The UK Flooring Podcast

In this episode of The UK Flooring Podcast, Tom sits down with Danny Stenhouse for a proper honest conversation about life, business, flooring, social media and the lessons you only learn the hard way.Danny shares his story from growing up on Pottery Lane in York, building resilience through a tough upbringing, working in youth support, becoming an estate agent, and eventually finding his way into wood floor sanding almost by accident.What follows is a brilliant, funny and very real conversation about starting with second-hand machines, learning from mistakes, building a reputation, dealing with online negativity, and using social media properly to grow a flooring business.This episode is full of honesty, humour and valuable lessons for anyone in the flooring trade who is trying to build something of their own.What You'll Learn in This EpisodeHow Danny went from youth work and estate agency into floor sanding.Why his first business name, Hands On Deck, caused a few unexpected problems with Google searches.How he built his first sanding set-up using old machines, second-hand gear and a lot of trial and error.The importance of asking for help from people who know more than you.Why Danny credits people like Ben Osborn, Dave Butterworth, Dave Watson and Vernon for helping shape his journey.How learning the hard way can make you better when you finally get the right kit.Why Danny moved from trying to grow a team back to working alone, and why that suits him better.How becoming a dad changed his priorities, his habits and the way he runs his business.Why social media can be both toxic and incredibly powerful for flooring businesses.How Danny gets strong traction from reels by being consistent, watching what works and not being afraid to put himself out there.Why customers often feel like they know you before they ever pick up the phone.The dangers of making assumptions about people based on social media or group chats.The biggest mistake Danny made on a job, involving an engineered floor, dog urine and one very intimidating customer.Why watching your overheads is one of the best pieces of business advice you can follow.Memorable Quote“Don't fall on your sword. Don't die on a hill. It's okay to be wrong.”Speaker InformationGuest: Danny Stenhouse, also known as Danny Sandhouse Danny runs Sandhouse Floor Sanding and has built a strong reputation for high-quality wood floor sanding, restoration and finishing. Known for his creative approach, honest personality and strong social media presence, Danny has grown his business through graft, consistency, learning from others and being himself online.Host: Tom Cockerill Tom is the co-founder of Cockerill & Co and host of The UK Flooring Podcast, where he speaks to people across the flooring industry about business, lessons, mistakes, growth and the real stories behind the trade.Where to Find The UK Flooring PodcastWatch or listen to The UK Flooring Podcast on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this solo episode of The UK Flooring Podcast, Tom shares a quickfire sales masterclass for flooring retailers and contractors who feel busy, but not necessarily more profitable.After admitting that a previous sales masterclass recording never made it out as planned, Tom turns it into a practical audio session packed with advice for flooring businesses that already know their trade, but need to sharpen how they sell, follow up and deliver a better customer experience.Tom breaks down why being busy is not always the same as being profitable, why flooring businesses need better systems, and how retailers can stop leaving sales to chance. From CRM systems and follow-up processes to customer service, speed, confidence and perceived value, this episode is a reminder that small changes in the sales process can make a massive difference.What You'll Learn in This EpisodeHow to stop relying on the “golden egg” and start improving execution.Why turnover does not always mean profit.How CRM systems can help flooring retailers create repeatable sales processes.Why customers are looking for clarity, consistency, speed and a smile.How to ask better questions before showing products.Why flooring retailers should sell the outcome, not just the flooring.How speed can help win jobs before momentum dies.Why smiling on the phone can genuinely change the tone of a call.How to deal with price objections without immediately discounting.Why follow-up is one of the biggest missed opportunities in flooring retail.How to measure sales performance and improve conversion rates.Memorable Quote“The fortune is in the follow-up.”Speaker InformationThis episode is hosted by Tom Cockerill from Cockerill & Co. Tom works with flooring retailers and contractors to help them improve sales, operations, profitability and the overall customer experience. Having visited hundreds of flooring shops and trained retailers of all sizes, Tom shares what he sees working, what is holding businesses back, and where flooring companies can tighten up their sales process.For one-to-one support or free training, Tom can be contacted at:tom@cockerillandco.co.ukWhere to Find The UK Flooring PodcastListen to The UK Flooring Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube.New episodes feature conversations, advice and honest insight for flooring retailers, contractors, fitters, suppliers and anyone looking to grow a better flooring business. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special episode of The UK Flooring Podcast, Tom and Sarah revisit one of their favourite conversations with Paul Mort.This episode goes far beyond business. Paul talks openly about personal development, mental health, responsibility, family, purpose, confidence, marketing, criticism, and what it really takes to change the way you feel and live.It is honest, funny, raw and, at times, properly emotional. From the early days of Tom attending one of Paul's events in Newcastle, to Paul's journey building a movement, this conversation is packed with stories, hard truths and the kind of straight-talking advice that sticks with you.What You'll Learn in This EpisodeWhy Tom and Sarah credit Paul Mort with having such a big impact on their journey.How Paul explains the idea that you are more in control of how you feel than you might think.Why so many people struggle because they know what they want to escape from, but not what they want to move towards.The importance of having a vision for the future that actually excites you.Why Paul believes life is built around experiences, growth and impact.How doing difficult things can build confidence, even when you do them scared.Why getting criticism online is part of putting yourself out there.Paul's blunt take on marketing, social media, paid ads and knowing your numbers.Why business owners need to stop chasing “cheap high quality leads” and start understanding value.How belief in your own offer changes the way you sell.Why Paul wants to grow his programme, his impact and the movement around what he does.Memorable Quote“Questions are the steering wheel of the mind.”Speaker InformationPaul Mort is a speaker, author, coach and personal development figure known for his direct, no-nonsense approach to helping people take responsibility for their life, their mindset and their future.In this episode, Paul shares stories from his own life, his work with business owners, his events, his family, his physical challenges and his mission to help people stop feeling stuck.Where to Find The UK Flooring PodcastListen to The UK Flooring Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.You can also watch episodes on the Cockerill & Co YouTube channel.Follow The UK Flooring Podcast and Cockerill & Co on social media for more episodes, clips and updates from across the flooring industry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The UK Flooring Podcast, Tom sits down with Paul McMaster from Carpets & Flooring 2 You in Bishop Auckland for an honest conversation about retail, ambition, service, mistakes, family, and why bigger is not always better.Paul has spent 27 years in the flooring trade, working across retail, wholesale and sales before joining forces with his long-time friend and business partner Richard. Together, they have built a flooring business that works for their lives, not the other way round.This episode digs into the reality of running a flooring shop in a local market, learning what products suit your customers, dealing with mistakes properly, and the value of repeat business