Forbo Flooring Solutions, global leader in total flooring solutions, has appointed specialist brand strategy and communications consultancy, Wyatt International, as its UK Digital Agency to promote the business’s offering across digital platforms as the leading commercial flooring supplier. In this new partnership, Wyatt International will work with the company to
Construction has begun on an 180,121 sq ft unit at Worcester Six Business Park for one of the UK’s leading dedicated flooring distribution companies. Developer Stoford is delivering a bespoke unit for Worcestershire-based Alliance Flooring Distribution, a subsidiary of Victoria PLC, which offers a UK wide storage, cutting and distribution
When considering flooring products for new-build or refurbishment projects, the housebuilder and specifier can be sure that West Fraser’s CaberFloor range includes the perfect solution. Just as sound foundations are essential for any building, the right flooring system lays a good foundation for a quality flooring finish, saving problems and
Designer Contracts, the UK’s largest flooring contractor, is spearheading a new industry initiative aimed at reversing the crisis level shortage of skilled fitters. On January 17, 2022, the company took on its first cohort of 10, 16 to 18-year-old apprentices under a new block release training scheme launched as a
Although carpets have a reputation of being a boring – and typically beige – necessity, 2021 has seen some bolder and brighter carpet colour trends come through, including royal blue, forest green, dusty pink, mustard yellow and geometric patterns. According to JustServicesGroup.com, who analysed global Google search volumes, ‘grey’ is the
Indoor climate specialist Warmafloor, part of the Wavin Group, has launched a new range of mechanical heat recovery ventilation systems. The ultra-efficient Ventiza range offers a complete end-to-end solution, which helps to control the flow of air into any residential space. As the focus continues to grow for developers
Kingspan Data & Flooring Technology, the industry leader in data and flooring solutions, has achieved Cradle to Cradle Certified® bronze for their key raised access flooring solutions, based on an impartial and independent evaluation of material health, material reutilisation, renewable energy, water stewardship and social fairness. Cradle to Cradle Certified®
Peter Kelsey, the man who founded and led Designer Contracts to become the UK’s largest flooring contractor, has been honoured with an Outstanding Achievement in the Flooring Industry award. Announced at the Contract Flooring Journal’s 2021 awards ceremony, held at Coombe Abbey in Warwickshire on Friday (September 3), Peter was
Hardwood flooring is the ideal material for various spaces in your home. The material gives off an attractive ambiance that significantly boosts the overall look of a room. If you’re eager to install new hardwood flooring in your living room or place it throughout your home, it’s an investment that
Designer Contracts, the UK’s largest flooring contractor, has developed a digital solution to speedier customer service. The company has designed its own app, named Athena, to enable faster response times to customers and to help deliver key performance indicators. For use by staff internally, Athena was trialled at one of
Forbo Flooring Solutions, global leader in total flooring solutions, has appointed specialist brand strategy and communications consultancy, Wyatt International, as its UK Digital Agency to promote the business’s offering across digital platforms as the leading commercial flooring supplier. In this new partnership, Wyatt International will work with the company to increase brand awareness with specifiers and flooring contractors. Forbo Flooring Systems is a leading global brand in high-quality commercial floor coverings and total solution flooring projects. Their category-leading products include linoleum, luxury vinyl tiles, flocked flooring and entrance flooring systems which are available in a vast number of designs and applications. Also keeping sustainability at its forefront, Forbo’s main linoleum brand, Marmoleum, is one of the most sustainable floor coverings in the world, featuring 97% raw materials and is CO2 neutral. Acting as a digital marketing agency, Wyatt is delivering strategic support to SEO, PPC and social media marketing campaigns and is also helping Forbo further its message on sustainable flooring and the importance of neurodiversity in the built environment. Forbo Flooring Systems joins Wyatt International’s long list of clients providing services to the commercial sector. Mark Fones, Managing Director at Wyatt International, said: “The commercial flooring sector is a competitive niche market and we’re delighted to be working with one of the leaders in Forbo. This multi-channel campaign is proof that more clients need to combine