August 5, 2025
The National Institute of Carpet and Floorlayers (NICF) is the home of professionals working in the domestic flooring trade, supporting fitters and retailers who supply and install all types of flooring including carpet, laminate, luxury vinyl tile, naturals, timber and sheet vinyl. This not-for-profit trade association is the driving force behind raising standards of domestic floorcovering installation. The NICF strives to make your business as simple, stress-free and profitable as possible and serves the interests of members to promote business growth. The aim of the NICF is to promote excellence within the field of flooring installation; to promote understanding and awareness of the British Standards Code of Practice for the installation of floorcoverings; and to provide assurance of quality of workmanship to the public. The trusted community of carpet and flooring professionals Formerly the National Institute of Carpet Fitters, the NICF was founded in 1979 to promote the field of carpet fitting. While it has grown to incorporate a wide variety of floorcovering types, it has never lost sight of this original purpose. An in-person community of fitters and suppliers regularly joins together at trade shows and an annual Open Day to celebrate the domestic flooring trade. NICF Open Days feature live demonstrations and are supported by manufacturers and distributors, attracting enthusiastic engagement. A highlight of the year is the NICF’s prestigious Fitter of the Year Competition, a showcase for installers to demonstrate their expertise, craftsmanship and knowledge backed by industry support. The NICF also circulates a Master Fitter Newsletter every two months featuring member updates, event opportunities, “Meet the Member” profiles, retailer advice, upcoming FITA training courses, members’ top tips, and industry news. This newsletter helps members to stay informed, connect with each other and make the most of their benefits. Stand out from the crowd with NICF membership NICF membership provides customers with the confidence that fitters are experienced, professional, and work to a good industry standard. The NICF logo signals members’ commitment to quality, while a free listing on the NICF website, which attracts over 30,000 hits per year, helps members gain visibility and grow their business. Other benefits include a technical advice line staffed by experienced NICF professionals; a business support helpline; 15% off the Flooring Industry Training Association’s (FITA) standard training courses; support from Regional Representatives; access to the NICF Domestic Guide to Flooring; discounts on tools and workwear; and more. Membership categories reflect a fitter’s experience or a company’s role in the industry. For large retailers and manufacturers, Patron membership offers added visibility, featuring your logo on a dedicated NICF website page, in the Master Fitter Newsletter, and across social media platforms. The industry’s changing – be part of the winning team with the NICF As the industry faces new challenges, strength and resilience will be key. The announcement that The Carpet Foundation is closing in August 2025, alongside ongoing competitive pressures, highlights the importance of being part of a strong and supportive trade association. In times of change, it’s invaluable to be a part of a community that “has your back”. The NICF has developed to become the voice of the domestic flooring industry, representing all levels of floor layers from apprentices to Master Fitters and flooring businesses, and influencing standards. And as co-founder of FITA, the NICF is ideally positioned to lead efforts to bring new talent into the flooring sector and ensure the continued growth of the trade. To find out more about membership criteria, visit: https://nicfltd.org.uk/NICF-Membership-Criteria/index.php To apply to join the NICF, visit: https://nicfltd.org.uk/Contact/Apply/ https://nicfltd.org.uk