built through service rather than constant advertising.Paul also shares why he stepped away from the “golden handcuffs”, how Covid shifted his thinking, what he learnt from years on the road as a rep, and why being time rich matters just as much as making money.What You'll Learn in This EpisodeHow Paul went from wholesale and sales into running a retail flooring business.Why having the right business partner can give you more freedom, balance and peace of mind.Why opening more shops is not always the right move, even when growth looks tempting.The lessons Paul learnt from trying higher-end products that did not suit his local market.Why service, repeat business and word of mouth are still some of the strongest tools in flooring retail.The difference between selling and telling when customers walk into your showroom.Why flooring retailers need to ask better questions instead of leaving customers to “just have a look around”.How mistakes can actually strengthen customer relationships when you respond quickly and take responsibility.Why floor preparation matters so much with laminate, click LVT and stick-down products.The story behind the Northern Flooring Alliance and why relaxed, face-to-face networking still matters.Memorable Quote“Reining in your ambition isn't a bad thing.”Speaker InformationGuest: Paul McMasterBusiness: Carpets & Flooring 2 YouLocation: Bishop AucklandWebsite: https://www.carpets2youltd.co.uk/Carpets & Flooring 2 You is based at 5a St Helens Way, St Helens, Bishop Auckland, and offers carpets, vinyl, laminates and LVT.Paul runs the business with his business partner Richard. Their approach is built around service, honesty, repeat business and creating a working life that still leaves room for family.Where to Find The UK Flooring PodcastListen to more episodes of The UK Flooring Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube.Follow along for more honest conversations with flooring retailers, fitters, suppliers and industry leaders across the UK. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The UK Flooring Podcast, Tom sits down with Luke Crooks, Managing Director of Solent Wholesale Carpets, an independent flooring wholesaler based on the South Coast.Luke shares the story of how his grandfather moved south after the war, started with carpet shops, and eventually built the wholesale business that the family still runs today. He talks about what it takes to stay relevant in a changing market, why service still matters more than being the cheapest, and how Solent has built a reputation for helping retailers, contractors and fitters when they need stock, support and answers quickly.This is a brilliant conversation for anyone in flooring who has ever felt the pressure of price, stock, supplier relationships, customer expectations or the temptation to chase every possible direction in business.What You'll Learn in This Episode:How Solent Wholesale Carpets started as a family business nearly 60 years agoWhy wholesalers have had to adapt as retailers gained more direct access to manufacturersWhy Luke believes service, stock and reliability often matter more than saving a few poundsHow Solent supports customers with fast delivery, WhatsApp support and practical problem-solvingWhy flooring retailers should think carefully before filling their showroom with too many branded standsThe three non-negotiables Luke would focus on if he opened a flooring shopWhy sales skills matter just as much as flooring knowledge in retailHow debranding products can help retailers protect margin and reduce price comparisonWhy fitters, retailers, contractors and wholesalers often think the grass is greener elsewhereHow Solent handled Covid, supplier payments, stock challenges and customer demandWhy paying for good advice can save money in the long runWhat is next for Solent, including expansion into South EssexMemorable Quote:“Buying from a wholesaler is not all about price, it's about service.”Speaker Information:Luke CrooksManaging Director, Solent Wholesale CarpetsSolent Wholesale Carpets are an independently owned flooring wholesaler based in Chichester, supplying carpets, vinyl, LVT, wood, laminate, carpet tiles, underlay and accessories to the trade. Their website states they hold over 500,000 sqm of stock, with most products available next day across the South of England and within three days nationwide.Website: https://www.solentwholesale.com/Instagram: @solent_wholesaleFacebook: Solent Wholesale CarpetsWhere to Find The UK Flooring Podcast:Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/59DLhGPVKNtVoS656EYtxqListen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-uk-flooring-podcast/id1606720642Visit The UK Flooring Podcast website: https://theukflooringpodcast.co.uk/Watch on YouTube via Cockerill & Co: https://www.youtube.com/@cockerillco6141The UK Flooring Podcast is hosted by Tom and Sarah Cockerill and shares stories, lessons and honest conversations from across the UK flooring industry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The UK Flooring Podcast, Tom is joined by John Beamson, also known as The CEO Adventurer, for a brutally honest conversation about business, accountability, resilience and why so many people want the big results without doing the simple things properly.From missed meetings and unreturned calls to poor follow-up, weak priorities and avoiding uncomfortable conversations, Tom and John dig into the basics that separate those who move forward from those who stay stuck.They also talk about Make or Break, challenging yourself properly, John's 3 Peaks, 3 Pots documentary, and why doing hard things in life often exposes the same habits that are holding you back in business.What You'll Learn in This EpisodeWhy the basics still matter more than most business owners realise.How missed calls, missed meetings and poor follow-up can cost you real money.Why people often chase big ideas while ignoring simple actions.The link between accountability, confidence and business growth.Why discomfort is often the thing that forces genuine progress.How Tom and John use challenge events to help people confront their own limits.Why doing hard things is not about ego, it is about building standards.Memorable Quote“How you do anything is how you do everything.”Speaker InformationJohn Beamson is The CEO Adventurer, working with CEOs, business owners and leaders through outdoor challenges, leadership development, mindset work and resilience coaching. His documentary, 3 Peaks, 3 Pots, follows an extreme challenge combining Britain's peaks and cave systems, using adventure as a metaphor for pressure, fear, business and life.You can find John here:Website: www.ceoadventurer.comDocumentary: 3 Peaks, 3 PotsLinkedIn: John BeamsonInstagram: @theceoadventurerWhere to Find The UK Flooring PodcastListen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or watch on the Cockerill & Co YouTube channel.The UK Flooring Podcast is produced by Cockerill & Co and is dedicated to sharing honest conversations, business lessons and real stories from across the flooring industry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The UK Flooring Podcast, Tom is joined by Matt Brindley from Rethink Drink for a frank conversation about alcohol, stress, business growth and the habits that quietly hold people back.This is not a preachy episode about never drinking again. It is a proper look at the grey area many business owners find themselves in, where alcohol is not necessarily destroying their life, but it may be taking more from them than they realise.Matt explains how alcohol can become a tool for switching off, dealing with stress, handling social situations or marking the end of a difficult day. The problem is, when that tool becomes the default, it can start to affect confidence, energy, family life, decision-making and the opportunities you actually take in business.Tom and Matt discuss the difference between enjoying a drink and relying on it, why willpower alone often does not work, and how changing your environment and routine can make a bigger difference than simply trying harder.They also talk about The Sinclair Method, grey area drinking, binge drinking, and why some people may need a more structured, medically supported route to getting their drinking back under control.What You'll Learn in This EpisodeHow alcohol can quietly affect business growth, even if things look fine on the outside.Why “grey area drinking” is so common among high-performing business owners and professionals.The warning