth,” said Joe Salley,President and CEO of Milliken. “While we hold ourselves accountable to the highest ethical standards, we derive our greatest satisfactionfrom creating innovations that help solve the world’s problems.”

This is the fifth year that Ephisphere, a think-tank dedicated to the best practices in business ethics, corporate social responsibility, anti-corruption and sustainability, has published the World’s Most Ethical Companies and Milliken has been listed every year since the ranking’sinception.

The methodology for the ranking includes reviewing codes of ethics, litigation and regulatory infraction histories, evaluating the investmentin innovation and sustainable business practices.

A sampling of other winners includes American Express, eBay, Adidas, PepsiCo and Xerox Corporation.

T 01942 612888 www.millikencontract.co.uk

Milliken make a difference

Victoria Carpets is the talk of the trade for the roller-coaster of news in thelast month that has revealed record profits, their key involvement in the RoyalWedding and a controversial e-commerce relationship with Tesco.

Results to the year ended April 30, 2011, showed revenue had risen by 12 percent to £70.50 million, operating profit by 35.8 per cent to £2.42 million andpre-tax profit by 76.8 per cent to £1.92 million.

Alan Bullock, group managing director, commented: “The Group has traded wellin what has been a challenging global environment and in a market which hashad to face unprecedented raw material price inflation.”

A new deal at John Lewis, the roll-out of Victoria’s Imperial Velvet at the RoyalWedding and the new e-commerce collaboration with Tesco are rejuvenatingthe Kidderminster-based business which was issuing profits warnings toinvestors just two years ago.

A series of new range launches, including a bid for a piece of the polpropylenemarket has also helped boost UK sales and the Company is also benfittingfrom its interests in the the robustAustralian market for qualityfloorcovering.

But Victoria’s tie up with Tesco.comto supply carpets for their onlinestore (see The Stocklists last month)is proving highly controversial amongsome independent retailers. TheMetro buying group announced thatthey were withdrawing all Victoriaproducts from their own label offerand rebate scheme.

“Our members want to send a clearmessage to Victoria, and any othersupplier who may be consideringsimilar schemes, that dealing with thepublic direct is not acceptable underany circumstances,” said Metro’sDavid Kipping.

Pictured right, another chance to admire Pippa’s... sorry, Victoria’sImperial Velvet (Shiraz) along the aisle

at Westminster Abbey.you owe it to your business to go to the show

Harrogate Floor Show - September 4 - 6

Wool goes in the blenderThe return of the 50/50 wool mix marks a new landmark in

the troubled landscape of rising wool prices and a depressed

consumer market

The buying group shows in Solihull are a good opportunity to

take the temperature as early Summer is traditionally a time for

rolling out the new ranges that will carry the selling season that

starts in September. Not this year.

The temperature is decidedly cool. Major wool manufacturers

are conspicuously holding back on launching new products into

this market and companies that are traditionally highly active

like Associated Weavers, Axminster, Cavalier and Ulster are all

being more cautious.

The 50/50 phenomenon is very noticeable with key launches

including Cormar’s Forest Hill and Brockway with Radnor

Classic. “We are trying to help the retailer with a product at a

competitive price point that feels like an 80/20,” says Cormar’s

Northern sales manager Simon Tucker.

Flooring One has adopted the Cormar product for it’s own

portfolio and the group has expanded its lower end PP offering.

More wool houses like Victoria and Mayfield, for example, are

venturing further into polypropylene.

Flooring One head Glenn Harding says: I am very concerned

about the ongoing increase in wool prices and fear that some

of the traditionally popular wool twists will price themselves out

of the market.”

The 50/50 option is not without risk and manufacturers can

struggle with the balance between the 50% mix and lower

quality 80/20 wool ranges. “It’s difficult to get the differentiation

right,” says Mayfield’s Paul Speakman. ‘We looked at the 50/50

options and we could really get it to work for us.”

At Flooring One, the difference between the a 50/50 retailing at

£20/m2 and the nearest 80/20 at £24 seems all too close – but

the price of wool has outgrown that £19.99 price point for

many ranges.

One South East retailer who contacted The Stocklists said:

“Price is so important, manufacturers seriously need to make

more 50/50 twist, but it needs to be very dense pile with

reasonable weights.”

The price of wool appears to be increasing at double the rate

of polypropylene though those increases in that fibre combined

with a modest industry shift away from wool means than

pressure on synthetic prices will be reinforced.

Predictions of the UK consumer economy flat-lining in 2011

appear to be borne out by most of the major manufacturers

who reported strong trading in the first quarter which then

tailed off dramatically in April as unseasonably warm weather

pushed purchasers towards garden furniture and barbeques

instead of broadloom.

“There is a lot of resistance to investing in large purchases,” says

Axminster’s Stewart Martin, “but the quality end of the market

is holding up quite well and there are still a lot of chimney pots

out there and people are generally coming back to carpet. We’ll

get through this – but it would be good if it didn’t last too

much longer!”

Amen to that.

“We are trying to help the retailerwith a product at a competitiveprice point that feels like an 80/20”

Cormar with its Forest Hills rangeis one of several companies to

launch a 50/50 to mitigateincreasing wool prices.


News feature by David Spragg

Cormar - Avebury Stripe

42 July 2011

metre widths. It offers five new striped designs and 12 stylish plainsthat can be teamed together to accommodate the consumer trendfor a streamlined look in the home.

“This textured range will stand the test of time and is excellent value-for-money, retailing at around the £34 per sq m mark," says Cormack.

Lesley Inman, Edel Telenzo Carpets UK operations manager, sayshallways and striped carpets go together like a horse and carriage:“There is no doubt that stripes remain a really popular choice forhigh traffic areas in the home – such as hallways, landings and stairs.Feedback from our customers tells us that in particular our multi-striped options, Bakerloo and Piccadilly, are ideal for these areas.

“Our multi-stripes – especially the stronger coloured options - hide amultitude of sins, being hard wearing, 100% wool, fine level loopcarpets complete with Scotchgarding for additional protection againststaining. It’s no wonder they’ve been such a success for high trafficoptions, both in the home and for contract applications.”

Coordination and style have become increasingly importantfor homeowners, leading to increased attention to theflooring they choose for entrances, hallways and stairs.

Style conscious consumers realise that the image and atmosphere oftheir homes begins from the first impression gained from walkingthrough the front door. Manufacturers have responded by creating awide range of options to match their requirements.

Axminster Carpets, for example, supplies many of its qualities in 3ftwidths to suit hallways and stairs and provide an extensive choice ofcolours and patterns. Steve Upperton, Axminister Carpets salesdirector, says: "“The Axminster weave and inherent toughness of a 100%wool construction provides a durable carpet that will do much to standup to the narrow wear aisles that appear on stairs and in hallways, butthese days Axminster certainly does not have to mean traditional.

"Our latest contemporary introductions, such as Mondrian andPicasso from the Princetown collection, promise the same levels ofperformance and durability as our heritage and traditional designs, butadd a fresh and interesting twist on Axminster carpet for a moderngeneration. For consumers looking for a carpet of fine quality for theirhallway, stairs or landing, but also wanting to add a modern style totheir home, then Axminster Carpets should be high on the list.”

Hallways and stairs are enjoying a ‘style revival’ as homeowners optfor a more striking look where it matters, says David Cormack,Cormar Carpets marketing director: “The stairs and hallway tend tobe the first thing people see and the area of the home which createsthat all-important first impression.

