In this week's episode of The UK Flooring Podcast, Tom and Sarah Cockrell sit down to address the burning questions sent in by their listeners. This engaging Q&A session delves into the challenges and triumphs faced by flooring professionals and provides valuable insights into the flooring industry.

Current Status at Cockrell and Co:

• Overview of recent activities and events.
• Introduction of new staff members Helen (Administration) and Martin (Product Sourcing).

Upcoming Events:

• MN Floor Training's Charity Day.
• Quarterly Member Event with a BBQ.
• Attendance at the Birmingham NEC Installer Show.

Listener Questions:

• Transition from Operator to Owner:
• Strategies for delegating and leading a team.
• Importance of creating processes and training programs.
• Personal experiences and tips for stepping back from daily operations.
• Building Empathy and Staff Morale:
• Techniques for showing appreciation and improving team communication.
• Balancing personal and professional life for better leadership.
• Managing Costs and Setting Rates:
• Factors influencing fitting rates across different regions and job types.
• Importance of financial planning and strategic pricing.
• Adopting New Product Categories:
• Steps for learning and integrating new products.
• Effective marketing strategies to promote new offerings.
• Handling Overwhelm:
• Tips for managing stress and workload.
• Personal well-being practices to maintain productivity.
• Future Trends in Wood Flooring:
• Discussion on the popularity of herringbone flooring.
• Insight into changing styles and consumer preferences.

Personal Insights:

• Tom and Sarah share their motivations and challenges in running their business.
• Reflections on achieving work-life harmony and setting personal goals.

• "Building an exceptional team and putting processes in place is crucial for transitioning from an operator to an owner."
• "Empathy is about listening and understanding, not just feeling sorry for someone."
• "Effective time management and setting clear boundaries are key to balancing work and family life."

Tom and Sarah encourage listeners to ask for help when needed and to take actionable steps towards their business goals. They also express their commitment to bringing valuable content and insights to the flooring community through their podcast.

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This week on The UK Flooring Podcast, we had the absolute pleasure of chatting with Jo Sedgley from Sedgley Flooring Solutions Ltd. Join us as we journey from his wild days in Magaluf to building a thriving multi-million-pound flooring business.

Early Beginnings:

• Joseph’s start in flooring straight out of school in 1993.
• How knocking on the door of a local flooring business changed his life.

Magaluf Adventures:

• Three wild years in Magaluf and how those experiences influenced his life and business relationships.
• The transition back to the UK and the early stages of his career.

Climbing the Career Ladder:

• Working with top teams and major companies like John Abbotts.
• The impact of key mentors and colleagues on his professional development.

Building Sedgley Flooring Solutions Ltd:

• The challenges of starting a business from scratch in 2014.
• The evolution from working out of a garage to running a successful enterprise.
• The pivotal moments and key partnerships that facilitated growth.

Management and Team Building:

• Joseph’s approach to leadership and maintaining loyalty within his team.
• The importance of a balanced mix of subcontractors and full-time employees.

Major Projects and Achievements:

• Highlights of significant projects, including the Proton Beam project at Christie Hospital.
• How Sedgley Flooring Solutions Ltd navigates large-scale contracts and delivers excellence.

Personal Insights and Future Plans:

• Joseph’s reflections on balancing work and personal life.
• His vision for retirement and future travel plans.

• "If you can't pay the lads, you ain't gonna get the job done."
• "Losing your rag solves nothing."

Joseph Sedgley

• LinkedIn: Joseph Sedgley

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!

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In this thrilling episode of The UK Farm Podcast, host Tom sits down with Andrew James, of Floor Bond. Together, they delve into the revolutionary world of flooring installation with a focus on Floor Bond’s cutting-edge double-sided tape that is changing the game. This tape isn’t just any adhesive – it’s a super permanent, weather-resistant, and temperature-resistant solution that outperforms traditional glue in every aspect.