signs that drinking may have moved from enjoyment into dependency.Why stress, social situations and the need to decompress can become triggers.How routines, environment and pattern interrupts can help reduce the pull of alcohol.Why simply sitting in the same place, doing the same thing, but trying not to drink is often the wrong approach.How missed opportunities, lower confidence and poor energy can impact your business over time.What The Sinclair Method is and why Matt believes more people need to know it exists.Memorable Quote“Environment overpowers willpower every single time.”Speaker InformationGuest: Matt BrindleyCompany: Rethink DrinkWebsite: https://www.rethinkdrink.co.uk/Matt Brindley is a coach working with Rethink Drink, supporting people through The Sinclair Method, a medication-assisted approach designed to help people change their relationship with alcohol. In this episode, Matt shares both professional insight and his own personal experience of trying to get a handle on drinking.Where to Find The UK Flooring PodcastSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/59DLhGPVKNtVoS656EYtxqApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-uk-flooring-podcast/id1606720642YouTube: Cockerill & Cohttps://www.youtube.com/@cockerillco6141Cockerill & Co: https://www.cockerillandco.co.uk/The UK Flooring Podcast: https://theukflooringpodcast.co.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of The UK Flooring Podcast sits down with Scott Wolters, Sales Director at Egger Building & Flooring UK & Ireland, for a proper look at sales, distribution, product knowledge and what flooring retailers really need from the brands they work with.Scott shares his journey from business and marketing graduate to sales leadership, including his time helping build Egger's flooring activity in North America and his return to the UK to rebuild and refocus the sales team. He talks honestly about culture, loyalty, saying no, and why experience matters when you're building a team that understands the flooring industry properly.A big part of the conversation focuses on Egger's flooring offer, how the brand works through distribution, and why Scott believes retailers need more than just a stand full of samples. They need product knowledge, support, training, strong point of sale, clear routes to market, and a brand that protects the retailer rather than competing against them directly.Scott also explains why laminate still needs to be sold properly, especially when it comes to understanding water resistance, specification, product benefits and how to give customers the confidence to choose the right floor.What You'll Learn in This Episode:Why Scott believes culture and people are one of Egger's biggest strengths.How Egger supports flooring retailers through distribution across the UK and Ireland.Why product knowledge is so important when selling laminate and hard flooring.The difference between DIY, online and retail distribution routes.Why retailers need brands that protect their business, not just supply products.How Scott rebuilt the sales team after a major change in personnel.Why experienced people matter in flooring sales.The importance of saying no, setting boundaries and not promising what you cannot deliver.What Scott would do if he opened his own flooring shop.Why a focused range, strong product knowledge and reliable service can help a retailer stand out.Memorable Quote:“Don't promise something you can't deliver. People respect honesty more than excuses.”Speaker Information:Scott Wolters is Sales Director at Egger Building & Flooring UK & Ireland. He has spent over 12 years with Egger, working across flooring, building products and international markets, including four years in North America helping develop Egger's flooring activity in the United States and Canada. In this episode, Scott talks about sales leadership, distribution, retailer support and Egger's ambition to grow its branded flooring products through the retail sector.Where to Find The UK Flooring Podcast:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6Qqg3VhMgz6QfVZzLRn7YfApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-uk-flooring-podcast/id1606838547YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheUKFlooringPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of The UK Flooring Podcast welcomes Amanda “Panda” Ford, founder of The Financial Planning Club, for a practical look at how understanding different personalities can improve the way you sell, communicate and manage people.Amanda introduces Insights Discovery, a psychometric profiling tool that uses four colour energies to explain how people prefer to communicate, receive information and make decisions.Some customers want every detail about the flooring, preparation and installation process. Others simply want the price, the timescale and a clear answer. Treating both customers in exactly the same way can create friction, lose trust and potentially cost you the job.Amanda explains how flooring professionals can begin spotting different communication styles from the questions customers ask, the language they use and even the way they enter a showroom. The goal is not to label people or completely change your personality. It is to recognise when your usual approach may need adjusting.The conversation also explores the value of surrounding yourself with other business owners. Amanda shares an outsider's perspective on the flooring industry and explains why the community inside the Cockerill & Co Alliance is so valuable, regardless of whether someone is working alone from a van or running a seven-figure company.What You'll Learn in This EpisodeHow Insights Discovery uses four colour energies to explain communication preferencesWhy some customers demand detail while others only want the price and timescaleHow to identify different personality styles during surveys, quotations and showroom conversationsWhy listening and asking better questions can improve your sales processHow to adapt quotations and information packs for different types of customersWhy your natural communication style may connect with some people but alienate othersHow better self-awareness can improve customer service, leadership and teamworkWhy business owners need a supportive community outside their own companyMemorable Quote“Once you know about yourself, you then start to understand other people.”Speaker InformationAmanda “Panda” Ford is the founder of The Financial Planning Club and a qualified Insights Discovery practitioner. She helps individuals and teams understand how they communicate, respond to situations and work with people who think differently.Where to Find The UK Flooring PodcastListen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.Follow The UK Flooring Podcast on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn and YouTube for new episodes, clips and flooring industry conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The UK Flooring Podcast, Tom sits down with Dean Smith, owner of DCS Flooring Limited, for an honest conversation about growing a commercial flooring business, stepping away from the tools and finding a better balance between work and family life.Dean shares how he followed his dad into flooring after leaving college, before choosing a different route and building a business focused mainly on commercial projects.However, years of fitting demanding floors during the day, quoting at night and carrying the pressure of running a business began to take its toll. Dean found himself physically exhausted, struggling to make the numbers work and bringing the stress of the business home with him.That pressure eventually contributed to the breakdown of his relationship and forced him to reconsider what he wanted from his business and his life.Dean explains how taking on more fitters and coming off the tools helped him regain control. Although the transition was difficult, and the work initially struggled to catch up with the size of the team, it allowed him to focus on winning projects, managing the business and spending more time with his children.The conversation also explores the realities of managing employees, staying organised, using AI and automation, and why business owners can become so focused on systems that they forget the basic task of bringing new work through the door.What You'll Learn in This EpisodeHow Dean progressed from working alongside his dad to running DCS Flooring LimitedWhy he chose commercial flooring instead of following his dad into domestic