“It’s an area where people have always needed to ensure they have adurable floorcovering capable of handling heavy traffic, butincreasingly they also want it to be stylish and welcoming.”

Cormar has recently re-launched its Avebury wool loop pilecollection. Made from 100% pure new wool in a quality three plyyarn with a level loop pile surface, the range is branded with thecompany’s British Made and Woolmark logo and comes in 4 and 5

Axminster - Straita in Ventura

Edel Telenzo - Piccadilly from the Tube Collection.

Making an entrance

NewsNewsNewsFlower on FlooringFlower on Flooring

News

Readers’ Survey

Tesco’s entrance into the flooring market with the assistance of Victoria Carpets caused a majorreaction in the market when it was announced in May.

Some were outraged that UK manufacturers were

selling direct to consumers. However others

acknowledge that the internet is just part of the

marketplace and are grateful our sector is less

challenged than most by e-commerce (at least we’re

not selling books, music and washing machines!)

What do you think? Will Tesco really make much

difference? Is it the thin end of the wedge?

Would you arrange to fit a carpet a customer

had bought from Tesco?

Inform the industry. Let us know what you think...

How does Tescocheck out for you?

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 respondto trade issues and inform the industry about theproblems and opportunities they face on the High Street.

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

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


NewsNews

Heckmondwike FB emphasises how entrance areas can be exposedto external dirt and moisture and should be fitted with a specialistentrance product. The company states that its relevant ranges, suchas its award winning Hippo, are specially designed to protect internalcarpets from outside contamination. As well as protecting entrances,fibre bonded entrance area ranges can be used to create bespokedesigns inlaid into entrances or as a loose lay mat.

When the Royal College of Music needed to create a great firstimpression, for example, it came to Heckmondwike FB to providefive bespoke logo mats for the college entrance. It had previouslyinstalled logo mats over eight years ago and found these gave a greatwelcome to students, staff and visitors. The mats feature the college’snew logo and were produced in several colours. They were producedin Diamond, a specialist entrance material, to help not only create animpressive visual impression but also provide protection to internalflooring, says Heckmondwike.

When it comes to flooring, the humble doormat is often overlooked,says the Turtle Mat Company, which aims to change this impressionby making them objects of beauty. The company states its designs,launched at the Spring Fair in February, are proving real winners. Thenew collection features designs under licence from Historic RoyalPalaces. Welcome to the Palace, complete with a crown image, wason trend for the royal wedding celebrations and also for 2012 withthe London Olympics and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee next June.

Turtle Mat's commercial director Susan Leaver, says: "Our licensingprogramme has contributed to major growth and interest in what bymany is viewed as a mundane product. Cotton matting is not alwaysthe obvious choice for retailers when they consider buying doormatsbut with outstanding absorption and washability it provides a trulyfunctional solution to keeping dirt out of the home."

For more information about featured products:Axminster Carpets• www.axminstercarpets.co.uk • 01297 630650Cormar Carpets • www.cormarcarpets.co.uk • 01204 881234Edel Telenzo Carpets • www.edeltelenzocarpets.co.uk • 01422 374417Heckmondwike • www.heckmondwike-fb.co.uk • 01924 410544

by Dennis Flower

Heckmondwike RNCM.

Three of the leading buying groups came together in Solihull topresent members with a showcase of their suppliers’ latestranges in the first Buying Groups National Flooring Show. Thethree, Metro, BRM and SMG cooperated in staging the eventwhich was an extension of the established and highly successfulFlooring One show held the previous day (see our report in June).Buying group membership is increasingly attractive as consumerspending continues to lack confidence and margins getsqueezed. But in reality, the number of retail members of suchgroup purchasing organisations has remained fairly static withonly just over 1,000 members across all the buying groups –that’s only about 15% of all independent retailers.“This is the right economic climate to join a buying group. Youcan improve your margin by 10% as part of a group and stillretain your independence” says Paul Phillips of Bond RetailMarketing.That perceived threat to independence remains the greatestobstacle to growing buying group membership. “It is sometimes difficult to get people to accept the idea of abuying group,” said David Kipping of Metro Group. “Theybelieve they will do better on their own with the variousarrangements they have with their suppliers. But when they seethe terms we can get, they are surprised how much better itcan be.”“The key test is that we get a lot of referrals from existingmembers who have worked with us and understand thebenefits,” says Chris Moffat of SMG.The groups negotiate advantageous buying arrangements whichcover most of the major suppliers and offer discounts andrebates on branded products as well as attractively priced own

label collections. There are lots of other benefits includingmerchandising and business services.The group’s cooperation in Solihull is a sign of the times -reducing costs for manufacturers to come together to onevenue to meet the widest possible buying group membership. “This joint show is the right thing to do in austere times”, sayPaul Phillips. “With the new realities of this market, the buyinggroups can collaborate as well as compete – as a result we canprovide a great result for all our members and increase thesuppliers return on their investment in coming here. We areencouraging the other buying’s groups who are not yet part ofthis initiative to join in.”

The National Buying Groups Flooring Show proved a greatsuccess (see our reviews on following pages) and there is greatinterest in making it a permanent feature. The groups arehoping they can build the attendance in future: “If you arerunning a business you would not want to take the risk of notbeing at the show in case you missed something that couldmake a real difference to your bottom line,” commented ChrisMoffat.

Buying groups are making a fresh bid to bring in members as tough times in the flooring sectorunderline the real benefits that can boost the bottom line and protect margins.

Cranmore Park in Solihullprovides a first class exhibitionand conference venue.

(L to R): Chris Moffat, Paul Phillipsand David Kipping.

FlooringNews

“This is the right economic climate to join abuying group. You can improve your margin by 10% as part of a group and still retain

your independence”

Check out our factsheet on buying groups on page 8

�

THE STOCKLISTS July 2011

Flooring factsheet

��

��> �:&19&8*�&11�'9=.3,�,64957�&7�8-*=�&11�;460�).++*6*381=> "&10�84�8-*�2&.3�2&60*8.3,�(438&(8�&3)�46�&�2*2'*6

4+�8-*�(422.88**> �*8�&�1.78�4+�2*2'*67�&3)�(&11�95�8;4�46�8-6**�+46�&

@6*&1�;461)A�:.*;> �78&'1.7-�=496�8*66.846.&1�*<(197.:.8=�?�;-*6*A7�8-*�3*<8

3*&6*78�2*2'*6�4+�*&(-�'9=.3,�,6495��> �3796*�=49�93)*678&3)�8-*�+.3&3(.&1�&66&3,*2*387��&3=

+**7�8-&8�;491)�6*1&8*�84�=496�2*2'*67-.5��-4;�8-*

'.117�&6*�5&.)�&3)�;-*8-*6�=496�+**7�&6*�6*+93)&'1*�.+

.8�)4*73A8�;460�498��70�8-*�'9=.3,�,6495�+46�&

(437918&8.43�84�*78.2&8*�=496�548*38.&1�7&:.3,7�> *:.*;�&11�8-*�*<86&�'*3*+.87�&3)�7*6:.(*7�84�7**�;-&8

=49�;491)�&(89&11=�97*> �-*(0�498�8-*�564)9(8�6&3,*7�4++*6*)�.3(19).3,�8-*

4;3�1&'*1�458.437�&3)�8-*�#��9645*&3�2.<> �3796*�=49�93)*678&3)�&3=�691*7�8-&8�2&=�1.2.8�=496

