The UK Flooring Podcast

This episode deep dives  into the world of carpets with two expert interviews. We explore the journey of wool from sheep to carpet with British Wool’s Graham Clark and learn how Carpet Recycling UK’s Mike Dobson is reducing waste and promoting sustainability in flooring.

What’s Inside

• The role British Wool plays in turning wool from British sheep into high-quality carpets
• The innovative "Shaun the Sheep" initiative to promote wool carpets
• How Carpet Recycling UK is transforming carpet waste management and reducing landfill

Memorable Quote

"It's better for the environment… if you're selling a wool carpet, you're supporting sheep farmers and doing your bit for sustainability." — Graham Clark, British Wool

Guest Information

Graham Clark – Marketing Director, British Wool

• Website: https://www.britishwool.org.uk

Mike Dobson – Non-Executive Director, Carpet Recycling UK

• Website: https://www.carpetrecyclinguk.com
• Recycle My Carpet: https://www.recyclemycarpet.co.uk

Episode Sponsored By:

https://www.instarmac.co.uk/products/ultrafloor/

https://www.facebook.com/UltraFloorContractFlooringSolutions/

https://www.instagram.com/ultraflooruk/

https://www.tiktok.com/@ultrafloor

Important Links

Grab your FREE contractor kit from UltraFloor here http://ultra-floor.co.uk/ 

Where to find us:

• https://theukflooringpodcast.co.uk/
• https://www.instagram.com/theukflooringpodcast/
• https://www.facebook.com/theukflooringpodcast
• https://www.youtube.com/@cockerillco6141

Produced by Cockerill & Co.

Reach out on 01325 952548 or email [email protected].

• Website:https://www.cockerillandco.co.uk/
• Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/cockerillandco/
• Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/cockerillandco/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The UK Flooring Podcast, Dan Lovatt of Lovatt Studio shares his journey from retail to interior design, discusses the importance of choosing the right flooring, and explores the latest trends in flooring and design.

What’s Inside:

• The importance of specifying the right flooring for long-term durability and aesthetics.
• Fast fashion in flooring and how trends are moving towards sustainability and longevity.
• Key considerations for lighting and its impact on flooring choices.
• The shift from grey to warmer, earthy tones in interior design trends.

Memorable Quote:

"Flooring is the biggest investment—get it right and it should last 20-30 years."

Guest Information:

Dan Lovatt - Lovatt Studio

• https://www.instagram.com/danlovattdesign/?hl=en-gb
• https://www.lovattstudio.com

Episode Sponsored By:

https://fidbox.co.uk/

https://www.instagram.com/fidboxuk

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557296591502

https://www.linkedin.com/company/fidbox-uk/ 

Where to find us:

• https://theukflooringpodcast.co.uk/
• https://www.instagram.com/theukflooringpodcast/
• https://www.facebook.com/theukflooringpodcast
• https://www.youtube.com/@cockerillco6141

Produced by Cockerill & Co.

Reach out on 01325 952548 or email [email protected].

• Website:https://www.cockerillandco.co.uk/
• Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/cockerillandco/
• Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/cockerillandco/

Don’t miss this episode—subscribe now for more stories and insights from industry leaders!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The UK Flooring Podcast, Glen Tonkin from Toncam Flooring and Interiors shares his journey from taking over his father’s business to running a successful flooring and interiors company. Glen discusses the challenges, successes, and what it takes to build a business in the Highlands.

What’s Inside:

• Glen’s backstory: Taking over his father's carpet cleaning business and transforming it into a flooring and interiors company.
• Building a business in the Highlands: Navigating challenges, growing a team, and creating a unique destination for customers.
• Advice on expanding a business: Key lessons on investing wisely, taking risks, and growing with a strong service foundation.

Memorable Quote:

“If you have got an ambition or a vision for something, there’s no point in 20 years’ time sitting and having that still on a bit of paper unless you’ve tried it.”

