Join us in this insightful episode of the UK Flooring Podcast as we delve into the fascinating world of flooring with our special guest, Anthony Mynett, Director of CS Flooring Solutions. Discover the journey of a family-run business that has been setting the standard in both commercial and domestic flooring since 1963. From tales of humble beginnings to monumental projects, Anthony shares the highs, the lessons, and the evolution of a business that has thrived through dedication, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to quality.

Anthony Mynett

• Role: Director
• Company: CS Flooring Solutions
• Background: With decades of experience in the flooring industry, Anthony represents the second generation at the helm of CS Flooring Solutions, a company founded by his father. From a young age, Anthony was immersed in the family business, learning the ropes on job sites and eventually steering the company towards its current success.

A leader in both contract commercial and domestic flooring based in South Wales, CS Flooring Solutions offers a comprehensive range of flooring options to meet any requirement. Known for their high standards of service, quality products, and competitive pricing, the company boasts a rich history and a commitment to customer satisfaction. Operating from Taff's Well near Cardiff for retail and the Upper Boat Trading Estate in Pontypridd for contracts, they serve a wide area including Cardiff, Rhondda, Newport, and beyond.

• The Origins of CS Flooring Solutions: Anthony shares the story of how his father, after years of working in the industry, decided to start his own business, laying the foundation for what would become a leading flooring company in South Wales.
• Growth and Evolution: The transition from a small family-run operation to a business with a strong team, including roles for management, secretaries, and a blend of subcontractors and permanent staff.
• Memorable Projects: From providing flooring for a papal visit to handling high-security government contracts and luxurious residential installations, Anthony recounts some of the most standout projects in the company's history.
• Challenges and Triumphs: Navigating the ups and downs of the industry, including stories of resilience in the face of business challenges and how maintaining strong relationships with clients and contractors has been key to overcoming obstacles.
• The Future of Flooring: Anthony discusses the importance of training and passing on skills within the industry, as well as his thoughts on the future of CS Flooring Solutions and the flooring industry at large.

• Experience and Adaptability: Learn how decades of experience and a willingness to adapt have been crucial to navigating the ever-changing landscape of the flooring industry.
• The Value of Relationships: Discover the importance of building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, suppliers, and staff in achieving long-term success.
• Inspiration for Entrepreneurs: Whether you're in the flooring industry or any other trade, Anthony's journey offers valuable insights into entrepreneurship, growth, and legacy.

• Website: CS Flooring Solutions
• Showroom Location: Taff's Well near Cardiff
• Contract Business Address: Upper Boat Trading Estate, Pontypridd
• Social Media: Find us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook for the latest updates and flooring inspiration.

Thank you for tuning into the UK Flooring Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe for more episodes featuring industry leaders, innovative trends, and stories that inspire.

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In this engaging episode of the UK Flooring Podcast, we sit down with Scott and Spencer Vine from Vine Brothers Flooring, a dynamic duo with over 20 years of experience in the flooring industry. Rooted in tradition yet always looking forward, the brothers share their journey, insights, and the evolution of their business.

About Our Guests:

Vine Brothers Flooring Company is not just a business; it's a passion. Scott and Spencer Vine, taught by their father and inspired to innovate within the industry, aim to blend new techniques and materials with traditional values. Their goal is simple: to earn customers for life by delivering exceptional flooring solutions.

Episode Highlights:

• Introduction to Vine Brothers Flooring: Discover how a strong passion for flooring and a legacy of craftsmanship has propelled Vine Brothers Flooring into a respected name in the industry.
• The Backstory: Scott and Spencer share their personal journey from playing local football to learning the ropes of the flooring business from their father. Their first jobs, challenges, and the evolution of their skills offer a glimpse into the dedication behind their success.
• Forming the Company: The brothers recount the pivotal moments leading to the official formation of Vine Brothers Flooring. From working separately to joining forces pre-COVID, learn how adversity and opportunity shaped their business.
• Specialties and Services: Dive into the world of flooring as Scott and Spencer discuss their preferred materials, from LVT and carpet to natural floor coverings. Their approach to tackling new challenges and the breadth of their services highlight their expertise and willingness to explore new horizons.
• The Industry Landscape: Spencer voices his concerns about the flooring industry, particularly the competitive undercutting and lack of mutual support among professionals. His perspective offers food for thought on how the industry can foster a more supportive environment.
• Personal Insights and Future Directions: From the importance of first impressions to the value of investing in oneself, the Vine brothers share valuable lessons learned and their aspirations for the future of their business.
• Listener Q&A: Scott and Spencer answer questions from the audience, providing advice on starting in the flooring industry, managing client expectations, and navigating the challenges of running a family business.