+1*<.'.1.8=�84�693�=496�'97.3*77�8-*�;&=�=49�;&38

Why join?�9=.3,�,64957�-&:*�'**3�&�-.,-1=�79((*77+91�+*&896*�4+

8-*�+1446�6*8&.1.3,�7(*3*�.3�8-*�1&78�)*(&)*�46�74��,.:.3,

.3)*5*3)*387�8-*�*<86&�*),*�8-*=�3**)�84�(425*8*

*++*(8.:*1=�;.8-�8-*�6*8&.1�5&60�(-&.37��46*�8-&3��6*8&.1*67�&6*�34;�2*2'*67�4+�43*�4+

8-*�7*:*6&1�'9=.3,�,64957�;-.(-�45*6&8*�.3�496�7*(846

&3)�8-*�392'*67�&6*�714;1=��'98�78*&).1=�,64;.3,�$-.1*�8-*�'*3*+.87�4+�'910�'9=.3,�54;*6�&6*�7*1+�*:.)*38�

8-*�6*7.78&3(*�84�8-*�'9=.3,�,6495�(43(*58�&243,�343�

2*2'*67�&55*&67�84�'*�(*386*)�43�+*&67�4+7966*3)*6.3,�742*�(438641�84�&�(422.88**�?�&3)�2478

5&68.(91&61=�(425642.7.3,�143,�*78&'1.7-*)�6*1&8.437-.57

&3)�3*,48.&8*)�8*627�;.8-�(966*38�79551.*67�"-*�'48842�1.3*�.7�8-*�'48842�1.3*��6*8&.1*6�7*11.3,

&(6477�&�'64&)�6&3,*�4+�564)9(87�.7�1.0*1=�84�.2564:*

2&6,.37�;.8-.3�&�'9=.3,�,6495�?�'98�=49�)43A8�3**)�&

1*&5�4+�+&.8-�84�/4.3�95��70�8-*�'9=.3,�,64957�+46�&37;*67��

��

Pick the right one

;;;�72,�,6495�(4�90�438&(8��&:.)��*;.7"*1��.3+4�72,�,6495�(4�90

;;;�,6**3)&1*(&65*87�(4�90�438&(8�� 4'��&6).3,"*1��&<��6-&6).3,�,6**3)&1*(&65*87�(4�90

�774(.&8*)��&65*8��6495;;;�72&68*6(&65*87�(4�90�438&(8�� .(-&6)��446*"*1��6/2446* ��,44,1*2&.1�(4262446*�72&68*6(&65*87�(42

Key benefits�� > �6495�596(-&7*7�84�,*8�'*3*+.(.&1�6&8*7> *'&8*7> �<(197.:*�-.,-*6�2&6,.3�564)9(87> !5*(.&1�564248.437�3*�4+�8-*�0*=�6*&7437�84�/4.3�&�'9=.3,�,6495�.7�84

'*3*+.8�+642�8-*�).7(49387�8-*=�3*,48.&8*�&7�&�'910

'9=*6�+642�2&39+&(896*67��"-*�;&=�).7(49387�&3)

6*'&8*7�&6*�5&77*)�43�84�2*2'*67�:&6.*7�'*8;**3

,64957�74�2&0*�796*�.8A7�&'74198*1=�(1*&6�-4;�8-.7�;.11�'*

)43*��%49A11�3**)�84�;460�498�-4;�8-.7�(425&6*7�;.8-

).7(49387�=49�-&:*�&16*&)=�3*,48.&8*)�14(&11=�;.8-

56*+*66*)�79551.*67��> @�*78�4+�'48-�;461)7A�564547.8.43>$.)*6�6&3,*7�&3)�*<(197.:*�564)9(87> ��!��).751&=7�&3)�2*6(-&3).7.3,�7955468%496�(97842*67�;.11�1.0*�8-*�564547.8.43�8-&8�=49�&6*

.3)*5*3)*38�'98�;.8-�8-*�'9=.3,�54;*6�4+�&�,6495�?

8-.7�,.:*7�8-*2��&3)�=49��8-*�@'*78�4+�'48-�;461)7A�;.8-

5*6743&1�7*6:.(*�&3)�(425*8.8.:*�56.(.3,��478�,64957

;.11�&174�4++*6�=49�@4;3�1&'*1A�6&3,*7�&3)�7955468�;.8-

54.38�4+�7&1*��2*6(-&3).7.3,�&3)�).751&=7��*386&1

784(0-41).3,�2&=�&174�'*�43�4++*6��> �97.3*77�7*6:.(*7> �.3&3(.&1�7*6:.(*7��> �"�&3)�.38*63*8�7955468> "6&.3.3,�&3)�;4607-457> �64+*77.43&1�'4).*7!42*�'9=.3,�,64957�4++*6�&3�*<(*11*38�6&3,*�4+�48-*6

7*6:.(*7�;-.(-�2&=�'*�:&19&'1*�84�=496�'97.3*77�

�.3&3(.&1�7*6:.(*7�.3(19)*�.3:4.(*�+&(846.3,��(6*).8��14&37

&3)�.3796&3(*��!42*�4+�8-*�246*�745-.78.(&8*)�,64957

4++*6.3,�2&60*8.3,�5&(0&,*7��74+8;&6*�7=78*27�84�-*15

=49�693�=496�'97.3*77�45*6&8.437�&3)�(97842.7*)

;*'7.8*7�6*&)=�84�97*�� *1&8.437-.57�;.8-�564+*77.43&1

&3)�86&.3.3,�46,&3.7&8.437�(&3�&174�4++*6�).7(49387��> �*2'*67�431=�*<-.'.8.437�;.8-�56*+*66*)2&39+&(896*67> *,91&6�2**8.3,7> *,.43&1�;4607-457> !9551.*6�56*7*38&8.437> �*151.3*

��148�4+�6*8&.1*67�*3/4=�8-*�'9=.3,�,6495�*3:.6432*38�4+

'*.3,�.3)*5*3)*38�'98�348�&143*�498�8-*6*�43�8-*��.,-

!86**8��64957�-41)�6*,91&6�2**8.3,7�&3)�742*�-&:*

8-*.6�4;3�86&)*�7-4;7��6*,.43&1�2**8.3,7�&3)

;4607-457�84�-*15�=49�)*:*145�=496�'97.3*77��"-*

3*8;460�,.:*7�=49�742*43*�84�(&11�;-*3�=49�3**)

&):.(*�43��+46�*<&251*��&3�93979&1�.378&11&8.43��&�8*(-3.(&1

(43792*6�(4251&.38��1*,&1�.779*�46�'97.3*77�).1*22&�

�*864��6495;;;�(&65*8�78�(4�90�438&(8��&:.)��.55.3,"*1��)*0�(&65*8�78�(4�90

;;;�'*&98.+91+1446.3,�(4�90�438&(8��&91��-.11.57"*1��5&91�&8'62�(42

;;;�+1446.3,43*�(4�90�438&(8��1*33��&6).3,"*1�� ,1*33�-&6).3,�+1446.3,43*�(4�90

Buying Groups on show!

44 July 2011

45July 2011

Alternative Flooring are called that for a reason but even if youexpect the unexpected, you will not have predicted the lecternsand store furniture that were such a major hit at the Solihull event.

The people who put a Harley Davison on their stand at Harrogate to launch Rock & Roll, have built a set of twee ‘Quirky Cabins’ asfine residences for gnomes and to display samples of their newrange Quirky.

