Passionate about flooring
Website Editor • September 28, 2020
Jonathan Richardson joins ACG team
As ACG’s new Group Development Manager, Jonathan has the
right background to understand the industry inside out.
Starting as a fitter at age 17 with a flooring contractor, he went on to work in retail for 25 years with well-respected South Manchester-based retailer A.D. Cragg & Son, covering estimating and sales.
Then, after a spell as sales manager with posh (and Royal warranted) carpet consultants Linney Cooper, overseeing their Chester store, Jonathan joined Axminster Carpets, first as area manager and more lately in a national capacity with responsibility for looking after the buying groups and key accounts.
“The move to ACG this year seemed like a perfect fit with all the experience I have gained and keeps me in the centre of an industry I am passionate about” said Jonathan. “I instinctively know the expectations of the retailer, whilst understanding how the suppliers work. This ensures everyone gets the best deal.”
Jonathan joined ACG in August, immediately after lockdown. “I think the timing is right – many retailers have seen the opportunity to re-evaluate their businesses and work out a better way forward. Buying groups offer more protection and more profitability in uncertain times.
“I decided I wanted to work with ACG because they seemed to have the best balance – a buying group that was not just in the business of signing people up as members but is investing in a better proposition for retailers to up their game and get them a better sale.
right background to understand the industry inside out.
Starting as a fitter at age 17 with a flooring contractor, he went on to work in retail for 25 years with well-respected South Manchester-based retailer A.D. Cragg & Son, covering estimating and sales.
Then, after a spell as sales manager with posh (and Royal warranted) carpet consultants Linney Cooper, overseeing their Chester store, Jonathan joined Axminster Carpets, first as area manager and more lately in a national capacity with responsibility for looking after the buying groups and key accounts.
“The move to ACG this year seemed like a perfect fit with all the experience I have gained and keeps me in the centre of an industry I am passionate about” said Jonathan. “I instinctively know the expectations of the retailer, whilst understanding how the suppliers work. This ensures everyone gets the best deal.”
Jonathan joined ACG in August, immediately after lockdown. “I think the timing is right – many retailers have seen the opportunity to re-evaluate their businesses and work out a better way forward. Buying groups offer more protection and more profitability in uncertain times.
“I decided I wanted to work with ACG because they seemed to have the best balance – a buying group that was not just in the business of signing people up as members but is investing in a better proposition for retailers to up their game and get them a better sale.
“ACG has the feel of a family business – very friendly and personal and is run without any corporate pretensions. The money side of it is very transparent with members getting paid rebates directly by their suppliers as well as enjoying better pricing. Independence is everything,” he said.
T 01942 825520 www.acgcarpets.com
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BUSINESS NEWS
The British Furniture Confederation (BFC), the public affairs umbrella body of furniture and beds, furnishings and flooring sector trade associations, has unveiled its new Plan for Growth. The document is said to support BFC’s advocacy across four key pillars: skills and education; trade and exports; standards and regulations; and the environment and circular economy. It has been developed over the past few months, the organisation says, evolving from a combination of position papers written by the associations’ executives and a comprehensive survey of their collective members.
Consumer card spending grew 1.0% year-on-year in February – lower than January’s 1.9% increase and less than the latest CPIH inflation rate of 3.9%, according to recent figures reported by Barclays. In anticipation of higher bills, consumers are said to be cutting back on essential outgoings, but still prioritising discretionary purchases, contributing to an uptick in optimism in the health of personal and household finances.
Kellars, which describes itself as the largest independent flooring wholesaler in the UK, saw another year of “substantial growth” to July 2024, according to its strategic report for the period. With six depots across the UK and a team of more than 100, the company has reportedly grown at a “rapid rate,” with the year leading up to July 2024 seeing a dramatic rise.
Victoria PLC, an international designer, manufacturer and distributor of flooring, today announces the planned appointment of Alec Pratt to the Group board as Chief Financial Officer Designate, who will replace Brian Morgan after three years’ service as Victoria’s Chief Financial Officer in June.
Based on data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS), carpets and other floorcoverings saw inflation of 0.6% in January, though this is set against a 2.5% fall last month. In January of last year the same category saw a 0.5% decline.
GfK’s long-running Consumer Confidence Index increased by two points to -20 in February. All measures were up in comparison to last month’s announcement.
Mohawk Industries has announced fourth quarter 2024 net earnings of $93m (£71.8m), with adjusted net earnings at $123m (£95m). Net sales for the fourth quarter of 2024 were $2.6bn (£2bn), an increase of 1.0% as reported and a decrease of 1.0% on an adjusted basis versus the prior year.
Likewise Group, a UK flooring distributor, has announced the completion of its purchase of a freehold Logistics Centre in Ivybridge near Plymouth.
VAT and PAYE records from HM Revenue and Customs, compiled by The Furnishing Report, have revealed the number of flooring retailers with sales over £1m reached a record high in 2024.
GfK’s long-running Consumer Confidence Index decreased by five points to -22 in January. According to the organisation, all measures were down in comparison to last month’s announcement.
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