Guest Information:

• Glen Tonkin from Toncam Flooring and Interiors
• Website: https://toncam.co.uk/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toncamflooringinteriors/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ToncamFlooring/

Episode Sponsored By:

https://www.instarmac.co.uk/products/ultrafloor/

https://www.facebook.com/UltraFloorContractFlooringSolutions/

https://www.instagram.com/ultraflooruk/

https://www.tiktok.com/@ultrafloor

Useful Links:

Book your FREE tickets to the UltraFloor Academy Day here:

https://trainingacademy.instarmac.co.uk/event/floor-fitters-forum-uk-private-academy-day-2024-10-08/ 

Where to find us:

https://theukflooringpodcast.co.uk/.

https://www.instagram.com/theukflooringpodcast/

 https://www.facebook.com/theukflooringpodcast

https://www.youtube.com/@cockerillco6141

Produced by Cockerill & Co

Reach out on 01325 952548 or email [email protected] 

• Website: https://www.cockerillandco.co.uk/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cockerillandco/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cockerillandco/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special episode of The UK Flooring Podcast, recorded live at the Harrogate Flooring Show, we sit down with Harrison Smith, a financial advisor from Emerald Associates, to discuss everything from retirement planning to managing your money wisely. Whether you're a business owner, flooring professional, or simply someone looking to get a grip on your finances, Harrison provides actionable advice for everyone—no matter where you are on your financial journey.

• Start Now, Not Later: Harrison stresses the importance of starting financial planning as early as possible, whether you’re 25 or 50. It’s never too late to start, but the earlier, the better.
• Financial Planning Isn’t Just for the Wealthy: There’s a misconception that financial advisors are only for the rich. In reality, financial planning is for everyone, regardless of income level.
• The Power of Budgeting: Learn to budget effectively to keep track of your income and expenses. This helps you plan not just for tomorrow, but for the next 6, 12, or 24 months.
• The Financial Pyramid: Harrison breaks down financial planning into a pyramid:
• Base: Protection, such as life insurance and income protection.
• Middle: Wealth accumulation, focusing on growing your money.
• Top: Spending and enjoying the rewards of smart financial planning.
• Avoid Common Mistakes: Many people rely on their business or property portfolio as their "pension." Harrison explains why this approach is risky and offers better alternatives.
• Pensions & Tax Relief: Harrison outlines how pensions are a tax-efficient way to save for retirement, especially for business owners.

• Learn more about Harrison Smith https://www.emeraldassociates.co.uk/partner/harrisonsmith
• https://uk.linkedin.com/in/harrisonsmith3713?trk=public_profile_browsemap

Where to find us:

• Website:https://theukflooringpodcast.co.uk/
• Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/theukflooringpodcast/
• YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@cockerillco6141
• 
  
• Episode Sponsored By: https://www.instarmac.co.uk/products/ultrafloor/
• https://www.instagram.com/ultraflooruk/
• https://www.tiktok.com/@ultrafloor

Produced by Cockerill & Co Reach out on 01325 952548 or email [email protected].

• Website:https://www.cockerillandco.co.uk/
• Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/cockerillandco/
• Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/cockerillandco/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us as Tony Gilmore shares his incredible journey from the troubled, bombed, and bloody streets of Belfast to becoming a respected figure in the flooring industry. Listen in for overcoming adversity, starting a flooring business, and his plans for the future.

What’s Inside:

• Tony’s early life growing up in Belfast during "The Troubles"
• Moving to Australia to work in the jungle
• Building a flooring business, tackling challenges, and focusing on resin flooring
• The need for better flooring training in Northern Ireland and beyond
• 
  

"Belfast changed for the better, and companies became mixed, creating friendships and a lasting peace."

Guest Information:

Tony Gilmore

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FloorworksNI/?ref=page_internal 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-gilmore-8055592a4/?originalSubdomain=uk
• Website: https://www.floorworksni.com/

Episode Sponsored By: 

• https://www.instarmac.co.uk/products/ultrafloor/
• https://www.facebook.com/UltraFloorContractFlooringSolutions/
• https://www.instagram.com/ultraflooruk/
• https://www.tiktok.com/@ultrafloor

Useful Links:

• Get your Free The Flooring Show tickets https://eventdata.uk/Forms/Form.aspx?FormRef=HFS94Visitor&FormMode=Visitor&ExhibitorRef=PODCAST.
• LAST CHANCE to Book Your Podcast Recording Slot at The Flooring Show https://calendly.com/d/cpp5-jtw-fy8/the-uk-flooring-podcast-live-at-the-flooring-show 

Where to find us:

• Website:https://theukflooringpodcast.co.uk/
• Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/theukflooringpodcast/
• Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/theukflooringpodcast
• YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@cockerillco6141

Produced by Cockerill & Co Reach out on 01325 952548 or email [email protected].

• Website:https://www.cockerillandco.co.uk/

Don’t miss this episode—subscribe now for more stories and insights from industry leaders!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The tables are turned this week, as Sarah Cockerill steps into the spotlight as the guest and Joni Reeves of https://www.instagram.com/TheFloorDesignStudio/ takes position as host. Listen in for a deep dive into the journey of Sarah Cockerill, a dynamic force in the flooring industry, as she shares her unique experiences, challenges, and insights that shaped her career.