Quirky is a set of 27” wilton runners made in the UK in 4 unusualdesigns called Fling (plaids), Skinny (animal skins patterns), Tess(tessellated design) and Dotty (er.. well, dots!). “It’s very refreshingto launch such a unique range,” says Martin Stevens. “It is wittyand fun and from the reaction at the show just what the marketneeds right now.”

T 01264 335111 www.alternativeflooring.com

Alternative Flooring

Asiatic Carpets are constantly innovating within their extensive range ofrugs and have introduced 14 new ranges just in the last three months.

Eye catching ideas are all around but among the show-stoppers arePebble Beach, a rug of filled soft felt pebbles; Mica, a multi-texture, shinyribbed rug; and a host of ultra shaggies with metallic lustre.

Asiatic had used one of their most eye-catching newcomers to adorn theends of their stand in Solihull. Roses (pictured above) is a 160 x 230 cmrug range that has hundreds of hand-made felt roses packed across thecloth and it is available in four trendy colours – purple, teal, charcoal and,of course, red.

T 020 8800 2000 www.asiatic.co.uk

Asiatic Carpets

from The Stocklists

Ball & Young is raising its profiles! Apart from themarket leading Cloud 9 underlay, the company hasa range of metal profile products for floor fitters.

Now, the comprehensive collection of profiles hasbeen christened ‘Floorline’ and will be promotedmore strongly in future. Ann Shaw (pictured below,right) commented: “We want retailers to know thatthe same quality and service they expect from usfor underlay is also available for profiles. They don’thave to go anywhere else. All our underlays andprofiles are proudly made in the UK.”

Ball & Young has also launched a smart newproduct guide and a new product website toimprove the information available to retailers.

T 01536 200502 www.underlay.com

Ball and Young

Reviews from the Buying Groups’ National Flooring Show

The new Solar range from Contemporary Lifemarks a major step forward for Laneve – thefinest New Zealand wool that is traceable forultimate quality control and sustainability.

“I think this is going to make a big impact. Solaroffers lxury without bounds,” says Steve Evans ofContemporary Life. “Laneve has a great story whichwill help retailers sell the benefits to theircustomers.”

Solar is very special, using a unique four-fold yarn‘rope’ construction to create a 54oz carpet with avery flat finish but lots of texture. It will be availablefrom July in any width and with a sophisticatedpalette of 15 colours but the company expects 40%of sales to be dyed to order.

T 01254 296829 www.contemporarylife.co.uk

Contemporary Life

Gaskell Wool Rich does what it says on the can and is keen to promoteits credentials as a special wool supplier. New merchandising packs takea sheepish theme with strong imagery supporting the company’s ‘fleeceto floor’ theme.

In addition to display cards, posters and mugs, Gaskell Wool Rich has alsocreated attractive appointment cards that retailers can use to remindcustomers of installation dates.

At the front of theirSolihull stand, thecompany wasdisplaying a prototype80/20 axminster – asyet unnamed - thatthey intend to haveready for Harrogate.“The new new rangewill be very different,a real statement – anaxminster for amodern home,” saysMike Dobson ofGaskell Wool Rich.Research is focused on subtle leafs, florals and shell patterns as well as avery new style of stripe. The market will have to wait until September tosee what wins through.

T 01827 831525 www.gaskellwoolrich.co.uk

Gaskell Woolrich

Flooring Guild

Louis De Poortere

Louis De Poortere is aiming to increaseits presence in the marketplace with afamily of sharp, sophisticated point-of-sale systems in metal, black wood andacrylic. The latest addition is this 2-tierlectern that can be used very flexibly –available singly or to use back-to-backto make a more imposing display. “Wehave had a very good reaction to theseunits,” says LDP’s Alan Russell. “It hasbeen a while since we offered anythinginto stores and now it’s time to bemore visibile out there,” he said.

A debut for LDP in Solihull was astunning new rug collection calledVintage using a ‘mash-up’ approach ofhand-sewn panels in cotton chenille formulti-colour and multi-texture effects.

T +32 56 393 386www.louisdepoortere.com

FlooringNews46 July 2011

Following a highly successful pilot scheme in theSouth West, The Flooring Guild has launched itsaccredited Apprenticeship programme nationwide.

The programme, supported by Construction Skills,City & Guilds and the Construction Awards Alliance,has been introduced to underpin and deliver theskills and standards of the next generation of carpetfitters and floor layers.

The qualification is recognised by the Governmentand therefore full funding for the programme isavailable to all prospective and existing staff betweenthe ages of 16 – 18 (substantial funding isavailable for those aged 19 – 24).

Employers can choose to put an existingemployee on the scheme or help isavailable to find the right person byintroducing employers to enthusiastic andcommitted young people who want theopportunity to work for employers whoshow a desire to take on an Apprentice.

The next intake will start on October 10th.

T 0845 3081400 [email protected]

Mayfield have taken their best-selling 80/20 beige range Quartzand given it a striking partner product called Quartz Colours whichis entirely beige-free – 10 options will include browns, greys,terracotta, pinks and blues and the range will be ready in July.

In the meantime, Mayfield are encouraging retailers to buy into theirspecial 25% discount offer on their chunky berber twist Forester, available in 12 colours, 4 and 5 metre widths and two weights of50oz and 60oz.

Mayfield also report brisk business in their 100% wool EcoFelt underlay – manufactured from their own waste which has reducedthe skips required at the Rochdale factory from 10 a day to just 2.

T 01706 639866 www.mayfieldcarpets.co.uk

Mayfield

Vorwerk unveiled a strikingnew display column conceptthat capitalises on themanufacturer’s collection ofcolours and textures within itsresidential portfolio.

The rotating display is capableof holding over 300 samples,delivering retailers huge varietyfrom such a small footprint.

“This new display has beencreated to minimise footprint,while maximising in-storepresence,” says Ian Hammond,sales director UK. “Vorwerk isrenowned for diversity oftexture and colour and this talldisplay helps us tocommunicate this, while alsoproviding an unbelievablechoice of quality carpet withsomething to appeal to everyconsumer.

“With traditional displays a huge stand would be required to display thismany samples, but we appreciate that retailers neither have the room, norwant to give up so much of it, to one particular manufacturer. We set aboutdesigning a stand that could deliver on all counts and we believe we haveachieved this.

T 020 7096 5090 www.vorwerk-carpets.co.uk

Vorwerk

For those who remember the exotic beach barbuilt by Kersaint Cobb at last year’s Harrogateshow, the company’s latest launch of a unique,bold, bright runner called Lazy Days will comeas no surprise.

The range is 100% sisal with latex backing and isavailable as 60cm runners or as rugs in twosizes. The main attraction are the six strikingmulti-stripe colours with a herringbone pattern.

“It’s about being fun and a little bit funky,” saysMike Richardson, who has a reputation for beingboth! “We were looking for something that wasvery different and Lazy Days is a unique productthat is attracting a lot of attention,” he said.

T 01675 430430 www.kersaintcobb.co.uk

Kersaint Cobb

Reviews from the Buying Groups’ National Flooring Show

47July 2011from The Stocklists

Sell to your customers withconfidence from the CAREFREErange – 100% bleach cleanablecarpets that are proving to be amajor sales driver in 2011.

View CAREFREE TV on our unique video

lecterns or see it online atwww.regencycarefree.co.uk

Distributed by Furlong Flooringsee pages 24-25 for details of

your local representatives

Are youall set for aCAREFREE Summer?

