Recorded live at the Flooring Show 2025, this episode of The UK Flooring Podcast dives deep with Stephen Latham of J2 Flooring. From building an authentic LVT brand to pioneering UK manufacturing, Stephen opens up about attention to detail, quality control, and what’s next for one of the industry’s fastest growing names.

What’s Inside:

• The J2 story: From retailer frustrations to an industry leading LVT brand.
• 
  
• The rise of UK manufacturing and why quality control is everything.
• 
  
• The art of collaboration: Why “two heads are better than one” for J2’s success.
• 
  
• Inside the design lab: How J2 creates ultra-realistic, handcrafted flooring.
• 
  
• Future vision: Growth, innovation, and keeping people at the heart of the brand.
• 
  

Memorable Quote:

“Building a brand isn’t just about the name, it’s about confidence, quality, and keeping your ear to the ground with the people who use your product every day.”

Guest Information:

Stephen Latham – Managing Director, J2 Flooring

• Website: https://www.j2flooring.com/
• 
  
• LinkedIn: Stephen Latham

🎟 Momentum 2026 – The Flooring Business Summit & National Flooring Awards

Tickets and National Flooring Awards nominations are live!

📅 Date: Saturday 3rd January 2026

📍 Venue: Crowne Plaza Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 3SG

⏰ Timings: Momentum Summit 9:30am – 5:00pm | National Flooring Awards 7:00pm – late

One day. One industry. Unlimited momentum.

🎫 Get your ticket now: https://www.cockerillandco.co.uk/momentum

🎫 Get your ticket now: https://www.nationalflooringawards.co.uk/

Where to Find The UK Flooring Podcast:

Website: https://theukflooringpodcast.co.uk/

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theukflooringpodcast

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

Recorded live at the Flooring Show 2025, Tom sits down with Ben Granville, Sales Director of Kellars, to talk about the company’s incredible rise from a small family operation into one of the UK’s fastest-growing flooring distributors.

Ben opens up about Kellars’ journey of rapid expansion, bold investments in warehousing, and how his team continues to deliver innovation and efficiency without losing the company’s personal, down-to-earth culture. From brand identity and customer service to the future of digitalisation in flooring distribution, this episode pulls back the curtain on how Kellars is shaking up the industry.

What’s Inside:

• The mindset behind scaling fast and how to keep quality consistent.
• 
  
• How Kellars uses branding, logistics, and customer relationships as growth engines.
• 
  
• Insights into the company’s bold distribution model and product strategy.
• 
  
• The importance of investing in people, communication, and keeping things simple.
• 
  
• A look ahead: how Kellars plans to keep innovating in 2026 and beyond.
• 
  

Guest Information:

Website: Kellars Flooring

LinkedIn: Ben Granville

🎟 Momentum 2026 – The Flooring Business Summit & National Flooring Awards

Tickets and National Flooring Awards nominations are live!

📅 Date: Saturday 3rd January 2026

📍 Venue: Crowne Plaza Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 3SG

⏰ Timings: Momentum Summit 9:30am – 5:00pm | National Flooring Awards 7:00pm – late

One day. One industry. Unlimited momentum.

🎫 Get your ticket now: https://www.cockerillandco.co.uk/momentum

🎫 Get your ticket now: https://www.nationalflooringawards.co.uk/

Where to Find The UK Flooring Podcast:

Website: https://theukflooringpodcast.co.uk/

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theukflooringpodcast

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

Recorded live at The Flooring Show, Tom and Sarah deliver the tough love every flooring professional needs before heading into 2026. Tired of the “I’m too busy” excuse? They call it out, while giving you the blueprint to take control of your diary, reclaim your time, and build a business that doesn’t run you into the ground.

From digital scheduling hacks to the truth about holidays, overrun days, and why “busy fools” will be left behind, this episode is a no-filter reality check for the trade. The hosts also drop exclusive breaking news: a brand-new national event and awards designed to unite the flooring industry like never before.

What’s Inside:

• Why “too busy” is killing flooring businesses and what to do about it.
• 
  
• The power of diary discipline: how to lock in admin, family, and overrun days.
• 
  
• Why taking 5.6 weeks’ holiday could save your business.
• 
  
• The truth about customer experience, stand collecting, and retail inefficiencies.
• 
  
• How to market smarter with the data you already own.
• 
  
• Breaking news: details of the first-ever national flooring business summit and awards, happening 3rd January 2026.
• 
  

🎟 Momentum 2026 – The Flooring Business Summit & National Flooring Awards

The wait is over, tickets are now live!

