Design and colour in contemporary floor covering 3 January 2005

Carpet&RugNews

New quality

(smooth & blending)

BATIK

SUNBURST

Tel: 0031 (77) 396 8777Tel: 01284 735 415Fax: 01284 735 742

Mob: 07860 525 245www.arteespina.com

Interfloor sticks to GripperrodsInterfloor has completed the rebranding of itscomprehensive flooring adhesives rangeunder the Gripperrods banner. And updatedthe Gripperrods catalogue to offer the mostcomprehensive flooring installations range inthe marketplace.

Behind-the-scenes work repackaging andrebranding the already well establishedDuralay adhesives range has been underwayfor some time.The new look gives clearerand more concise product information onmodern-style tubs and plastic bottles.

With an adhesive for virtually every flooringinstallation - carpets, carpet tiles, vinyls,laminates and all wood coverings -Gripperrods offers the complete stick downsolution.There are adhesives offering fast grabfor work in cold conditions and fast trackinstallations where short 'open' time isavailable to those for border work, wherefitters require longer 'open' time.

28 3 January 2005 Carpet&RugNews

NewsWorld-first anti-allergen carpetsAssociated Weavers, has joined forces with fibre technology specialist Amicor, toproduce the world’s first durable anti-allergen carpet collection.

Amicor Pure, the fibre contained as 20% of the blend in the innovative AssociatedWeavers anti-allergen carpet, uses unique ‘Late Injection Technology’ which locks theactive ingredients into the fibre structure to ensure that the anti-allergen effect isretained for the lifetime of the carpet. As well as being endorsed by the British AllergyFoundation and awarded its seal of approval, Amicor Pure has been tested and isclinically proven to be effective during trials at one of Europe’s leading asthma hospitals -The Red Cross Hospital in Barcelona.

The number of people demanding anti-allergen products is increasing rapidly. One ineight adults and one in five children in the UK now suffer from asthma and by 2015half of the population of Europe will suffer from an allergy. Thanks to AssociatedWeavers, carpet retailers are now able to capitalise on this rapidly growing market andthe awareness of Amicor as the leading anti-allergy brand in that market.

Debolon debuts in MunichDebolon will exhibit at the BAU, Europe's leading trade fair for the building materials

industry - 17th to 22nd January in Munich.

This fair was chosen instead of showing at Domotex this year as the new productbeing launched Compact XPS® is very much a heavy duty flooring product aimed atthe commercial user and for specification by architects. It is easily and economically

accessible from the UK with return fares flying by EasyJet directly from LondonStansted for as little as £40 including taxes.

There will be three elements to the new collection of CompactXPS® 1. Matrix acollection of twenty two colours based on six primary colours with four differentshades in each, except red with just two shades.These are designed so that all theshades can be combined to mix and match with each other. 2. Metallic with solid

colours - this is specially focussed on catching the attention of the architect with foursilver/gold reflecting designs combined with six to eight plain colours. 3.Wood - a

new wooden line with new designs based on original wood colours and structures.

See us at BAU on stand B6.316

Floormate stain gainMaking its debut at Domotex 2005 is a new Dr Schutz product - FloorMate. Developed with contractors and retailers in mind, Floor Mate is apremium quality, universal stain remover that is ideal for use on all standardfloors and floorcoverings fromcarpets and vinyls, to laminates andvarnished wood.

Floor Mate is an auspicious newaddition to the established DrSchutz Stain & Repair products andworks particularly well on a widevariety of stains including coffee,beer, jam, chewing gum and even inkand blood! This notableperformance is thanks to its qualityformulation which combinestraditional cleaning agents withactive oxygen to create a powerfulnew product.

In celebration of the company's50th year at the forefront ofEuropean floorcare technology, DrSchutz is running a GoldenAnniversary Special Offer on FloorMate supplying a free display toretailers and wholesalers orderingstock

Growth of 5mCormar is no new-comer to 5m width carpet.The Plainly Good Collection, anall-wool loop pile, was introduced in 1995, the company tufting the productitself and using the services of a commission-backer.The initial demand for 5mloop pile was then overtaken by sales of wider-width cut pile, and, by theMillenium, 5m twists had become a mainstream product.

'We had seen our sales of 5m shoot up,' says marketing director DavidCormack, 'so the decision to put in a 5m backing plant made itself: we had thecritical mass necessary to justify the investment.'