The season’s hottest sellers are rolling outfrom Regency to make your living a littleeasier this Summer time!

49July 2011

We’ve selectedthe smartestphotos from the top vinylcompanies whichdemonstrate thatstyle, quality andcreativity isthriving in the UKflooring industry.

from The Stocklists

FlooringNews

201150 July 2011

Adore Touch Beautifully simple; luxury vinyl flooring featuring glueless click technology. The uniquelydesigned adore click edge profile is engineered to give an enduring and flawless finish every time. There isno need for adhesive, tools or professional installation - it really couldn't be any simpler. adore touch floors

are designed with Nano-Silver and Micro-Ceramic protective properties, making each floor tough and resilientenough for today's busy lifestyles and home. adore touch floors are guaranteed for 25 years.

T 01675 433075 www.adorefloors.com


Avenue is your inspiration for colour and design. Each collection tells a new story. With multiple inherent advantages to this kind of floor, Avenue brings style, performance and quality to any interior.

T +32 5665 3211 www.ivcgroup.com


2011Cavalio’s Terreni range comes in 23 beautifully grained wood styles and 19 stone inspired tiles.

Terreni is stylish, yet practical with a tough wear layer ensuring that every day spills don’t affect the appearanceof the floor. Featured is the Sandstone tile using a beige design strip; three tile sizes are available to create a

stunning floor with the appearance of real stone. T 01782 569840 www.cavaliofloors.com


Forbo Elegance and comfort with the new Novilon collection - Forbo Flooring Systems has revitalised its cushioned vinyl collection, refreshing 6 of it’s best selling ranges - Nova Wood, Nova Tile, Viva, Viva Fusion, Structura and Futura. In addition, the new collection

now also includes the new Bella range, as well as the best selling Classic and semi-commercial Novilux ranges.T 01592 647222 www.forbo-flooring.co.uk


Tarkett On trend for 2011, Tarkett’s new Sarondo Black residential cushioned vinyl from the GripstarCollection boasts a Moroccan inspired mosaic pattern. All of Tarkett’s vinyl collections are easy to install,

durable, resilient to moisture and slip resistant with up to a 15 year guarantee. Available in varying quality,thickness and price, there is a Tarkett vinyl to suit all budgets and applications.

T 01622 854040 www.tarkett.com2011


Cormar Carpets hasappointed new salesrepresentative, PaulLawrence, to covercentral and southLondon.

Based in Surrey, Paul(23) has worked inthe flooring tradesince leaving school.He started as anapprentice fitter andthen moved in toretail which he lovedand where he workedat all levels beforemoving up to storemanagement.

Paul, whose hobbiesinclude keeping fit atthe gym and fishing,said: “I am delightedto be working for aleading manufacturerin the UK and I look

forward to my new and exciting role at Cormar.”

This addition brings the total sales team employed by Cormarto 20, covering independent retailers throughout Great Britainand Ireland.

T 01204 881234 www.cormarcarpets.co.uk

Capital Cormar

Brintons carpets has added more experience to its senior management team by appointing PaulBoldy as its new International Project Director.

Brintons is a firm believer in delivering the very best standards of project management andgeneral customer service when working on assignments and Paul will be responsible for furtherdeveloping these two functions on a global scale. He will also be tasked with refining Brintons'systems and processes by implementing the latest management techniques and philosophies.

Paul has extensive experience in the discipline of project delivery and most recently worked inDubai as the Director of Operations at ISG, a firm that delivers fit-out, construction andmanagement services. Paul has also gathered vital experience working as Director of Projects forthe Jumeirah Hotel Group and as General Manager at Concept Interiors.

Jonathan Stone, Brintons' Group Commercial Sales & Marketing Director, said: "Paul's experienceis second to none and will be a massive asset when further enhancing the way we deliver projects to our customers. He has great teammanagement skills, an enthusiasm and passion for achieving high standards and knows what is required to deliver on every projectmanagement and customer service requirement."

Paul Boldy said: "During my career I've been able to clearly understand what is required from the project delivery process for both acustomer and supplier perspective so I'll be putting that experience to good use at Brintons to make a difference."

T 01562 635128 www.brintons.net

Brintons abroad

People

you owe it to your business to go to the showHarrogate Floor Show - September 4 - 6

Four of the furnishing industry’s top female entrepreneurs were honouredat this year’s Women in Furnishing (WIF) awards. They are (pictured above,LtoR) Teresa Reaney, Margaret Miller, Jessica Alexander and Kate Hardcastle.

Organised by the industry’s only dedicated charity, the Furnishing IndustryTrust (FIT), the winners were announced at Furniture Makers Hall in London.

Flying the flag for newcomers in the furnishing industry, Teresa Reaney ofFurniture Origins has been named ‘Most Promising Newcomer’. Judges feltTeresa’s dedication and relentless hard work for Furniture Origins had helpedtake the company through a tough economic climate to become a major player.

Businesswoman of the Year went to Jessica Alexander, executive director ofthe National Bed Federation. Jessica’s hard work has driven the organisationforward with inspiring campaigns such as National Bed Month and the newannual Bed Show, which will enter its second year in September.

The Inspirational Woman/Women of the Year category winner was KateHardcastle, founding partner of Insight with Passion. Judges felt she hadpassion and drive and her great sense of social responsibility had seen herwork tirelessly for many charities. A special accolade, the LifetimeAchievement Award, was presented to Margaret Miller, chairwomen ofKnightsbridge Furniture.

Said FIT Trustee and WIF organiser, Theresa Raymond: “There was such adiverse range of achievements highlighted at the event. These women havefaced very different challenges however; they have all demonstrated that withhard work, passion and determination you can make a difference.”

www.fi-trust.co.uk

Winning women

Cormar Carpets, is celebrating anawards treble - adding a trio of furtheraccolades to its growing list ofindustry honours.

Recognising the company’s high qualityproducts, service and staff investment,Cormar has won the Metro Group’s‘Supplier of the Year’, Flooring One’s‘Supplier of the Year’ and Bury EST’S(Employment, Support and Training)‘Employer of the Year’ awards. It bringsthe total number of awards achieved bythe company in the past 10 years to 26.

Cormar was presented with the Metro Group’s ‘Supplier of the Year’ award by Metro’s chairman, Martin Ward. An accolade thecompany has received for the 12th consecutive year – an accomplishment no othercompany has achieved before.

Cormar Carpet’s marketing director, David Cormack, accepted the award on behalf of thecompany. He said: “Having worked closely with the Metro Group for over three decades it’sa great honour to receive this award for 12 years running. It recognises the efforts ofeveryone at the company in working so hard to maintain our high standards of service,quality and reliability.”

The Flooring One accolade was presented to sales manager, Roger Clarke, at the BuyingGroup Show held at Flooring One’s head office in Solihull. The award recognises first classdelivery, performance, product quality, response to quality issues, communication, salessupport and representation.

After working with Bury EST for eight years providing work experience for young adultswith various disabilities or learning difficulties, Cormar won their ‘Employer of the Year’award. Said Paul Murphy, Cormar’s manufacturing manager, who attended the event:“Allowing these individuals to actively participate in the workplace can help give them thenecessary self-confidence to make the leap from education to work life which most of ustake for granted but can be a particularly daunting experience for those with learningdifficulties.”

T 01204 881234 www.cormarcarpets.co.uk

Heads up at SMG

The Board of SMG TheNational Furnishing Grouphas announced that ChrisMoffat (left), the Group'sChief Executive for the past26 years, is to be promotedto the role of ExecutiveChairman as from 1stSeptember 2011.