📅 Date: Saturday 3rd January 2026

📍 Venue: Crowne Plaza Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 3SG

⏰ Timings: Momentum Summit 9:30am – 5:00pm | National Flooring Awards 7:00pm – late

One day. One industry. Unlimited momentum.

🎫 Get your ticket now: https://www.cockerillandco.co.uk/momentum

Where to Find Us:

Website: https://theukflooringpodcast.co.uk/

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theukflooringpodcast

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

This week on The UK Flooring Podcast, Tom sits down with Oli Butler, a straight-talking voice in the flooring industry with 30+ years of experience. From his early days as a labourer on the Euro Disney build to leading high-profile commercial projects across Europe, Oli’s story is as raw as it is inspiring.

He shares the truth about big contractors, payment struggles, and why he built his business around doing things the right way — not the easy way. Expect unfiltered insights, wild site stories, and bold predictions about the future of flooring, including why resin flooring could change everything.

• Plenty of swearing!

• Oli’s no-BS journey: from Euro Disney hotels to running his own flooring firm.

• Why he walked away from contract management and the “empty promises” culture.

• The highs and lows of commercial projects, from Legoland golf courses to Virgin cruise ships.

• His bold new idea: combining printed vinyl with resin finishes for truly custom floors.

• The truth about payment terms, work ethic, and why some firms are dragging the industry down.

Oli Butler

🔗 LinkedIn

This Episode is Brought to You in Partnership with The Flooring Show

The UK’s biggest flooring event is back in Harrogate from the 21st - 23rd September 2025 and you’re invited. From retailers and contractors to designers and distributors, The Flooring Show brings the entire industry together for three packed days of inspiration, innovation, and networking. And best of all? It’s completely free to attend.

GRAB YOUR FREE TICKETS HERE: https://invt.io/1fxbk9pmhtp 

Stay in the loop:

Instagram: @theflooringshow

LinkedIn: The Flooring Show

Website: https://theflooringshow.com 

​This episode of The UK Flooring Podcast is powered by J2 Flooring

J2 Flooring is one of the brands everyone’s talking about ahead of The Flooring Show 2025.

If you’re coming to Harrogate, trust us… Hall B, Stand B26 is where you want to be.

Go see what the fuss is about…​ you can thank us later

Website: https://www.j2flooring.com/ 

Come and find us on Stand Q112 and be part of the action. Across all three days, we’ll be recording live, full-length sessions and mini conversations, with the voices shaping the future of flooring.

We’ve got a jam-packed schedule featuring 18 of the biggest brands, leaders, and professionals in the industry. Catch the live recordings in person and soak up the atmosphere at the show.

Where to Find Us:

Website: https://theukflooringpodcast.co.uk/

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theukflooringpodcast

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

This week on The UK Flooring Podcast, Tom and Sarah sit down together for a very special episode and they’re bringing some big news with them.

From exclusive updates about the upcoming Flooring Show in Harrogate to the launch of a game-changing new project that’s been five years in the making, this episode is packed with behind-the-scenes insights you won’t hear anywhere else.

The pair also open up about what they’ve been up to personally, from family adventures (and a few unexpected dramas!) to their recent Mount Toubkal climb in Morocco with clients and friends from across the flooring industry.

Most importantly, they reveal a first-of-its-kind event in Newcastle, January 2026, that promises to cut through the noise, strip back the BS, and give retailers, contractors, and flooring professionals the tools to make 2026 their best year yet.

If you want to stay ahead of the curve and be among the first to secure tickets this is the episode you cannot afford to miss.

This Episode is Brought to You in Partnership with The Flooring Show

The UK’s biggest flooring event is back in Harrogate from the 21st - 23rd September 2025 and you’re invited. From retailers and contractors to designers and distributors, The Flooring Show brings the entire industry together for three packed days of inspiration, innovation, and networking. And best of all? It’s completely free to attend.

GRAB YOUR FREE TICKETS HERE: https://invt.io/1fxbk9pmhtp 

Stay in the loop:

Instagram: @theflooringshow

LinkedIn: The Flooring Show

Website: https://theflooringshow.com 

​This episode of The UK Flooring Podcast is powered by J2 Flooring

J2 Flooring is one of the brands everyone’s talking about ahead of The Flooring Show 2025.

If you’re coming to Harrogate, trust us… Hall B, Stand B26 is where you want to be.

Go see what the fuss is about…​ you can thank us later

Website: https://www.j2flooring.com/ 

Come and find us on Stand Q112 and be part of the action. Across all three days we’ll be recording live, full-length sessions and mini conversations, with the voices shaping the future of flooring.

We’ve got a jam-packed schedule featuring 18 of the biggest brands, leaders, and professionals in the industry, catch the live recordings in person and soak up the atmosphere at the show.