content, search and social to create brand-based value in the post-digital world we now live and work in.” Karen Wilding, Marketing Communications Manager at Forbo, said: “We’re excited to partner with the expert team at Wyatt International to help elevate our business offering across all digital platforms. We understand the growing importance of online and digital platforms to promote our innovative ranges of commercial flooring and to have expert support all under one roof is a huge advantage to Forbo.” As B2B specialists, Wyatt International has almost six decades of experience in the marketing of building products, making it the perfect partner for Forbo, and brands like it. For more information on Wyatt International’s services, please visit www.wyattinternational.com
Construction has begun on an 180,121 sq ft unit at Worcester Six Business Park for one of the UK’s leading dedicated flooring distribution companies. Developer Stoford is delivering a bespoke unit for Worcestershire-based Alliance Flooring Distribution, a subsidiary of Victoria PLC, which offers a UK wide storage, cutting and distribution service for both soft and hard flooring and is moving its operations from Kidderminster to unit 7 at the business park. To meet its targets of reducing its carbon footprint, the build of the unit will be net carbon zero in operation and will feature extensive electric vehicle charging points and photovoltaic panels on the roof. Stoford is also creating two new ponds, which will further improve the green infrastructure on the business park, provide an attractive setting and also introduce new habitats for wildlife. Contractor Benniman has been appointed to build the unit, which will comprise 157,000 sq ft of warehousing, as well as 21,000 sq ft of offices and ancillary space. Completion is expected in Q4 2022 and Alliance Flooring Distribution, which hopes to create a further 60 roles over the next three years, aims to be fully operational on site early 2023. Edward Peel, Development Manager at Stoford, said: “It’s great news that we have started to build this bespoke unit for Alliance Flooring Distribution. We’ll deliver a high-quality unit on a business park that is already making its mark on the local economy and gaining attention from global and national companies that are keen to base themselves in a strategic location that is convenient for both the south west and the Midlands. “Worcester Six has attracted several significant employers that are making their homes and are planning their long-term futures here. This is all positive news for Wychavon, in which the business park sits, and surrounding areas.” Philippe Hamers , CEO of Victoria PLC, said: “A fast and effective distribution network is vital in our industry and this project shows how serious we are about servicing the UK and in an environmentally friendly way. Worcester 6 futureproofs the fantastic distribution service that we offer both to the Victoria brands and our valued third-party customers. We are looking forward to seeing the completion of the building works and starting to operate out of this top-notch facility early next year.” In the past four years, Worcester Six has welcomed Marmon Food and Beverage Equipment, Siemens, Spire Healthcare, Kimal, Kohler Mira and IONOS. For details about Worcester Six Business Park and other units that can be provided, contact the agent: Charles D’Auncey at Harris Lamb – charles.dauncey@harrislamb.com or Ben Wiley at BNP Paribas – ben.wiley@realestate.bnpparibas Building Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction & Property News
When considering flooring products for new-build or refurbishment projects, the housebuilder and specifier can be sure that West Fraser’s CaberFloor range includes the perfect solution. Just as sound foundations are essential for any building, the right flooring system lays a good foundation for a quality flooring finish, saving problems and costs later. The West Fraser website contains a handy flowchart to help builders, specifiers and architects choose the right flooring system for every project, coupled with handy installation guides and videos https://uk.westfraser.com/resources/help-advice/installation-instructions/ for the individual CaberFloor products. Leading the field in the popularity stakes, CaberFloor P5 is the UK’s most specified moisture-resistant P5 flooring. The high-strength particleboard is ideal for domestic and most other floors and removes the need for intermediate noggins. The boards are moisture-resistant, stable, durable, easy to lay and, with a tongue and groove or square-edge profile, provide an excellent surface for subsequent floor laying operations. Some floors require more advanced solutions and, no matter the size or shape of the floor being laid, there are key questions to ask. Although not necessarily obvious, the first point to consider is whether the