The natural choice

June 5, 2025

As the foundation of any interior, flooring plays a vital role in creating calm, uplifting spaces. Our latest article explores how leading brands blend natural aesthetics with modern performance, so no matter what your style, there are numerous options for both indoor and outdoor home décor.

Blending natural appeal with practical performance, the Fairisle range from Cormar Carpet Company offers a reliable solution for retailers looking to provide customers with a premium wool loop pile option. Inspired by the rugged terrain and organic textures of the Shetland Islands, this collection combines aesthetic versatility with long-term durability. 


Manufactured using Pure New Wool in a quality, moth resistant, 3-ply yarn, Fairisle is a hard-wearing, chunky level loop pile carpet, making it the perfect choice for all areas of the home. Wool remains a key material in sustainable flooring. 


It is renewable, naturally insulating, and inherently resilient, with the natural crimp in the fibre ensuring long-lasting quality. 


Available in a collection of 10 neutral heather shades, Fairisle provides a trend-leading colour bank designed to sit comfortably within both traditional and contemporary interiors. From honey-toned magnolias and toasted browns to calming creams and cool silvery greys, each colour is carefully curated to harmonise with any interior aesthetic. 


Fairisle’s classic loop design, combined with the benefits of wool, makes it a solid and versatile choice, suitable for everything from modern refurbishments to more character-led schemes.  

Craftsmanship, natural inspiration, and sophisticated indulgence come together in Amalfi and Positano, two exquisite ranges from Artisan Luxury Flooring. Both collections are handwoven on traditional looms using a superior grade nylon yarn — combining the timeless beauty of artisanal weaving with the strength and resilience modern interiors demand. 


Amalfi is a sumptuous heavy cut pile velvet, offering the luxurious look and feel of silk or other delicate natural fibres, but is exceptionally durable and easy to maintain. Its nine rich, natural tones create an effortlessly elegant palette that harmonises with today’s interiors. Positano complements Amalfi with a handwoven tip-sheared velour construction, giving a suave, antique texture that reflects light with a soft, luminous finish, reminiscent of viscose or bamboo— but without the limitations. 

With a heavy domestic (Class 23) and general commercial (Class 32) wear rating, and fire classification Cfl-S1, both Amalfi and Positano are as robust and practical as they are beautiful. 



For those seeking the warmth and texture of natural materials without compromise, these urbane designs create truly stunning interiors, from luxury residential spaces to high-end hospitality projects, setting a new benchmark in contemporary luxury flooring. 

Sustainable sisal is a strong, versatile fibre grown from the Agave sisalana plant in tropical regions. Naturally moth-resistant, this durable material is ideal for floor coverings and can be woven into numerous weaves in varying thicknesses, from classic and intricate designs such as herringbone to chunkier weaves like bubbleweave. Softly tactile, Alternative Flooring’s latex-backed sisal offers cozy comfort underfoot while being one of the hardest-wearing of all their natural plant fibre collections. 


Timeless and trend-defying, sisal is available in an impressive range of colourways, from versatile natural tones through to rich browns and metallic sheens, allowing each shade to blend seamlessly in either a modern or traditional interior scheme. Whether chosen as a carpet, rug, or runner, sisal brings natural style to any space. Available in 4m and a selection of 5m widths, sisal complements any size of home from compact apartments to expansive detached properties. 


If you love the look and feel of sisal but want added durability, the Anywhere Ca-rPET collection is the perfect choice. Made from recycled PET yarn (rPET), crafted entirely from post-consumer plastic bottles, Anywhere Ca-rPET offers a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional yarn. Mimicking the natural beauty of sisal, rPET provides exceptional longevity, reducing the need for frequent replacements. With 50 bottles producing 1kg of yarn - enough for 1m2 of carpet. Anywhere Ca-rPET is both efficient and sustainable. 