What’s Inside:

• Sarah’s background and transition from aspiring Olympian to the flooring industry
• The importance of understanding business fundamentals in trades
• The role of technology and education in advancing the flooring industry

Memorable Quote: "I enable people to see potential, to work with it, and to see opportunities where they might not have noticed them before."

Guest Information: Sarah Cockerill

• Website:https://www.cockerillandco.co.uk/
• Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/cockerillandco/

Episode Sponsored By: 

• https://www.instarmac.co.uk/products/ultrafloor/
• https://www.facebook.com/UltraFloorContractFlooringSolutions/
• https://www.instagram.com/ultraflooruk/
• https://www.tiktok.com/@ultrafloor

Useful Links:

• Get your Free The Flooring Show tickets https://eventdata.uk/Forms/Form.aspx?FormRef=HFS94Visitor&FormMode=Visitor&ExhibitorRef=PODCAST.
• Book Your Podcast Recording Slot at The Flooring Show https://calendly.com/d/cpp5-jtw-fy8/the-uk-flooring-podcast-live-at-the-flooring-show 

Where to find us:

• Website:https://theukflooringpodcast.co.uk/
• Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/theukflooringpodcast/
• Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/theukflooringpodcast
• YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@cockerillco6141

Produced by Cockerill & Co Reach out on 01325 952548 or email [email protected].

• Website:https://www.cockerillandco.co.uk/
• Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/cockerillandco/
• Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/cockerillandco/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special episode of The UK Flooring Podcast, explore the cutting-edge innovations in the flooring industry with Richard Banham, National Key Account Manager at Bjelin UK as he delves into the technology behind Bjelin’s revolutionary wood flooring products, including their unique Woodura technology from sister company Välinge Innovation and the upcoming launch of the hardened wood herringbone.

What’s Inside:

●       Discover Richard's journey in the flooring industry spanning over 17 years.

●       Uncover the technology behind Bjelin hardened wood flooring, including the creation of the world’s first mechanical locking system by Välinge.

●       Learn about the FSC certified sustainable and durable Woodura hardened wood flooring, its unique selling points and its impact on the market.

●       Meet the Bjelin UK team on stand Q86 at The Flooring Show

Memorable Quote:

“It’s about understanding technology. Once the end consumer gets it, suddenly it’s like, oh, right, this is new, this is innovative.”

Guest Information:

Richard Banham: [email protected]

LinkedIn

Web

Instagram

Facebook

Mentions:

●       The Flooring Show: Join us on stand Q110, 15-17th September 2024

●       Get your FREE tickets here

Episode Sponsored By UltraFloor:

Web

Instagram

Facebook

TikTok

Where to find us:

Web

Instagram

Facebook

YouTube

Produced by Cockerill & Co

Reach out on 01325 952548 or email [email protected]

Website

Instagram

Facebook

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special episode of The UK Flooring Podcast, we flip the script! Our usual host, Tom Cockerill, finds himself on the other side of the mic as two former guests take over the interview. Get ready to hear Tom's story, insights, and personal reflections like never before.

What's Inside:

• Tom's Journey: Hear how Tom went from launching a wooden flooring business in 2003 to co-founding Cockerill & Co & Truth Digital.
• Family Dynamics: Discover how working with his wife, Sarah, has shaped their business and relationship.
• Business Wisdom: Tom shares the best (and worst) advice he's received and how mentors like Paul Mort and David Wilkinson have influenced his approach.
• Personal Reflections: Tom gets candid about his struggles with weight, work-life balance, and the power of having a clear vision for the future.

Memorable Quote:

"You are 100% in control of how you feel. Once you understand that, the game changes completely."