• Introduction to Floor Bond: Learn about the innovative double-sided tape designed for sheet vinyl flooring and carpet tiles that offers a stronger bond than glue.
• Andrew James’ Background: Discover Andrew’s journey from his father’s packaging supply company to leading Floor Bond, and the evolution from packaging to specialty tapes.
• Product Development: Understand the meticulous process of bringing manufacturing in-house, from compounding adhesives to coating and packaging.
• Manufacturing Insight: A peek into Floor Bond’s production facility outside Indianapolis, leveraging cutting-edge robotics for efficiency.
• Unique Selling Points: Explore what sets Floor Bond apart from competitors, including its superior adhesive strength and resilience in various conditions.
• Market Challenges and Growth: Discussion on overcoming market resistance, shifting contractor mindsets, and the strategy to penetrate the DIY and retail markets.
• Global Expansion: Insights on Floor Bond’s international shipping capabilities, making it accessible to customers in Europe and beyond.
• Customer Testimonials: Hear about successful applications in challenging environments like commercial spaces with high foot traffic and extreme temperatures.
• Future Prospects: Floor Bond's vision for the future, focusing on becoming a trusted name in the industry and exploring new product applications.

Andrew James is the innovative mind behind of Floor Bond, a company revolutionising flooring installation with their unique double-sided tape. With a background rooted in a family business and a passion for simplifying processes, Andrew has steered Floor Bond to impressive heights within just a couple of years. His dedication to quality and innovation is evident in the superior performance of Floor Bond’s products.

• “Floor Bond bonds stronger than glue, making it a game-changer in the flooring industry.”
• “Our tape is designed to be completely weather and temperature resistant, perfect for both interior and exterior applications.”
• “We’re offering contractors and DIYers a solution that’s not only faster but also more reliable than traditional adhesives.”

Make sure to subscribe to The UK Flooring Podcast for more insightful episodes, and join us next time as we continue to explore innovations and stories from across the flooring industry.

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Tom sits down with David Wilkinson for the THIRD time!, a renowned performance coach who specializes in helping individuals and teams reach their full potential. David shares invaluable insights on leadership, team building, and the importance of hiring based on core values and attitude rather than just skillsets. Whether you’re leading a small team or a large organization, this episode is packed with golden nuggets to help you become a more effective leader and foster a thriving team culture.

Guest Bio:

David Wilkinson

Performance Coach @Cockerill and Co

LinkedIn: David Wilkinson

Key Topics Covered:

The Importance of Diverse Skillsets in Teams:

• David emphasizes the value of having team members with different skillsets but aligned core values.
• Real-life examples of how diverse perspectives lead to innovative solutions and better decision-making.

Hiring for Core Values and Attitude:

• Strategies for identifying candidates whose values align with your organization.
• The benefits of a creative hiring process, including video applications to assess candidates beyond their resumes.

Developing Effective Leadership Skills:

• Why emotional intelligence is crucial for leaders.
• The distinction between managing and leading, and how true leadership is recognized by your team.
• Practical tips for self-awareness and managing personal emotions to positively influence your team.

Building a Resilient Team Culture:

• The role of regular team meetings and performance reviews in maintaining accountability and motivation.
• The importance of creating an environment where employees feel valued and are encouraged to contribute ideas.

Implementing a Robust Hiring Process:

• How to develop a thorough hiring process that includes multiple interview stages to ensure the right fit.
• The significance of aligning new hires with the company’s vision and future growth plans.

Leadership Accelerator Program:

• Introduction to the Leadership Accelerator course designed by David and his team.
• An overview of the course structure, including modules on emotional intelligence, leadership excellence, hiring, communication, and building a resilient future.
• The importance of practical implementation and accountability in the program.

Actionable Tips:

• Hire six months before you need to fill a role to ensure a thorough recruitment process.
• Focus on hiring for attitude and values rather than just skillsets.
• Conduct regular team meetings and performance reviews to foster accountability and continuous improvement.
• Develop your emotional intelligence to lead more effectively and create a positive team culture.