Durable and long-lasting, Anywhere Ca-rPET is ideal for high-traffic areas or as a stylish yet functional rug and runner, plus, there is no need to worry about accidental spills, as it is also stain-resistant and suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Though hard-wearing, Anywhere Ca-rPET remains soft and tactile underfoot, offering greater design flexibility for eco-conscious homeowners and businesses. 

Drawing inspiration from the enduring charm of natural materials, fibre is proud to unveil ReVive Wool-Look — a sustainable flooring collection where eco-conscious innovation meets refined design. Manufactured entirely from RePET yarn (made from recycled plastic bottles), ReVive is a testament to resourcefulness, delivering sustainability without sacrificing style. 



Offered in two classic designs, Chevron and Basketweave, this collection is strong yet tactile and mirrors the softness and luxurious texture of pure wool. Engineered for durability and longevity, ReVive is perfectly suited to high-traffic areas, thanks to its solution-dyed, naturally stain-resistant fibres, everyday stains or spills are effortlessly wiped away — especially when used in conjunction with their recommended James Cleaning Kits. 

Designed for versatility, ReVive is equally at home indoors as it is outdoors, boasting a heavy commercial wear rating (Class 33), UV resistance, and compatibility with underfloor heating systems. Available in five harmonious colourways in 4m width, it can also be tailored into custom rugs and runners, carefully crafted at fibre’s Devon based workshop, to create truly distinctive interiors. 

Made in Belgium for a floor of exceptional quality using the latest technology, Moduleo Roots is a luxury vinyl collection making homeowners’ aspirations possible. With 130 different floors, embracing latest trends and celebrating nature’s finest forms, Roots bring self-expression to the floor. 


Across six natural themes, homeowners can explore designs each with their own aesthetic and feeling connecting with nature. It is the quality of design that shines through. Oak grooves you can actually feel and cloud-like concrete colours that stir the senses. Roots is as diverse and vivid as nature itself, it’s a collection that deliver beauty and emotion. Moduleo’s EIR (emboss in register) mimics texture perfectly, synchronised with the pattern in every grain, knot and marking for a floor that’s true-to-nature. 

 

Soft and silent underfoot, as well as slip and water-resistant, Moduleo floors also come with improved scratch and stain resistance thanks to the Protectonite® finish. And with 0.40mm and 0.55mm wear layers, homeowners can choose their floor based on durability and area of use. Moduleo Roots is also made with the environment in mind. Using a mix of recycled flooring and production waste for its backing, Moduleo also harnesses renewable energy sources powering production.

 

Manufactured in Belgium, Moduleo floors don’t have far to travel to reach homes throughout the UK. 


It’s clear that nature inspired materials continue to be a firm favourite in interior design. 


Laura Walker, Product and Design Specialist, from ‘Egger’ points out “Woodgrain and stone finishes have been, and will always be, a key material in interior design. It’s just the variants that change in popularity. Today, consumers are looking for elegant finishes that offer sophistication and warmth without dominating an interior. For example, the demand for rustic woodgrains with knots and cracks has been replaced with a more refined approach as people look to create a haven of wellbeing with calming, light open spaces. 

Egger invested in the latest technology to ensure they can create highly realistic reproductions that replicate the natural effects of the desired finish. 


Many woodgrain decors are finished with synchronised technology to ensure the texture replicates the design characteristics; this offers a high-quality finish that appeals to the senses. 


Taking time to ensure that designs are shown to their full potential by choosing the correct board format, is something that is often overlooked. Egger’s kingsize board is well suited for tile reproductions due its width, as well as the introduction of a herringbone board size for our new NatureSense range, which is available in six woodgrain decors. 

For an authentic wood or stone floor without the price tag or maintenance to match, Amtico LVT is the perfect solution. Affordable, authentically designed and easy to clean, it’s perfect for all rooms of the home including kitchens and bathrooms. It’s also warm and comfortable underfoot and can be teamed with underfloor heating to prevent cold spots. 


With so many realistic wood and stone styles to choose from, it’s easy to create a natural effect with the texture and in-register embossed finish of LVT that looks and feels like the real thing. Whether it’s the encompassing warm, honey tones and golden hues of Matlo Oak or the textural appeal of stones, Amtico’s Form Collection explores the authenticity of organic tones and textures. 