Closing Thoughts:

Vine Brothers Flooring exemplifies the blend of tradition and innovation, craftsmanship, and customer service. Scott and Spencer's journey is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the importance of evolving while staying true to one's roots.

Connect with Us:

For more episodes like this, subscribe to the UK Flooring Podcast. Have questions or topics you'd like us to cover? Reach out through our website or social media channels. We'd love to hear from you!

Join us next time on the UK Flooring Podcast for more insights and stories from the flooring industry's leading voices.

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In this episode of the UK Flooring Podcast, join us live from the Surfaces event in Las Vegas as Sarah chats with Reid Waxman, a key figure from Roomvo. Discover the transformative impact of Roomvo's visualization tools on the flooring industry, learn insider tips on enhancing customer experience, and explore the future of digital retail in flooring. Don't miss this insightful conversation packed with valuable advice for retailers looking to innovate and elevate their business.

Roomvo’s Impact:

• Reid discusses how Roomvo’s visualization tools not only instill consumer confidence but also serve as a diagnostic tool to simplify the product selection process for customers.
• The importance of using visualizers not just as a sales tool but as a starting point for customer product journeys.

Retailer Strategies:

• How retailers can utilize Roomvo in unique ways, such as through kiosks and web-based tools, to narrow down product choices and enhance the customer experience in-store and online.
• Discussion on the integration of Roomvo’s tools into the quotation process, enabling retailers to provide customers with visualized product options directly linked to their space.

Customer Engagement:

• Reid highlights the underutilized "Share a Link" feature, which offers a significant opportunity for retailers to follow up with customers by sharing personalized visualizations of products in their space.
• The challenge of increasing awareness and adoption among retailers and overcoming the industry's reluctance to embrace new technology.

Training and Support:

• Roomvo’s commitment to retailer success through comprehensive training and ongoing support to ensure the effective use of visualization tools.
• Free RSA training is available globally, aiming to empower retail staff and enhance the sales process.

Future Developments:

• Reid expresses a desire for more manufacturer partnerships to broaden the range of products available for visualization.
• Upcoming integration of rug and multi-surface visualizers into a single tool, enhancing the shopping experience for customers.

Roomvo’s Virtual Associate:

• Introduction of an AI-powered chatbot designed to assist customers 24/7, guiding them through product discovery and encouraging showroom visits.

Personal Insights:

• Reid shares his journey to Roomvo, his role in the company, his personal interests, and the value of face-to-face interactions in building relationships within the industry.

Available On: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and other major platforms.

Subscribe: Don't forget to hit the subscribe button to stay updated on our latest episodes.

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In this compelling episode of the UK Flooring Podcast, we're joined by Matt Brindley, a remarkable individual who has transitioned from a versatile tradesperson in the flooring industry to a pioneering coach at Rethink Drink. Matt's story is not just about his professional evolution but also his personal journey of overcoming alcohol dependency to help others do the same.

About Our Guest:

Matt Brindley, at 39, hails from Coventry in the Midlands. He has ventured through various professions, from a "glorified handyman" to an insurance broker, before embarking on his entrepreneurial journey with a furniture business in 2019. However, the most transformative phase of his life began with his battle against alcoholism, leading him to found Rethink Drink, where he now coaches individuals striving for control over their drinking habits.

Episode Highlights:

• The Versatile Journey: Matt shares his diverse professional background, touching upon his hands-on experience in the flooring and furniture industry, his stint as an insurance broker, and his transition into entrepreneurship.
• Battling Alcoholism: A candid recount of Matt's nearly two-decade-long struggle with alcohol, highlighting his realization, the dark moments, and his decision to seek help.
• Rethink Drink: The inception of Rethink Drink stems from Matt's personal battle with alcohol dependency. He discusses the revolutionary approach his company adopts, focusing on controlling rather than abstaining from alcohol, offering a new perspective on dealing with addiction.
• Personal Transformation: Matt talks about the positive changes in his life post his recovery, including improved family relationships and selling his furniture business to fully commit to Rethink Drink.
• Insights on Consumption: A discussion on how the issue of dependency isn't limited to alcohol but extends to other aspects of life, including technology and lifestyle choices.
• Morning Routine: Matt shares his morning routine, emphasizing the importance of self-care and setting intentions for the day.