building’s roof will be in place. If the answer is no, the floor will need to withstand the elements. This is where CaberShieldPlus proves its worth as it is designed to allow building work to continue in all weathers. CaberShieldPlus is an advanced product that has all the inherent benefits of CaberFloor P5. In addition, it offers double-sided protection with a tough, permanent waterproof coating and is BBA approved for 60 days exposure, when laid according to manufacturer’s instructions. It is also a non-slip, safe working platform that withstands high site traffic. An alternative solution is CaberDek which is BBA approved for 42 days exposure, when installed with CaberFix according to manufacturer’s instructions. The P5 grade flooring has the advantage of a strong, waterproof and slip-resistant peelable film. It provides protection from the elements and construction mess and, when removed, leaves a clean, finished floor. The film is impact, puncture and tear-resistant to withstand high site traffic. CaberDek also provides 44dB sound reduction when used in conjunction with leading I-beam and insulation manufacturers. All three CaberFloor products comply with BS EN312 and are designed to be used with the CaberFix range of specially developed sealing and fixing products that include powerful adhesives and tapes. For example, CaberFloor P5 is best used with CaberFix Joint&Joist, an adhesive and sealant that will adhere to a wide variety of materials, creating a strong, silent, and flexible bond. Similarly, CaberFix D4 complements CaberDek and CaberShieldPlus. This adhesive bonds flooring to joists, T&G joints and seals exposed perimeter and edges. Beyond the advantages and practicalities of using CaberFloor, the materials and processes used to manufacture the product offer the reassurance of being sustainable. Unsurprisingly, West Fraser’s range of board products is available in a wide selection of sizes to minimise waste. All timber used is responsibly sourced and FSC certified. The panels are manufactured in the UK from locally grown timber and are net carbon negative. Additionally, all of West Fraser’s UK mills have obtained the coveted ISO 14001 environmental accreditation. Samples of all West Fraser construction panels can be ordered on the website Uk.westfraser.com. Head to the housebuilder page on the website to download a selection of tools including a fully-interactive guide to all West Fraser products and a checklist to make sure you have everything you need for your build. For further information, call 01786 812 921 or visit Uk.westfraser.com
Designer Contracts, the UK’s largest flooring contractor, is spearheading a new industry initiative aimed at reversing the crisis level shortage of skilled fitters. On January 17, 2022, the company took on its first cohort of 10, 16 to 18-year-old apprentices under a new block release training scheme launched as a joint venture between FITA (Flooring Industry Training Association) and Webs Training Ltd. The apprentices, based around the UK, will attend the FITA training centre in Loughborough for practical training for one week in every eight. In between – over the course of the three-year apprenticeship scheme – they will train with one of Designer Contracts’ employed or sub-contract fitters FITA is also creating a bespoke Designer Contracts’ training standard so the company can assess and further develop its trained, employed fitters. The move follows a growing labour gap and skills crisis over the past two to three years which has seen the emergence of a ‘bidding war’ for the shrinking pool of available fitters. Said Louise Walters, commercial director for Designer Contracts: “The decision to take on 10 apprentices – with plans for a further 10 in 2023 – represents a significant moment for us as a company as well as the new industry training initiative. “Apprenticeships and further training are one way in which we can tackle the chronic skills shortage. As a company we have also been recruiting and directly employing more fitters rather than relying solely on contractors. Over the past two years we have taken on more than 25 fitters, many of them in the past 12 months – and going forward our plan is to directly employ even more. “We still have around 300 contract fitters on our books but as many in the industry will know, accessing this pool of trades people has become increasingly difficult over the past three years. “The CFA has been leading this drive for more training and, through FITA, started delivery of apprenticeships in Loughborough in May 2021 with its first intake of 20 apprentices “We are delighted to be supporting this industry initiative with the largest single intake of apprentices by any one company in the country. It represents a real investment in and commitment to the future of the industry and, as a CFA director and committee member, we are fully behind this scheme.”