retailThe physical and emotional impact of fitting floors while trying to run a businessHow business pressure affected Dean's relationship and family lifeWhy working harder did not necessarily mean making more moneyThe challenges of employing people before the workload has caught upWhy getting off the tools became a major turning pointHow Dean keeps his team happy through fairness, good pay and sensible working hoursWhy every employee is motivated by something differentHow early mornings help Dean complete his most important workWhy enjoying your job is often a choice rather than something that simply happensHow Dean uses ChatGPT, CRM systems and an AI receptionist in the businessThe risks of automating too much of the customer journeyWhy systems and processes can become a distraction from salesDean's plans to grow the company without losing the freedom he has createdMemorable Quote“We can all go to work and earn money, but ultimately you need to go to work and enjoy yourself.”Speaker InformationDean Smith is the owner of DCS Flooring Limited, a commercial flooring contractor based in Leicestershire.After spending much of his career fitting floors himself, Dean is now focused on growing his team, improving the company's systems and building a business that gives him more control, freedom and time with his family.Follow DCS Flooring Limited on Instagram:@dcsflooringltdVisit the DCS Flooring website:www.dcsflooringltd.co.ukWhere to Find The UK Flooring PodcastListen to The UK Flooring Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, or watch the latest episodes through the Cockerill & Co YouTube channel.Follow The UK Flooring Podcast on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and LinkedIn for new episodes, clips and conversations from across the flooring industry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The UK Flooring Podcast, Tom is joined by David Wilkinson, performance coach at Cockerill & Co, to unpack five challenges he repeatedly sees holding flooring business owners back.From making decisions based on emotion to undercharging, avoiding team meetings and chasing growth without knowing why, David explains how these patterns quietly affect profitability, leadership and life outside the business.They also challenge one of the biggest myths in business: that everything will eventually become easy. Running a business will always bring pressure, difficult decisions and setbacks. The aim is not to remove every challenge, but to become better equipped to deal with them.The conversation also explores the role of performance coaching, not just for struggling business owners, but for ambitious operators who are already doing well and want to unlock the next level without simply working longer hours.What You'll Learn in This EpisodeWhy emotionally reactive decisions can damage your businessHow frustration can push owners back onto the toolsWhy confidence and self-worth often affect pricingThe importance of regular team meetings and clear communicationWhy cancelling meetings sends the wrong message to your teamHow to decide whether a showroom or larger business is right for youWhy growth should support the life you wantThe difference between being busy and being productiveWhy creating space to think can improve decision-makingWhy business is unlikely to become completely easyHow performance coaching can improve confidence, focus and leadershipHow successful operators can reach a higher level without burning outMemorable Quote“Stop looking for it to be easy, because when you think it should be easy and it isn't, you think there's something wrong.”Speaker InformationDavid Wilkinson is a mental performance coach at Cockerill & Co. He works with flooring business owners to manage pressure, improve decision-making, develop leadership skills and perform more effectively in both business and life.Where to Find The UK Flooring PodcastListen to The UK Flooring Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube.Follow The UK Flooring Podcast on social media for new episodes, clips and practical advice for flooring professionals. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Separation and divorce do not stay neatly contained at home. They affect your concentration, decision-making, mental health, attendance and ability to perform at work.In this episode of The UK Flooring Podcast, Tom sits down with breakup and divorce coach Paul Naisbitt to discuss the personal and commercial impact of relationship breakdowns.Paul shares his own experience of leaving an abusive and controlling relationship, navigating the family court system and rebuilding his life. He also explains how that experience led him to become a qualified Breakup and Divorce Coach and McKenzie Friend, helping others find clarity during one of the most difficult periods of their lives.The conversation explores what business owners should look out for when a normally reliable team member begins acting out of character, why the traditional “pull yourself together” approach rarely works, and how compassion and flexibility can protect both the individual and the business.Paul also explains the practical realities of divorce, including mediation, court proceedings, financial disclosure, business ownership and the importance of building the right support network early.What You'll Learn in This EpisodeHow relationship breakdowns can affect productivity, attendance and decision-makingThe warning signs that someone may be struggling at homeWhy business owners need a plan for supporting employees through divorce or separationHow divorce coaching differs from legal adviceWhat a McKenzie Friend does during family court proceedingsWhy contacting a solicitor for every emotional concern can become extremely expensiveThe importance of communication, trusted support and early interventionHow abusive and controlling relationships can affect mental healthWhy separating couples should understand the process before making major decisionsHow supporting an employee properly can improve loyalty and reduce disruptionMemorable Quote“Get that support system in place as early as possible.”Speaker InformationPaul Naisbitt is a certified Breakup and Divorce Coach specialising in complex separation, family conflict, domestic abuse, coercive relationships and emotional recovery.Drawing on professional training and his own lived experience, Paul offers practical and emotional support to people navigating separation, divorce and the family court system. He also provides McKenzie Friend support for individuals representing themselves in court.Website: https://www.paulnaisbittcoaching.com/Instagram: @paulnaisbittcoachingLinkedIn: Paul NaisbittWhere to Find The UK Flooring PodcastListen on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/1J0C46dPKgSic5p0n8wK5KListen on Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-uk-flooring-podcast/id1609466551Watch on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@CockerillandCo Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of The UK Flooring Podcast sits down with Jack and Harry from Robert George Limited for a proper behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to run a fast-moving commercial flooring business.From starting during Covid to delivering hundreds of retail and commercial projects across the UK, Jack and Harry talk openly about the pressure, pace and problems that come with working in retail flooring, supermarkets, London Underground stations, and short-notice commercial environments.This is a great episode for anyone in flooring who thinks growth is just about “getting more work”. Because as the lads explain, more work also means more logistics, more cash flow pressure, more moving parts, and more responsibility when something goes wrong.One of the strongest parts of the conversation is around getting off the tools. Harry explains why selling the van helped force the shift from fitter to business owner, and why half-measures rarely work when you're trying to change your role in the company.There's also a brilliant conversation about fear of failure, cash flow, factoring, building a supply chain before you need it, and why knowing what you actually want from your business matters more than just saying you want to grow.What You'll Learn in This Episode:How Jack and Harry started Robert George Limited during CovidWhy retail and supermarket flooring moves at such a fast paceWhat makes London Underground flooring work so difficult operationallyHow short engineering hours can turn a simple job into