Welcome to another exciting episode of The UK Flooring Podcast! Today, we're thrilled to have Myles Shaw, the Founder and Managing Director of Runrug.com, join us. Myles is also the MD at several other flooring companies, including GCW, Flooring Express, Ashtons of Louth, and Flooring Discount Warehouse.

About the Guest:

Myles Shaw is a self-described "absolute grafter" known for his commitment, loyalty, and passion for business beyond the flooring industry. He emphasizes the importance of self-improvement, learning, and inspiring others. At 37, Myles has spent significant time in schools and colleges, motivating others and understanding the cyclical nature of life.

Journey in the Flooring Industry:

Myles's journey began in his family's carpet shop, a business passed down from his grandfather and great-uncle. Despite initial resistance to joining the family business, he eventually embraced it, bringing a fresh perspective and innovative ideas. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to explore online sales, starting with selling sim cards on eBay before moving into the flooring business.

The Rise of Runrug.com:

Myles shares the inspiring story of how he transformed a simple idea of selling carpet runners online into Runrug.com, now a global leader in made-to-measure hall and stair carpets. This venture started with a single eBay sale and grew into a multi-million-pound business, illustrating Myles's business acumen and ability to spot and seize opportunities.

Expanding the Business:

Myles discusses expanding his business portfolio, which includes retail stores like Flooring Express and Ashtons of Louth, and the recently launched Flooring Discount Warehouse. He emphasizes the importance of adapting to market conditions and leveraging his extensive industry knowledge to stay ahead.

Challenges and Personal Growth:

Myles opens up about the challenges of managing a rapidly growing business and the personal growth that comes with it. He talks about the importance of maintaining a positive mindset, fitness, and balancing work with personal life.

Rapid Fire Questions:

In this segment, Myles answers a series of quick questions, offering insights into his personal preferences, advice he's received, and his vision for the future.

Conclusion:

Myles Shaw's story is one of perseverance, innovation, and adaptability. His journey from a local carpet shop to an international online flooring powerhouse is not just inspiring but also a testament to the potential of e-commerce and the power of a positive, growth-oriented mindset in business.

Connect with Myles:

Listeners can connect with Myles on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to follow his journey and gain more insights into the flooring industry.

Join us next time on The UK Flooring Podcast for more fascinating stories and insights from the world of flooring!

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Welcome to another insightful episode of the UK Flooring Podcast. Join us as we dive into the nuances of flooring and explore the importance of building strong professional relationships.

The episode opens with a lively introduction at the studio in Darlington. The hosts engage in a humorous banter about Pringles, setting a light-hearted tone. Mrs. C, co-hosting the episode, brings attention to the need for focused discussion amidst their playful interaction.

The conversation shifts to Milan, where Mrs. C recently traveled with her mother. She describes the trip vividly, highlighting a spontaneous journey to Switzerland and the joy of spending quality time with her mother.

As the episode progresses, the hosts delve into the importance of relationships in business, asserting that "your network is your net worth." They discuss how networking has been pivotal in their success and share plans for further expanding their connections in 2024.

The hosts then touch upon the role of personal development in business growth. They mention their coach, David Wilkinson, and his influence on their decision to market their skills more broadly.

Highlighting the power of networking, they share exciting news about new collaborations and sponsorships, including a partnership with Trade Choice Carpet and Flooring.

The episode concludes with a reflection on the importance of building and nurturing relationships, both professionally and personally. The hosts emphasise the value of reaching out, getting involved, and not being hesitant to ask for help.

Hosted by: Cockerill & Co - Visit their website or follow them on Instagram and Facebook for more insights into the flooring industry.

Remember to subscribe to The UK Flooring Podcast for more inspiring stories and industry insights. Join us in our next episode as we continue to explore the fascinating world of flooring with industry experts and enthusiasts.

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In this engaging episode, we sit down with Mark Tilson, a seasoned professional in the flooring industry, to explore his early journey in the flooring industry to becoming the director of Barefoot Flooring. Mark shares insights from his career, discusses the evolution of the industry, and offers valuable advice for professionals in the field.