This expertly crafted collection of distinctive flooring includes 40 trend-leading styles all inspired by natural textures and organic colourways. Form pays careful attention to every knot and grain, replicating natural pigments to curate a calming, grounded space. Feel the difference with the surface textures and have peace of mind that the super-tough wear layer gives long-lasting protection for a floor that looks and feels fabulous for years to come. 


Form woods and stones also come in various designs to bring added charm and character to any space. From Parquet and Broad Weave to Pavestone laying patterns, the options are endless. 

Karndean Designflooring report that latest bedroom trends increasingly feature the organic calm of wood and stone flooring. For a space that’s all about comfort and serenity, a place to relax and escape the stresses of everyday life, the authentic looks and practicality of LVT is the perfect choice. Richard Allen, sales director at Karndean Designflooring said, “Recently home decorators have been taking a leaf out of Europe’s interiors playbook and swapping carpet for sleek, practical hard flooring. Karndean flooring is famously stylish and effortlessly modern so it’s easy to understand why this option has become increasingly popular in bedrooms. 



With the timeless beauty of wood or stone yet warm and comfortable underfoot, Karndean flooring is waterproof, durable and a breeze to clean. What’s more, with nowhere for dust, mites and pet hair to hide, it’s a game changer for those living with allergies.” 

Alpha Vinyl Bloom is the vinyl floor collection from Quick-Step synonymous with innovation, refinement and quality with game changing attention to detail, whilst bringing more realism, easier installation and even better soundproofing and comfort. 

Available in four collections with integrated underlay and click installation, Alpha Vinyl brings a fast and reliable solution for refurbishment projects. 


The Bloom collection features a surface structure that redefines authentic vinyl flooring Most vinyl floors have 3 or 4 depths of texture whilst selected designs in Alpha Vinyl Bloom now feature up to 75 depths of texture offering a design that’s more realistic. Blos and Oro also take much of the refinement of Bloom capturing every detail in stone and tile providing floors that track the depth of every detail, giving a realistic design. 


Ciro is Alpha Vinyl’s answer to the popular herringbone design, featuring a new Unzip click profile. Rather than two different planks Ciro just needs one, offering simpler and faster installation. This revolutionary system also minimises installation waste, as it’s much easier to know how many planks are required, so ordering an Alpha Vinyl Ciro herringbone floor is just as simple as any regular plank or tile. 


HydroSeal combined with a precision fit to close joints offers a floor that is 100% waterproof elevating the water-resistance integrity of Alpha Vinyl. Combined with Stain and Scratch Guard technology Alpha Vinyl is a floor that’s both beautiful and practical to live with. 


For more information contact:

Alternative Flooring • 01264 335111 • alternativeflooring.com

Amtico • 0121 745 0800 • amtico.com

Artisan Luxury Flooring • 01698 769875 • artisanflooring.uk

Cormar Carpet Company • 01204 881234 cormarcarpets.co.uk

EGGER • 01434 613304 • egger.link/flooring

fibre Flooring • 01548 436401 • fibreflooring.com

Karndean Designflooring • 01386 820100 • karndean.com

Moduleo • 01332 851500 • moduleo.co.uk

Quick-Step • 028 3025 0477 • quick-step.co.uk

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Celebrating the best of the best at INDX

July 2, 2025
The 2025 edition of the INDX National Flooring Exhibition was a successful second outing for the relaunched show, with more than 50 exhibitors showcasing their products at Cranmore Park Conference and Event Centre this past May.

