EDITOR’S VOICE Hello and welcome to the September issue of TCF.
For a number of years now, the major concern for the flooring industry has been the skills and labour shortage. This was heightened in the run up to Brexit and then Covid created even more barriers to attracting and training a new workforce.
The Flooring Industry Training Association (FITA) estimates that pre-pandemic around 8000 floorlayers were needed by 2023 to close this gap. With this in mind, we hear from Shaun Wadsworth, CFA and FITA Training Manager, on the opportunities available to those entering the trade and for experienced fitters. Shaun provides detailed signposting on where employees can find all the information regarding funding and grants as well as courses.
Also on this topic, Bostik discusses how continuing professional development can help to retain talent through and upskilling, enabling contractors to keep up with new developments and gain a competitive edge.
The pandemic has undoubtedly changed the ways in which training has been delivered over the past 18 months but courses are now able to take place face to face enabling trainees to get hands on with products once again. While digital networking platforms have enabled us to keep connected at a distance, nothing beats meeting in person and as trade shows are now able to go ahead, The Flooring Show is making a welcome return to Harrogate this month.
We’ll be on stand B56 at the show so do come and say hello.
I hope you enjoy the issue. ® Sarah Robinson, Editor Registered in England & Wales No: 06786728 CONTENTS COVER STORY 14
THE ‘NO TIME TO WAIT’ LVT ADHESIVE
F. Ball and Co. Ltd. introduces new Styccobond F58 PLUS, a fast-drying, fibre-reinforced, pressure sensitive adhesive that is ideal for the installation of LVT.
REGULARS
04 16
24
WHAT’S NEW? The latest news and product
launches from across the flooring industry.
MAKEOVER OF THE MONTH:
A REFINED CHOICE Forbo Flooring Systems’ portfolio has helped to redefine student accommodation in Leeds.
VINYL & LVT
HIGH DESIGN AND VALUE
twitter.com/TContractFloors
IVC Commercial luxury vinyl tiles have been specified at a high-profile exclusive apartment development in Manchester.
TRAINING 32
TAKE THE LEAD Flooring contractors must
consider training as an ongoing part of the job that lasts a life time – not only to keep up with new developments but to gain a competitive edge, says Bostik.
COMMERCIAL CARPET
42 46
VERY INSPIRING Interface provides nature-
inspired sustainable flooring for a leading online retailer.
FEATURES
IT’S SHOWTIME After a year hiatus, The Flooring
Show is making a welcome return to Harrogate Convention Centre from 19-21 September 2021. We have the lowdown on what to expect.
EDITOR‘S VOICE | 03
Opus Business Media, Zurich House, Hulley Road, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK10 2SF Email:
info@opusbm.co.uk ISSN 2059-979X Tel: 01625 426054
www.tomorrowscontractfloors.co.uk
This publication is copyright Opus Business Media Ltd and may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form in whole or in part without the prior written permission of Opus Business Media Ltd. While every care has been taken during the preparation of this magazine, Opus Business Media Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of the information herein or for any consequence arising from it. The publisher does not necessarily agree with the views and opinions expressed by contributors.
TCF CONTACTS
EDITORIAL EDITOR Sarah Robinson
sarah@opusbm.co.uk
ADVERTISING
ACCOUNT MANAGER Paul Turner
paul@opusbm.co.uk
PRODUCTION
PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Hannah Wilkinson
hannah@opusbm.co.uk
DESIGNER Nigel Rice
nigel@opusbm.co.uk
DESIGNER Daniel Etheridge
daniel@opusbm.co.uk
CEO
Mark Hanson
mark@opusbm.co.uk
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