In view of this development,Mike Symonds has beenappointed as SMG's newHead of Group Operations

taking full responsibility for theGroup's future development, marketing activities andrelationship liaison with both members and suppliers.

Mike comes to SMG with a wealth of experiencegained in promoting quality brands in the highlycompetitive Independent audio/visual retail sectorand will commence his new role on 1st July 2011.

Chris Moffat commented: "The Board and I aredelighted that Mike has decided to join the SMGteam and we believe thathe is ideally suited to takeon the challenge of ensuringthat our existing and futuregrowth objectives arefulfilled withoutcompromising the Group'slong established andsuccessful policy of offeringmaximum support to thoseBritish manufacturers whogenuinely value the evergrowing business generatedby Independent Retailers".

SMG is the UK's largest carpet & flooring buyinggroup representing a national network of 375independent retailers,

T 0118 932 3832 www.smg-group.co.uk

Mine’s a treble!

Richard Ratcliffe, co-owner of Ratcliffe’s Underlays, has hit the heights for charityafter completing all 214 “Wainwright” Fells in the Lake District.

A keen fellwalker, Richard is raising funds for the British Heart Foundation andfinished his uphill marathon on the slopes of Loughrigg Fell. He’s pictured in thered shirt with fellow walkers on the summit.

The Loughrigg walk is not, in itself, difficult, but visiting all the felltops over any periodof time does involve quite a bit of effort.

Richard was introduced to mountaineering by his father who suffered with heartproblems for many years and this is his way of putting something back after manyyears of enjoyable walking and climbing.

Anyone wishing to support his effort can do so by visiting Richard’s websitewww.summiteer.co.uk – and then by clicking on the BHF link on the home page.

Richard can also be contacted at work on 01282 421 026 or via email [email protected]

Richard’s on a high

Cormar’s marketing director, David Cormack acceptingthe Metro Group ‘Supplier of the Year’ award.


WOOL WEEK is COMING - September 5-11Read about it in the British Wool column on page 61 and look out for the Wool Week Workshop in our August issue.

News


Strength across productsWhilst Harrogate has always been and continues to be very strong in

the carpet and rug area, this years event shows a real diversity andstrength in the new companies who have recently come on board.

From the smooth flooring sector, joining industry main players such asKarndean will be the likes of Cavalio, Deco Tile and most recently AdoreFloors. In the wood, engineered wood and laminate products, new playersinclude Shaanxi Aoke Wood, Floors China, New Floors and AnboInternational plus local supplier Yorkshire Flooring. Specialist new companiesinclude The Complete Stairmaker and The Flooring Guild, the latter promoting flooring apprenticeshipprogrammes. ‘We are really thrilled with the mix of companies and products that is being compiled for ourvisitors to see, ‘ says David Wildman Show Organiser.

Stand awards at HarrogateTo encourage and reward that ‘extra’ input and effort the organisers will this year include 3 categories ofstand build awards.

Two will be presented to 100% stand build designs (one under 50sqm/one over 50sqm) and one for the best standbuilt within a shell scheme system. ‘Stand awards have always been an important part of the Harrogate show andwe are very pleased to re instate them for 2011‘. says David Wildman ‘The overall appearance of the exhibition hallsis vital to record a good visitor experience and we hope that the opportunity to be recognised for that extra littleeffort will be a spur for exhibitors to pull out all the stops in their efforts to present exciting and informative stands‘.

Just 7 stands left The organisers are thrilled to announce that they have only seven stands in total to fill for this year’s event.

‘We have already booked 20% more space than was used for the whole oflast year’s show and are looking toward a very very busy event with all thehalls being packed with exhibitors and visitors alike ‘.

‘Anyone who is looking to join us in September will be assured of a warmwelcome ‘ says David.

For further details on the show call Wendy or David on 01423 779967

Show biz booming!

Register online for FREE FAST TRACK ENTRYat www.harrogateflooringshow.netThe new Harrogate Flooring Show website gives a real insight into the show experienceand also offers access to excellent hotel rates which have been arranged for the event.

3M B39Abingdon Flooring A16Adore B31 Amar Industries A9Anbo International B26Ardex B38Ars Colors M26Asiatic M16Associated Weavers A12ACG Group C31 Avenue M25Ball & Young M20Betap Holiday InnBMK M12Brink & Campman Bv C5 Bronte Carpets A26C & H Distribution B5(R)CFA B9CFR M22Carpenter C17Carpet & Flooring C13/19Cavailo B20Central Flooring A6Chesterton Marketing B30Clarendon Carpets C35Coba Europe B3Complete Stairmaker B7

Computers For Flooring A28Condor St GeorgeContract Flooring Journal B9Cormar A17Createx M23Crown Floors M4David Clouting B18aDemart A11Dikatex M28Distinctive Floors A4DSI B35Easylay B11Ecovise C6Edel Telenzo C25Elliott Antislip C28Estillon B21Exakt Tools B10F Ball & Co B1Fells Carpets A15Fita Demo AreaFloors China B32aFlooring Magazine B31aFloortrain B17Furlong Flooring C1F&X Carpet M3 Gaskell Wool Rich A22Georgian Carpets C9/C10

Gooch Orientals St GeorgeH & V Carpet M18 Hadfields A20Haldon Thomson A21aHandmade Carpets A14HBS Floor Trade A21Hugh Mackay C14Interiors Monthly C29IVC M25J2 Flooring B33Janser B36Karndean B28/29Kersaint Cobb Ltd A13Kingsmead Carpets C12KJC Carpets A8Lalegno C33aLano M19Laser Measure M24Leica B30Lifestyle Floors A5 M Trim B13Manx Carpets C15Mapei B27Mastercraft Rugs C3Masterpiece Systems C24Mayfield Carpets C23Melrose Textiles C20

Mercado M13Merryfield Engineering M6Mohawk M15 Morleys M21Mr Tomkinson A23New Floors B32NICF Demo AreaNovostrat Ltd B4ORC C32Oriental Weavers M10Penthouse Carpets C22/23Phil Brough A27Plantation Rugs M9Primatech B14Rama Carpets Ltd C21Regency Carpets C1Rhys Davies M5Roberts B21Rubio Monocoat B19 Saif Carpets M11Serdim Rugs M14Shaanixi Aoke Wood B8Sika B6Smart Grass B32Spotnails B40Stairrods (Uk) Ltd B22Stanley Bostitch B16

Stauf Adhesives B19Stroolmount M7Super Click A4Tapibel M17(R)Tat Carpets M1/2 TAOFS B21The Flooring Guild M6aThe Stocklists A3Thomas Hopkinson C18Tomorrows Flooring C33Tramex B37Tremco B23Ultimate Rugs A1/2Unifloor B11Universal Mouldings B25(R) V4 Woodflooring C26Vanhoutte Immofloor A24Vebe St GeorgeVorwerk M3aWagner B18West Riding Felts M8Whitestone Weavers C14 Wilkies Carpets M27WLD A10Woolsafe A19Yorkshire Flooring B34

Exhibitor List 2011

News feature Harrogate Flooring Show

from The Stocklists


News

CFS Creation has been installed into the prestigious Longleat Forest HolidayVillage with 1100m2 laid throughout the conference area. With all the day today activities held in the multi-function room, along with the volume of traffic,this heavy contract broadloom will perform to a high standard.