Design Inspiration

July 2, 2025
Karndean Designflooring’s new Knight Tile collection perfectly demonstrates why LVT is fast becoming the go-to choice for modern homes. Six new wood designs, with four herringbone options, and three stone designs have been meticulously handcrafted to replicate and enhance authentic features. Richard Allen, Sales Director at Karndean Designflooring said, “It’s our attention to detail that keeps customers coming back. Our designers have been inspired by beautiful samples of wood and stone, including reclaimed planks from an old wind-powered sawmill in Amsterdam and the natural veining of marble found in riverbeds, to create our latest collection of desirable floors. Our updated Knight Tile collection has something for everyone, bringing a sense of calm and sophistication to any room. “Everyone loves a little luxury and with our Knight Tile range nobody has to choose between style and budget. The new Knight Tile designs are guaranteed to transform any space without breaking the bank.”

Refund, repair or replace: what you need to know

July 1, 2025
When does a customer have the right to a refund, replacement or repair? This has long been an area of dispute, but the Consumer Rights Act 2015 simplified this and, although there are some exceptions, the general principles for orders placed in your store are: Late delivery: unless you have quoted a realistic lead time, the consumer can cancel the order and receive a refund if the goods are not delivered within 30 days (or within 30 days of the estimated lead time). If and when you become aware of any delays to a customer order, it’s best to advise them as soon as possible to minimise the risk of a cancellation. Incidentally, any repair work or replacements must also be expedited and carried out ‘without significant inconvenience’. Many retailers now have loan items to ensure they comply with this requirement and although this may seem expensive, it’s cheaper than having to issue refunds. Faulty goods: The customer has the right to reject faulty goods within 30 days of delivery. What is a fault? There is no legal definition, other than the need for them to be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose, and corresponding to the description/sample. The Act says the goods must be free from minor defects, but what does that mean? I drew up a definition some years ago which has been helpful to many people I have advised: A defect is something inherent in a product that adversely affects, or may come to affect, the appearance, suitability or performance of that product now or during its reasonable expected lifespan. It’s worth noting that installation is not a separate service unless the customer has arranged their own, so if the installation is not satisfactory the customer can reject the goods. Who is the judge of this? Within the first six months, the burden of proof lies with the seller – so we as retailers must prove the goods are not faulty if we are going to reject a complaint. After six months, the burden of proof changes and the customer has to prove the goods are faulty, perhaps by way of an independent expert’s report. But, rejecting goods is one thing, what rights does the customer have? If the fault is brought to the sellers attention within 30 days, the customer can choose between a refund, replacement or repair. We cannot insist that they accept what we want to offer, but most customers are reasonable and if we respond to complaints promptly, this will rarely need to be an issue. If we offer a refund, this must be paid within 14 days. After 30 days, the consumer loses the right to a refund. They can still choose between a repair or replacement (and we could still give a refund if we chose to), but they cannot insist on their money back. However, this is taken from the date of the complaint, and if there are delays, the clock has stopped ticking and the customer can still ask for a refund if the matter is not resolved. After 6 months, not only do the consumer’s rights reduce, but the value of any refund can be reduced from this point to reflect any usage the customer has had of the goods. This may be a proportion of the price reflecting how much of the guarantee period has been used up, or if there is no guarantee, most furniture and flooring would be expected to last for the statutory period of six years, so this could be the basis for any calculation. Of course, there is a ‘but’ – if during this period the customer has to wait for a repair or replacement, this must also be taken into account.  The flowchart (shown on page 26) summarises this and may be helpful as you deal with particular complaints. However, the rules governing sales taken in a customer’s home or online are different and we’ll cover these in a future article. If you come across an issue you can’t resolve before then, please get in touch.

TAI explores circular innovation at IVC

June 30, 2025
Flanders Flooring Days, 2nd June – 5th June, saw visitors to IVC step into a circular future through a journey exploring the company’s innovations in more sustainable vinyl flooring.

Tarkett launches its pioneering new brand: STELLAR

June 30, 2025
As an international market leader in floors, Tarkett is proud to launch its new brand, STELLAR, which has been developed to target retail and premium sales channels. Designed and made in Europe, its first collections will embody the brand’s commitment to artisanal craftsmanship, innovative design, and sustainability.

When do you need a temperature tolerant adhesive?

