In this episode of The UK Flooring Podcast, Tom is joined by Harrison Smith, Managing Director of Azalea Wealth Management, for a straight-talking conversation about money, pensions, protection and long-term planning for flooring business owners.

A lot of people spend years building a business, growing turnover, managing staff, chasing jobs and solving problems, but never properly turn that hard work into personal wealth. Harrison explains why that happens, what business owners often overlook, and why starting small is usually better than waiting for the “perfect” time.

Tom and Harrison discuss why pensions are not just about retirement, but can also be one of the most tax-efficient ways for business owners to take money out of their company for their own future benefit. They also cover the temptation to play the short game, why cash flow still has to come first, and why advice should always fit the circumstances of the business rather than follow a one-size-fits-all approach.

The conversation also touches on ISAs, short-term savings, commercial premises, SIPP and SSAS pensions, business protection, insurance, and the common mistake of doing nothing because you are too busy working in the business.

This episode is especially relevant if you own a flooring shop, run a fitting business, are building a team, or simply know you should be doing more with the money you are making.

In this episode, Tom and Harrison discuss:

Why many business owners fail to turn business success into personal wealth

How pensions can help business owners plan for the future in a tax-efficient way

Why starting with £500 a month can still be a serious first step

The power of compound growth and why time matters

When cash might be more sensible than investing

Why short-term investing can be risky if you need access to the money soon

How ISAs can be used as part of a long-term plan

Buying commercial premises through pension structures such as SIPP or SSAS

Why insurance and protection should not be ignored

The danger of doing nothing because you are too busy

Why good advice starts with where you are now and where you want to get to

A reminder: this episode is for general information only and should not be taken as personal financial advice. Always speak to a qualified adviser about your own circumstances.

Guest:

Harrison Smith, Managing Director of Azalea Wealth Management

Useful links:

Azalea Wealth Management website:

https://www.azaleawm.co.uk/

Harrison Smith profile:

https://www.azaleawm.co.uk/partner/azaleawm

Book a financial planning consultation:

https://calendly.com/azaleawm/financial-planning-consultation

Contact Azalea Wealth Management:

https://www.azaleawm.co.uk/contact

Advice for business owners:

https://www.azaleawm.co.uk/specialist-advice/business-owners

Corporate services:

https://www.azaleawm.co.uk/advice-and-services/corporate-services

Azalea Wealth Management on LinkedIn:

https://uk.linkedin.com/company/azalea-wealth-management

Harrison Smith on LinkedIn:

https://uk.linkedin.com/in/harrisonsmith3713

Azalea Wealth Management on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/azaleawealth/

Harrison Smith on VouchedFor:

https://www.vouchedfor.co.uk/financial-advisor-ifa/hartlepool/067376-harrison-smith

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

After 30 podcasts in 30 days, Tom wraps up the challenge by looking back at some of the most valuable lessons shared across the series.

This episode brings together 10 key takeaways for flooring contractors, retailers and manufacturers, covering everything from growth and showroom strategy to websites, follow-up, service, numbers, AI and family life.

Rather than chasing the next shiny idea, Tom breaks down the practical lessons that kept coming up throughout the series, including why growth needs a proper plan, why most businesses are already sitting on more opportunities than they realise, and why the basics are often the hardest part to get right.

In this episode, Tom covers:

Why growth without systems can cause more problems than it solves.

How old quotes, past customers and unsold enquiries could be a hidden gold mine.

Why answering the phone, following up and communicating properly still matter.

How a showroom should make the customer’s buying journey easier, not more confusing.

Why your website should be a living part of your business, not something you build once and forget about.

How service can beat price, even in a competitive wholesale environment.

Why the money is often in the follow-up, and how CRM systems can help.

Why Making Tax Digital could actually help flooring businesses build better financial habits.

How AI is already starting to change the flooring industry.

Why building a successful flooring business should not come at the cost of your family life.

This is a straight-talking round-up of the biggest themes from the 30-day podcast challenge, packed with reminders that flooring business owners can actually use.

Whether you run a retail showroom, a contracting business, a wholesale operation or a growing flooring brand, this episode is a useful reminder that the best results often come from getting the fundamentals right.

Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and all major podcast platforms.

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

When Growth Becomes the Problem

In this episode of The UK Flooring Podcast, Tom sits down with Luke Johnson, better known as Floor Ninja, for an honest conversation about growing a flooring business, losing control of quality, and learning when bigger is not always better.

Luke shares how he got into flooring at 15, working with his uncle for £10 a day, before eventually going out on his own, building a strong local reputation, opening a showroom, running multiple vans, and creating what looked from the outside like a successful flooring business.

But behind the growth came the pressure. Staff, subcontractors, cash flow, customer expectations, quality control, and a monthly break-even figure that put a huge weight on the business.