Cormar runs a continuous plant replacement programme and since 2000 hasinvested over £2m in new tufting machinery Ranges are produced in threedifferent gauges: 5⁄32nd, 1⁄8th and l⁄10th, in both cut and loop piles in 4 and 5mwidths.

Making a major impact on the market are textured loop products, and Cormarhas met the challenge with advanced technology, purchasing sophisticatedcomputer-- controlled machines incorporating Servo rollers fed from a singlecreel which can vary yarn tension to create different textural effects.The firstwas installed in 2000 and such has been the demand that the company hassubsequently bought two more and become the UK's largest producer of all-wool loop pile product.

Two sitesCormar Carpets operates from two sites, a mile and a half apart, BrookhouseMill and Holme Mill, with the latter recently being extended by 50,000 sq ft toaccommodate additional machinery and house unbacked rolls. Although this splitmay increase handling costs, it is regarded as an advantage not a problem,explains David Judge.

'In essence it's a good thing. Holme Mill makes the product, Brookhouse Millbacks and finishes it, and just as important, takes care of warehousing anddistribution.The operation's a bit too big to be located on a single site. Alsothere's the question of tempo change. Production is concerned with batchesand weekly cycles: distribution is a daily process.'

Eight vans a day ferry product between the units, but this is hardly a problem toCormar which prides itself on being a transport company as well as a carpetmanufacturer. It has been carrying out its own deliveries for years and nowoperates a fleet of 55 vehicles from 44ft artics downwards which work to athree- to four-day delivery time frame. A recent change has been made tonight-loading, a major time-saver enabling the company to process a largernumber of orders during the day and giving customers even faster delivery.

Account baseCormar has over 2,000 accounts, and these have remained relatively unchangedsince the 1980s. Unlike many competitors the company has avoided theexclusivity route, deciding instead to continue supplying wholesalers, themultiples and independents.

David Judge explains the rationale: 'We regard distributors as an important partof servicing the retailer. If an outlet needs next-day delivery or to consolidatewhat they want from us with ranges from other suppliers, they go via thewholesaler. If they can wait three or four days and require a Cormar productonly, they buy direct. But what we don't do is produce bespoke products forvolume customers: take weight from a standard quality and produce differentcolours. Making 100 shades in 100 weights isn't our business.’

30 Carpet&RugNews3 January 2005

Steady progress in a declining marketSpecial feature by Joy Lawrence

The carpet cake is shrinking, the competition from overseas producersbecoming even more intense. Hardly the easiest of climates for UKmanufacturers.Yet Cormar Carpets is not only gaining market share it ismaintaining its unbroken record of profitability. How is the company doing it? Bycontinuing to focus on the strategy which has turned it into a £55m turnoverbusiness. Its formula is simple: to offer customers landmark products which arebacked by the highest levels of service.

'Over the past few years we have spent millions on new machinery anddistribution facilities,' says managing director David Judge. 'Many of ourcompetitors have taken the route of "buying-in" products from other mainlyContinental - manufacturers.Thus, not only do they lose their individuality andcontrol, but they actively encourage and assist our main competitors, who are aconstant and ever-present threat to us.When we make the product ourselveswe have full control over development, production and availability. Our approachto transport is the same. As we are responsible for delivery we can ensure thatcarpet arrives on time.'

An investment designed to put Cormar well ahead of the game is a £3.5mbacking line with 5m width capability.The decision to replace the old plant wastaken in 2002 and, having investigated the alternatives, the company concludedthat latex application continued to be best suited to its volume-orientedbusiness. Since the installation would take three to four months it was alsodecided to split the project: phase one, to be completed in the summer of2003, involved the replacement of the latex applicator and finishing processes;the oven itself would be put in a year later. And in September 2004, onschedule, the line became fully operational.

Cormar's new berber textured twist launched in Sept 2004

31from The Stocklists 3 January 2005

The Cormar Directors - from left to right: Neville Cormack OBE/Chairman, Robert BarkerFinancial Director, David Cormack Marketing Director and David Judge Managing Director

Range selectionCormar currently produces 12 qualities, described as a manageable numberwhich reflects the service message, all engineered to give some degree ofvolume. Aware that weight is always a major factor in product selection of twistpiles, they cover all tastes: 32oz, 42oz, 50oz and 60oz.The collection is roughlydivided into cut pile, mainly twists, and loop pile in 100 per cent wool.