Where to Find Us:

Website: https://theukflooringpodcast.co.uk/

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theukflooringpodcast

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

In this episode of The UK Flooring Podcast, Tom Cockerill sits down with Gordon Bowden from Forbo Flooring Systems to talk about what he’s been up to lately, his views on the current state of the flooring industry, and where he sees things heading next. From sustainability to shifting customer expectations, Gordon shares candid insights into one of the industry’s leading brands and how Forbo continues to innovate across commercial and residential markets.

What’s Inside:

• Gordon’s latest projects and role at Forbo.
• The biggest challenges and opportunities facing the flooring industry today.
• Forbo’s approach to sustainability and market innovation.
• Predictions for the future of flooring, from customer trends to product evolution.
• Quickfire insights: advice, lessons learned, and personal reflections from Gordon.

Guest Information:

Website: https://www.forbo.com/flooring/en-uk/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/forbo

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forboflooringuk/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/forboflooringsystemsUK

This Episode is Brought to You in Partnership with The Flooring Show

The UK’s biggest flooring event is back in Harrogate from the 21st - 23rd September 2025 and you’re invited. From retailers and contractors to designers and distributors, The Flooring Show brings the entire industry together for three packed days of inspiration, innovation, and networking. And best of all? It’s completely free to attend.

GRAB YOUR FREE TICKETS HERE: https://invt.io/1fxbk9pmhtp 

Stay in the loop:

Instagram: @theflooringshow

LinkedIn: The Flooring Show

Website: https://theflooringshow.com 

​This episode of The UK Flooring Podcast is powered by J2 Flooring

J2 Flooring is one of the brands everyone’s talking about ahead of The Flooring Show 2025.

If you’re coming to Harrogate, trust us… Hall B, Stand B26 is where you want to be.

Go see what the fuss is about…​ you can thank us later

Website: https://www.j2flooring.com/ 

Come and find us on Stand Q112 and be part of the action. Across all three days we’ll be recording live, full-length sessions and mini conversations, with the voices shaping the future of flooring.

We’ve got a jam-packed schedule featuring 18 of the biggest brands, leaders, and professionals in the industry, catch the live recordings in person and soak up the atmosphere at the show.

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

This week on The UK Flooring Podcast, Tom sits down with Glen, owner of Coastal Carpets, to talk about juggling family life, running a flooring business, and his love for skateboarding. From the art of laying carpet to hitting the ramps, this episode brings flooring and lifestyle together in a way you won’t want to miss.

What’s Inside:

• Growing Coastal Carpets into a trusted family-run flooring business.
• 
  
• Glen’s unique balance between fatherhood, business ownership, and skateboarding.
• 
  
• Lessons learned from the trade and the skatepark.
• 
  
• Why passion and perseverance matter in both flooring and life.
• 
  

Guest Information:

Glen – Owner, Coastal Carpets

• Website: https://www.coastal-carpets.com

This Episode is Brought to You in Partnership with The Flooring Show

The UK’s biggest flooring event is back in Harrogate from the 21st - 23rd September 2025 and you’re invited. From retailers and contractors to designers and distributors, The Flooring Show brings the entire industry together for three packed days of inspiration, innovation, and networking. And best of all? It’s completely free to attend.

GRAB YOUR FREE TICKETS HERE: https://invt.io/1fxbk9pmhtp 

Stay in the loop:

Instagram: @theflooringshow

LinkedIn: The Flooring Show

Website: https://theflooringshow.com 

Come and find us on Stand Q112 and be part of the action. Got a story to share, an insight to shout about, or something the industry needs to hear? Book your live podcast recording below and join in the conversations that are shaping the future of flooring.

• 45 minute full length sessions - https://calendly.com/d/csdb-nj3-wm4/the-uk-flooring-podcast-live-at-the-flooring-show
• 15 minute mini sessions - https://calendly.com/d/csxh-h6p-rb6/the-uk-flooring-podcast-live-mini-series

Where to Find Us:

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

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

In this inspiring episode of The UK Flooring Podcast, Tom Cockerill sits down with the owner of Against the Grain Flooring Stuart Lawler to uncover the passion, precision, and persistence behind one of the UK’s most respected bespoke flooring businesses. From the first plank laid to the final polish, discover how dedication to detail and a love for the craft have built a reputation that truly stands out in the industry.

Whether you’re an installer, retailer, or someone dreaming of starting your own flooring business, this episode is packed with lessons on craftsmanship, customer service, and business growth.

What’s Inside:

• The journey from start-up to established flooring brand.
• 
  
• How Against the Grain approaches bespoke flooring projects for both domestic and commercial clients.
• 
  
• Lessons in managing client expectations and delivering exceptional results.
• 
  
• The tools, materials, and techniques that make their work stand out.
• 
  
• Tips for building a business based on quality and trust.