Although carpets have a reputation of being a boring – and typically beige – necessity, 2021 has seen some bolder and brighter carpet colour trends come through, including royal blue, forest green, dusty pink, mustard yellow and geometric patterns. According to JustServicesGroup.com, who analysed global Google search volumes, ‘grey’ is the firm favourite among customers buying a carpet, with the colour receiving 88,620 monthly searches. Whilst the past few years has seen more colourful and exciting carpet options coming through, people have preferred to stick with neutral tones for their interior decorations. As a result ‘grey’ comes in first in the top 10 ranking. Moving away from the simplicity of grey was ‘blue’, which was second on the list with an average of 17,400 monthly searches. The most popular ‘blue’ search terms included midnight, ‘duck egg’, ‘royal’ and ‘teal’ – in terms of blue patterns ‘herringbone’ was amongst the most searched for. Third in the top 10 was ‘black’, which reflects darker paint trends of the past few years. The brooding colour had 15,460 average monthly searches, and was followed by white (12,680) and green (11,780). Classic beige also appeared in the top 10, placing in position seven with 7,690 average monthly searches. The 10 most popular carpet colours of 2021 were: Grey: 88,620 monthly searches Blue: 17,400 monthly searches Black: 15,460 monthly searches White: 12,680 monthly searches Green: 11,780 monthly searches Brown: 10,190 monthly searches Beige: 7,690 monthly searches Patterned: 5,870 monthly searches Pink: 5,350 monthly searches Silver: 4,240 monthly searches Interior designer Rita Chulani said: “For most homes and commercial spaces the durability and neutrality of greys, blacks and blues always works with a modern to bring a warm cohesiveness to most areas. In 2021 there has been a slight turn to warm beiges with a hint of grey to a colour that we have coined as ‘greige’. “Sticking to neutral beiges and grey carpets certainly helps to follow trends and personal likes for certain colours in fabrics for drapery, cushions and upholstery.” Co-founder of JustServicesGroup.com Chris Burls said: “There are so many options for carpets whether it’s a large patterned rug or a neutral fitted carpet, it can be the perfect way to bring a room together. It doesn’t just have aesthetic value, it also has great insulation benefits in the colder months and can help to effectively retain heat in a home. “Whilst past years have seen more colourful and patterned carpets become more popular, we’re not surprised to see that our research has uncovered that a more neutral colour like grey is the most favoured.”
Indoor climate specialist Warmafloor, part of the Wavin Group, has launched a new range of mechanical heat recovery ventilation systems. The ultra-efficient Ventiza range offers a complete end-to-end solution, which helps to control the flow of air into any residential space. As the focus continues to grow for developers and specifiers around ensuring that both new-build and refurb projects are well insulated, it’s also vital that there is a fresh flow of air to help boost end-user wellbeing and ensure homes are hygienic and healthy spaces. This is where ultra-efficient mechanical ventilation systems can work with existing heating systems, including underfloor heating, to provide a truly efficient complete solution for indoor climate in the home. Ventiza uses premium quality heat exchangers and has an extremely low power consumption to ensure an effective result, helping to keep bills as low as possible for end-users, and warm, clean air in circulation. Available in a range of sizes and variations for different types of property, the ventilation systems ensure a high air quality output for any property type – including flats and apartments, with a special low profile, ceiling-mounted unit available. Tony Croke, Product Manager Indoor Climate Solutions at Wavin, said: “As innovations across the construction industry continue to make developments as efficient as possible, it’s important that advancements in insulation don’t lead to poor air quality in residential spaces. This is where mechanical ventilation comes in, and if systems are designed and specified correctly, these solutions can vastly improve air quality and end-user wellbeing. “The new Ventiza range is an intuitive system that can work with our innovative Sentio control units too – meaning residents have complete oversight of their entire indoor climate systems through the use of the smart control unit.” Ventiza has been independently tested by BRE and has been found to exceed building regulation requirements in the UK, meaning it can be specified with extra piece of mind. As with all other Warmafloor offerings, the Ventiza range is also offered as part of its turnkey solution, which includes a full design, supply, installation, and commission service. For more information on the Ventiza range, and all of Warmafloor’s product offerings, visit: https://warmafloor.co.uk/.