Although numerically, Cormar's annual collection has remained roughly the samefor decades, the content has changed dramatically over the past 10 to 14 years,reflecting, and in a number of cases leading, market trends. In 1990, bedroomcarpeting was the volume market of its day, and the company launched FourStar, a better-value 70/30 polyprop/polyester mix available in a choice ofbackings.The product was so successful that it is still being produced today, with31m sq m having been sold to date.

In 1998, Cormar set another industry standard with the introduction ofWarwick which signalled a further significant market shift, from traditional two-fold 80/20 wool/nylon twist construction to singles yarn in 80/10/10 usingmeltbond technology.

'At that time, competitors asked how we could possibly sell a 500z twist at thatprice and still make a profit,' says David Cormack, 'but we proved that it couldbe done. And it's still going from strength to strength, relaunched in November2003, with an increased colourbank - up from 15 to 24 - and a 5m option.

Cormar again played the weight card with the introduction of its flagshipproduct,Town and Country. Introduced two years ago, it is a 600z twist pilewhich is proving to be a volume-seller.

Despite the proliferation of twist products, there seems no end to marketdemand, but as David Cormack points out, there must be variations on thetheme. 'You have to pursue new angles. A range launched at Harrogate which isenjoying big growth this autumn is Highlander. It's a twist and twists will alwayssell, but it has texture and a berber effect to add character.'

Creative point of sale material is now a fundamental. Unlessboth the product and packaging are appealing a range is unlikelyto succeed. And in this as in every other area of the business,Cormar has carefully considered the demands of retailer andconsumer. In the case of Primo Easiclean Stain Free, forexample, the pattern book cover carries lifestyle photographyand simple relevant information which tells the product story.The samples also fan out aiding colour selection andcomparison.

Dealing with problemsA less glamorous but equally important aspect of customer service is dealingwith any problems which may arise. 'It's a popular perception,' says David Judge,'that brand is built by promotion and advertising, but, in fact, they are only onearea of marketing.

People are also influenced by the attitude of those they deal with within acompany. However efficient an organisation, sometimes things go wrong, and in2003 we installed software to help internal staff handle problems. Invariablyvarious departments are involved and if the right communications link isn'tthere, it can cause real difficulties for the retailer. Quantifying the benefits to thebusiness is difficult but the time and effort we have put in has effected quite adramatic improvement in the system and created a better service level overall.'

Cormar is a company which firmly believes that an organisation is only as goodas the people who work for it, and is quick to recognise its level of staffcommitment.There are 'Lifers' in practically every department and the companyis deeply rooted with a small easily-accessible management team. NevilleCormack, now chairman, has headed the company for nearly 50 years. His sonDavid, the marketing director, joined the family firm in 1987.Ten years ago, DavidJudge was appointed managing director and Robert Barker financial director.'Out in the front line' are Cormar's two sales managers,Tim Bate who coversthe south and Roger Clarke who takes care of the north.

Supporting the team of reps is the sales administration located at BrookhouseMill.The office was computerised in the early 1990s and three years agounderwent a Big Bang with the introduction of sophisticated software, theprogramme providing production data, monitoring call1evels and aI10wingrandom stock storage selection.

Future progressMany elements have made Cormar successful. It has retained traditional valueswhilst embracing modem technology and has always made customer service anumber one priority. But an aspect of the business which has probably given it amajor advantage is that it has remained a private company.

'It has had a tremendous bearing,' says David Judge. 'We are not told by the Citythat we have to consolidate or acquire; we make our own decisions, back our ownjudgement and as a result we've increased volume, upped the average price of ourproduct and gradually raised profit levels since the company started in 1956.

'We research the market so that our products are as successful as they can bebefore we produce them and, although no-one can really forecast howsomething will sell, we have more successes than failures. Our aim is to servicethe bulk of the market: others may be niche players with differentiated ranges athigher price points, so we complement rather than compete Retailers like tohave a comprehensive selection and it's easy for the salesman to distinguishbetween products and the consumer to understand. If the customer chooses astandard product of ours they can have it straight away. If they want somethingfrom an extensive collection they will have to wait.The: key to profitability is toremain focused and concentrate on what you do best. '

The two phase multi- million pound investment in Cormar’s Backing plant started July 2003

The British Wool column

New door stickers from British Wool mark the first step in a new campaign to raise more general awareness ofBritish Wool carpets and their benefits

Good wishes for a peaceful, happy & successful 2005 from British Wool.The start of another year offers the chance to make a fresh start with greater resolve andenthusiasm. At British Wool, it is our wish that the advantages of British Wool carpets are moreeasily recognised. In particular, we want to work more closely with retailers.