June 30, 2025
Temperature tolerant adhesives have been developed for installing resilient floorcoverings, such as LVTs, in areas where temperatures have the potential to fluctuate. F. Ball technical service officer, Andy Mees, advises on when and why you need to use a temperature tolerant adhesive and how to select the right one. Extreme temperatures or temperature fluctuations can cause floorcoverings to expand and contract significantly. This is frequently the case in heavily glazed areas that are subject to solar gain during the day, such as conservatories, which then rapidly cool at night. Over time, this can lead to unsightly tenting and gapping at the edges of floorcoverings, particularly between adjacent vinyl tiles or planks. Once fully cured, temperature tolerant adhesives hold floorcoverings firmly in place, restricting these movements and ensuring that flooring installations maintain their aesthetic appearance for years to come. Where and why? The availability of temperature tolerant adhesives raises questions about exactly where they need to be used. There is sometimes confusion about why a temperature tolerant adhesive is required to install LVTs in conservatories but not over underfloor heating. F. Ball’s Technical Service Department answers calls from installers who believe it is necessary to use a temperature tolerant adhesive to install floorcoverings where underfloor heating is present when, in fact, it is not always required. This is because temperature fluctuations as a result of underfloor heating systems are much more gradual and less extreme than changes in temperature resulting from solar gain, which can result in swings of 60°C. To meet British Standard guidelines of resilient and textile floor coverings, underfloor heating systems should not exceed 27°C at the bond line. Temperature tolerant adhesives are therefore only always necessary where there are heavily glazed areas, including conservatories and areas with floor-to-ceiling window, such as extensions fitted with bi-fold doors. F. Ball’s full range of adhesives can be used over all kinds of underfloor heating. Wet-lay adhesives Where a temperature tolerant adhesive is required, there are a number of options. Wet-lay temperature tolerant adhesives are available for contractors who are installing vinyl floorcoverings in areas that will be exposed to high temperatures and are available with a range of additional properties. F. Ball’s Styccobond F48 PLUS, for example, is a fibre-reinforced, high temperature grade adhesive for installing a range of vinyl floorcoverings. Fibres in Styccobond F48 PLUS allow it to offer high initial grab to hold floorcoverings securely in place while contractors are working. It is also fast drying, and as a one-part solution, there’s no mixing required before application. Hybrid adhesives When installing vinyl tiles and planks, it is useful to have the benefits of pressure sensitive adhesives, which form an instant grab upon contact, ideal for installing floorcoverings featuring intricate patterns and bespoke designs that need precise alignment. They also offer a long open time, reducing the risk of late placement. F. Ball’s Styccobond F49 Hybrid PS is a water-based vinyl adhesive with the familiar characteristics of a pressure sensitive adhesive, which develops the extremely high bond strength and dimensional stability required to hold vinyl floorcoverings firmly in place in areas exposed to extreme temperature fluctuations (from -20°C to +60°C). Whilst providing high initial tack, the adhesive allows contractors to lift and reposition floorcoverings in the initial stages of drying. Floorcovering compatibility Flooring contractors should always check that an adhesive is suitable for use with a particular floorcovering. For these purposes F. Ball produces its industry-leading Recommended Adhesives Guide (RAG). The 2023 edition of the guide lists adhesives recommended for use with over 6,000 floorcoverings, produced by over 200 manufacturers. Alternatively, F. Ball’s technical service department are on hand Monday to Friday, 8.30am – 5.00pm, to answer your questions about F. Ball products and how to use them. www.f-ball.com

Training

June 8, 2025
Learn all aspects of flooring installation at the Uzin Utz Campus in Stafford. The state-of-the-art facility provides diverse training opportunities throughout the year. From subfloor preparation, LVT fitting, wet room installations, wood floor sanding and sealing, as well as resin flooring installation, each course is designed to inspire and equip you with essential skills. With prices starting at just £75 per person, you will not only gain valuable knowledge but also lunch and refreshments, a certificate of achievement, a Uzin Utz Campus T-shirt, and exciting giveaways.

