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BUSINESS NEWS
15 Mar, 2024
Confirming a slow start to the year across all flooring sectors, imports into the UK declined 6.8% to £115m in January compared to 2023. Carpet imports declined 5.5% according to HM Revenue & Customs figures compiled by The Furnishing Report . This figure highlights a continuing shift away from Europe, notably a 27% fall in the value of incoming goods from the Netherlands while Turkey's sales into the UK were up 26%. Other flooring sectors saw greater import declines with wood flooring down 12% and vinyl down 7.9%.
14 Mar, 2024
Major flooring conglomerate Victoria plc says wider market demand for flooring is 20% down with subdued but stable trading in the UK.  However, in a trading update to the City, Victoria was optimistic about the future saying "the medium-term macro-economic outlook is generally improving as well as key leading indicators for flooring demand." These indicators cover housing transactions, mortgage rates, consumer confidence, employment, consumer savings, real wage growth and increased construction activity. Victoria has already told the markets that its annual sales figures for the year ended 30 March 2024 will be below 2023 levels and has been working to maximise efficiencies and cost management across the Group, including a 16% reduction in workforce. Executive chairman Geoff Wilding told investors: "We emphasise that we are not expecting some immediate improvement in flooring demand. However, we are confident of the impact on earnings and cashflow of management's actions, and are certain demand will inevitability revert to the long-term mean." Meanwhile, the Group has said it will use cash generated from the sale of non-core and surplus assets to buy back up to £25m worth of shares which it believes are under-valued at present. It will also repay debt which was reported at a level of £670m in Victoria's half-year statement to September 30, 2023. www.victoriaplc.com
11 Mar, 2024
The Carpet Foundation has said it will not be honouring orders from an insolvent retailer under its deposit protection programme, citing a "blatant abuse" of the scheme which threatens its viability. Under the Foundation scheme, consumers' deposits of up to 50 per cent are guaranteed under its Code of Practice but the organisation says it will now have to re-write its rules after being inundated with calls relating to Cullingford Carpets of Wincanton. Cullingford filed for insolvency in November but prior to the collapse the Foundation says that the business continued trading while knowing it was insolvent and used the Foundation's protection scheme to tell customers their deposits were safe. The Foundation says in many cases, Collingford did not then place customers' orders with manufacturers. After taking legal advice and discussing the situation with Cullingford's administrators, the Foundation wrote to its members: "While there are moral and ethical issues, we fervently do not believe that the Carpet Foundation should be held accountable for the blatant abuse of the scheme by one of our retail members, nor should the malpractice of one retailer threaten the viability of the Carpet Foundation. "The money entrusted to us by you, our law-abiding retail members, should not be spent on making good the foul play of one rotten apple. As a direct result of the actions of Cullingfords, we will be making changes to the Code of Practice to avoid a repeat of this behaviour and to reassure both members and the public, that it is fit for purpose," said the statement. https://carpetfoundation.com
08 Mar, 2024
The latest for UK housing transactions shows some crumbs of comfort for manufacturers who rely on consumers moving home to boost "big ticket" sales such as flooring and furniture. The latest headline figures from HMRC's Monthly Property Transactions Commentary make grim reading, the provisional non-seasonally adjusted estimate of the number of UK residential transactions in January 2024 is 68,090, 10% lower than January 2023 and 20% lower than December 2023. January is always a poor month for transactions and the seasonally adjusted figures actually estimate of the number of UK non-residential transactions in January 2024 is 9,790, 1% higher than January 2023 - the first month-on-month increase since August 2023. Yasin Patel, of property specialists Autarky Sukuk, said: “A month-on-month uptick in transactions is a clear indication that there is momentum for growth in the property industry. “As inflation creeps down and interest rate rises hold off, there is an increased appetite to buy, and more mortgages are being offered by lenders. 2024 has the potential to be a positive year for buyers and sellers alike,” he said
07 Mar, 2024
Fast-growing flooring distributor Likewise has posted a positive report for the first two months of 2024 with sales up over 11% to £22.8m. Bucking the trend of a slow start to the year for many manufacturers in the sector, Likewise also said average daily sales were increasing by 6.5%. Sales in Likewise's own branded businesses have increased by 20.1%. in January and February. Whilst the first two months can only ever provide limited indication of the year as a whole, early trends are positive said the company in a trading update sttement to shareholders. Chief Executive Tony Brewer commented: "A good start to the year with many opportunities before us. The ongoing investment in Sales Teams, Product and Point of Sale Displays will continue to increase our market share. The Group continues to look forward with optimism as it accelerates towards its medium-term objectives." Likewise has increased its sales team by 11 and announced "extensive launches" across all flooring categories to take advantage of the traditionally busy Spring trading period.