A number of projects are in the pipeline, working at both consumer and retail level; all are aimedat increasing awareness of the fibre.The programme starts modestly this month, with thedistribution of a new window sticker.

32 Carpet&RugNews3 January 2005

Meet Farmer TomFor 55 years, the British Wool Marketing Board has been collecting centrally all the fleece woolgrown by sheep farmers in the UK. There are currently around 60,000 and their newestrepresentative is ‘Farmer Tom’ – a new cartoon character – now making regular appearances inBritish Wool promotions.

‘Farmer Tom’ door stickers are being mailed to retailers stocking British Wool carpets. If you’re inany doubt, just take a look for the British Wool crook mark used to promote quality wool carpetscontaining at least 50% British grown wool. These products should be identified by British Woollabelling. Let’s see if between us, we can’t make Farmer Tom something of a celebrity during 2005.

Meanwhile, what’s on the wish list for British manufacturers? Given the chancewhat would some of the familiar names like to see happening on the UK carpetscene during 2005.

At Axminster Carpets Ltd, Sales Director, Robin Oakes has no hesitations. “Iwish journalists and producers of tv. make-over programmes would start usingsome traditional woven carpets alongside the publicity they give to woodenfloors,” he told British Wool. “I wish they would publicise the variety of carpetdesigns available and the ‘value for money’ they represent. And I wish theindustry in general would support British manufacturers.”

Charles Annable at Brockway would agree with the last comment but reflectsruefully that the difficulties and pressures of last year, particularly in the yarnspinning sector, has led to a general downturn in confidence in the stability andquality of supply of British yarns. His wish is, therefore, that the difficulties can beput aside in 2005 and that spinners can generate confidence by producingquality, innovative yarns which will be inspiring and attractive to manufacturersand consumers alike.

On the topic of consumers, Hugh Mackay wishes more of them would see carpetas a fashion accessory and look at some of striking designs that can be createdwith traditionally woven carpets, rather than sticking to plain beige. The Company,which has had its own problems, would also like to thank the loyalty shown by itscustomer base last year and is looking forward to an exciting and busy 2005.

Hilary Terry, Designer at Adams also wishes colour would return while TonyHardwick, Sales Director says, “ I hope the wood/laminate market has reached itspeak, and I wish it would all away. I dream forlornly that less carpet will beimported and I wish for consumers to return to the pleasure and satisfaction ofowning a quality carpet.”

David Cormack, Cormar’s Marketing Director, is not beating about the bush. “Iwould like to see an end to the amount of copying of products going on. I fullyrealise that, in a sense, there cannot be any copyright on plain and texturedcarpet. However some competitors have started to copy the exact colour rangeand the textures of products, which is taking it a little bit too far. For example,one UK manufacturer has just produced a version of our Malabar range - evendown to including some of the less popular colours.To me it just shows noimagination.”

And at Westex, MD John Snee believes that a more positive approach isrequired to bring stability and consumer confidence back to the industry. “Consumer confidence gathers a momentum of its own and we need to build onthe CF’s efforts in encouraging consumers back to carpets. We need toproduce exciting products which consumers want to buy; we must market themproperly, provide an excellent sales service and let’s talk up the industry in 2005,not down.”

Few would argue with that statement!

Interface adds M&S sparkleMarks & Spencer's move to Paddington Basin, from its old headquarters in Baker Street, is centralto its long-term plan to drive improved ways of working and the company employed leadingLondon designers MCM Architects to design the interiors.

To create exactly the right working environment, the choice of flooring was carefully consideredwith the contract for 16,800m2 of carpet tiles finally awarded to Interface.

The process of evaluating flooring from the short listed manufacturers included laying trial areasand appraising them aesthetically alongside the office furniture. In addition, factors such as quality,service and environmental credentials were taken into consideration.

Two Interface products were chosen: 16,000m2 of Aiki Kamala in the Terrace colourway and800m2 of Tatami in colours Sakata and Osaka. Aiki is an intersculpt pattern loop pile tile and wasselected for all of the main office space while Tatami is a pattern tufted loop pile tile and wasemployed in the restaurant area.