This episode gets into the reality of scaling a small flooring business, why reputation is only as strong as the people delivering the work, and why Luke eventually made the decision to strip everything back and fall back in love with the trade.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

How Luke got started in flooring at 15 years old.

Why he chose the trade over school and traditional employment.

How one flooded town helped him launch his own fitting business.

Why small details like hoovering, trimming doors, and leaving jobs tidy helped build his reputation.

What happened when he grew from man and van to showroom owner.

The hidden pressure of running a business with staff, vans, installers, and high monthly costs.

Why finding good fitters and subcontractors became one of his biggest challenges.

How quality control can become harder as a flooring business grows.

Why Luke made the decision to close his showroom properly, without leaving customers or staff high and dry.

How stepping back from growth helped him regain control.

Where the Floor Ninja name came from.

Why Luke is now focused on quality work, sharing knowledge, and helping other installers improve.

Memorable Quote:

“Bigger isn’t always better if you lose control of the quality.”

Speaker Information:

Luke Johnson

Floor Ninja

TikTok: Floor Ninja

Instagram: Floor Ninja / I Build Renovations

Facebook: Floor Ninja / I Build Renovations

Where to Find The UK Flooring Podcast:

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

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

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

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/59DLhGPVKNtVoS656EYtxq

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-uk-flooring-podcast/id1606720642

Produced by Cockerill & Co.

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

In this episode of The UK Flooring Podcast, Tom records from Manchester ahead of the latest Cockerill & Co client quarterly, where flooring business owners come together to review, reset and plan their next three months.

Before heading into a day at the Crystal Maze with clients, Tom shares some of the key questions he asks business owners during the quarterly review process.

This episode is a practical one, so grab a pen and paper and take the time to properly think through your answers.

Tom covers why flooring business owners need to stop living in the day-to-day chaos, pause for a proper review, and get clear on what really needs to happen next.

In this episode:

How to review your last three months properly

Why your wins matter, even the small ones

The decisions you have been putting off

What you need to start saying no to

How to choose the one project, product or service that needs your focus

Why planning only works when it leads to action

How small commitments can create big results over time

Tom also explains why quarterly planning is not just for big flooring businesses. Whether you are a one-person operation, a retailer with multiple shops, or somewhere in between, the same questions still apply.

The results might look different for every business, but the process is the same: review, reset, plan and take action.

If you want a copy of the quarterly review sheet, email Tom directly at:

[email protected]

He will share it with you, as long as you are willing to send your answers back so the team can give you some honest feedback.

Listen now and start planning the next three months of your flooring business properly.

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

In this episode of The UK Flooring Podcast, Tom takes on one of the biggest mindset shifts flooring business owners need to make: stop seeing marketing as a cost, and start treating it as a measurable route to growth.

This is not about throwing money at ads and hoping for the best. It is about knowing your numbers, tracking your leads, understanding your cost per acquisition, and making sure every pound you spend has a job to do.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

Why marketing spend should not be judged by the monthly budget alone.

How to think about cost per lead and cost per customer acquisition.

Why Google Ads, Meta, SEO and email all need proper measurement behind them.

The danger of vanity metrics like website visits without knowing what people actually clicked.

Why flooring businesses need to test, track and review before committing to long contracts.

How better follow-up and customer service can make the difference between wasted leads and profitable work.

Memorable Quote

“Marketing isn’t a cost to the business. It is just a way of getting the growth we want, as long as it’s set up properly.”

Speaker Information

Tom shares a practical, straight-talking view on how flooring businesses can use marketing properly, especially if they want to grow, scale and create a more predictable flow of enquiries.

Where to Find The UK Flooring Podcast

Watch or listen to The UK Flooring Podcast on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

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

Tom recorded this episode from the car on the way to Manchester, so forgive the odd bit of background noise. But the message in this one is well worth hearing.

As the 30 podcasts in 30 days challenge nears the finish line, Tom reflects on a feeling most self-employed people know too well: reaching the point where you think, “I’ve had enough of this.” Not because you are lazy. Not because you do not care. But because you are tired, overloaded, and running on empty.

In this episode, Tom talks honestly about burnout, ADHD, business pressure, phone habits, dopamine hits, morning routines, evening routines, and why looking after yourself is not some nice little extra. It is essential if you want your business, your family life, and your brain to keep moving forward.

He shares the simple habits that have helped him avoid getting back to that point, including keeping the phone out of the bedroom, starting the day with intention, planning the most important tasks first, protecting your best working hours, switching off properly at night, and even taking no-phone holidays.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

Why so many business owners regularly feel like quitting, even when they are still showing up and doing the work.