Episode Conclusion:

Matt Brindley's journey is a testament to the power of self-realization and transformation. Through Rethink Drink, he not only found a way to control his own life but also created a pathway to help others. His story is inspiring for anyone facing personal challenges or seeking to make a significant change in their life.

Connect with Matt:

• LinkedIn: Matt Brindley
• Website: Rethink Drink

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Welcome to another episode of the UK Flooring Podcast, where we delve into the fascinating world of flooring, sharing insights, trends, and conversations with industry experts.

In this episode, we are joined by Ben Osborne, a renowned figure in the floor sanding and refinishing space, known for his extensive online presence with over 10 million combined views on his websites and YouTube channel.

Find Ben’s insightful floor sanding tips and tutorials on his website: How to Sand a Floor and YouTube channel: HowToSandAFloor.

• Ben introduces himself as a floor sander, YouTuber, and family man with a passion for politics.
• He shares his journey from working in a call center to becoming a floor sanding expert and starting his own business in 2012.

• Ben discusses the growth of his business, his transition to self-employment, and the challenges of perfectionism in his work.
• Insights into expanding his team and the operational dynamics of his business.

• The story behind his first YouTube video and how it evolved into a successful channel.
• Strategies for creating engaging content and the unpredictability of YouTube success.
• Discussion on monetizing YouTube content and the impact of specific videos on his channel's growth.

• Ben talks about the difficulties faced in floor sanding, including dealing with unpredictable flooring conditions and customer interactions.
• Insights into his preferences for flooring products, stains, and lacquers.

• Ben shares valuable lessons learned in business, particularly the importance of continuous learning and being open to new ideas.
• Discussion on the challenges of managing a team and finding the right people.

• Ben answers quick questions about his investment choices, least favorite business tasks, and notable personalities he’d like to meet.
• He concludes by reflecting on what’s currently holding him back and how he's addressing these challenges.

• A big thank you to Ben Osborne for sharing his expertise and experiences in the floor sanding industry.
• Reminder to listeners to check out Ben’s work on his YouTube channel and website.
• Stay tuned for more episodes from the UK Flooring Podcast.

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In this insightful episode of the UK Flooring Podcast, we welcome Steve Hall, a veteran in the flooring industry with 40 years of experience. Starting his journey at 17, Steve has seen the industry from multiple angles, including fitting floors, contract managing, sales, and now as a key figure at TradeChoice. Steve shares his extensive journey, insights into the industry's evolution, and TradeChoice's future ambitions.

Steve's Career Path:

• Experience ranges from floor fitting to contract managing and sales..
• A national flooring distributor with plans to expand from 13 to over 30 branches in the UK.
• Utilizes a unique business model to provide efficient nationwide service.

The Flooring Industry Landscape: His thoughts and predictions

• Discussed the impact of COVID-19 on supply chains and how businesses are adapting.
• The shift in the industry towards diversification and the rise of domestic flooring.

Personal Insights:

• Steve shared his personal journey with mental health and his aspirations to become a mental health counselor.
• Emphasizes the importance of community, support, and a healthy work environment in the industry.

TradeChoice's Future Plans:

• Significant investment in the domestic sector and expansion of the CFS brand.
• Innovative customer engagement strategies like the Red Carpet Club.

Advice and Perspectives:

• Importance of treating people well and being part of a team.
• Steve's approach to customer relations and business development.

• Contact TradeChoice: Visit tradechoice.com

The UK Flooring Podcast brings together professionals, experts, and enthusiasts from the flooring industry. Each episode dives into the latest trends, business insights, and personal stories from voices across the sector.

• Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts
• Follow us on: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

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Welcome to the UK Flooring Podcast, a podcast where we explore the ins and outs of the flooring industry.

Our guest today is Adam Greig, a seasoned professional with 22 years of diverse experience in the flooring industry, covering retail, wholesale, and manufacturing sectors.

• Adam talks about his start at Carpetright and his rise through various roles.
• His experience working in different facets of the flooring industry, including operations management and sales.

• Adam discusses his move to self-employment, balancing family life with career ambitions.
• He shares insights into his time working with companies like Distinctive Flooring and involvement in various flooring projects.

• The challenges faced during the recession and navigating the industry's evolving landscape.
• Adam's decision to venture into sales consultancy and representing brands like J2 Flooring and Harvey Maria.

• Adam emphasizes the value of building and maintaining long-term relationships within the industry.
• The impact of social media and networking in his career development.