Episode Highlights:

1. Early Years and Entry into the Flooring Industry: Mark recounts his beginnings in the late 80s in Selby, moving to York, and his initial experiences in flooring.
2. Transition to Barefoot Flooring: Learn about Mark's path from working in various flooring companies to starting his own business, Barefoot Flooring.
3. Hobbies and Personal Interests: Mark discusses his passion for motorbikes and recent interest in skiing, adding a personal touch to his professional journey.
4. Challenges and Evolution in Retail Flooring: Mark delves into the challenges faced in the retail sector, especially post-COVID, and how customer expectations have shifted over the years.
5. Product Trends and Preferences: Insights into the current trends in flooring, with a focus on carpets and LVT, and how Barefoot Flooring has adapted to these changes.
6. Networking and Business Growth: Mark shares his experiences with networking and its impact on business growth, discussing the importance of building relationships with other local business owners.
7. Franchising and Future Plans: An in-depth look into Barefoot Flooring's franchising plans and the potential for expansion in the coming years.
8. Advice for New Entrepreneurs: Mark offers invaluable advice based on his extensive experience for those starting in the flooring business.

Where to Find Mark and Barefoot Flooring:

• Website: Barefoot Flooring
• Social Media: Facebook, Instagram under Barefoot Flooring Oakham

Hosted by: Cockrell & Co - Visit their website or follow them on Instagram and Facebook for more insights into the flooring industry.

Remember to subscribe to The UK Flooring Podcast for more inspiring stories and industry insights. Join us in our next episode as we continue to explore the fascinating world of flooring with industry experts and enthusiasts.

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In this episode of the UK Flooring Podcast, host Tom Cockerill welcomes James Hagon, the owner of JRH Flooring Specialist Ltd. James shares his insightful journey in the flooring industry, from his early days as a novice to becoming a successful entrepreneur.

Guest Introduction:

• James Hagon
• Owner, JRH Flooring Specialist Ltd
• Social Media: Instagram, LinkedIn
• 
  

Key Discussion Points:

Background and Personal Life:

• James Hagon, a 44-year-old father of two, husband, and dog owner from North Buckinghamshire, discusses his hobbies outside of work, including dog walking and his past in rugby.

Career Journey in Flooring:

• James shares how he started in flooring in 1997 after college and progressed through various roles, including working with commercial contract flooring companies and major retailers like John Lewis.
• 
  

Challenges and Learnings:

• James talks about the challenges of starting and closing his first shop, learning from mistakes, and the intricacies of running a business.

Business Growth and Future Plans:

• Discussion about the growth of JRH Flooring, including expanding staff, acquiring a warehouse, and plans to open a showroom.

Industry Insights:

• James delves into the complexities of the flooring industry, from acquiring accounts to dealing with high-end insurance clients and the importance of establishing relationships for consistent work.

Personal Preferences and Lifestyle:

• James reveals his preferences in flooring types, his choices for spending a hypothetical £1000, and whom he would hire if given the chance.

Challenges as a Business Owner:

• Insights into the multifaceted challenges of running a business, from staffing to finance management, and the goal to transition away from being hands-on in the business.

Guest’s Social Media Presence:

• James is active on various social platforms, including Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and TikTok.

For more insightful episodes on flooring and training, visit the [UK Flooring Podcast](https://theukflooringpodcast.co.uk/).

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Welcome to The UK Flooring Podcast! In this episode, we dive deep into the world of flooring with the senior leadership team of Flooring Hut - Ashley, Paul, and David. Learn about their unique journey, insights into the flooring industry, and the exciting changes ahead.

**Guest Introduction:**

- Ashley Funnell: Flooring expert with a background in the industry since the age of 14.

- Paul: Marketing and sales specialist, focusing on digital marketing.

- David: Chief Technology Officer, bringing innovation and technology to the flooring business.

**Discussion Highlights:**

1. **Background Stories:**

  - David's journey into technology and online business, bringing a fresh perspective to flooring.

  - Paul's marketing expertise and the vision to merge technology with the flooring industry.

  - Ashley's extensive experience in flooring, from fitting to starting his own business.

2. **Formation of Flooring Hut:**

  - Collaboration of skills and ideas to create a successful online flooring retailer.

  - The shift from traditional brick-and-mortar to a pure-play e-commerce model.

3. **Technological Advancements:**

  - David discusses the ever-evolving technology in the flooring industry.

  - Integration of innovative tech, such as Pinterest, videos, and backend systems, to enhance customer service.

4. **Product Focus and Market Trends:**

  - Emphasis on LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) as a significant trend in online flooring sales.

  - Challenges and opportunities in delivering carpets and the strategic approach to product stocking.

5. **Marketing Strategies:**

  - Evolution from heavy reliance on Google Ads to a diversified approach.

  - Utilizing SEO, Pinterest, and upcoming video content to reach a broader audience.

  - Consideration of YouTube as a potential marketing channel.

6. **Industry Challenges and Opportunities:**

  - Addressing the defragmentation in the flooring industry.

  - Discussion on the changing dynamics of how consumers buy products, drawing parallels with other industries.