06 Mar, 2024
The residential flooring market is facing a prolonged period of tough trading as the market weakness of last year continues into 2024 says Headlam, the UK's top flooring distributor. But a strong recovery is forecast for the years ahead. Announcing its full year results to investors, Headlam saw overall revenue decline 1% but with UK sales volume down 5%, "reflecting reduction in residential property transactions (which declined 20% in 2023) and cost of living crisis reducing consumer spending on home improvements." The Group's statement added: "The market weakness observed at the end of 2023 has continued into the first few weeks of 2024. We have seen negative volumes across our UK and Continental European businesses." Overall sales for February this year were 5% below the 2023 performance, said the statement. "External data on housing transactions and consumer spending on home improvements, and latest projections for RMI (repair, maintenance, improvements) and flooring spend in 2024, indicate a delayed market recovery," it concluded. However, on a more positive note, Headlam forecast: "The medium-term market outlook remains strong; flooring market volumes in 2023 were around 20% lower than in 2019 and we expect volumes to improve significantly over the coming years as the market recovers." While underlying profit before tax was £11.0 million compared to £37.1 million in 2022 and debt has increased to £30m after a period of sustained investment, Headlam remains bullish. A major success is the group's 26% growth in its business with "large customers" – including retailer groups, homeware retailers, builders' merchants, house-builders and online retailers. It also saw sales through its enlarged trade counter network increase by 8.5%.
05 Mar, 2024
The dark and very damp February weather drove down demand for home furnishing, but analyst expect confidence to improve when the sun finally comes out! Barclays Consumer Spending Index, which includes the majority of store purchases on both debit and credit cards, says the interior sector was down 3.6% compared to the same period last year. Overall, consumer spending o n cards grew 1.9% year-on-year in February which represents a decline given that general inflation is running at 4.2%. Karen Johnson, Head of Retail at Barclays, said: “February’s wet weather meant Brits chose to spend more time indoors, resulting in a slowdown in high-street spending. “With Brits having reined in discretionary spending during the winter months, and as inflationary pressures begin to ease, retailers will be hopeful that the onset of warmer weather lifts spending – particularly if consumer confidence improves in the summer,” she added.
04 Mar, 2024
After 13 years, Domotex Middle East is returning to Dubai. From 23-25 April 2024, the trade fair at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) will celebrate its revival as the international event for carpets and floor coverings in the Middle East and mark the launch of the annual trade fair platform in this region. “I am very pleased with our determination and courage to provide a highly attractive platform for the industry in this fast-growing market with promising potential,” said Sonia Wedell-Castellano, Global Director of Domotex at Deutsche Messe AG. The market for floor coverings and carpets in the Middle East is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.2 per cent to around USD 14.55 bn by 2030 from USD 8.6 bn in 2022. "The response to the upcoming event has been enormous," said Ms Wedell-Castellan: "The world's leading trade fair for carpets and floor coverings brings together the industry's 'Big Four', the global market leaders Merinos, Oriental Weavers, Solomon Carpet and Al Abdullatif, at one event for the first time. Many other international brand manufacturers have already announced their participation and want to present their top products and innovations. " www.domotex.de/en/about-us/domotex-worldwide/domotex-middle-east/
01 Mar, 2024
High-end carpet maker Brintons have reported a strong recovery and a "healthy outlook" as sales and profits grew in 2023. In its financial results files for the 12 months to 30 September 2023, sales were up 17% to £70.2m from £60.1m in 2022, and earnings (EBITDA) rose to £11.2m from £8.3m. “Following the impact of global events [ Covid & Ukraine ] hospitality demand was severely constrained but in the past year market market demand has recovered which has been reflected in a growth in orders,” said the company’s statement. Brintons order book is driven by premium hospitality projects and the sector took a hit during the pandemic of course . But the company says market analysis and their own prospect data “indicates a healthy outlook for projects across 2024 and beyond. We forecast this growth will more than compensate for any downside to consumer demand in the residential sector. “Confidence in our end markets has returned, leading to end users increasing the levels of capital expenditure on both new and existing projects,” said Brintons who says that big hotel and hospitality contracts are returning and casinos and cruise ship projects are showing strong recovery .