The construction in100% solution dyed nylon gives this product a 10 yearguarantee, bleach resistance and excellent soil hiding properties. CFS Creationis available throughout the Carpet & Flooring distribution network.

T 01527 511860 www.carpetandflooring.co.uk

Walk indoor the Parc

The 55th Kidderminster Carpet Manufacturers National GolfTournament in aid of the Furnishing Industry Trust (FIT) andMacmillan Cancer Support, and sponsored by GeorgianCarpets, was another phenomenal success.

In spite of the prevailing soft market conditions, the generosity ofthe carpet industry enabled the organisers to give £7,500 toboth charities with a further £750 on the way to both thanks toBarclays Bank.

162 golfers turned out over the two days and they were blessedwith benign conditions. Defending champions, the Bensons,playing under another guise this year, emphatically retained theirtrophy with a resounding victory by 10 points on the Tuesday.

Commenting on another successful year, organising Chairman,Rupert Anton said: “This is the third year I have been in theChair and the generosity and the support of the UK carpetindustry never ceases to amaze me. It is tough out there butyear after year the industry rallies round and I know both FITand Macmillan are overwhelmed by the money we raise forthem.

“As ever, it could not have been done without the continuedsupport of Georgian Carpets and the work by Victoria, Brintonsand Brockway behind the scenes. I would like, particularly, topraise Richard Venn of Brockways who, individually, sold astaggering £750 worth of raffle tickets. I hand over to ShaunLewis now and would like to thank everyone for their help andsupport and would urge the industry, both old and new, tocontinue to support such worthwhile causes,” said Rupert.

Holiday village Centre Parcs has brought in Carpet & Flooring’s Creation tohandle the heavy traffic at one of its leading conference centres.

News

Mike Hardiman, chairman of the award winning Carpet Foundation and one of the bastions of the UK carpet industry has retired after 47 years in the trade.

For the last 12 years, Mike was Chief Executive of the Foundation where herevolutionised the UK carpet industry persuading manufacturers andindependent retailers to subordinate their competitiveness for the generalgood of the industry. He oversaw the generic promotion of carpet toconsumers and the establishment of a network of the best independentretailers for whom he secured Office of Fair Trading approval for their sellingpractices, a point of differentiation that proved to be a real ‘deal clincher’ insoft market conditions.

He campaigned tirelessly against imports into the UK and was instrumental inexposing laminate producer Pergo as the power behind the alleged ‘carpetand asthma’ allergy scare stories. For the UK manufacturers he introducedthe Quality Mark, the only real quality assurance initiative in the industry.

Mike joined Brintons as a management trainee in 1964 and was appointedPersonnel and Training Manager in 1971. As part of a company-widerestructuring in 1992, he became PR and Advertising Manager where heintroduced the famous Vivienne Westwood campaign.

Mike Hardiman is featured in our Voice of the Trade opposite.

Foundation founder retires

Tee time

you owe it to your business to go to the showHarrogate Floor Show - September 4 - 6

Pictured L to R are Rodney McMahon, National President FIT; Peter Kimmins,General Manager Georgian Carpets; John Raynor, Macmillan Cancer Support;Rupert Anton, Chairman and Trish Davis, Barclays Bank.


Made from 100 per cent ethically produced wool, the carpets are the most sustainable andenvironmentally friendly on the market and the wool used is fully traceable back to identifiablefarmers at source. The farmers concerned adhere to strict codes of practice covering animalwelfare, land management, farming practices and environmental standards, all of which areindependently authenticated.

In keeping with such a premium concept, the Collection will only be promoted through anexclusive network of selected high quality independent retailers to be known as ‘PremierPartners’. An initial figure of 250 outlets has been set but this is set to increase. Theselected retailers, all of whom ‘buy in’ to support the initiative, will receive anattractive stand-alone lectern, point of sale material and a consumer promotion.

Environmental issues are playing an increasingly important role in the purchasedecision. Recent research by the Campaign for Wool among 1516 carpetconsumers showed that 30% claimed to have chosen wool or wool-rich carpetbecause it was good for the environment. Laneve branded carpets go beyond thenatural benefits of wool as they are certified to be produced from sustainably and sociallyresponsibly produced wool.

Commenting on the new initiative David Hammond, European Market Manager forWools of New Zealand said: “The Laneve Collection demonstrates our commitmentto the ever increasing importance of traceability and provenance. Green issues arehigh on the consumer agenda and this collection ticks all the boxes for theenvironmentally conscious carpet buyer while at the same time providing a very strongand salient sales tool for retailers.”

T 01943 603888 www.woolsnz.co.uk

Premier wool’s premiere

In a pioneering move, Wools of New Zealand is set to introduce the first ever traceablecarpet collection. The Laneve Collection of 100 per cent wool carpets is a uniquecollaboration with Brockway, Tollgate and Ulster Carpets and aims to provide independentretailers with a powerful sales proposition.

Mike HardimanChief Executive of the Carpet Foundation (newly retired)

Voice of the Trade

“ “How�important�is�the�industry-wide�promotion�of�carpet?Over the years, manufacturers have not invested in their brands (withone notable exception) and as a consequence consumer awareness ofmanufacturers’ names is very low. Now, especially in the currenteconomic climate, it is too expensive to invest in branding somanufacturers are faced with either not doing it at all or using acollective approach with other manufacturers with similar values. It isbetter for companies to have a share in a well recognised brand ratherthan total ownership of a brand no-one has heard of!

Has�there�been�a�real�shift�in�consumer�perceptionstowards�carpet�in�the�past�5�years?When the Carpet Foundation was formed 12 years ago, magazineshardly showed any carpet at all. They were full of laminate floors;minimalistic living environments; sanded wood floors painted purple andhealth scares about dust mites. Our work with highly influential homeinterest magazines and journalists through our Red Carpet Awards (nowin its 11th year!) has led to a massive increase in the coverage given tocarpet and this has had a positive impact upon consumers.

What�do�you�think�has�been�the�CF’s�greatestachievement�to�date?Promoting the generic benefit of carpet to consumers is a waste ofmoney (as many examples show) because the messages are too vague.However, if consumers can be persuaded to visit the best independentcarpet retailers they would be more likely to end up with a British madecarpet rather than a cheap import.

Setting up a national network of 1,200 high quality independent retailersto fund and invest over £0.5 million per year in this retail brand was anoutstanding achievement. We were told “you will never get 200” andwhen we reached 1,000 “they won’t last 6 months” showed how littlesome manufacturers understood about retailers. Thanks to the supportof manufacturers, buying groups and our network of far sighted retailers,we remain the largest manufacturer/ retailer network in the Europeanflooring sector with nearly 900 members.

How�important�was�the�OFT�dimension�to�your�work?We live in “rip-off Britain” so anything which can reassure consumersthat they will be looked after in an honest and professional mannerusing selling practices endorsed by the most powerful consumer affairsorganisation in the UK would be highly beneficial to retail members.

It took a long time to achieve, but OFT endorsement is a powerfuladvantage for those of our retailers who exploit it properly and it doeslead to additional business! It is now part of our independent retailers’culture as our monitoring results (which continually improve) show.

We are one of only six organisations in the UK with an OFT ApprovedCode of Practice which was a great achievement for the trade.

What�do�retailers�need�to�do�to�improve�their�business?Our retailers are, by definition, independent businesses which have theirown ways of working. Many of them are outstanding retailers with asophisticated way of operating their stores. Inevitably, a few retailershave some catching up to do, and I think most people will agree, somesmall changes would be beneficial to consumers.