FITA Training: “For Industry, By Industry”

June 7, 2025
FITA is an independent, not-for-profit organisation, providing specialist training for the floorcovering industry. Co-founded by the Contract Flooring Association and the National Institute of Carpet and Floorlayers, FITA has two specialist training centres at Loughborough and Kirkcaldy, fully equipped to deliver over 20 different flooring courses including carpet, LVT, sheet vinyl, wood, linoleum and subfloor preparation.
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BUSINESS NEWS

DOMOTEX asia celebrates successful 2025 edition

July 3, 2025
Robust attendance, expansive international participation and forward-thinking innovation defined DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR 2025, which took place from 26 to 28 May at the Shanghai National Exhibition and Convention Centre (NECC). Celebrating its 27th edition, the event reaffirmed its leadership position in Asia’s flooring industry, setting new benchmarks for global outreach, innovation, and business opportunities.  Despite ongoing trade complexities and industry challenges, the show welcomed an impressive 83,056 visitors from 124 countries – the highest number of participating nations since the event’s inception. The international visitation number continued its post-Covid growth trajectory reaching 18,121 overseas attendees. “DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR 2025 has solidified its position as Asia’s leading event for the industry and remains committed to advancing even further,” said Edwin Tan, CEO of Globus Events, show organizer. “While global trade may be shifting, business remains constant. We will continue to serve as a vital bridge for the industry, providing essential support for companies’ development and flooring industry’s progress.” – concluded Tan.

Growing vinyl imports compensate for carpet fall in April

July 2, 2025
Carpet imports into the UK declined in April, however consistent growth for vinyl meant the overall flooring category remained nearly level, according to HMRC data compiled by The Furnishing Report.  The data shows flooring imports down just 1% to £127.9m across carpet, wood, vinyl and linoleum, however carpet and rug imports specifically fell by 4.5%, down to £74.5m. The drop can largely be attributed to a 38% decline in goods arriving from Belgium, with Turkey’s carpet imports increasing 11% up to £18.6m, making it the largest single source of textile floorcoverings brought into the country. Vinyl imports saw an 8.1% rise to £37.9m, reportedly marking the eleventh straight increase on a year-on-year basis – largely driven by a continued recovery of shipments from China compared to a weaker 2024.

Cormar Carpets announces internal promotion of Alan Harris to Sales Director

July 2, 2025
Cormar Carpets is pleased to announce the internal promotion of Alan Harris to the position of Sales Director, following the retirement of long-serving Sales Director Chris Isaacs.

“Small improvements” in consumers’ perception of their personal finances

July 1, 2025
GfK’s long-running Consumer Confidence Index increased by three points to -20 in May. All measures were up in comparison to last month’s announcement. Neil Bellamy, Consumer Insights Director at GfK, an NIQ Company, says: “There’s an improvement across all five key indicators in May, led by two forward-looking findings. The measure for personal finances looking ahead for the next 12 months has moved out of negative territory, increasing by five points to + 2. There’s a similar improvement in how consumers see the coming year’s general economy, with a four-point boost to -33. “It’s also worth noting the three-point rise in the measure on major purchases for big-ticket items such as furniture or electrical goods, with May’s score of -16 marking the highest level seen since the end of 2024. Have consumers taken comfort from the Bank of England’s May 8th quarter-point base-rate cut? And have they breathed a tiny sigh of relief since April when the sudden turbulence of the Trump Tariffs was prompting dire warnings of economic damage and a return to inflation? Those dangers – especially the issue of inflation – have not disappeared but the consumer mood in the UK does appear to have improved a little.” General economic situation The measure for the general economic situation of the country during the last 12 months is up one point to -46; this is seven points worse than in May 2024. Expectations for the general economic situation over the next 12 months have gone up by four points to -33; this is 16 points worse than May 2024. These are the current findings of the GfK Consumer Confidence Barometer (CCB) powered by NIM. The CCB has been published jointly by GfK and the Nuremberg Institute for Market Decisions (NIM), the founder of GfK, since October 2023.

