In this powerful episode, Tom Cockerill sits down with Martyn Cohen to talk career reinvention, running high-performing flooring teams, and how to scale a business without sacrificing your sanity.

What’s Inside:

o The common mistakes flooring retailers make with staff and growth—and how to fix them

o Five people management tips every flooring business owner needs to hear

o Why most businesses avoid asking for help

o Martyn’s leap into consultancy and how he’s helping flooring companies level up

o The topics no one talks about in the industry

o How to balance pace, pressure, and productivity with a clear head

Memorable Quote:

“People can get over the pride, but after a certain amount of time in the flooring industry, they’re almost embarrassed to ask for help. But why? If no one’s ever taught you, how are you supposed to know?”

Guest Information:

Martyn Cohen – Business Growth Consultant

o Website: https://www.mcgrowthconsultancy.com

o LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martyncohen

Sponsor Shoutout: 

Experience InstallerFLOORING at InstallerSHOW 2025!

Taking place at the NEC, Birmingham on 24-26 June, InstallerFLOORING will feature the latest tools, systems and materials from top exhibitors. There will also be the opportunity to watch live demos from FITA, watch NICF’s Fitter of the Year semi-finals, get hands on with the latest tools and tech, and be in with the chance of winning £10,000! You won’t want to miss out. Register for your FREE ticket here: https://forms.reg.buzz/installer-2025-visitor/flooringpodcast

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

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

Website: https://www.installershow.com/

Roomvo:

Roomvo is transforming flooring retail—starting with how you showcase products—online and in-store—by letting shoppers browse a full, visual catalogue and instantly see products in their own space. And for manufacturers, the Roomvo Partner Program ensures your brand and products look perfect across every dealer site. It’s a win-win that drives confidence, trust, and sales. Book your demo here: https://get.roomvo.com/?utm_campaign=12577907-Sponsored%20Partnership%20-%2025.05.01%20-%20UK%20Flooring%20Podcast&utm_source=Uk-flooring-podcast&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_content=May-2025

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/get.roomvo/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/roomvo/

Website: https://get.roomvo.com 

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

Jason Draper joins the UK Flooring Podcast to talk NICF, the real cost of poor clients, mastering natural flooring, and why success isn’t about being busy—it’s about being intentional.

What’s Inside:

• Jason’s journey from fitter to President of the National Institute of Carpet and Floorlayers (NICF)
• Why saying “no” is a superpower for any installer or retailer
• The truth about NICF accreditation, industry standards, and apprenticeships
• Natural flooring as an underrated, high-skill trade
• Honest insights on pricing, qualification, and when to walk away from a job
• Early morning stretches, massive manors, and Deadpool soundtracks
• What the NICF is planning next—and how you can get involved

Memorable Quote:

“Not every job is worth taking on. Sometimes, saying no is the smartest business move you'll ever make.”

Guest Information:

Jason Draper

Website: https://www.jasondraperflooring.co.uk/

LinkedIn: Jason Draper

Sponsor Shoutout: 

Experience InstallerFLOORING at InstallerSHOW 2025!

Taking place at the NEC, Birmingham on 24-26 June, InstallerFLOORING will feature the latest tools, systems and materials from top exhibitors. There will also be the opportunity to watch live demos from FITA, watch NICF’s Fitter of the Year semi-finals, get hands on with the latest tools and tech, and be in with the chance of winning £10,000! You won’t want to miss out. Register for your FREE ticket here: https://forms.reg.buzz/installer-2025-visitor/flooringpodcast

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

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

Website: https://www.installershow.com/

Roomvo:

Roomvo is transforming flooring retail—starting with how you showcase products—online and in-store—by letting shoppers browse a full, visual catalogue and instantly see products in their own space. And for manufacturers, the Roomvo Partner Program ensures your brand and products look perfect across every dealer site. It’s a win-win that drives confidence, trust, and sales. Book your demo here: https://get.roomvo.com/?utm_campaign=12577907-Sponsored%20Partnership%20-%2025.05.01%20-%20UK%20Flooring%20Podcast&utm_source=Uk-flooring-podcast&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_content=May-2025

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/get.roomvo/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/roomvo/