Kingspan Data & Flooring Technology, the industry leader in data and flooring solutions, has achieved Cradle to Cradle Certified® bronze for their key raised access flooring solutions, based on an impartial and independent evaluation of material health, material reutilisation, renewable energy, water stewardship and social fairness. Cradle to Cradle Certified® is a globally recognised measure of safer, more sustainable products, demonstrating how successfully their products support the circular economy. At the end of life, Kingspan Data & Flooring Technology’s steel encapsulated wood-core panels, stay in closed-loop cycles with around 1,000 tonnes of recycled panels and 500 tonnes of waste-production sawdust, used to power three onsite biomass boilers, which then generate 2,500 megawatts of energy each year to power their manufacturing operations. Waste steel and off-cuts are shredded on-site and recycled into other products. The assessment was conducted by Eco Intelligent Growth before submitting to Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute. The accreditation is the culmination of 12 months’ work by Kingspan Access Floors’ Quality and Compliance Manager, Phil Major, with assistance from internal teams in Hull, UK. Bianca Wong, Kingspan’s Global Head of Sustainability, comments: “Across all Kingspan divisions, we are working hard to further reduce the environmental impact of our products. We want to ensure all of our products reach the highest ethical standards and that our Planet Passionate strategy and commitments are embedded in everything we do globally. This achievement is an excellent example of Kingspan’s divisions constantly challenging themselves in partnership with industry to work towards a more sustainable future.” Kingspan Data & Flooring Technology’s Managing Director, Seamus Cussen, added: “Achieving overall bronze Cradle to Cradle Certified® status for our key raised access flooring solutions, is testament to the progress and the dedication our team has made to improve the sustainability of our entire portfolio of access flooring solutions. We will continue our focused efforts to improve and innovate but achieving this accreditation demonstrates our commitment driven from all areas of our business, to achieve high sustainability criteria.” Product designers, manufacturers and brands around the world rely on the Cradle to Cradle Certified® Product Standard, as a transformative pathway for designing and making products with a positive impact on people and planet.
Peter Kelsey, the man who founded and led Designer Contracts to become the UK’s largest flooring contractor, has been honoured with an Outstanding Achievement in the Flooring Industry award. Announced at the Contract Flooring Journal’s 2021 awards ceremony, held at Coombe Abbey in Warwickshire on Friday (September 3), Peter was described as a “giant of the UK flooring industry”. An audience of top industry executives heard that Peter had “ensured his company has survived the pandemic and thrived as well. He supports charities and he supports his own employees with mental health programmes during and after the pandemic. He is, everyone would recognise, a very decent man.” After first starting the business from his garage at home, Designer Contracts became an independent company 17 years ago and now employs more than 350 staff across 15 regions with an annual turnover in excess of £40m. Peter himself has some 45 years’ experience in the floorcoverings industry. The early part of his career was in multiple furnishing retailing, from store management to marketing director. In 1992 he started a contracts division for an international retail group. In 2004 the retail group went into administration and Peter bought the flooring division which had built into a £10m business. Designer Contracts has since quadrupled in size. As well as flooring, the company provides curtains and blinds, furniture and lighting, and operates a showhome interior design services division. It works with all the UK’s key new homes developers as well as supplying the social housing and care home sectors, educational establishments and public sector buildings. A personal commitment to sustainability has seen the company named ‘Take Back Partner of the Year’ four times in the Carpet Recycling UK (CRUK) annual awards. And Peter’s many charitable contributions – particularly to Ashgate Hospice in Chesterfield and the national children’s help line, ChildLine – have cemented his reputation as a philanthropic entrepreneur. Said Peter: “The award came as a total surprise – it was a secret that I simply wasn’t in on when I was asked by colleagues to attend the event! I’m incredibly proud of what the company has achieved but without the fantastic team that is Designer Contracts, we wouldn’t be where we are today – it really has been down to the hard work and dedication of a lot of people over many years.”