Connect with David:

• LinkedIn: David Wilkinson

Learn More about the Leadership Accelerator Program:

• Visit Leadership Accelerator Program to find more details and schedule a call with David or Tom for a personalized discussion about the course and how it can benefit your organization.

Outro:

Thank you for tuning into this episode! If you found these insights valuable, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this podcast with others who could benefit from enhancing their leadership skills. Stay tuned for more episodes packed with actionable advice to help you and your team succeed!

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In this eye-opening episode of the UK Flooring Podcast, we sit down with Taz from Roomvo, the cutting-edge room visualization platform that's transforming the home decor industry. Discover Taz's fascinating journey from the telecom sector in Canada to leading product innovation at Roomvo in New York. Learn how AI and generative technology are reshaping the way we envision and decorate our living spaces. Whether you're a homeowner, a retailer, or a tech enthusiast, this episode offers a unique glimpse into the future of home design and the pivotal role AI plays in it.

Taz from Roomvo

Roomvo revolutioniSes the home decor shopping experience by bringing hundreds of thousands of products to life through their state-of-the-art room visualization platform. With a focus on unrivalled realism, Roomvo helps shoppers engage with decor products in their own spaces. From manufacturers to retailers, Roomvo provides perfect digital and in-store visualization solutions to inspire shoppers worldwide.

Website:

www.roomvo.com

Taz's Diverse Background:

• Transition from telecom engineering in Canada to corporate strategy.
• His role in expanding a Canadian bank into the U.S. post-financial crisis.
• Movement into tech, specifically hotel technology, and its parallels with the flooring industry.

Role at Roomvo:

• Leading the product team to solve market problems and seize opportunities.
• The shift to a fully remote work setup post-pandemic and Taz’s personal approach to remote work.

Industry Challenges and Opportunities:

• Increasing traffic, leads, and sales for flooring and home decor stores.
• Enhancing user engagement throughout the entire shopping journey.
• Expanding product categories to include more home decor elements.

AI and Roomvo’s Technological Advancements:

• How AI and generative AI are integrated into Roomvo’s visualization tools.
• The launch and success of Roomvo Inspire, a tool that uses AI to redesign spaces with various styles.
• Future possibilities of AI in creating personalized home design experiences.

Privacy and AI:

• The balance between providing personalized AI experiences and maintaining user privacy.
• The role of government regulations in protecting user data.

Innovative Marketing and Business Models:

• The power of referral systems and cross-business integrations in driving new clients.
• Taz’s view on digital ads, local relationships, and event participation for client acquisition.

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In this eye-opening episode of the UK Flooring Podcast, we sit down with Simon Grimley, the Managing Director of Grimley Flooring. Simon shares his captivating journey from early career failures to becoming a leader in the flooring industry. This episode is packed with invaluable insights on business growth, industry challenges, and the importance of resilience and adaptability.

1. Family Legacy in Flooring: Simon recounts the history of Grimley Flooring, starting with his grandfather in the 1930s and how this legacy influenced his career path.
2. Early Career Struggles: Simon opens up about his initial failures due to overconfidence and lack of proper business strategy, and how these experiences shaped his professional outlook.
3. Relaunch and Growth: Discover how Simon relaunched Grimley Flooring in 2020 and navigated the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, turning it into a period of significant growth.
4. Industry Insights: Gain an understanding of the current state of the flooring industry, the impact of pricing and competition, and the role of professional organizations like the NICF.
5. Business Strategies: Learn about Simon's approach to customer engagement, marketing, and maintaining high service standards to stand out in a competitive market.
6. Future of Flooring: Simon shares his thoughts on the future of the flooring industry, including the role of AI and technology in transforming business operations.

• "Ego is what went wrong. I believed that I was special and different, and with hindsight, I can say I wasn't."
• "Running a business isn't just putting a quick post on Facebook and the work floods in. More people need business knowledge rather than just being good at what they do."
• "The best advice I ever heard was, 'Don't put my wallet in a customer's pocket.'"