A less cluttered environment; clearer point of sale messages; moreexploitation of the benefits of the OFT approved Code; fewer “me too”ranges and a more consumer sympathetic environment would obviouslyhelp. However, one has to accept that many highly successful retailersoperate in less than ideal environments and get away with it due totheir personality, enthusiasm, honesty and knowledge of the trade.

What�do�manufacturers�need�to�do�better�to�support�retailers?It is not difficult to see that there are far too many similar productranges available in the UK with, in many cases, low levels ofdesign/colour innovation. Journalists are always pointing out how difficultit is to get enthusiastic about “another range of beige twist”. However,the practicalities of designers having to produce ranges for a widediversity of consumers with manufacturers having to pick up the tab for100% of the product launches has to be faced. It is not the ideal way ofproducing innovative product ranges, with more “buy in” from retailerswith a shared approach to the costs of product launches needs to beexplored (like the furnishing fabric sector).

Extended manufacturing fault guarantees; a faster response to handlingbona fide consumer complaints; more emphasis on produceaccreditation and greater discrimination over who they deal with wouldimprove the reputation of UK manufacturers.

We have to find a way of jointly promoting product benefits as analternative to price driven marketing.

What�single�thing�would�make�the�biggest�difference�toconsumer�appreciation�of�carpet?A wider variety of highly innovative, well designed/coloured, accreditedproducts which broadens consumer choice and relegates price fromconsumer priorities.

What�makes�you�angry�about�business?Seeing retail organisations use orchestrated systematic policies ofmisleading consumers by exaggerating “normal prices” to promote“generous discounts” in breach of current selling legislation without anyaction from the authorities. No wonder there are 25 million consumercomplaints each year, costing the public £6.6 billion in poorproduct/service losses.

What�has�most�amused�you�in�all�your�years�in�the�trade?At a soccer international at Wembley I was interviewed by BBC Newsat Ten on the death of Sir Stanley Matthews. I was quoted as referring tohim as a “living legend” (highly inappropriate for someone who had justdied) and this duly appeared in “Private Eye” and the “ColemanballChristmas Annual”.

What�has�been�the�best�moment�of�your�career?For the effort, complexity and commitment of obtaining OFT approvalfor the CF Consumer Code was a career high although organisingBrintons Vivienne Westwood inspired advertising campaign was a veryclose second!

“It is not difficult to see that there are far too many similar product rangesavailable in the UK with, in many cases,low levels of design/colour innovation.“

Feature

FlooringNewsJuly 201160

The British Wool column

It’s July and holidays beckon and it is so easy to feel a little relaxed but it is then

promptly followed by the beginning of the soft furnishing season - a time when the

consumer magazines will promote all things soft and textured for the home.

How can the carpet retail trade benefit? Firstly, remember that September will host

Wool Week this year from 5th to 11th and is a great opportunity for retailers to use

this as a platform to promote beautiful wool-rich ranges.

Certainly, flagship British manufacturers like Cormar have introduced so many new

wool carpets within their collections that they now have an impressive wool offering

for retailers. They also use their British manufacturing as a flag flying in-store

promotion and this is always a great draw for the consumer with loyalty on the

agenda. Ulster Carpets too has been highly creative on the design front. Indeed the

whole UK industry has a lot to promote with some stunning stripes and florals on

offer and many fabulous twist products in some very current colours.

It is important to remember that the Campaign for Wool which hosts Wool Week is a

vehicle intended to help the UK sheep farmer to achieve a better return for the fibre.

Prices for raw wool have risen in the last eighteen months and farmers are getting far

more for the fleece than they have done over the last twenty years. However, with

shearing of sheep at approximately £1.40 per sheep it is still not a fibre that makes a

significant impact on their profit levels.

“The amazing natural durable properties of wool and its fabulous texture make it a

great choice for carpets and rugs but achieving a realistic price has always been difficult.

However, all natural fibres are now higher and at the same time we are seeing

dramatic increases in manmade fibres, so there is more of an equal playing field than

ever before,” Ian Hartley, CEO of the British Wool Marketing Board said.

The campaign has focused on the fabulous products available in wool and so is doing a

great job of promoting the textile industry and of course retail stores benefit from it.

“This is very much a multi-faceted promotion and all levels of the wool industry from

growing to processing to making and selling will stand to benefit,” he added,

If you are thinking of doing a wool carpet retail promotion – let us know – we would

love to report on it in Stocklists – just contact [email protected]

Town and Country in London Stone – a British Wool rangeby Cormar Carpets.

Create a wool promotion for Wool Week


There is always something overwhelming about a lot of carpet in one place, this isthe eternal difficulty faced by all carpet shops. But ABC Stores on Broadway inNew York remain undaunted by the ‘just too much’ opinions of some and displayeverything and then more for the floor. It is an approach that has given themserious status - they have certainly achieved a legendary level within the Americancarpet trade, whenever you mention them there, people nod their heads knowingly.

The sheer volume of product diversity is quite amazing but they have the room forit, spread over two supersize floors joined by an up and a down escalator – theyterm themselves ‘the largest carpet retailer in the world’ and it may well be. Sellingonly carpets and rugs, it sits over the road and clearly benefits from their sister shop- the beautiful and artsy ABC at Home which is dedicated to all things tasteful,ethical and beautiful.

The sales assistants are discreetly helpful andyet the sound of one loudly arguing his pointover a carpet issue on the phone shows thatdiscretion and business has many levels.

It is a store with space on its side butnevertheless just as in a smaller store it is bulging at the seams with carpet. However, despite thequantity of choice, there was a good sense of order, which helped to give the store an aura of style.Naturally, rugs were highly profiled because in the US market they favour the area rug on a hard floorbackdrop but there was also a good choice of fitted ranges.

“There is always a limit to what you can do with your store when selling a flat product like carpet butthey certainly inject a little bit of class to the environment. They are of course selling to affluent NewYorkers so it is different but if you can take just a little bit of what they do, it adds something to theselling environment,” Bridgette Kelly at the BWMB said.

Selling carpets in the Big Apple

Ulster Carpets have created a stunning collection with naturalundyed wools - shown here Tapestry from The Natural Collection.

A quiet corner to look at samplesin the ABC New York carpet store.


StocklistsThe

ClassifiedSITUATIONS VACANT

FOR SALE

UNDER RUGS

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

Call Diane Martin on 01482 659396

“We get TWICE asmany calls from ourad in The Stocklists”But then The Stocklists has an unfair

advantage, we go to almost twice as many as

people as rival magazines.

Ask us which advertisers have made the statement above

- and we’ll give you a quote too!

LEASE FOR SALEMiddlesex High Street busy carpet shop in affluentarea - Owner Retiring. Shop & warehouse £30,000

per annum. Enquiries To P.O. Box 23.Mayville Publishing Co. 219 West Ella Rd, West Ella, Hull HU10 7SD.

HYSTER E30A ELECTRIC FORKLIFT

With Forks and 3mtr carpet boom. Lift height 4260 - Closedheight 2760. Normal capacity standard load 1500kgs. Light useonly, regularly maintained. Complete with CMP2100 Charger.

£2500ono buYER TO COLLECT - HEREFORD 01432 266617

you owe it to your business

to go to the showHarrogate Floor Show - September 4 - 6

The Stocklists - July 2011

Documents

Transcript of The Stocklists - July 2011