Hardwood flooring is the ideal material for various spaces in your home. The material gives off an attractive ambiance that significantly boosts the overall look of a room. If you’re eager to install new hardwood flooring in your living room or place it throughout your home, it’s an investment that requires your full attention. Investing in superior quality flooring for your home, such as hardwood, can provide several long-term benefits. First, it adds timeless elegance and beauty to any space and can be a wise choice if you plan to remodel your home in the future. Hardwood flooring can also last for many years, which is why it’s crucial to choose a suitable hardwood floor for your home. To learn more about hardwood flooring, you can look into custom wood shops such as Elmwood Reclaimed Timber to get an idea of how it will look like once installed. Once you decide to go for hardwood flooring, maintenance is a factor to consider. The material is prone to scratching, and exposure to excessive moisture can increase the risk of rotting. Before installing hardwood flooring in your home, here are several factors to consider to ensure that you’re making the right decision. 1. Interior Design Before deciding on the type of flooring to install in your home, it’s essential to consider the interior of your home first. It would be best to consider the furniture, especially the cabinet trimming, door casings, and other design elements. Doing so will ensure that the floor will seamlessly blend in with your home. 2. Location It’s crucial to note that not all types of hardwood floors work best in all parts of your home. With this in mind, you should carefully think about the areas where you want to install them. In areas below ground level, such as the basement, engineered wood is a good choice. Solid wood is not a suitable option due to the moisture in spaces below the ground. Moisture can rise from the ground and result in problems with solid wood flooring. 3. Subfloor Type Subfloors serve as the base for finished floors in all houses, which should be one of your considerations when selecting hardwood flooring. Generally, the common types of subflooring include particle boards, concrete slabs, and plywood. If you want a versatile option, plywood is ideal since it can support solid wood and engineered floors. 4. Price The price of hardwood flooring includes the installation cost and floor maintenance. It will also depend on the number of years you intend to stay in your current home. If you’re planning to stay in your current home for many years to come, you might want to think about renovating the space and selecting suitable flooring options during that period. Additionally, you should also consider the costs of the removal and disposal of the old flooring. 5. Lifestyle Depending on your lifestyle, you should consider the wear and tear of the flooring you’ll choose. For those who regularly host gatherings with family and friends or have pets around, it’s best to consider a durable type of wood that’s resistant to scratches or damages. You can go for red oak since it’s affordable and resilient enough to endure most damage. 6. Finishing And Staining Options Hardwood flooring is a preferred option for most homeowners due to its beauty and elegance in its natural form. One of the most common concerns in installing hardwood is when the color deteriorates, especially in areas that are constantly exposed to the sun. In maintaining hardwood flooring, you should polish the floor using various finishes to lessen its chances of deteriorating. You can apply any finish of your choice as long as it matches the entire look of your house. 7. Tree Species Various tree species produce distinct hardwood flooring. Each tree showcases unique grain patterns, characteristics, and variations that make them stand out. Here are some of the popular wood types. Oak. You can choose from two types such as red and white. Red oak is a popular option with visible graining and color variations in every plank. White oak, with varying grain patterns, is a suitable option for high-traffic areas in your home. Hickory. When it comes to durability, hickory is the ideal option due to its high density and shock resistance. Ash. The bold graining in each plank, ranging from wavy, straight, or curly, makes it stand out in any space. Conclusion Hardwood flooring is a worthy investment if you want to upgrade the overall look of your home. Before installing hardwood flooring, you should take note of these factors to help you along the way. But one thing’s for sure—once you have installed hardwood flooring in your home, it will give your house that promised lasting elegance for years to come.
Designer Contracts, the UK’s largest flooring contractor, has developed a digital solution to speedier customer service. The company has designed its own app, named Athena, to enable faster response times to customers and to help deliver key performance indicators. For use by staff internally, Athena was trialled at one of the company’s regional offices and has now been rolled out across Designer Contract’s remaining 14 regions. Said md, Peter Kelsey: “As we move further into a digital age, we felt the Athena app would be an easy and instant solution for our team to provide an enhanced customer experience. “It was designed in-house so that we could build it to our exact specification and requirements and we’re looking forward to offering our clients quicker query response times.” Designer Contracts, which was recently named as a finalist in the 2020 Lloyds Bank Business Awards, operates across 15 UK regional facilities. As well as flooring, the company provides curtains and blinds, furniture and lighting, and operates a showhome interior design services division.
