SHOW BUSINESS


Featuring hundreds of exhibitors, eye-catching stands, and even a celebrity guest, this year’s Flooring Show was bigger and better than ever! Here, we have the full lowdown of what went on…


With visitor numbers stacking up to a record-breaking 3,119 people, the 54th Flooring Show, held this September at the Harrogate International Centre (HIC), proved to be the most successful yet!


With a 9% increase on visitors from last year, the whole exhibition was buzzing, with over 190 exhibitors showcasing new carpets, wood flooring, laminate, accessories, tools and much more.


This year, the Show was even bigger as it welcomed the addition of the Tiling show in Hall Q. This proved a popular extra, with visitors flocking to check out the broad range of exhibitors, as well as the fascinating Demo Zone.


As with every Flooring Show, the aim was to bring together all areas of the industry, from the retail to contract sectors, exhibitors and visitors alike, for three days of business and networking.


Organisers, Wendy Adams Associates, are looking to build on the success of the show next year, and have already announced the dates for you to put in your diary, Sunday 17th to Tuesday 19th September 2017. Keep an eye out for how and when you can register by checking the website, www.theflooringshow.com


AND THE CARPET FITTER


OF THE YEAR IS… Mark Smurthwaite was crowned the winner of the Carpet Fitter of the Year competition, which took place over the first two days of the annual Flooring Show at the Harrogate International Centre from 18th to 20th September.


After a 15-year hiatus, President of NICF, Ian James, brought back the ever- popular competition, which had notably been missed by the flooring industry.


During Sunday and Monday of the Flooring Show, six finalists: Darren Ash, Michael Atkinson, Byron Terrett, Paul Finch, Mark Smurthwaite and Nick Hood laid and fitted carpet in front of a captivated audience and the three


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industry expert judges: Ian James, Richard Renouf and Jeff Hardy.


After completing the final task, a hand- stitched, bullnose step, the judges assessed and reviewed all the finalists work and invited former Blue Peter Presenter, Anthea Turner, to announce Mark Smurthwaite, owner of MS Flooring, as Carpet Fitter of the Year. With links to the flooring industry, (Anthea’s father was a carpet fitter himself) Anthea was a big hit and stayed around for plenty of pictures with all the finalists and fans who were waiting to meet her.


The return of Carpet Fitter of the Year was a clear success, and NICF would like to thank the Flooring Show and the sponsors of the competition: ARDEX UK Ltd, F Ball & Co Ltd, Ball & Young Ltd, Bostik Ltd, Carpenter Ltd, Contract Flooring Journal, Cormar Carpets, Hanson Plywood Ltd, Interfloor Ltd, Lifestyle Floors, Roberts UK, Spotnails Ltd, The Stocklists, Tramex Ltd, Uzin Ltd and Which? Trusted Traders.


DEMO ZONES The show features proved as popular as ever, with amazing demonstrations in the Demo Areas which always held a crowd.


Set across two Halls, Hall B and Hall M; the demonstrations were split into Subfloor & Tool Demonstrations and Floor Finishes Demonstrations and were by CFA/FITA/NICF.


From moisture measurement tools to underlay, there were demonstrations to suit every professional, from all areas of the flooring industry.


The Tiling Show also hosted demonstrations in Hall Q, organised by The Tile Association.


THE WONDERS


OF WOOL You couldn’t walk 100 yards without spotting a reference to wool at the Flooring Show. From sheep cupcakes to ladies spinning wool into yarn, there were plenty of spectacles all highlighting the importance of wool.


THE PARTY OF THE YEAR! After a long first day of exhibiting, visitors and exhibitors all joined together in The King Suite to wind down with drinks and canapés. But, it was F. Ball who stole the show as they really did make some noise about their new yellow bucket, as you can see:


Martin Curtis, Chairman of the Wool Carpet Focus Group (WCFG), and his team of wool supporters, were keen to raise awareness of wool at the Show. The group’s main aim this year was to promote the “abilities” of wool: “breathability”, “bouncebackability”, “cleanability” and “unflammability.” The group’s scientist, Dr Mike Madden, was on hand to show just how “unflammable” wool is. Tomorrow’s Contract Floors popped along to a special demonstration where Dr Madden tested wool carpet’s flame-resistant qualities by


SPOTLIGHT ON: THE FLOORING SHOW | 15


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