29 Feb, 2024
Homeware retailer The Range is ready to roll out an extensive flooring offer in-store in a pilot scheme that could lead to the 220-store chain becoming a major player in the sector. The pilot project opens in four stores in Plymouth, Bournemouth, Kidderminster and Swansea according to The Furnishing Report with a dedicated flooring department covering carpets, vinyl, underlay and accessories. The Range has offered a range of rugs and mats to date but this latest move is a major step forward into broadloom carpets, LVT and vinyl. The extensive product range will be offered online as well as in-store.
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FEATURED ARTICLES
04 Mar, 2024
Effective POS is essential in a crowded, competitive market but your floor and wall space is a precious commodity that all your suppliers want a piece of. So we’ve selected some of the best displays to help retailers drive forward your business in 2024 with the latest from Abingdon, ACG, Cormar, Furlong, Harvey Maria, Invictus, ITC, Likewise, Tarkett and Victoria. Also, check out our ten top tips for successful POS.
26 Feb, 2024
If you’re looking for that competitive edge that sets you apart from your rivals, well look at the “edge” of your actual flooring installations – the trims, tramlines and edge enhancements that make all the difference. Smart finishing touches to carpet and LVT projects are increasingly popular with discerning consumers and can be the difference between customer satisfaction and customer delight – and an opportunity to add value to your sale. Consumers with higher disposable incomes tend to be less price sensitive on up-market accessories which represent a small part of their total investment in new flooring. Manufacturers have risen to this opportunity with premium products that can be highly profitable for retailers and installers. A prime example is the highly popular range of profiles from Gripperrods , part of the market-leading Interfloor portfolio.
By Rita Bancroft 19 Feb, 2024
Providing unrivalled design choice and installation versatility, we discover the unmatched durability and design diversity in our latest review of Tile Styles. Furlong Flooring offers a comprehensive selection of Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) and Stone Plastic Composite (SPC) flooring options, including the Endura, Sirona, Carina, and Aurora ranges. These ranges exemplify cutting-edge technology and design, providing unparalleled benefits for both residential and commercial spaces. One of the key advantages of Furlong Flooring's LVT/SPC tiling is durability. The Endura range, for instance, is engineered to withstand high-traffic areas, ensuring longevity without compromising on aesthetics. SPC construction enhances resilience against scratches and dents, making it ideal for busy environments. Moreover, Furlong Flooring's LVT/SPC offers versatility in design. The range boasts a wide array of colours and patterns, allowing customers to achieve their desired aesthetic effortlessly. Whether replicating the look of natural wood or contemporary stone finishes, the Endura, Sirona, Carina and Aurora ranges offer limitless design possibilities to suit various interior themes.
By Rita Bancroft 29 Jan, 2024
Technological strides in synthetic fibres have given rise to a multitude of new carpet collections, offering unmatched softness underfoot, easy maintenance and viable end of life recycling options. Simultaneously, there has been a noticeable consumer shift towards a growing desire to incorporate natural materials into our homes and a greater all-round focus on sustainable flooring solutions. For the second year running, sustainability, circular economy and environmental protection played a key role at Domotex , the world's leading trade fair for carpets and floorings which took place in Hannover, Germany on 11 to 14 January 2024. This included four Green Collection Awards, which were split into categories to reflect different aspects of sustainability, ranging from using sustainable materials, evaluating flooring emissions, demonstrating sustainable production, and the social responsibility of employees. Sonia Wedell-Castellano, Global Director of Domotex said, "In a world where resources are becoming scarcer and the consequences of the climate crisis are starting to hit us more frequently, sustainability must become an integral part of everything we do. That is why we have made the decision to maintain and expand our value-based keynote theme Floored by Nature and the special display The Green Collection .