• LinkedIn: Simon Grimley on LinkedIn
• Website: Grimley Flooring

Fit Box: A revolutionary device for measuring temperature and humidity in timber floors over time, crucial for underfloor heating installations. Learn more at fitbox.co.uk.

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In this eye-opening episode of the UK Flooring Podcast, we sit down with Lucy Keher, Managing Director and Co-founder of Active Flooring Solutions. Lucy shares her extraordinary journey from her early experiences in construction at just 16 to leading a multi-million-pound flooring company. This episode is packed with insights on overcoming obstacles, embracing challenges, and the importance of resilience in business.

Guest Bio:

Lucy Keher is the Managing Director at Active Flooring Solutions, a company she co-founded in 2011. With a background in quantity surveying and a passion for the construction industry, Lucy has built a thriving business known for its exceptional service and quality. Her leadership and dedication have driven Active Flooring Solutions to significant growth, reaching an impressive turnover of £17-18 million in 2024.

Key Topics Discussed:

Early Influences and First Steps into Construction:

• Lucy's upbringing in Liverpool and early influences from her independent, hardworking mother.
• Her first job in construction at 16, assisting her father with artistic marble work at the Trafford Centre.

Challenges and Turning Points:

• The struggle with A-Levels and the lack of career direction, leading to an initial dislike for office admin roles.
• Becoming a single mother and the pivotal moment that shifted her focus and commitment to her career.

Education and Career Development:

• Pursuing a degree in quantity surveying while working full-time and raising her son.
• Breaking barriers as the only female in her university course and the flooring industry at the time.

Founding Active Flooring Solutions:

• The unexpected opportunity to start her own business following a company administration.
• Early challenges in establishing the company and the decision to take the risk over more secure job offers.

Growth and Success of Active Flooring Solutions:

• The company's growth from a £1.3 million turnover in its first year to a projected £17-18 million in 2024.
• Building a strong, dedicated team and the importance of doing quality work and developing strong relationships in the industry.

Balancing Personal and Professional Life:

• Managing the demands of being a mother of three, including twins, and running a business.
• The importance of support from her husband, who shifted careers to provide flexibility for their family life.

Future Vision and Advice:

• Lucy's plans for the future growth of Active Flooring Solutions, including exploring new technologies and marketing strategies.
• Advice on getting out of your comfort zone, learning from mistakes, and not letting setbacks deter you from your goals.

Connect with Lucy Keher:

• LinkedIn: Lucy Keher
• Company: Active Flooring Solutions

Listen Now:

Tune in to hear Lucy's inspiring story and gain valuable insights into building a successful business from the ground up. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a professional in the construction industry, or just looking for some motivation, this episode is a must-listen.

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In this gripping episode of the UK Flooring podcast, we delve into the robust world of flooring solutions with Ultrafloor, featuring insights from Lizzie Elston, Managing Director, and Rebecca Talbot, Head of Marketing. Recorded in the vibrant setting of Cockerill & Co.'s boardroom, this discussion explores the evolution of Ultrafloor under challenging circumstances, the passion behind the brand, and the strategic shifts towards modernization and customer engagement that are setting new industry standards.

Episode Highlights:

• Lizzie's Journey: From sales to leadership, Lizzie shares her 10-year journey at Instarmac, revealing her deep-rooted connection to the family business and her ascent to the role of managing director.
• Rebecca's Marketing Mastery: With a background steeped in construction, Rebecca discusses the importance of brand personality in a competitive market, her marketing strategies, and the evolution of Ultrafloor's customer-centric approach.
• Challenges and Triumphs: Both guests open up about the hardships faced when a key product underperformed, illustrating their commitment to transparency and customer service during crisis management.
• Vision for the Future: The conversation also covers the exciting new ventures and innovations at Ultrafloor, including the introduction of new adhesive products and the sophisticated manufacturing capabilities that promise to revolutionize the industry.

Listen to This Episode If You Are:

• Interested in the intersection of family business dynamics and professional growth.
• Curious about overcoming business challenges through innovation and customer relationships.
• Keen on insights from leading women in a traditionally male-dominated industry.