7. **Future Plans and Innovations:**

  - Exciting changes in the pipeline, including transitioning to Flooring Hut-branded products.

  - Onboarding a top London SEO agency to increase visibility for generic searches.

8. **Customer Base and Segmentation:**

  - The versatility of Flooring Hut in serving diverse customers, including consumers, businesses, and tradespeople.

  - Insights into the growing trade customer base and the value of repeat business.

9. **Challenges in the Flooring Industry:**

  - Identifying the defragmentation and multiple middlemen as significant challenges.

  - Comparisons with industries like the automotive sector adopting direct-to-consumer models.

Plus much more, you will have to listen to learn!

For more insightful episodes on flooring and training, visit the [UK Flooring Podcast](https://theukflooringpodcast.co.uk/).

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In this episode of "Strength in Adhesives," we dive into the world of high-performance adhesives with Keir Tweddle, the Managing Director at Stauf Adhesive UK. Keir shares his journey from a diverse background, including being a goldsmith and working in the transport industry, to becoming a key player in the flooring industry. Learn about Stauf, a German adhesive manufacturing company with a rich history dating back to 1828.

We discuss what sets Stauf Adhesives apart, their commitment to innovation, and their expanding global presence. Keir also highlights their latest product, "ProForce," which not only offers exceptional adhesive performance but also reduces environmental impact with 70% less consumption.

Discover the wide range of adhesives that Stauf offers, including wood adhesives, leveling compounds, DPMs, primers, LVT, carpet and vinyl adhesives, and much more. Keir explains how they work closely with distributors and contractors to ensure the right adhesive solutions are available for all their customers.

Keir shares his personal journey of transformation through bodybuilding, emphasising the importance of consistency, both in personal fitness and in business. He draws parallels between the discipline required in bodybuilding and maintaining a successful company.

The episode provides valuable insights into the flooring industry and how Stauf's dedication to product quality and their approach to partnerships with distributors and contractors have contributed to their success. Whether you're in the flooring business or simply interested in the world of adhesives, this episode offers a unique perspective on strength and success.

Don't miss this episode of "Strength in Adhesives," where we explore how quality, consistency, and innovation come together in the world of adhesives, just like in the world of bodybuilding.

For more insightful episodes on flooring and training, visit the [UK Flooring Podcast](https://theukflooringpodcast.co.uk/).

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Shaun Wadsworth, Training Manager at the Contract Flooring Association (CFA), recently joined us on the UK Flooring Podcast to discuss his journey from being an upholsterer to becoming a key player in the flooring industry.

**Background and Transition:**

Shaun's story is a classic tale of seizing opportunities when life takes unexpected turns. Failing his A Levels led him to explore the world of trade. He started in the furniture industry in the East Midlands but eventually transitioned to the flooring sector in 2018.

**Contract Flooring Association (CFA):**

Shaun's role at the Contract Flooring Association (CFA) involves managing training for the Flooring Industry Training Association (FITA). The CFA is a not-for-profit trade association that provides essential support to the commercial flooring sector, including contract flooring companies.

**Support for Smaller Players:**

For flooring retailers and smaller contractors, the National Institute of Carpet and Floor Layers (NICF) offers support such as insurances, technical guidance, and local representation. Even though there isn't a specific accreditation for wood floor sanding, there's a wide range of training available to improve skills in different aspects of flooring.

**Training with FITA:**

FITA, the Flooring Industry Training Association, is a not-for-profit training organisation co-founded by the CFA and NICF. It offers a diverse range of training courses for floor layers, from beginners to seasoned professionals.

**Localised Apprenticeship Provision:**

The "Future Fitter" initiative by CFA is set to expand localised apprenticeship provision. It aims to bring training closer to where aspiring floor layers live, reducing the need for long-distance travel.

**Challenges and Solutions:**

The biggest challenge in the flooring industry right now is increasing the number of skilled floor layers. "Future Fitter" is addressing this challenge by expanding training opportunities and providing more support to those entering the industry.

Shaun's story serves as an inspiration for those looking to pivot their careers and explore new opportunities in the world of flooring. The industry is evolving, and initiatives like "Future Fitter" are making it more accessible to aspiring floor layers.

Listen to the episode in full to discover many more informational nuggets.

For more insightful episodes on flooring and training, visit the [UK Flooring Podcast](https://theukflooringpodcast.co.uk/).

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In this episode of the UK Flooring Podcast, our host, despite battling the lingering effects of a recent encounter with COVID-19, brings you a solo episode filled with invaluable insights. Without the distractions of guests or advertisements, this episode delves deep into the realms of emotional wellbeing and its profound connection to business success. Drawing from his own experiences, he explores the two pivotal factors that can either make or break a business: emotional resilience and effective financial management. Join us as we embark on a journey to address fears, embrace the lessons of life, and uncover the keys to achieving success in both business and life. Welcome to "Does Life Begin at 40???" on the UK Flooring Podcast.