Website: https://get.roomvo.com 

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

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

In this episode of NeBiznis, Rob chats with Tom Cockerill, founder of Cockrell and Co. and host of The UK Flooring Podcast. Tom shares his rollercoaster journey from building a successful flooring business to losing everything—house, cars, business—and then rising again to create a thriving consultancy that now supports flooring businesses across the UK.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Instagram, YouTube, X, Facebook and more!⁠⁠⁠⁠

Chapters

• 00:00 – Intro & Meet Tom Cockrell
• 03:12 – Tom’s Business Journey
• 08:08 – Lessons Learned & Asking for Help
• 13:15 – Mental Health & Mindset in Business
• 17:34 – Podcasting & Keeping It Real
• 22:00 – Make or Break: The Mindset Course
• 26:10 – Flooring Freedom & Client Success
• 30:00 – Life Outside Business
• 33:00 – Ice Baths, Kryptonite & Quickfire
• 36:00 – Outro

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

Explore the commercial flooring world with Jon Rogers of Burmatex. From 1880s Yorkshire mills to today’s cutting-edge eco-manufacturing, this episode reveals the legacy, innovation, and real talk behind one of the UK’s most respected flooring brands.

What’s Inside:

• How Burmatex evolved from recycled clothing to pioneering commercial flooring solutions

• The truth about sustainability in the flooring spec game—what architects and contractors really want

• Why British-made still matters and what makes Burmatex stand out in a sea of imports

• What nobody’s saying: the looming skills crisis in UK flooring and how to fix it

Guest Information:

Jon Rogers – Business Area Manager at Burmatex

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-rogers-35550470/

https://www.burmatex.co.uk/

Sponsor Shoutout: 

Experience InstallerFLOORING at InstallerSHOW 2025!

Taking place at the NEC, Birmingham on 24-26 June, InstallerFLOORING will feature the latest tools, systems and materials from top exhibitors. There will also be the opportunity to watch live demos from FITA, watch NICF’s Fitter of the Year semi-finals, get hands on with the latest tools and tech, and be in with the chance of winning £10,000! You won’t want to miss out. Register for your FREE ticket here: https://forms.reg.buzz/installer-2025-visitor/flooringpodcast

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

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

Website: https://www.installershow.com/

Roomvo:

Roomvo is transforming flooring retail—starting with how you showcase products—online and in-store—by letting shoppers browse a full, visual catalogue and instantly see products in their own space. And for manufacturers, the Roomvo Partner Program ensures your brand and products look perfect across every dealer site. It’s a win-win that drives confidence, trust, and sales. Book your demo here: https://get.roomvo.com/?utm_campaign=12577907-Sponsored%20Partnership%20-%2025.05.01%20-%20UK%20Flooring%20Podcast&utm_source=Uk-flooring-podcast&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_content=May-2025

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/get.roomvo/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/roomvo/

Website: https://get.roomvo.com 

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

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

When a sleepless baby meets a squeaky floor, a global business is born. Paul Lanzarotti shares how he turned one infuriating problem into a world-leading solution. This episode is essential listening for anyone in flooring—fitters, retailers, and innovators alike.

What’s Inside:

• Paul’s origin story—from media exec to flooring fix pioneer
• How Floor-Fix Pro solves squeaks, wobbles, cracks & gaps without lifting a plank
• Why the UK resists repair solutions while Europe and the U.S. embrace them
• A breakdown of innovative tools like Click Lube, Groove Gasket & the award-winning Plank Grabber
• The secrets behind Paul’s product development strategy and patented packaging
• Real talk: consumer complaints, the £4.5K repair quote that started it all, and advice for the trade

Guest Information: Paul Lanzarotti

🌐 Website: https://www.floorfixpro.com

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paullanzarotti/

Sponsor Shoutout: 

Experience InstallerFLOORING at InstallerSHOW 2025!