Stay tuned for an insightful journey through the highs and lows of building a renowned flooring brand with the formidable duo at Ultrafloor.

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Welcome to a new episode of the UK Flooring Podcast! In this engaging session, we sit down with Reggie Herd, the co-owner of a bustling trade floor store and a fresh face in the flooring industry. Join us as we crack open a couple of cold ones and dive into Reggie's fascinating journey from a 13-year-old sweeping floors to becoming a key player in the flooring business.

Episode Highlights:

1. Early Beginnings:

• Discover how Reggie got his start in the flooring world, working under his father and learning the ropes from a young age.
• Hear about his transition from hands-on installation to mastering the business side of flooring.

1. The Family Business:

• Learn about the hybrid model of Reggie’s store, which combines retail and wholesale, avoiding ceramics but offering just about everything else in floor covering.
• Reggie discusses the challenges and advantages of running a family-operated business.

1. Industry Insights:

• Reggie shares his strategy on branding and product exclusivity, emphasizing his preference for lesser-known brands that offer unique value.
• The conversation takes a deeper look into customer misconceptions about flooring brands and how educating them can lead to better sales.

1. Challenges and Adaptations:

• Delve into the most significant hurdles Reggie has faced, including space limitations and adapting to market changes post-COVID.
• Reggie’s perspective on balancing a vast inventory with the need to maintain customer interest and manage stock efficiently.

1. Future Visions:

• Reggie speaks on his ambitions for the future of his business, including potential expansions and his thoughts on maintaining a clear division between retail and wholesale pricing.

1. Personal Insights:

• Get personal with Reggie as he shares the best piece of advice he’s ever received, which helped pivot his career trajectory.
• Discover Reggie's interests outside of work, including a surprising favorite film!

1. Engagement with Community:

• Reggie highlights how his business contributes to the local community, including supporting food banks and animal shelters.

Guest Information:

• Name: Reggie Herd
• Title: Co-owner at Trade Floor Store
• LinkedIn: Reggie Herd

Connect with Reggie:

• Instagram, Facebook, TikTok: @TradeFloorStore

Thank you for tuning in! Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes, share this podcast with your friends, and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform.

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Welcome to another high-speed episode of the UK Flooring Podcast!

In this episode, we dive into the life of Shane Lynch, not your typical flooring specialist. Shane, the driving force behind SL Flooring, shares insights not just about his entrepreneurial journey in flooring but about his passion for high-end cars and motorcycles, challenging the stereotypes around tradespeople.

Highlights from this episode:

1. Shane’s Love for Speed: From Porsches to Ford Edges, Shane discusses the last ten cars he's owned and his deep passion for motorcycles, revealing a life driven by adrenaline both on and off the road.
2. Business and Growth: Shane discusses the evolution of SL Flooring, how it started, and its transformation over the years. He also hints at an upcoming rebranding and his efforts to delegate to maintain quality as the business expands.
3. Work-Life Balance Challenges: The struggle is real when it comes to balancing a booming business and personal life. Shane talks about his approach to finding harmony between work, family, and personal time, including his unique way of managing stress through ice baths.
4. Community Impact and Customer Relationships: Shane touches on the importance of community involvement and how maintaining strong customer relationships has been a cornerstone of his business success.
5. Future Plans and Aspirations: From potential shifts in business operations to personal investment in real estate, Shane shares his thoughts on what’s next for his career and SL Flooring.
6. Personal Insights and Advice: Learn from Shane's experiences with handling perceptions and judgments from others about his success and how it has influenced his choices in cars and business.

Join us as we peel back the layers of Shane's life, proving there's much more beneath the surface. Whether you're a car enthusiast, budding entrepreneur, or someone fascinated by the intersection of lifestyle and business, this episode packs a punch of inspiration and a touch of rebellion against the norm.

Don’t forget to subscribe to the UK Flow Podcast for more episodes like this, and follow us on our social media channels to stay updated on all things flooring and beyond!

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