• Discussion on the strategies for operating a successful flooring business, including balancing brand representation and creating a unique identity.

• Adam reflects on his most embarrassing moment, the best advice he's received, and his aspirations for the future.
• Plans for expanding his e-commerce site focused on underfloor heating systems and partnering with new brands.

• Adam answers quick questions on various topics, including his ideal dinner guests, embarrassing moments, and the best piece of advice he's ever received.

• A heartfelt thank you to Adam for sharing his experiences and insights into the flooring industry.
• Reminder to listeners to check out Adam's work and new e-commerce platform.

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

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In this episode, we explore the remarkable journey of Carl Nicol, from his early days in Leicester to the establishment of Westcotes Flooring. We delve into his experiences in football, his time in the Royal Navy, and his transition into the flooring industry, underlining his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to quality.

• Early Life: Born on January 5, 1958, in Leicester. Childhood experiences, including connections with Gary Lineker's family.
• Football Career: Played for Notts County as a youth, facing an unexpected end to his football dream.
• Royal Navy Experience: Joined the Royal Navy at 16, becoming a stores accountant and later an electrician. Football continued to play a significant role.
• Career Shift: Post-Navy, worked briefly as a postman before entering the flooring industry under the mentorship of Dougie Arnold at Hinley Flooring.
• Founding Westcotes Flooring: Established in 1981, starting from a rented bedroom and garage, evolving into a significant business.
• Challenges and Growth: Overcoming setbacks, including betrayal by employees and navigating the evolution of technology in business.
• Current Success: Westcotes Flooring now has a strong presence in London and the Midlands, with plans to expand further.

• “There's no such thing as a bad job, only a bad price.”
• “Your own decision is crucial in areas where you can make money. Don't be embarrassed to make money.”
• “You don't bite the hand that feeds you. My word is my bond.”

• Email for Subcontractor Opportunities: Adam Conway
• LinkedIn for Career Opportunities: Carl Nicol

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Welcome to this exciting episode of the UK Flooring Podcast, where we delve into the world of home improvement and digital visualisation with our special guest, Brandon from Roomvo. Dialling in from Toronto, Brandon shares insights into Roomvo's innovative technology that's changing how customers and retailers interact with home improvement products.

1. Roomvo's Impact: Brandon outlines Roomvo's journey as a leading visualisation platform offering digital tools for an enhanced shopper experience in the home improvement industry.
2. Technology Integration: The discussion delves into how Roomvo's technology allows customers to visualise changes in their own rooms, revolutionising customer engagement and decision-making processes.
3. Collaboration with UK Manufacturers: Brandon highlights Roomvo's collaboration with UK manufacturers such as V4 and Brampton Chases, emphasising the accessibility and benefits for retailers and fitters.
4. Showroom of the Future: The conversation shifts to Roomvo’s latest project - creating a digital-age showroom experience with advanced features like QR code integration and a 43-inch touchscreen display for interactive visualisation.
5. Personal Insights: In a lighter segment, the host asks Brandon about his personal interests, favorite books, and his vision for the future of visualisation technology in the flooring industry.

Brandon’s insights not only highlight Roomvo’s innovative approach to digital visualisation in home improvement but also shed light on the importance of embracing technology in today's retail environment. The discussion provides valuable takeaways for retailers, manufacturers, and anyone interested in the evolving landscape of home improvement and customer experience.

• Roomvo Website: Roomvo Official Site
• Brandon's LinkedIn Profile: Brandon Shidlowski

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Guest: Dave, Performance Coach and Member of the Senior Leadership Team Cockril and Co

In this insightful episode, David Wilkinson, a renowned performance coach, dives deep into the intricacies of personal and professional development within the flooring industry. He shares valuable insights on overcoming limiting beliefs, enhancing leadership skills, and the importance of self-improvement for business growth. This episode is a must-listen for those seeking to elevate their business and personal life in the flooring industry.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. Unlocking Potential: Dave discusses the importance of mindset in overcoming business challenges, emphasizing the need to address internal barriers to success.
2. Leadership and Communication: The conversation explores the transition from a hands-on role to effective leadership and the challenges of managing a growing team.
3. Personal Development: Insights on self-improvement techniques, including morning routines and dealing with stress, are shared.
4. Dealing with Rejection and Failure: Strategies for coping with business setbacks and rejections are discussed, offering a perspective on growth through challenges.
5. Looking Forward to 2024: The episode touches upon the future of the flooring industry, with thoughts on adapting to market changes and the continued importance of personal growth.

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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