Aiki Kamala in the Terrace colourway - used in the main office space at M&S HQ.

Heuga’s no-nonsense tile styleAlready a huge hit with contract buyers, Heuga 725 Phoenix now offers no nonsensecreativity through the availability of five standard print patterns.The tufted cut pile carpet tileis an economic yet attractive option that delivers exceptional wear resistance and laid-backstyle.The 725 Phoenix range uses Aquafil solution-dyed nylon and is made up of a palette of24 vibrant base shades.There is the option of being overprinted with a pattern or designusing the transfer printing method; this provides a wear performance that will last as long asthe tiles themselves.

Heuga was the original flooring tile and with a track record stretching back over forty years,six million m2 of tiles are now produced annually.

Innovation challenge at DomotexFollowing the success of the carpet competition held atthe recent National Floorcoverings Exhibition inHarrogate Wool Interiors will again run its Wools ofNew Zealand Carpet Innovation Competition atDomotex 2005.

The competition is open to Wools of New Zealandlicensed brand partner carpet manufacturers who willpresent either new product developments/ranges ornew colour lines to existing ranges. All products on showmeet Wools of New Zealand branding requirements.Each entry will be creatively presented on a dedicatedpanel, designed by Wool Interiors and displayed in aprominent area, giving all participants excellent exposure.

The products will be judged by an appointed panel ofrepresentatives from leading international carpet retailersand personalities from the carpet industry.The winner ofthe overall award for 'Best Wools of New ZealandCarpet for 2005' will be presented with an engravedtrophy at a special awards ceremony to be held at theshow. Additional awards will be given for 'Best Colour','Best Appearance', 'Best Design' and 'Best Construction'.

Success looms for Kidderminster by Jack Rowe

Two additional, custom-built Crabtree axminster looms have been installed by Carpets ofKidderminster offering the promise from this innovative family manufacturer of still more optionsfor their domestic and contract customers in terms of widths, design flexibility, specification andvalue.These are both 11 - frame looms able to incorporate up to 11 colours in any one designcompared with up to eight in conventional gripper axminster looms and an obvious advantageto designers especially in the specifier/ bespoke sector. One weaves two metres wide in 7 pitchand the other produces 2.5 metres wide carpet in 8 pitch.The 8 - pitch axminster version offersthe attraction of a much denser pile surface with a finish described as of "billiard table elegancecomparable to traditional woven wilton” with the economy and flexibility of axminster.

Infinite repeats

The design function of both looms is by the latest electronic jacquards technology in whichCarpets of Kidderminster are leading exponents and which offers operational benefits such asspeedy inter-change of colours in a design when ordered by customers. Another feature - ofspecial interest to contractors - is the facility to weave unlimited pattern repeats enablingcarpets, where appropriate such as for hotel corridors, to be woven in one complete piecewithout seams or joints.

Installation of this additional weaving capacity follows an active period of product developmentat their Wilden Lane, Stourport factory in which the extensive collection of Sarakhan Berbersand Heather Tweeds lately well-received at Harrogate have been introduced.

The extra choice of widths and design flexibility such as unlimited pattern repeats obviouslywiden further options available to contract customers augmenting the recently launched Optima101 programme offering more than 100 design/colour alternatives for specifiers with thepromise of delivery within 14 days of order.

One UK source

Roger Rowe, M/D of the family firm says “We are finding that the expansion of our services tothe contract and corporate sector is creating great interest among specifiers who, we feel, areoften more comfortable with a supplier who provides service from design to delivery from oneUK source as in our case."

Carpets of Kidderminster has available a substantial library of brochures, leaflets, product samplesand A4 Architects Folders on request.Tel:01299 827477. E Mail sales@carpetsofkidderminster.com.

News

33from The Stocklists 3 January 2005

34 Carpet&RugNews3 January 2005

Online sampling from TesseraEager to reinforce its new corporate identity and to inform existing and

potential customers about its range of products and services,Tessera haslaunched a brand new website at www.tesseracarpettiles.com and published

a new company brochure.

Both the brochure and the website are packed with information to helpcustomers determine the key attributes of Tessera’s many different carpet tile

collections and to find appropriate floorcovering solutions for their projects.The website contains a comprehensive product directory which allows the

user to search for carpet tiles using colours or construction type.Thisdirectory contains comprehensive product descriptions, colour swatches,

technical data sheets and even mini case studies and photographs showinghow those products have been used by other customers. Samples and

shadecards can be ordered on-line and UK requests received before 3.30pmcan be delivered the next day.