26 Jan, 2024
Retail analysts report "exciting" trends in consumer confidence, including for big ticket items like flooring, with the best headline score for optimism in over two years. GfK’s long-running Consumer Confidence Index increased three points to -19 in January. The Major Purchase Index which cov ers furnishing, flooring and appliances, also rose three points to -20; this is 20 points higher than this month last year. “Consumer confidence has started the year well with all measures up," says Joe Staton, Client Strategy Director GfK. "Importantly, the view on our personal financial situation for the coming year has gained two points and now stands at zero. This is exciting as it ends 24 consecutive months of negative scores for this measure and this significant change is the best single indicator for how the nation’s households feel about their income and expenditure." Mr Staton added: “Despite the cost-of-living crisis still impacting many households across the UK, consumers appear to be encouraged by the positive news about falling inflation. On balance, while there is national and global turmoil, the Consumer Confidence Index has started 2024 on a positive note – let’s see if this optimism continues.”
25 Jan, 2024
The Flooring Show has announced its expansion into Hall Q at the Harrogate Convention Centre in response to the demand for stands being higher than it’s ever been before, say organisers. The national event, taking place from 15-17 September, will be 30% bigger than previous years. "This firmly cementing the event as the market leading flooring exhibition in the UK," says organisers Ocean Media. "With over 120 exhibitors already confirmed to showcase their innovative flooring products, this year’s event is tracking 21% ahead of 2023." 3,500 buyers, specifiers, contractors, fitters, architects, and interior designers descend on Harrogate every year for business, networking, and education. The expansion into Hall Q provides opportunity for more extensive show features for visitors to enjoy, including the new ‘Designer Spotlight’ feature which has been developed in response to interior designers, property developers and high-end retailers looking for premium design led flooring solutions. The Flooring Show attracts manufacturers and suppliers of carpet, laminate, LVT, wood, vinyl, cork, grass, as well as underlay, adhesives, and tools. Confirmed exhibitors include Abingdon Flooring, Ball & Young, Bostik, Brampton Chase, Cavalier Carpets, Cormar, COREtec Flooring, Kellars, Furlong Flooring, F Ball & Co, Hugh Mackay, Interfloor, Lifestyle Floors, Likewise, Penthouse Carpets, Tarkett, Westex and Wilsons Underlay and many more. www.theflooringshow.com
24 Jan, 2024
Artificial grass is booming in Britain One of the strongest markets in Europe for the product, with some eight million square metres sold in the UK each year. The pandemic lockdowns boosted the trend as two summers of perfect weather coincided with the enforced stay at home during lockdowns and it was reported that Google searches for artificial grass tripled in 2021. Many new build housing developments in urban area are now delivered not only with fully fitted carpets and LVT indoors, but with synthetic lawns professionally installed across front and now even sometimes back gardens too. But the turf wars among environmentalists attract extensive publicity. Famously, the Royal Horticultural Society banned “fake grass" at the Chelsea Flower Show in 2022 (not surprisingly as artificial grass has never claimed to be “horticultural”).
By FLOORING FOCUS 24 Jan, 2024
The ubiquitous appearance of AI across all aspects of our lives has been much debated – from freeing us all from tedious work to pursue a life of leisure, to an existential threat to the human race. So we thought it was time to find out what AI thinks of flooring! And this is not just idle curosity, AI is now embedded in the search engines and web platforms across the internet so AI is increasingly how consumers research their buying decisions. And you can also use AI to write flooring information sheets for your store, content for your websites and social media posts and letters to customers. So we asked the two market leaders – Open AI’s Chat GPT and Google's Bard – about some key topics: wool versus man-made; the environmental issues in flooring and careers in the industry. Oh, and we asked it to write a love poem about carpet and a song about gripper! - and create a few images for us!