a major logistical challengeWhy doing 800 smaller jobs a year brings a different kind of pressureHow they build a UK-wide supply chain before the work landsWhy cash flow becomes one of the biggest challenges when a commercial flooring business growsThe pros and cons of using factoring to manage payments and protect the businessWhy getting off the tools often requires a proper decision, not a slow driftHow Harry forced the change by getting rid of the vanWhy more jobs can mean more complaints, even if the percentage of issues stays the sameHow Jack and Harry think about reputation, standards and fixing problems quicklyWhy bringing in the right people matters when you want to move into bigger projectsThe importance of knowing whether you actually want more money, more freedom, more time, or something else entirelyMemorable Quote: “Building your supply chain before you actually need it is key.”Speaker Information:Jack and Harry Robert George Limited Website: https://www.robertgeorge.co.uk LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/robert-george-limited/Where to Find The UK Flooring Podcast:Website: https://theukflooringpodcast.co.uk/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/59DLhGPVKNtVoS656EYtxq Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-uk-flooring-podcast/id1606720642 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theukflooringpodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theukflooringpodcast/I've kept the podcast links clean, with no ChatGPT tracking tags or extra parameters. Spotify and Apple links were checked against current public listings for The UK Flooring Podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of The UK Flooring Podcast is a quick-fire chat with Tom and Martyn, breaking down what flooring business owners need to think about if they ever plan to sell.And the big message is simple: if you wait until you're ready to sell, you've probably already left it too late.Tom shares his own experience of selling flooring businesses, while Martyn explains what actually drives value from a buyer's point of view. It's not just about how much profit the business makes. It's about whether the business can run without you, whether the numbers are clean, whether the systems are in place, and whether a buyer can trust what they're buying.They also get into some of the uncomfortable but important stuff, including cash payments, add backs, owner dependency, customer concentration, legal costs, and why proper non-compete agreements matter when a sale goes through.What You'll Learn in This Episode:Why preparing to sell your business should start years before you actually want to exit.How profit multipliers affect the value of a flooring business.Why cash jobs and messy accounts can damage the value of your business.What “add backs” are, and how they can affect the final sale price.Why a business that depends too heavily on the owner is harder to sell.The importance of systems, processes, and written ways of working.Why relying on one or two major customers can make your business feel risky to a buyer.What legal costs and non-compete agreements can look like in a small business sale.Why getting your house in order now can make a huge difference later.Memorable Quote:“If you are your business, then that multiplier is going to be pretty low.”Speaker Information:This episode features Tom and Martyn from Cockerill & Co, sharing practical advice for flooring business owners who may be thinking about selling in the future. Drawing on real experience from business sales and consultancy work, they explain what buyers look for, what reduces value, and what owners can do now to build a more saleable business. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The UK Flooring Podcast, Tom dives into one of the biggest missed opportunities in many flooring businesses: the website.A lot of flooring companies have had a website built, left it alone for years, and hoped it still does the job. But as Tom explains, getting people to find you, trust you, and actually make an enquiry is getting harder. Your website cannot just sit there looking pretty. It needs to work.This episode is not about flashy design for the sake of it. It is about the practical things that help turn website visitors into real enquiries: better photos, clearer copy, stronger calls to action, working links, contact forms that actually collect the right information, and follow-up systems that make the customer feel looked after from the first click.Tom also talks through why flooring businesses should think carefully about the platform their website is built on, why stock images can make your business look less trustworthy, and how linking your website to a CRM or WhatsApp can completely change the way you handle leads.Because the truth is, if your competitors look sharper, respond faster, and build trust quicker, they are giving the customer more reasons to choose them, even if they are more expensive.What You'll Learn in This Episode:Why a website built five years ago might not be doing enough for your business now.Why Tom recommends using flexible platforms like WordPress instead of being locked into limited website builders.How poor stock imagery can weaken your website and make your flooring business look less professional.Why your photos should focus on the flooring, not just the room around it.How to make your About Us page sound more human and less robotic.Why flooring showrooms need to clearly show and say that they have a showroom.The importance of having clear calls to action on every page.Why your phone number, email address, forms, and buttons all need to work properly.How a CRM can help flooring businesses respond faster and follow up more effectively.Why request-a-callback forms can work better than basic contact forms.How automated emails, texts, videos, and appointment confirmations can build trust before you even meet the customer.Why picking up the phone quickly after an enquiry can massively improve conversion.How WhatsApp Business can be a useful option for trades who are busy on the tools.Why social links, videos, Google reviews, and recent content all support customer trust.Why premium customers will often do their research before choosing who to spend money with.Memorable Quote:“If you put all these client touch points in place first and then worry about your pricing second, the people that have done this are getting more money for less jobs with less hassle.”Speaker Information:Tom Cockerill is co-founder of Cockerill & Co and co-host of The UK Flooring Podcast. In this episode, he shares practical advice for flooring retailers, fitters, and business owners who want their website to bring in better enquiries, improve trust, and help them stand out online. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of The UK Flooring Podcast sits down with Natalie Remington from Remington Flooring for a refreshingly honest chat about family, business, boundaries, and what success actually looks like when you're trying to build a life, not just a company.Natalie shares how she went from a career in theatre design, working across set, costume, props and creative production, into running Remington Flooring alongside her husband Geoff. What started as helping with invoicing has grown into managing almost everything behind the scenes, from quoting and ordering to bookkeeping, marketing, client visits and business development.A big theme in this episode is work-life balance, especially for family-run flooring businesses. Natalie and Tom get into the pressure to work evenings, weekends and Sundays, and why setting boundaries is not lazy, it is often what makes a business sustainable. They talk honestly about school runs, family time, admin at the kitchen table, and the reality of trying to run a successful business without letting it take over your life.Natalie also opens up about stepping outside her comfort zone, taking part in Make or Break after seeing Geoff complete it, and how that experience helped her realise she could do difficult things, including finally saying yes to coming on the podcast.The episode also touches on Remington Flooring's future plans, including growing their sanding and refinishing work, investing in proper training and machinery, exploring micro cement, and potentially bringing another apprentice into the business.What You'll Learn in This Episode:How Natalie moved from theatre design into the flooring industry.What it really looks like to run the back end of a family flooring