How phone use, emails, scrolling and constant notifications can keep your brain stuck in a cycle of looking for the next hit.

Why the way you start your day can shape how focused, calm and productive you feel for the rest of it.

How Tom structures his mornings to get his best work done before meetings, calls and distractions take over.

Why finishing your day properly matters, especially if you are trying to be present with your family instead of half-watching TV while checking your phone.

The value of creating proper recovery time for your brain, including business detox weekends and no-phone holidays.

Why looking after yourself is not selfish when you run a business. It is part of keeping the business healthy.

Memorable Quote

“If you operate in burnout, your business will not move forward anywhere near as quick as when you take a bit of accountability and look after you.”

Speaker Information

Tom Cockerill is the co-founder of Cockerill & Co and host of The UK Flooring Podcast. Through the podcast, events, training and the Cockerill & Co community, Tom works with flooring retailers and contractors to help them improve their businesses, their confidence, and the way they plan for the future.

In this episode, he shares a personal and practical message for anyone who feels like they are constantly pushing through, but never properly recovering.

Where to Find The UK Flooring Podcast

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6uzIAmYAKCv0B3TKu0rJzd

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-uk-flooring-podcast/id1602508915

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CockerillandCo

Find out more about Cockerill & Co: https://www.cockerillandco.co.uk/

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

Making Tax Digital might not be the most exciting topic in the world, but for flooring business owners, it is one that cannot be ignored.

In this episode of The UK Flooring Podcast, Sarah takes over the show to break down Making Tax Digital in plain English. No jargon, no panic, and no overcomplicated explanations. Just a practical look at what it means, who it affects, and why it could actually help flooring businesses get a better grip on their numbers.

Sarah explains why Making Tax Digital is not just another HMRC headache, but a reminder that many businesses need better habits around bookkeeping, cash flow, margins and financial visibility.

Rather than leaving everything until January, stuffing receipts in drawers, or handing a carrier bag of paperwork to the accountant once a year, this episode encourages business owners to get organised, use the right software, and start reviewing their numbers regularly.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

What Making Tax Digital means in simple terms.

Why HMRC wants businesses and self-employed people to keep digital records.

How quarterly updates differ from a traditional annual tax return.

Why some flooring businesses are panicking about the change.

How software like Xero, QuickBooks, Sage, Hubdoc and Dext can help.

Why bookkeeping should be seen as a management tool, not just a tax chore.

The importance of understanding your margins, profit, cash flow and liabilities.

Why relying only on your bank balance can give you a false picture of your business.

How better financial habits can lead to better business decisions.

Why getting organised now is far better than leaving it until the deadline.

Memorable Quote

“Making Tax Digital isn’t really about tax. It’s about visibility, accountability, better habits, better decisions and ultimately, a better business.”

Speaker Information

This episode is hosted by Sarah from Cockerill & Co, who works closely with flooring businesses to help them understand their numbers, improve their processes and build stronger, more sustainable businesses.

Where to Find The UK Flooring Podcast

Watch or listen to The UK Flooring Podcast for honest conversations, practical advice and real-world insight for flooring retailers, fitters, contractors and business owners across the industry.

Find the podcast on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

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

In this episode of The UK Flooring Podcast, Tom sits down with Pia Honey, founder of No Floor, No More, to hear the incredible story behind a grassroots movement that has now helped thousands of families access flooring and household essentials that would otherwise have gone to landfill.

What started with Pia giving away her own unwanted flooring during a home renovation has grown into a much bigger mission: rescuing usable flooring, furniture and household items, then getting them into the homes of people who need them most.

Pia talks openly about sustainability, social housing, domestic abuse survivors, families living without basic flooring, and the shocking amount of usable material still being thrown away across the UK. She also shares how the flooring industry, film production companies, housing associations, councils and independent retailers could all play a part in reducing waste while helping local communities.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

How one renovation led Pia to discover families living without flooring.

Why usable carpets, underlay, carpet tiles and household items should not be going to landfill.

How No Floor, No More has helped around 4,000 families.

Why flooring can have a huge impact on safety, dignity, wellbeing and self-esteem.

How carpet retailers, manufacturers and distributors can support the project with leftover stock, offcuts and unused materials.

Why film production companies are now donating props, furnishings and materials instead of throwing them away.

The challenges of running a community project without proper funding.

Why Pia believes the UK needs more No Floor, No More hubs across the country.

How empty warehouses could be used to support local communities while helping property owners reduce costs.

Memorable Quote

“If you’ve got flooring down, children are safer, homes are warmer, families are happier and people start to feel human again.”

Speaker Information

Guest: Pia Honey

Organisation: No Floor, No More

Mission: Rescuing usable flooring, furniture and household items, then redistributing them to families and individuals in need.