Fitting for fitnessIn one of the largest UK contracts for F. Ball and Co. Ltd's Isolator membrane, 800m2 ofthe loose-lay system has been installed throughout a new build project in Cambridge tofacilitate the quick and easy installation of floorcoverings over damp subfloors.

Prior to fitting out the building which is being occupied by LA Fitness, European 'healthclub operator of the year', all concrete subfloors were measured for moisture levels.When tests revealed 82% relative humidity, F. Ball's Isolator membrane was specified byflooring contractor, Specialist Flooring Ltd of Colchester, as being an affordable, effectiveand alternative solution to liquid waterproofing surface membranes.

Available in 2 x 20 metre long rolls, the Isolator membrane has nodules on theunderside which allow air and moisture to circulate.With the damp safely isolatedfloorcoverings including most sheet vinyl, linoleum and rubber can then be bonded tothe membrane with adhesive.

News

22-23 February 2005 Olympia 2 London

In partnership with

Organised by

A brand new event in London for the flooring industry

Register NOW at:www.londonfloorshow.co.uk or call +44 (0)870 429 4344

The show provides retailers, contractors and specifiers with a shop window to see the most comprehensive range of flooring in one location in London.

Preview all the newest market trends, network with your peers and attend FREE seminars accredited by RIBA.

Furlong achieves double in supplier and service awardsLeading UK carpet manufacturer Furlong gained double recognition for its growingreputation in the industry from some of the country’s top carpet managers last month.

In an awards ceremony at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland, Furlong’s received awardcertificates in the customer service and supplier of the year categories after a vote bymanagers at Storey Carpets.

Neil Valentine, sales director of Furlong Flooring (Central) Ltd, said: “Storey’s know a lotabout success - they’ve been voted Retailer of the Year themselves for the thirdconsecutive year - so their high approval rating for Furlong makes us feel very proud.”

The recognition follows a concerted programme by Furlong to build on its high quality position.“We’ve become one of the largest carpet manuacturers in the UK - our challenge is to becomethe best,” says Neil.“We try harder because we know our customers have a choice.”

36 Carpet&RugNews3 January 2005

The Joy Lawrence column

Joe Williams and Kevin Whelan, who have played prominent rolesin getting Donaghadee back on its feet following the management buy-out,have left the company, but it is still all systems go according to financialdirector Mary Wilcox, also one of the seven-strong mbo team.The company isbeing restructured with a new chairman taking over in the New Year, but thetwo major external investors who helped to fund the original deal aremaintaining their financial backing.Terry Reeves, who has been withDonaghadee since the mbo start-up, has been appointed sales manager. Thecompany is described as full of confidence. It has a substantial customer-baseand is moving into new product areas to increase market share, the nextlaunch being a wool-blend range.

In an industry dogged by ‘me-too' products it is the niche ranges whichwill have the greatest appeal.That is the philosophy of Netherlands-based EniaCarpets. Originally part of the Forbo group, it was the subject of a managementbuy-out three years ago, acquiring its new name but retaining four Europeanmanufacturing plants and a workforce of 500. It produces carpet for both thedomestic and contract markets specialising in nylon and 100 per cent NewZealand wool ranges. Enia supplies rolls to distributors but its prime target inthe UK is quality independents to whom it offers a cut length facility on up-market distinctive-style products.The company is steadily building salesrepresentation here and is offering retailers marketing material and displayunits.Two of the company's recent launches are Chinchilla, a random twist shagpile, and Mystic a two-tone shag, both in nylon.

The beauty of vinyl is that it can simulate countless surfaces - stone,wood, aluminium, concrete, leaves, water - and LSI of North America, which

carries out a combined marketing operation in this country with OvationInterior Flooring Design of Oldham, features these designs and many more inits comprehensive collections of tile and plank products. In total there are 14

tile ranges, each 3.2mm thick with an 0.8mm wear layer, and the two woodplank collections are described as so realistic that it is almost possible to feel

the splinters. In addition the company has a custom-design tile facility.Twouseful accessories are also available, the first being feature strips - metal on a

plastic carrier - which are fixed with an adhesive and the second a double-sided tape carrying an acrylic adhesive which is effective for up to five years

and leaves no residue on the subfloor when it is removed. Soon to beproduced is a disc presentation of the entire collection.