Taking place at the NEC, Birmingham on 24-26 June, InstallerFLOORING will feature the latest tools, systems and materials from top exhibitors. There will also be the opportunity to watch live demos from FITA, watch NICF’s Fitter of the Year semi-finals, get hands on with the latest tools and tech, and be in with the chance of winning £10,000! You won’t want to miss out. Register for your FREE ticket here: https://forms.reg.buzz/installer-2025-visitor/flooringpodcast

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

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

Website: https://www.installershow.com/

Roomvo:

Roomvo is transforming flooring retail—starting with how you showcase products—online and in-store—by letting shoppers browse a full, visual catalogue and instantly see products in their own space. And for manufacturers, the Roomvo Partner Program ensures your brand and products look perfect across every dealer site. It’s a win-win that drives confidence, trust, and sales. Book your demo here: https://get.roomvo.com/?utm_campaign=12577907-Sponsored%20Partnership%20-%2025.05.01%20-%20UK%20Flooring%20Podcast&utm_source=Uk-flooring-podcast&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_content=May-2025

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/get.roomvo/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/roomvo/

Website: https://get.roomvo.com 

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

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

This week, Tom is joined by Nathan Garnett, Business Development Director of the InstallerSHOW, to uncover what makes 2025’s event the biggest and boldest yet. From live house builds to celebrity appearances and exclusive networking spaces—InstallerSHOW is more than a trade event, it’s an experience.

What’s Inside:

o What’s new at InstallerSHOW 2025: Bigger halls, more brands, and exciting show zones

o A Grand Designs-style live house build happening on the show floor

o Celebrities, keynote speakers, and hands-on demos that connect design, innovation, and sustainability

o Why InstallerSHOW is no longer just about installers—and why that matters to you

Guest Information:

Nathan Garnett – Business Development Director, InstallerSHOW. LinkedIn: Nathan Garnett

🎟️ Want FREE VIP Tickets?  Use the code ‘VIP25’ during the registration process. Links for tickets below…

Sponsor Shoutout: 

Experience InstallerFLOORING at InstallerSHOW 2025!

Taking place at the NEC, Birmingham on 24-26 June, InstallerFLOORING will feature the latest tools, systems and materials from top exhibitors. There will also be the opportunity to watch live demos from FITA, watch NICF’s Fitter of the Year semi-finals, get hands on with the latest tools and tech, and be in with the chance of winning £10,000! You won’t want to miss out. Register for your FREE ticket here: https://forms.reg.buzz/installer-2025-visitor/flooringpodcast

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

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

Website: https://www.installershow.com/

Roomvo:

Roomvo is transforming flooring retail—starting with how you showcase products—online and in-store—by letting shoppers browse a full, visual catalogue and instantly see products in their own space. And for manufacturers, the Roomvo Partner Program ensures your brand and products look perfect across every dealer site. It’s a win-win that drives confidence, trust, and sales. Book your demo here: https://get.roomvo.com/?utm_campaign=12577907-Sponsored%20Partnership%20-%2025.05.01%20-%20UK%20Flooring%20Podcast&utm_source=Uk-flooring-podcast&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_content=May-2025

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/get.roomvo/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/roomvo/

Website: https://get.roomvo.com 

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

Get ready for an inspiring episode of the UK Flooring Podcast as we sit down with Emma Derham, the trailblazing talent behind Smartwood Flooring and Tiling. As a female floor sander and tiler with 17 years of experience, Emma is gearing up to take over her family’s business in Brighton. From battling old-school stereotypes to captaining her women’s football team, Emma shares her journey with grit, humour, and a passion for empowering women in the trades.

Episode Highlights

• Big Transitions: Emma’s excitement (and nerves) about taking over her parents’ business as they retire, stepping from employee to self-employed leader.
• Women in Flooring: A powerful call to amplify female voices in the industry, with ideas for women-only training days to inspire the next generation.
• Confidence is Key: Emma reflects on overcoming self-doubt and proving her worth in a male-dominated trade, urging her younger self to “believe you’re good enough.”
• Behind the Mask: Despite her confident exterior, Emma admits to struggling with stress and bad days, keeping it real about the emotional toll of leadership.
• Industry Outlook: Emma predicts rising competition and quick-buck startups, urging businesses to focus on quality and reputation to stand out.

Experience InstallerFLOORING at InstallerSHOW 2025!