Pia is passionate about sustainability, reducing landfill waste and helping people create safe, warm and dignified homes. Her work supports families in social housing, people escaping domestic abuse, those moving on from homelessness, and anyone struggling to afford the basics.

Where to Find No Floor, No More

Search for No Floor, No More, Pia Honey, or Pia Honey carpets on social media.

Where to Find The UK Flooring Podcast

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and watch episodes through the Cockerill & Co YouTube channel.

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

In this episode of The UK Flooring Podcast, Tom sits down with Danny Stenhouse for a proper honest conversation about life, business, flooring, social media and the lessons you only learn the hard way.

Danny shares his story from growing up on Pottery Lane in York, building resilience through a tough upbringing, working in youth support, becoming an estate agent, and eventually finding his way into wood floor sanding almost by accident.

What follows is a brilliant, funny and very real conversation about starting with second-hand machines, learning from mistakes, building a reputation, dealing with online negativity, and using social media properly to grow a flooring business.

This episode is full of honesty, humour and valuable lessons for anyone in the flooring trade who is trying to build something of their own.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

How Danny went from youth work and estate agency into floor sanding.

Why his first business name, Hands On Deck, caused a few unexpected problems with Google searches.

How he built his first sanding set-up using old machines, second-hand gear and a lot of trial and error.

The importance of asking for help from people who know more than you.

Why Danny credits people like Ben Osborn, Dave Butterworth, Dave Watson and Vernon for helping shape his journey.

How learning the hard way can make you better when you finally get the right kit.

Why Danny moved from trying to grow a team back to working alone, and why that suits him better.

How becoming a dad changed his priorities, his habits and the way he runs his business.

Why social media can be both toxic and incredibly powerful for flooring businesses.

How Danny gets strong traction from reels by being consistent, watching what works and not being afraid to put himself out there.

Why customers often feel like they know you before they ever pick up the phone.

The dangers of making assumptions about people based on social media or group chats.

The biggest mistake Danny made on a job, involving an engineered floor, dog urine and one very intimidating customer.

Why watching your overheads is one of the best pieces of business advice you can follow.

Memorable Quote

“Don’t fall on your sword. Don’t die on a hill. It’s okay to be wrong.”

Speaker Information

Guest: Danny Stenhouse, also known as Danny Sandhouse

Danny runs Sandhouse Floor Sanding and has built a strong reputation for high-quality wood floor sanding, restoration and finishing. Known for his creative approach, honest personality and strong social media presence, Danny has grown his business through graft, consistency, learning from others and being himself online.

Host: Tom Cockerill

Tom is the co-founder of Cockerill & Co and host of The UK Flooring Podcast, where he speaks to people across the flooring industry about business, lessons, mistakes, growth and the real stories behind the trade.

Where to Find The UK Flooring Podcast

Watch or listen to The UK Flooring Podcast on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

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

In this solo episode of The UK Flooring Podcast, Tom shares a quickfire sales masterclass for flooring retailers and contractors who feel busy, but not necessarily more profitable.

After admitting that a previous sales masterclass recording never made it out as planned, Tom turns it into a practical audio session packed with advice for flooring businesses that already know their trade, but need to sharpen how they sell, follow up and deliver a better customer experience.

Tom breaks down why being busy is not always the same as being profitable, why flooring businesses need better systems, and how retailers can stop leaving sales to chance. From CRM systems and follow-up processes to customer service, speed, confidence and perceived value, this episode is a reminder that small changes in the sales process can make a massive difference.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

How to stop relying on the “golden egg” and start improving execution.

Why turnover does not always mean profit.

How CRM systems can help flooring retailers create repeatable sales processes.

Why customers are looking for clarity, consistency, speed and a smile.

How to ask better questions before showing products.

Why flooring retailers should sell the outcome, not just the flooring.

How speed can help win jobs before momentum dies.

Why smiling on the phone can genuinely change the tone of a call.

How to deal with price objections without immediately discounting.

Why follow-up is one of the biggest missed opportunities in flooring retail.

How to measure sales performance and improve conversion rates.

Memorable Quote

“The fortune is in the follow-up.”

Speaker Information

This episode is hosted by Tom Cockerill from Cockerill & Co. Tom works with flooring retailers and contractors to help them improve sales, operations, profitability and the overall customer experience. Having visited hundreds of flooring shops and trained retailers of all sizes, Tom shares what he sees working, what is holding businesses back, and where flooring companies can tighten up their sales process.

For one-to-one support or free training, Tom can be contacted at:

[email protected]

Where to Find The UK Flooring Podcast

Listen to The UK Flooring Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube.

New episodes feature conversations, advice and honest insight for flooring retailers, contractors, fitters, suppliers and anyone looking to grow a better flooring business.

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