Vinyl can simulate any number of surfaces such as a pool, shown here.

Is wood still an elitist product, or is it simply the next thingafter laminate? Floorwise has asked the question and come up with theanswer that wood can appeal to the mass-market and be sold by theindependents provided it represents value for money. As a result it haslaunched Signature, a consumer-oriented brand of hand-finished solidwood planks, which is likely to sell in the shops at £35 to £45 sqm -no more, Floorwise points out, than high-quality carpet. The product issupported by a full-colour brochure emphasising the wisdom ofselecting a solid wood floor, namely that it is a life-long product ofnatural beauty and durability, and illustrating the nine species available.

Signature is a new wood product from Floorwise

Few in the trade can be unaware that Axminster Carpets has its own flocks ofsheep in Devon which provide the company with high quality carpet yarn.Theyalso enable Axminster to produce a range of sheepskins.The initial productswere natural undyed wool with black/brown tips and these still sell extremelywell but to meet market demand the company also offers coloured fleeces.Thirteen shades are now available, the latest being fuschia, cornflower, ceriseand chocolate.

Fauk Accessories has introduced a flexible scotia which it believes willprove immensely popular with installers.The practice of using wood trim tocover the expansion joint around the perimeter of a room when laying wood orlaminate is fine, says the company, but only if there are four square walls.Whenit comes to curves, such as around pillars or the bullnose on stairs, the gapnormally has to be filled with sealant. Fauk's solution to the problem is a flexiblescotia made in polystyrene which is fixed with a special adhesive. At themoment, the product is available only in white, but it is supplied with a primedfinish which can be painted, and soon it will come in oak and beech finish.

The more a salesman knows about a product, the better job he canmake of selling it.That is the philosophy behind the retail training courses beingorganised by Victoria Carpets. Structured to run through the entiremanufacturing chain from raw material processing to finished product, they havebeen extremely well received, those taking place during 2004 being fully booked.Although designed primarily for those new to the trade, the company has foundthat many experienced sales people have also benefited. Sounds interesting?Then contact Victoria about the 2005 programme.

Ultimate design guideRyalux is launching its first ever Ultimate Living pattern book created specially for

interior designers who are on the move.

The compact and light weight ‘Interior Designer’s Ultimate Living Pattern Book’ contains 96different colour shades specially chosen by international colour consultant Annabel Alton and 11 base

cloths including four twists and seven luxury cloths.What’s more, if the interior designer can not find theexact shade required, they have the option to colour match to any colour or object, at no extra cost on orders

over 10m. In addition, Ryalux is also launching two new pattern books to accompany its Ultimate Colour Wheel POS,which is available in retailers.The Twist Ultimate Living Pattern Book will include over 250 colours from the twist portfolio

and the Luxury Ultimate Living Pattern Book will include over 250 colours from the luxury portfolio.

The Ultimate Colour Wheel displays over 250 of the most popular colours from the vast range and provides consumers with a simplifiedchoice, rather than leaving them to choose any colour they desire, which they may find daunting. If they cannot find the exact colour, they can

colour match to any object.

Architects join London Floor ShowLondon Floor Show, launched to run for the first time between 22 - 23February 2005 at London's Olympia, has joined forces with RIBA topresent the industry with a series of CPD accredited seminars.Witheditorial content of key importance to the success of any event, theextensive seminar programme will offer trade professionals from Londonand the South, a prime opportunity to be further educated whilst sourcingproducts from a plethora of flooring solutions and coverings includingcarpet, wood, laminates, vinyls, underlays, accessories, tools and floorpreparations.

Confirmed seminars to date include: ARDEX Screeding, Levelling and Sub-floor Preparation presented by: Cyril Potter, Chief Chemist, Ardex UK Ltd;BONAKEMI LTD Specification of Finishes and Maintenance Products forWooden Floors presented by: Alec Stacey, Senior Technical Officer, BonakemiLtd; EGE CARPETS LTD presented by: Andy Gosney, Business DevelopmentManager, EGE Services; GRADUS LIMITED The Specification of Stairs Edging& Associated Products: Safety, Legislation, Performance & Aestheticspresented by: Peter Martin, Southern Regional CPD Co-ordinator, GradusLtd; REEVE FLOORING Specify Hardwood Flooring with UnderfloorHeating presented by:Tom De Winton, Managing Director, Reeve Flooring

Currently, there is no industry 'shop window' servicing this importantgeographical part of the UK market for sourcing both contract and retailflooring products. London Floor Show provides the perfect offering tobridge the gap, allowing trade representatives who do not travel toHarrogate for the National Floor Show, to not miss out.