Belgotex acquires Lano

June 30, 2025
Belgotex International has now wholly acquired Lano, one of Europe’s largest carpet manufacturers, The Furnishing Report has revealed. Belgotex International describes itself as Africa’s leading carpet and artificial grass manufacturer, and it also owns Associated Weavers as well as Balsan Carpets and Tiles. The company acquired 60% of Lano’s shares in 2022, and has now purchased the remaining 40%. The group has reportedly appointed Olivier Decouttere as Lano’s new chief executive following the takeover. Decouttere previously worked as Managing Director of Mattex Fabrics in Dubai, where he also led global sales for carpet backings. According to The Furnishing Report, Belgotex has announced the Lano name will remain in place, with no change to the customer-facing process. The African group reportedly praised Joe Lano and the Lano team for their historic efforts.

New F. Ball Training Officer

June 30, 2025
F. Ball and Co. Ltd. has added to its team of experts who deliver industry-leading training courses at the state-of-the-art F. Ball Centre of Excellence, with the appointment of Adrian Barker as training officer. Working alongside F. Ball head of training, Tim Green, Adrian will promote best practice in flooring installation by delivering free training courses at the purpose-built facility and further afield according to customer requirements. Adrian brings nearly four decades’ flooring industry experience to the role. Starting his career in 1987 on a youth training scheme with a small family-run flooring contractor, where he worked for 10 years installing textile and resilient floorcoverings in commercial settings, he later founded his own business installing carpet and LVTs in retail locations. He also began delivering training for flooring apprentices for a construction industry training provider. Adrian said: “I developed a preference for F. Ball products throughout my career – my local technical representative always supported me with answers to queries and solutions for projects. I have also attended training courses at the F. Ball Centre of Excellence and was impressed by the standard of provisions and the overall culture of the organisation – they even helped with the development and delivery of my own courses. So it’s a privilege to have the opportunity to join the team.” All flooring professionals can attend courses covering all aspects of subfloor preparation and floorcovering installation at The F. Ball Centre of Excellence for free, including specialist courses for both apprentices and seasoned professionals, involving practical demonstrations and exercises using high-performance F. Ball products. 01538 361 633 www.f-ball.com

Carpet imports outstrip vinyl in March

June 5, 2025
Imports of soft flooring including wall-to-wall carpet and rugs were up 8.8% to £74.75m in March, according to HMRC data compiled by The Furnishing Report. With this increase, imports of carpet grew faster during the period than alternatives like vinyl.

Consumer confidence declines in April

June 2, 2025
GfK’s long-running Consumer Confidence Index decreased by four points to -23 in April. All measures were down in comparison to last month’s announcement. These are the current findings of the GfK Consumer Confidence Barometer (CCB) powered by NIM. The CCB has been published jointly by GfK and the Nuremberg Institute for Market Decisions (NIM), the founder of GfK, since October 2023.

Likewise approaches £200 million sales revenue

May 29, 2025
Likewise Group, the UK flooring distributor, has announced its audited final results for the year ended 31 December 2024.

Consumer confidence rises slightly in March

May 7, 2025
GfK’s long-running Consumer Confidence Index increased by one point to -19 in March. Two measures were up, two were down and one was unchanged in comparison to last month’s announcement.
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KERAKOLL GROUP: announces the acquisition of 60% of Caltra Nederland B.V.