business.Why working seven days a week is not the only route to success.How boundaries around evenings, weekends and school runs can protect both your business and your family.Why flexibility is one of the biggest benefits of being self-employed.How involving your children in the business can teach them valuable lessons.What Natalie and Geoff got from Make or Break, and why doing hard things can change your confidence.Why Remington Flooring is focusing more on sanding, refinishing and specialist flooring services.What's next for the business, including micro cement and possible apprenticeship growth.Memorable Quote:“If that's the price of success, then you can stick it up your arse.”Speaker Information:Natalie Remington is part of Remington Flooring, a family-run flooring business based in Wiltshire. Alongside her husband Geoff, Natalie helps run the business behind the scenes, covering everything from client visits and estimating to ordering, bookkeeping and marketing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of The UK Flooring Podcast sits down with Steve Jones, founder of Billy Bot AI, for a proper deep dive into how artificial intelligence is already changing the flooring industry.Steve has spent 20 years in flooring, running his own flooring business before spending the last year building AI software specifically for flooring companies. In this episode, he explains why AI is no longer just a tool for writing emails or tidying up a bit of copy. Used properly, it can help flooring businesses handle admin, build quotes, manage customer information, create documents, respond to enquiries, and save serious time behind the scenes.Tom and Steve get into the real opportunities, but also the risks. They discuss where AI can help, where human interaction still matters, why customer-facing AI can go wrong, and why businesses that ignore it completely could end up being left behind.What You'll Learn in This Episode:Why most flooring businesses are only scratching the surface with AIHow AI can help with admin, emails, quotes, documents and customer follow-upWhy flooring-specific knowledge matters when using AI toolsThe difference between basic AI prompts and proper AI systemsWhy using several disconnected pieces of software can create more problemsHow AI could become the central “brain” of a flooring businessWhy customer conversations still need a human touchWhat happened when Tom used too much automation in a flooring inspections businessWhy estimators and admin-heavy roles could be the first to changeHow AI can help businesses become more productive without simply replacing peopleWhy Steve believes flooring businesses that ignore AI will fall behindWhat Billy Bot AI is, and how it has been built specifically for flooring companiesMemorable Quote:“AI should not be used to make you lazy. It should be used to make you more productive.”Speaker Information:Steve Jones is the founder of Billy Bot AI and has worked in the flooring industry for around 20 years. After running his own flooring business, he has spent the last year building AI software designed specifically for flooring companies, using his industry knowledge to help businesses reduce admin, improve quoting, and manage day-to-day operations more efficiently. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of The UK Flooring Podcast is all about The Flooring Show at Harrogate, and why turning up without a plan could mean missing the best opportunities in the room.Tom talks through why trade shows are more than just a day out or a catch-up with familiar faces. With the right approach, they can help flooring businesses build better supplier relationships, discover new products, meet useful people, and come away with ideas that genuinely improve the business.The episode also introduces the new Flooring Forum, a live conversation area at The Flooring Show designed to bring together some of the most interesting voices in the industry. Rather than boring lectures or polished sales pitches, the aim is to create proper conversations around the subjects that matter: cash flow, AI, marketing, pricing, product innovation, competition, and where the flooring market is heading next.What You'll Learn in This Episode:Why you should never attend a trade show without a basic planHow to decide who you want to meet before you arriveWhy booking appointments with suppliers can make the day far more valuableHow The Flooring Show can help you strengthen your industry networkWhy knowing the right people can help your business move further, fasterWhat the Flooring Forum is, and why it is being introduced at HarrogateThe kind of conversations Tom wants to bring to the stageWhy the best industry discussions should be honest, useful and far from boringHow listeners can suggest topics, guests and questions for the live forumMemorable Quote:“If you want to get something out of a trade show, don't just turn up and wander around. Go with a plan.”Speaker Information:Tom Cockerill is the co-host of The UK Flooring Podcast and co-founder of Cockerill & Co. Through the podcast, live events and business consultancy, Tom works with flooring retailers, installers and business owners to improve their marketing, systems, sales, pricing and profitability. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of The UK Flooring Podcast is a straight-talking reminder that most flooring businesses are already sitting on untapped profit, and it is not always about chasing more leads.Tom breaks down why so much money gets left on the table through old customer databases, lazy pricing habits, forgotten consumables, missed upsells, and poor follow-up. From sending regular emails to past customers, to checking your margins properly, to offering better options on underlay, door bars, waste removal, faster fitting dates and premium finishes, this episode is packed with practical ideas flooring businesses can use straight away.The message is simple: you do not always need more enquiries to make more money. Sometimes you need to make better use of the customers, jobs and opportunities already in front of you.What You'll Learn in This Episode:How your existing customer email list could become one of your most valuable marketing assetsWhy previous customers are often the easiest people to sell to againHow regular newsletters can keep your business memorable without being pushyWhy guessing your prices is costing you moneyThe importance of checking material costs, consumables, door bars, screed, DPM, staples and other small items properlyHow better pricing alone can improve profit without winning more jobsWhy upsells should be presented as helpful options, not pushy sales tacticsHow to offer upgrades on underlay, waste disposal, door bars, borders, stair bindings, finishes and faster turnaround timesWhy follow-up, Christmas cards, CRM systems and maintenance reminders can keep you front of mindMemorable Quote:“You don't always need more customers. Sometimes you're already sitting on the gold mine, you just need to start digging in the right place.”Speaker Information:Tom Cockerill is the co-host of The UK Flooring Podcast and co-founder of Cockerill & Co. Through the podcast, events and business consultancy, Tom helps flooring retailers, installers and business owners improve their systems, pricing, sales, marketing and profitability. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of The UK Flooring Podcast sits down with James Parfitt from Parfitt's Carpets & Interiors for a proper family business story spanning more than five decades in the flooring trade.James shares how he accidentally ended up in flooring after originally training as a chef, stepping into the family business when his mum needed help managing fitters, customers, stock, and the day-to-day pressure of running a busy carpet shop.From old-school ordering by phone and fax, to changing the showroom from 150 rolls of stock into a modern presentation space, James talks openly about the decisions that shaped the business, the shift from carpet-heavy sales to hard flooring, adding beds and interiors, and the challenges of planning for the next generation.There's also a powerful conversation about training, succession, family names in business, sobriety, and the lessons James wishes he had learned earlier.What You'll Learn in This Episode:How James went from chef to flooring retailer almost by accident.What it was like joining the family business during a difficult period.Why Parfitt's moved away from carrying huge stock levels.How the showroom evolved from rolls of carpet to a more modern interiors space.Why beds became a useful add-on alongside flooring.How the business shifted from around 80% carpet to more hard flooring.Why James believes fitter training should have happened much earlier.The challenges of managing accounts, wages, and back-office systems.Why business owners should think carefully before naming a company after themselves.How James is preparing his son Luke to potentially take over the business.Why James thinks training, at every stage of your career, never really stops.Memorable Quote:“You're never too old to learn.”Speaker Information:James Parfitt is part of Parfitt's Carpets & Interiors, a long-established family flooring business based in Pembroke Dock, Pembrokeshire. The business has been running for 57 years and has evolved from a traditional carpet shop into a flooring and interiors showroom, offering carpets, hard flooring, beds, and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of The UK Flooring Podcast is a very different one, as Tom Cockerill talks through one of his biggest passion projects: Make Or Break.For nearly eight years, Tom has been running Make Or Break as an immersive course designed to push people past the limits they have built in their own heads. It is not a standard business course, and it is not about sitting in a room taking notes. It is about perception, performance, mindset, pressure, honesty, and proving to yourself that you are capable of more than you think.Tom shares how his own experience on a similar course changed the way he showed up at home, at work, and in life. He also explains why Make Or Break is deliberately secretive, why attendees sign an NDA, and why the real value often comes from uncomfortable conversations, hard questions, and situations that force people to act differently.This episode also touches on Make Or Break 2, a higher-level experience created for long-standing clients who had already been through the first course. Tom explains how little information was given before the event, why trust in the process matters, and what happened when those clients were pushed to their limit and beyond.What You'll Learn in This Episode:Why Tom created Make Or Break after experiencing a similar course himself.How limiting beliefs can hold people back in business, work, family life, and confidence.Why uncomfortable situations can change your perception of what is possible.How Make Or Break is designed to improve performance, mindset, and personal standards.Why Tom believes the biggest limiting factor in most people's progress is themselves.How Make Or Break 2 pushed long-standing clients even further.Why the course is kept secretive, invitation-led, and protected by an NDA.Memorable Quote:“The only limiting factor is you.”Speaker Information:Tom Cockerill is the co-founder of Cockerill & Co, working with flooring businesses across the UK to help them grow, improve performance, build better systems, and push beyond the limits they have accepted as normal. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of The UK Flooring Podcast is episode 2 of Tom's 30 day podcast challenge, and it might ruffle a few feathers.Tom takes aim at what he calls “stand collecting”, the habit flooring retailers have of filling every spare inch of showroom space with manufacturer stands, sample books and point of sale, often without asking whether it actually helps the business.He breaks down why retail space is too valuable to waste, why customer experience should come before brand clutter, and why flooring retailers need to be much sharper about which products earn their place in the showroom.This is not about removing every brand from your shop. It is about making better decisions, doing proper due diligence, negotiating properly, using your sales data, and being ruthless with anything that has not sold for months.What You'll Learn in This Episode:Why Tom thinks “stand collecting” is one of the biggest showroom mistakes in flooringHow much showroom space can really cost you when you break it down properlyWhy customer experience often matters more than brand presenceHow to assess whether a manufacturer stand deserves space in your shopWhy retailers should visit manufacturers, meet the team and understand the product properlyHow to use CRM data and sales history before taking on new rangesWhy pricing and margin need to be worked out by your business, not guessedHow to negotiate point of sale instead of accepting the first offerWhy product positioning inside the showroom makes a differenceHow to build a better cheap, mid-range and high-end product mixWhy products that have not sold in six months should probably be removedMemorable Quote:“If you think you need every single manufacturer, you are sadly wrong.”Speaker Information:Tom is one of the voices behind The UK Flooring Podcast and a director at Cockerill & Co. In this 30 day challenge, he is sharing quick, honest and practical episodes designed to help flooring retailers, contractors and business owners sharpen up the way they run their businesses. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of The UK Flooring Podcast marks the start of something a bit different: Tom's 30 day podcast challenge.After a difficult few months dealing with an ongoing health issue, Tom is setting himself a clear target: one podcast every day for 30 days. Some will be short, some will go deeper, some may include guests, and some will be Tom on his own, talking through the real subjects that flooring business owners are facing right now.This opening episode sets the scene for the challenge, why Tom is doing it, and what listeners can expect over the next month. From earning more while working less, to showroom standards, marketing, pricing, websites, recruitment, getting off the tools, the National Flooring Awards and more, this series is designed to give flooring retailers, fitters and business owners practical ideas they can keep coming back to.What You'll Learn in This Episode:Why Tom has decided to take on a 30 day podcast challengeHow 30 and 90 day sprints can help create focus and momentumSome of the key topics coming up across the seriesWhy standards, mindset and personal performance matter in businessThe problem with “stand collecting” in flooring showroomsWhy pricing, marketing, websites and recruitment will all be coveredHow listeners can get involved by suggesting topics or joining the conversationMemorable Quote:“I'm just going to go for it. I'm going to produce 30 in 30 days, get them out and get gone.”Speaker Information:Tom is one of the voices behind The UK Flooring Podcast and a director at Cockerill & Co. Across this 30 day challenge, he'll be sharing straight-talking advice, personal experience and practical ideas for flooring businesses that want to improve, grow and think differently.Where to Find The UK Flooring Podcast:Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/59DLhGPVKNtVoS656EYtxq?si=1d8ec03552a94a3cListen on Apple Podcasts: [Insert Apple Podcasts link]Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cockerillco6141Follow The UK Flooring Podcast on social media for new episodes, clips and updates throughout the 30 day challenge. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of The UK Flooring Podcast sits down with Kelsey and Mark from UltraFloor for a proper technical chat about moisture testing, DPMs, primers, smoothing compounds, adhesives, training, and the mistakes that can turn a job into an expensive failure.Because when it comes to subfloor prep, guessing is where the problems start. Whether it's moisture, contaminants, the wrong primer, mixing brands, or not understanding what you're actually going over, the small details can make a massive difference once the floor covering goes down.Kelsey and Mark explain why more fitters should be moisture testing properly, how UltraFloor's site support works, when a DPM might be overkill, and why using one full system from the same manufacturer gives contractors far more protection if something goes wrong.One of the biggest takeaways is simple: don't wait until the floor fails to ask for help. Whether you're unsure about the subfloor, need a spec, or want training for your team, the support is there, and using it could save you a very expensive headache.What You'll Learn in This Episode:Why moisture testing is still one of the biggest gaps in flooringThe difference between moisture suppressants and epoxy DPMsWhen using a DPM on every job might be overkillWhy mixing different