Uniquely positioned in the west of the Capital, London Floor Show benefitsfrom the ease of many travel options with Heathrow and Gatwick airportsless than 40 minutes away. Plus, Olympia also boasts onsite undergroundand mainline train stations, together with parking for 630 vehicles.Tradevisitors and members of the press wishing to pre register for free shouldlog onto the website at www.londonfloorshow,co,uk

Ryalux boosts service team The Ryalux Group has appointed a new planning team member to provide additional

resource with the aim of enhancing customer service. Shahzad Zia, 30, joins the team asproduction planning assistant. His role is to ensure the continuity of every carpet range,right from the sourcing of raw materials through to producing the finished stock. He will

focus on increasing forecast accuracy and production configuration to ensure efficiencyand stock availability.

Shahzad said; “Rylaux already has a superb reputation when it comes to quality andcustomer service. I am looking forward to the challenge of improving it even more by

ensuring the production process is running as perfectly and efficiently as possible.”

Ryalux production planning manager, Eddie Kelly said; “The quality of the product weproduce and the service we provide to customers is second to none, but we are always

looking for ways to improve it even further to ensure we are always ahead of the game.”

News

37from The Stocklists 3 January 2005

Treadplates, Unit 3-4, Brailes Industrial Estate, Brailes,Banbury, Oxfordshire OX15 5JB

Telephone: +44 (0)1608 685414 Fax: +44 (0)1608 685665 Email: info@treadplates.co.uk Web: www.treadplates.co.uk

THE NATURAL CHOICEFinest quality traditional

solid wood door thresholds

Hand-made in the heart of the English countryside

38

Antique wood that really isHandmade, hand finished and bespoke, the beautiful Antique range of

wooden flooring from Victorian Wood Works allows the fantastic patinas,textures and beauty of timbers, which may be 300 to 400 years old, to beincorporated into both contemporary spaces, or more traditional settings.

A distinctive diamond pattern distinguishes its Parquet de Versailles panelswhich echo the splendid era of the Palais de Versailles.The elegant squaresof Parquet de Chantilly are uncomplicated, giving a timeless elegance and,

due to the nature of its geometry, variations in scale can be achieved,allowing it to be used in a variety of room sizes. All panels made from

antique timber can be fashioned to create a highly polished effect or, byusing the original face and patina, a more undulating rustic surface.

The Antique Wide Oak Boards from Victorian Wood Works are sourcedfrom all over Europe and England and are hand sanded and waxed for the

lustrous Country finish or planed to a Town finish, giving a tighter flatter floorwhich is the perfect complement to contemporary metal and glass.

Interface appoints AmandaAmanda Farrell, currently the Marketing Communications Manager ofInterface, the world's largest manufacturer of modular commercialcarpet, has been appointed as Client Services Director.

Amanda joined Interface in August 2000 with a background in textile,design and marketing. In her role as Marketing Communications Manager,she has also helped support both the contract business and the growthof Interface's Residential business.

Her new role will see her working in conjunction with Interface's salesforce in the UK and Ireland.

Interface provides fully integrated flooring solutions, supplying textileflooring, cable management systems, floorcare products and adhesives. Itis also committed to realising the vision of becoming a fully sustainableindustrial enterprise by the year 2020.

News

Carpet&RugNews3 January 2005

Colour forecast for 2006Wool Interiors are presenting their latest International.Wools of NewZealand Colour Forecast at Domotex 2005.

The 2006 colours are sophisticated, elegant and eloquently natural in bothtone and feel, ranging from soft powders to saturated darks.

Traditional period colours are combined with new stimulating shades toinspire antique / modern and classic / contemporary combinations. Inspiredby nature's unique way of tempering of colour, the palette conveys manyemotions, most importantly natural comfort and well-being - the 'feel good'factor.There are shades to suit all tastes and preferences and to complementany interior decor.

The 30 colours in the forecast are presented in six themed palettes: Purity,Serenity, Nobility, Vitality, Simplicity and Felicity