Guest Information: https://www.againstthegrainflooring.co.uk/

This Episode is Brought to You in Partnership with The Flooring Show

The UK’s biggest flooring event is back in Harrogate from the 21st - 23rd September 2025 and you’re invited. From retailers and contractors to designers and distributors, The Flooring Show brings the entire industry together for three packed days of inspiration, innovation, and networking. And best of all? It’s completely free to attend.

GRAB YOUR FREE TICKETS HERE: https://invt.io/1fxbk9pmhtp 

Stay in the loop:

Instagram: @theflooringshow

LinkedIn: The Flooring Show

Website: https://theflooringshow.com 

Come and find us on Stand Q112 and be part of the action. Got a story to share, an insight to shout about, or something the industry needs to hear? Book your live podcast recording below and join in the conversations that are shaping the future of flooring.

• 45 minute full length sessions - https://calendly.com/d/csdb-nj3-wm4/the-uk-flooring-podcast-live-at-the-flooring-show
• 15 minute mini sessions - https://calendly.com/d/csxh-h6p-rb6/the-uk-flooring-podcast-live-mini-series

Where to Find Us:

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

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

What does it take to organise the UK’s biggest and boldest flooring trade event? In this week’s episode, we go behind the scenes with Suzy from The Flooring Show. From unexpected customs dramas to sparkly bikini mishaps and bold new plans to grow the show, Suzy lifts the curtain on what really happens when you put the entire flooring industry under one roof. 🎤📍

What’s Inside:

• Why this year’s show promises to be the biggest and most diverse yet
• 
  
• Suzy’s journey from fashion stylist to flooring show director (via spreadsheets and gaffes!)
• 
  
• New exhibitors to watch, from Kährs and Kährs Cork to a wave of tech brands like Roomvo, Computers for Flooring, Masterpiece, and more
• 
  
• How to get the most out of the show, especially if you’re a retailer or contractor coming solo
• 
  
• The unforgettable story of bikinis, beer, and a very awkward intervention
• 
  

Memorable Quote:

"You can’t build relationships from behind your desk. At Harrogate, everything you need, from innovation to advice, is under one roof."

This Episode is Brought to You in Partnership with The Flooring Show

The UK’s biggest flooring event is back in Harrogate from the 21st - 23rd September 2025 and you’re invited. From retailers and contractors to designers and distributors, The Flooring Show brings the entire industry together for three packed days of inspiration, innovation, and networking. And best of all? It’s completely free to attend.

GRAB YOUR FREE TICKETS HERE: https://invt.io/1fxbk9pmhtp

Stay in the loop:

Instagram: @theflooringshow

LinkedIn: The Flooring Show

Website: https://theflooringshow.com 

Come and find us on Stand Q112 and be part of the action. Got a story to share, an insight to shout about, or something the industry needs to hear? Book your live podcast recording below and join in the conversations that are shaping the future of flooring.

• 45 minute full length sessions - https://calendly.com/d/csdb-nj3-wm4/the-uk-flooring-podcast-live-at-the-flooring-show
• 15 minute mini sessions - https://calendly.com/d/csxh-h6p-rb6/the-uk-flooring-podcast-live-mini-series

Where to Find Us:

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

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

What does it take to run one of Ireland’s most trusted hardwood flooring businesses? In this week’s episode, Sarah speaks with Siobhan Smyth, co-founder of Floorstore Direct, about her path from hospitality to hardwood and how she and her team built a brand rooted in quality, trust, and relentless education. 

What’s Inside:

• Siobhan’s journey from working with showjumpers and running a pub to launching a flooring company
• How she developed product knowledge, built trust with customers, and created a high-end showroom experience
• The power of aftercare: why Floorstore Direct offers lifelong maintenance and support
• Big lessons from 20 years in business, including weathering the 2008 recession and scaling through e-commerce
• Her mission is to bring more training and qualifications to the flooring industry

Memorable Quote:

"If you love hardwood floors, you need to go for hardwood floors. In ten years, you can sand and change the look but you’ll still have a floor that lasts a lifetime."

Guest Information:

Siobhan Smyth – Floorstore Direct

🔗 Website: https://floorstoredirect.ie/

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/siobhan-smyth-marketing/ 

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/

Where to Find Us:

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

Become a Guest: Share your flooring story! DM us on Instagram, LinkedIn, or Facebook.

Interview Tom: Want to turn the tables on host Tom Cockerill? Comment “Interview Tom” on our socials or email us to grill him with these questions!

Subscribe: Never miss an episode—hit subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform.

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