For more details, insights, and the full conversation, be sure to listen to the entire episode on The UK Flooring Podcast website.

[Visit The UK Flooring Podcast Website](https://theukflooringpodcast.co.uk/)

To speak with the team, you can reach them via the website https://www.cockerillandco.co.uk/

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In this episode of The UK Flooring Podcast, Stephen Latham, the founder of J2 Flooring, shares his journey and insights into disrupting the flooring industry. Hosted by Tom, this episode dives deep into Stephen's personal and professional background, how he got into the flooring business, and the philosophy behind J2 Flooring. Here are the key highlights:

**Introduction:**

- The episode starts with a warm welcome to Stephen Latham on The UK Flooring Podcast.

**Getting to Know Stephen:**

- The host asks Stephen to introduce himself. Stephen describes himself as a determined, competitive, driven, and focused individual.

**Stephen's Journey:**

- Stephen shares his backstory, explaining how he became involved in the flooring business. He reveals that his family has a history in the flooring industry, and he began working in the family business during his university days to make some money.

- After university, Stephen initially pursued a career in marketing, but he faced challenges in a highly competitive job market. This led him to work with his father's flooring business.

- In 2008, they started selling flooring online, marking the beginning of Stephen's journey in the flooring industry.

**Setting Up J2 Flooring:**

- Stephen discusses the inception of J2 Flooring in 2011. They identified gaps in the market and aimed to offer a different experience to retailers and contractors.

- The company's focus has always been on providing the best possible product and service to their customers.

**Philosophy of Pleasing Everyone:**

- The host raises the question of how J2 Flooring deals with different customer profiles, such as small installers and large retail outfits. Stephen emphasises that J2 Flooring is inclusive and doesn't pressurise customers to open retail premises.

- They provide display boards and swatches to cater to various customer needs. The goal is to offer an excellent experience to the end user.

**The Changing Dynamic:**

- Stephen believes that the dynamic in the flooring industry is changing, with more contractors understanding the importance of presenting themselves well to customers. This includes having samples and displays, regardless of the type of premises they have.

**Creating Your Brand:**

- The episode concludes with a discussion on the importance of creating your own brand and presence in the market. Stephen advocates for a world-class customer experience and providing what customers need.

This episode offers valuable insights into Stephen Latham's journey in the flooring industry and how J2 Flooring is disrupting the market by focusing on quality and customer experience.

For more details, insights, and the full conversation, be sure to listen to the entire episode on The UK Flooring Podcast website.

[Visit The UK Flooring Podcast Website](https://theukflooringpodcast.co.uk/)

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In this episode of The UK Flooring Podcast, we're joined by Jake Hodder, the Business Regional Manager for the north of the UK at Bostic, a global adhesive company with a presence in industries ranging from automotive to flooring.

**About Jake Hodder:**

- Originally from Huddersfield, Jake's career journey has been a diverse one. He started off with various jobs, including a stint as a call center worker for an insurance company. However, he eventually discovered his passion for the world of flooring and has been in the industry for an impressive 12 years.

**Bostic: Behind the Adhesive World:**

- Bostic is a massive 3 billion worldwide company, known for being the adhesive behind various products, including gluing Volvo's and iPhones together. In the flooring world, they play a crucial role in providing adhesives for LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) and wood flooring, ensuring that everything stays firmly in place.

**What's Inside Jake's Mind:**

- Ever wondered how Jake would spend £1000 by 5 pm today? Tune in to hear his creative ideas and priorities.

**Words of Wisdom:**

- Jake shares some of the best advice he has received over the years, offering valuable insights for both personal and professional growth.

**The Art of People Buying From People:**

- Discover what makes a bad manager and explore the intriguing concept of how people buy from people. Jake sheds light on the human aspect of business relationships and why it's crucial in the flooring industry.

Join us for an engaging conversation with Jake Hodder as we dive into his fascinating journey in the flooring industry and gain valuable insights into the world of adhesives, management, and interpersonal connections. Don't miss out on this episode of The UK Flooring Podcast!

For more information about Jake Hodder and Bostic, visit:

- [Jake Hodder's LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-hodder-061b5287/?originalSubdomain=uk)

- [Bostic Official Website](https://www.bostik-profloor.co.uk/)

To stay updated with The UK Flooring Podcast, visit their website: [The UK Flooring Podcast](https://theukflooringpodcast.co.uk/)

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