Your Guest Hosts:

Ben Burns - https://www.instagram.com/blackduckflooring/

Alex Neale - https://www.instagram.com/mazon_flooring/

Useful Links:

The Flooring Show: Join us on stand Q110, 15-17th September 2024 at Harrogate Convention Centre. Get your FREE tickets here

For more info: https://www.theflooringshow.com/

Episode Sponsored By: UltraFloor

https://www.instarmac.co.uk/products/ultrafloor/

https://www.instagram.com/ultraflooruk/

https://www.facebook.com/UltraFloorContractFlooringSolutions/

https://www.tiktok.com/@ultrafloor

Where To Find Us:

https://theukflooringpodcast.co.uk/

https://www.instagram.com/theukflooringpodcast/

https://www.facebook.com/theukflooringpodcast

https://www.youtube.com/@cockerillco6141

Produced By Cockerill & Co:

Reach out at 01325 952548 or email [email protected]

https://www.cockerillandco.co.uk/

https://www.instagram.com/cockerillandco/

https://www.facebook.com/cockerillandco/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The UK Flooring Podcast, we are thrilled to welcome Holly Johnson, the Marketing Director at Amtico. Holly shares her journey in marketing, the evolution of Amtico over the past 60 years, and insights into the flooring industry. Tune in to discover how Amtico has maintained its position as a premium LVT manufacturer and what it takes to stay ahead in the competitive market.

Holly’s Background:

• Marketing degree from Derby University.
• Career journey from Spear & Jackson Garden Tools to AGA Rangemaster, and now Amtico.
• Early work experiences, including working in her father's flower shop.

Evolution of Marketing:

• The impact of digital transformation on marketing strategies.
• Importance of balancing digital and traditional marketing.
• Role of AI in marketing and customer service.

About Amtico:

• Overview of Amtico as a premium LVT manufacturer based in the UK.
• Celebrating 60 years of manufacturing in Coventry.
• The significance of the company’s people and their passion for creating quality flooring.

Product Development and Trends:

• The extensive research and design process behind Amtico’s collections.
• Current trends in flooring, such as the shift from greys to beiges.
• Introduction of sustainable products like Amtico Bio.

Challenges and Opportunities:

• Addressing economic uncertainties and consumer confidence.
• The increasing demand for high levels of service as a brand differentiator.

Customer Experience:

• The importance of factory tours and training for retailers.
• How Amtico’s showrooms enhance the customer experience.
• The value of having knowledgeable staff and a comprehensive product display.

Personal Insights:

• Holly’s least favourite part of her role and her thoughts on AI in copywriting.
• Her daily routine and how she manages stress and productivity.
• Fun facts about her ideal dinner guests and favourite flooring choices for her home.

• "It's not just about digital; it's about knowing your customer."
• "Earning your stripes means working hard and showing people what you can do."

Holly Johnson

• LinkedIn: Holly Johnson
• Company: Amtico

• Amtico Collections: Explore the range of products offered by Amtico, including the latest trends and sustainable options.
• Fit Box: Learn about the Fit Box device for underfloor heating with timber floors. Visit fitbox.co.uk for more information.

Don’t forget to subscribe to The UK Flooring Podcast for more inspiring stories and expert advice from leaders in the flooring industry. Share this episode with your friends and colleagues to spread the knowledge!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode of The UK Flooring Podcast, we chat with Ben Granville from Kellars Flooring. Join us as Ben shares his unique journey from being a greenkeeper and a tank commander in the Army to becoming the Sales Director at Kellars Flooring.

Ben’s Background:

• Ben’s early career as a greenkeeper and his aspirations to pursue a career in golf.
• Transition to the flooring industry through his brother and subsequent service in the Armed Forces.

Career in the Army:

• Ben’s seven years in the Royal Tank Regiment and the skills and experiences gained.

Venturing into Retail:

• Setting up and successfully running three retail stores after leaving the Army.
• The eventual sale of his business and transition to Kellars Flooring.

Kellars Flooring Overview:

• Introduction to Kellars Flooring as a pseudo manufacturer with a unique approach to product offerings.
• The company’s evolution over the past five years and significant acquisitions.

Market Disruption:

• Kellars' innovative and bold approach to branding and marketing.
• The importance of planning and flexibility in inventory management to meet market demands.

Industry Challenges:

• The external factors affecting the flooring industry and how Kellars adapts to these challenges.
• Insights on current market trends and the impact of geopolitical events.

Personal Insights:

• Ben’s favourite and least favourite parts of his role as Sales Director.
• His advice for building strong relationships within the industry.
• Reflections on the best and worst advice he’s received.

Future Plans:

• Upcoming launches and developments at Kellars Flooring.
• The importance of continuous improvement and innovation in maintaining market relevance.

• "We've always done it this way' kills off any creativity or growth."
• "Relationships are key to future success."

Ben Granville

• LinkedIn: Ben Granville
• Company: Kellars Flooring

Don’t forget to subscribe to The UK Flooring Podcast for more inspiring stories and expert advice from leaders in the flooring industry. Share this episode with your friends and colleagues to spread the knowledge!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.