Taking place at the NEC, Birmingham on 24-26 June, InstallerFLOORING will feature the latest tools, systems and materials from top exhibitors. There will also be the opportunity to watch live demos from FITA, watch NICF’s Fitter of the Year semi-finals, get hands on with the latest tools and tech, and be in with the chance of winning £10,000! You won’t want to miss out. Register for your FREE ticket here: https://forms.reg.buzz/installer-2025-visitor/flooringpodcast

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

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

Website: https://www.installershow.com/

Roomvo:

Roomvo is transforming flooring retail—starting with how you showcase products—online and in-store—by letting shoppers browse a full, visual catalogue and instantly see products in their own space. And for manufacturers, the Roomvo Partner Program ensures your brand and products look perfect across every dealer site. It’s a win-win that drives confidence, trust, and sales. Book your demo here: https://get.roomvo.com/?utm_campaign=12577907-Sponsored%20Partnership%20-%2025.05.01%20-%20UK%20Flooring%20Podcast&utm_source=Uk-flooring-podcast&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_content=May-2025

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/get.roomvo/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/roomvo/

Website: https://get.roomvo.com 

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

Welcome to the electrifying kickoff of Season 4 of the UK Flooring Podcast! We’re diving in with none other than Sarah Cockerill, the powerhouse co-founder of Cockerill & Co, who brings raw honesty, resilience, and a fresh perspective to the flooring industry. In this episode, Sarah faces a gauntlet of brand-new questions designed to uncover the human side of business, from personal triumphs to industry challenges like menopause and upcoming regulations. Get ready for a rollercoaster of insights, laughs, and real talk that will inspire flooring professionals, contractors, and retailers alike.

What’s Inside:

• Sarah shares her excitement about her ongoing house renovation project and the emotional moment of reflecting on her newly built front gates!
• Discover why Sarah believes success isn’t a “pot of gold” but a state of contentment, driven by meaningful client wins and a fulfilling work-life balance.
• Sarah admits to the myth of having it all together!
• A candid discussion on the unspoken struggles of menopause for women in flooring, calling for more open conversations.
• Sarah predicts major changes driven by HMRC regulations and a push for better training and customer experience in the next three years.

Where to Find Us:

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

Episode Sponsored By The InstallerShow

Experience InstallerFLOORING at InstallerSHOW 2025!

Taking place at the NEC, Birmingham on 24-26 June, InstallerFLOORING will feature the latest tools, systems and materials from top exhibitors. There will also be the opportunity to watch live demos from FITA, watch NICF’s Fitter of the Year semi-finals, get hands on with the latest tools and tech, and be in with the chance of winning £10,000!

You won’t want to miss out. Register for your FREE ticket here

• ·        Website: https://www.installershow.com/
• ·        Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/installershow/
• ·        Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/installershow

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.

Season 4 of the UK Flooring Podcast is coming soon! We're diving deeper into the world of flooring with fresh insights and inspiring stories. Want to share your expertise or journey? Get in touch now to be a guest on the show! Contact us at:

•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].

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

Tom Land shares how he's taking the reins of a family flooring business, navigating sanding mishaps, setting boundaries with clients, and dreaming big with his eyes on high-end market expansion.

What’s Inside:

• From teenage apprentice to business owner: Tom’s journey stepping into his dad’s 40-year flooring legacy
• Why setting clear boundaries and charging deposits can transform your business (and your sanity)
• School gyms, Devon hotels, and the nightmare job that nearly broke him—plus what it taught him
• How social media, confidence, and strategic growth are shaping the next phase of Little Sutton Flooring
• The real cost of underpricing and over-promising—and how to fix it

Memorable Quote:

“Don’t try and run until you can walk… At 18, I was sanding village halls thinking I knew it all—and learned the hard way.”

Guest Information: Tom Land – Little Sutton Flooring Ltd

Website:https://www.littlesuttonfloorings.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littlesuttonflooring/?hl=en-gb

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

Episode Sponsored By: UltraFloor

• Website:https://www.instarmac.co.uk/products/ultrafloor/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ultraflooruk/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UltraFloorContractFlooringSolutions/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ultrafloor
• Claim your FREE UltraFloor contractor kit: http://ultra-floor.co.uk/

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/

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.