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NEWS SERVICE

28 Feb, 2024
Demonstrating the versatility of its woven wilton programme, Louis De Poortere lets anyone create their own bespoke runner with Richelieu Classic, choosing a bordered design in any two colours from 144 options. That’s 20,000 possible combinations to transform any staircase into a striking and personal feature of the home. Available in four widths (60,70, 90 and 120cm) to provide the ideal fit on stairs, landings and hallways; a Richelieu Classic runner brings quality and sophistication to the home with a heavyweight wool-rich yarn. In fact, Richelieu Classic runners have such enduring quality that they are also suitable for use in commercial projects such as boutique hotels. Retailers and homeowners alike will also be pleased to learn that this added-value service doesn’t come with a long-list of minimums or requirements. Thanks to the 144 yarn colours permanently held in stock, Louis de Poortere offers Richelieu Classic bespoke runners from just eight linear metres - the same for its entire Richelieu runner programme. Designs can be created and downloaded in the easy to use Mix & Match tool on the website. Alan Russell, sales director, tells more: “With a Richelieu Classic runner, homeowners can become really engaged in the process of creating their runner and deciding on just which combination is right for them. The programme is a great way for the best independent retailers to offer added value to their customers and provide a unique shopping experience.  www.louisdepoortere.com
26 Feb, 2024
Today, homeowners can choose between a wide range of long-lasting laminate, vinyl and wood floors that all share the same DNA: striving for perfection. So, whatever Quick-Step floor they choose, homeowners can be confident of beauty that lasts. Since it first entered the flooring market in 1990 with its laminate floors, Quick-Step has been responsible for a long list of market-leading technologies. From the Uniclic joint that revolutionised installation in 1997 to Wood for Life that made wood flooring easier to live, the Quick-Step name has always stood for premium quality flooring. Quick-Step’s latest ranges are the pinnacle of nearly 35-years of intensive research and development into how to make floors more beautiful, practical and durable. For example, its Capture laminate range is indistinguishable from real wood, 100% watertight and comes with 10 times the scratch and stain resistance of other laminate floors. Every design is thoughtful and true to nature, so that the detail of every knot, crack, grain and joint is brought to life. Cascada is the first watertight wood floor that comes with a Lifetime warranty in kitchens and bathrooms. Not only this, but it comes with Wood for Life moisture-repellent technology to stop mud, spilled foods and other dirt from sticking to its surface. With beautiful natural woods in unique finishes like Wintry Forest Oak Extra Matt, Cascada brings the enriching charm and true warmth that can only come with a wood floor. Quick-Step has continued its know-how built over years of refining and innovating in laminate and wood floors into the world of luxury vinyl flooring and with the new Alpha Vinyl collection, it has set a new benchmark. With up to 20 times the texture and detail of other luxury vinyl, the clever Unizip joint for easy herringbone installation and built-in underlay across the range, Alpha Vinyl is packed with leading technologies that make it a premium choice. It also makes use of Quick-Step’s Hydroseal water repellent for a 100% waterproof floor, and with Scratch Guard for stain and dirt protection, Alpha Vinyl shows Quick-Step’s DNA in every plank and tile. www.quick-step.co.uk
21 Feb, 2024
Joining a wide selection of plank and tiles, including XL formats for impressive spaces, Herringbone Classic is the new luxury vinyl floor from Moduleo. Its plank size (40.8 x 10.2cm) has been carefully considered to maintain a striking herringbone look in a range of rooms. So, whether master bedroom, open plan kitchen, downstairs WC or a cosy living room; Herringbone Classic is the smartly sized herringbone floor. As with the rest of the Roots collection, Herringbone Classic exudes the quality that comes from being made in Belgium. It’s authentic textured surface, matt finish and exclusive wood decors come in a floor that’s easy to look after, resistant to scratches, stains and water, and which comes with an impressive 25-year warranty. And with selected floors like the new Galway Oak available with EIR (emboss in register) for a true to nature feel, there’s no mistaking that this is another quality option from Moduleo Roots.