July 10, 2025
Kerakoll, A Benefit Company B Corp certified operating internationally in the construction sector, and Steda Holding, have announced the completion of a strategic partnership agreement that involves the acquisition by Kerakoll of 60% of Caltra Nederland, a subsidiary of the Steda Holding. Caltra Nederland is a Dutch company specialising in the development, production and sale of supplementary cementitious materials, SCMs, and low-carbon clinker, founded in 1984 by Ludo van Nes. The aim of the transaction – formalised on 16 May – is to combine skills and resources to develop alternative binders with low carbon emissions, grasping the opportunities offered by the transformation of the cement sector, committed to reducing environmental impact, and by the implications for the premixed products sector. The decarbonisation of construction - with the cement industry responsible for about 7% of total greenhouse gas emissions - is one of the most important future challenges to achieve zero emissions. The use of additives, alternative materials and circular economy solutions, are some of the most promising solutions to reconvert the industry’s business models. “The acquisition of a majority shareholding in Caltra marks a further step forward in the innovation and sustainability process embarked on by Kerakoll,” said Fabio Sghedoni, Vice President of Kerakoll Group. “With this strategic operation,” commented Marco Zini, Group CEO of Kerakoll, “our group secures an important international presence, in the heart of Europe, in terms of know-how on components that will be crucial for the development of alternative cements, such as SCMs and low-carbon clinkers.” www.kerakoll.com

CRUK rebrands as the UK Sustainable Flooring Alliance (UKSFA)

July 10, 2025
Trade body, Carpet Recycling UK (CRUK), has begun its official transition to the UK Sustainable Flooring Alliance (UKSFA).

Abingdon Flooring shakes up cushion vinyl

July 8, 2025
Abingdon Flooring has strengthened its Simply Smooth cushion vinyl ranges with the addition of five on-trend collections.

Make school cool with IVC Commercial

July 3, 2025
With compact, acoustic and safety derivatives of its heavy-duty heterogeneous vinyl available in a wide range of attractive designs, IVC Commercial can make any school cool.

Karndean Designflooring invests in customer experience with adaptable new in-store displays

July 2, 2025
Karndean Designflooring, a trusted leader in the luxury vinyl market, is consolidating its reputation for excellence with upgraded instore displays. Following market research, refreshed display units have been designed to maximise brand recognition and make it easier than ever for customers to choose a floor they’ll love for a lifetime. Karndean’s new eye-catching modular bay units will display each product range in an easy to view format with large sample boards and in-situ roomset images. Featuring integrated LED lighting, convenient sample drawers and range brochure holders, each range unit highlights key product information to help customers find their perfect floor. Importantly, Karndean’s new in-store displays are designed with flexibility in mind, ensuring they can fit seamlessly into any retail space. The compact modular units can be configured individually or combined in sets of two or three, allowing retailers to customise their display based on the available space and the Karndean ranges they wish to showcase. This adaptable approach ensures that every retailer, regardless of showroom size, can present Karndean’s collections in a visually impactful and accessible way, enhancing the customer experience and driving sales. Richard Allen, Sales Director at Karndean Designflooring, said: “Our reputation as a go-to brand for high quality LVT in authentic natural designs is based on a deep and thorough understanding of the customer journey and what it takes to secure high levels of customer satisfaction. “We regularly undertake in-depth consumer research to help us understand how the decision-making process is evolving and how we can best support consumers as they select the ideal floor for their home. Our latest research included speaking with people at different stages of buying a new floor to understand their expectations, lived experiences and how we and our independent retailers can help them navigate this process. “In-store Point of Sale displays are an essential step in the customer journey, providing clear product information that can instil confidence and guide decision making. With products available to handle, customers can assess quality and durability in a way that is not possible when shopping online.” Trusted experts in LVT and its installation, Karndean’s independent retail partners are ideally placed to provide customers with key product information and valuable advice on achieving their preferred look. Karndean’s research showed that 49% of customers who visited an independent retailer sought advice from staff compared to just 27-29% who browsed the UK’s largest retail chains. Such positive interactions were shown to lead to increased levels of trust and ongoing customer loyalty. Of the customers interviewed who had recently completed a project, 39% reported that they only looked to brands they already knew and trusted. Richard explained: “This evaluation of the current market has informed our longer-term retail strategy to extend our brand awareness within the luxury flooring market and ensure that we continue to meet, and indeed exceed, customer expectations. As part of our long-term investment, the new Xplore POS display will enhance retail partner stores, making it easier for customers to explore, compare, and choose their perfect Karndean floor.” The new POS displays will be installed in Karndean’s Partner retail stores between April and July, then across its independent retail network by Spring 2026. www.karndean.com/en

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