20 Feb, 2024
Furlong Flooring has introduced its latest breakthrough innovation - River Laminate Flooring, a cutting-edge, water-resistant laminate floor which boasts durability and superior aesthetics . Sustainably sourced and crafted for durability, River Laminate sets the stage for stylish and long wearing living spaces and delivers on price, quality and appearance. River Laminate features the Uniclic® system for faster fitting and is compatible with underfloor heating systems. The on-trend decors range from light to dark and are inspired by authentic wood types – plus with its 72-hour water resistance, River really is the perfect hard flooring choice. With a Class 33 and abrasion AC4 rating, it is designed to withstand the rigours of everyday life while maintaining its impeccable appearance. The distinctive 4V bevel edges add a touch of sophistication to the overall design. At Furlong Flooring, environmental responsibility is a driving force. River Laminate is Blue Angel certified, reflecting the company’s commitment to sustainable sourcing and environmentally friendly practices. This certification ensures that your flooring choice is also a responsible one. River Laminate is more than just a flooring solution; it's a harmonious blend of traditional oak laminate features and contemporary innovation. The Oak collection offers a unique style to suit a variety of interior designs and includes an enticing range of eight oak décor options. River Laminate measures 1205mm x 197mm x 8mm, striking the perfect balance between form and function, ensuring a seamless fit for a myriad of applications. "As a trusted single supplier, Furlong Flooring is dedicated to delivering flooring solutions that seamlessly blend style and durability," said Richard Richman, National Hard Flooring Sales Director at Furlong Flooring. "River Laminate is testament to our unwavering commitment to delivering the forefront of flooring innovation to our valued customers." Furlong Flooring remains committed to its core mission: offering customers the most stylish, contemporary, and well-fitting flooring solutions. Whether you're working on a residential project or a commercial venture, the launch of River Laminate Flooring promises to elevate your space to new heights of elegance and sophistication. www.furlongflooring.com
19 Feb, 2024
Whether outdoors or indoors, Riviera Home TufStrand handwoven carpets bring comfort and luxury that lasts. Renowned for its fine-quality handwoven carpets, Riviera Home has launched two new ranges made from premium TufStrand yarn. Suitable for outdoor and indoor use, TufStrand is an all-weather yarn that’s stain-resistant and bleach cleanable. Soft enough to be comfortable and luxurious indoors yet durable and practical enough to resist the elements, the yarn brings unity between indoor and outdoor living. Thanks to TufStrand, these new carpets are protected from household spills, easy to clean and represent great value for money. Part of Riviera Home’s Italian inspired collection, Livorno is handwoven from 100% TufStrand polypropylene. Incorporating two distinct designs: a wilton textured basketweave and a flatwoven herringbone, each in two complementary duo-tone colourways, Livorno adds elegance to any home. With Livorno, homes can seamlessly flow from open plan living to outdoor relaxing with the comfort and luxury that comes with Riviera Home. Medina is also from Riviera Home’s Italian collection, this time presenting wilton textured basketweave and flatwoven herringbone designs in three multi-tonal colour combinations. The carpet’s rich design makes it a statement in style and the multi-tonal yarn also helps to disguise dirt and spills more readily before cleaning. Kuldeep Singla, chairman, Riviera Home UK, says: “The growth in outdoor living spaces in the UK has seen homeowners look for ways to add layers of comfort to terraces and balconies and to complement relaxed seating areas and entertaining. Outdoor rugs can achieve this, but these outdoor spaces are often connected by doors that open right up, so there’s a natural flow inside to out. With rugs it can be hard to find complementary finishes between indoors and out. Our 100% TufStrand carpets bring fine-quality, luxury and comfort indoors, but as TufStrand is weather resistant and durable, they can add all this to the outdoors as well, and create a sense of unity that make these spaces feel completely connected.” T 01299 871446 • www.rivierahomeuk.co.uk
14 Feb, 2024
As love is in the air this February, we’re looking at the trade’s most enduring relationships – the best sellers that consumers have taken to their hearts and which retailers know they can rely on through thick and thin... Cavalier ♥ Rekindling relationships Fall back in love with wool… nothing comes close to the underfoot comfort of a quality wool carpet. For nearly five decades, Cavalier have been passionate about producing the finest floorcoverings, from tactile super fine, pin point twists to the most sumptuous soft velvets. Wool has natural charm, a sensual warmth and at its heart, strength and longevity. “A natural charm, a sensual warmth and at its heart, strength and longevity”
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