manufacturers' systems can leave you exposedHow to choose the right primer for porous and non-porous subfloorsWhy UltraFloor has different smoothing compounds for different situationsThe difference between bag and bottle products and water-mix compoundsWhat lignite is, and why it can cause serious floor failuresThe most common mistakes Kelsey and Mark see on siteWhy contaminants like paint, plaster and laitance need removing properlyHow UltraFloor's training academy and webinars can support contractorsWhy asking for help early is better than dealing with a failed floor laterMemorable Quote:“Moisture is definitely the most common one, but it's insufficient prep. People not asking when they get to site, what is this subfloor?”Speaker Information:Kelsey is an Area Sales Manager for UltraFloor, covering the Midlands and the East. She supports contractors on site, helps with moisture testing and specifications, and works closely with customers to make sure the right systems are being used for the right jobs.Mark is the National Key Account Manager for UltraFloor and has been with the business for eight years. His role involves working with distribution, customers and contractors, supporting technical conversations, site visits and wider product guidance across the UltraFloor range.UltraFloor provides subfloor preparation systems, including DPMs, primers, smoothing compounds and adhesives, alongside technical support, training, site visits and product guidance for flooring professionals.Where To Find The UK Flooring Podcast:Website: https://theukflooringpodcast.co.uk/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6E2SllHM89hF2tntrW0v8kApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-uk-flooring-podcast/id1585627584YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theukflooringpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of The UK Flooring Podcast sits down with Murray Biggs, founder of Woven & Woods, for a proper honest chat about retail, showroom design, customer experience, and what it really takes to build a flooring business that stands out.Murray shares how he went from working in carpet retail at 16 to opening his first showroom in Twickenham with borrowed money, limited budget, and a clear idea of what he didn't want to be. No red sale banners. No showroom packed with every stand going. No bland retail experience that looks like everyone else.Instead, Woven & Woods was built around impact, storytelling, and making the customer feel like they are in the right place before anyone has even started selling to them.The conversation gets into the thinking behind showroom layout, why too much choice can become a problem, how data helped Murray decide where to open his second showroom in Richmond, and why customer experience matters more than ever when footfall is harder to come by.It is also a very real conversation about the less glamorous side of growth: cash flow, overheads, staffing, warehousing, business partners, self-doubt, and learning how to back yourself again when business gets difficult.What You'll Learn in This Episode:How Murray started Woven & Woods with £25,000 of seed money and less than £10,000 left to build the first showroomWhy he refused to create a typical flooring shop full of manufacturer stands and sale bannersHow cheap materials, used properly, helped create a high-impact showroom with a clear identityWhy Woven & Woods limits its carpet ranges rather than trying to show everythingThe importance of using data, not just gut feeling, when opening a second showroomHow the river between Twickenham and Richmond affects customer behaviour more than you might expectWhy the first few steps inside a showroom matter, and how customers need space to settle into the environmentHow showroom design can tell a story before the sales conversation even startsWhy a messy showroom is a non-negotiable problem for MurrayHow to make flooring one of the enjoyable parts of a stressful renovation projectWhy customer experience is about much more than being friendlyThe hidden costs of running retail showrooms in London, including rent, rates, warehousing, staff, pensions, and cash flowWhy bigger businesses often come with bigger problemsThe best business advice Murray has read, and why focusing on what you are best at helped the business growThe danger of choosing the wrong business partner, even when the opportunity looks right at the timeHow a difficult year in business led Murray to question his decision-making and join Make or BreakWhy sometimes the thing holding the business back is the person running itMemorable Quote:“I would probably lose interest in the business if the business lost its wow factor to clients.”Speaker Information:Murray Biggs is the founder of Woven & Woods, a flooring and carpet retailer based in South West London, with showrooms in Twickenham and Richmond.Woven & Woods focuses on the mid to high-end residential market, helping customers choose flooring, carpets, wood flooring, and other products for homes and renovation projects. The business is known for its distinctive showroom style, carefully selected product ranges, and customer-first approach.Website: https://www.wovenandwoods.comInstagram: @wovenandwoodshttps://www.instagram.com/wovenandwoods/Facebook: @wovenandwoodshttps://www.facebook.com/wovenandwoods/Where to Find The UK Flooring Podcast:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6zBTR6F44i7E6Tp4k6t8jvApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-uk-flooring-podcast/id1668971415YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheUKFlooringPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of The UK Flooring Podcast sits down with Ben Montgomery and Peter Cohen from Veatu Flooring for a proper behind-the-scenes chat about growth, recruitment, commercial flooring, and what really happens when a business starts moving fast.Veatu Flooring started in 2019 and has grown from a small office with a handful of people into a commercial flooring business with a team of more than 20, working across sectors including schools, hospitals, residential, retail, supermarkets, tiling, hard flooring, resin, paving, and more.But as Ben and Peter explain, growth is not just about winning bigger jobs. It brings pressure, cost, cash flow demands, recruitment challenges, payment terms, tighter margins, and the need to build a structure that can actually handle the work.One of the biggest takeaways is that the team matters more than anything. Skills can be trained, but attitude, ambition, culture fit, and the willingness to graft are what keep a business moving when things get chaotic.What You'll Learn in This Episode:How Veatu Flooring started almost by accident, and grew into a fast-moving commercial flooring business.Why growth can be a good problem, but only if the business is built properly behind the scenes.The challenge of keeping standards high while materials, labour, and operating costs continue to rise.Why recruitment is about more than skills, and why the right people need to fit the culture as well as the role.How Veatu have kept a family feel as the business has grown and become part of a wider group.Why cash flow and payment terms can make or break commercial flooring businesses, especially on larger projects.The opportunities Veatu are now looking at, including Tier 1 contractors, rail, government projects, and larger commercial packages.Why the flooring industry is still so relationship-led, even as businesses get bigger and more professional.Memorable Quote:“The business is screaming at you what it needs.”Speaker InformationBen MontgomeryOperations Director, Veatu Flooringhttps://veatuflooring.com/Peter CohenOperations Manager, Veatu Flooringhttps://veatuflooring.com/Where to Find The UK Flooring Podcast:Website: https://theukflooringpodcast.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theukflooringpodcast/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theukflooringpodcast/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/59DLhGPVKNtVoS656EYtxqApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-uk-flooring-podcast/id1606720642 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of The UK Flooring Podcast welcomes back Ben from Black Duck Flooring for a proper conversation about training, growth, and what it really takes to build a flooring business that does not rely on you being everywhere at once.Ben shares how Black Duck has grown from humble beginnings, just him, a van, and one young lad, into a much bigger operation with multiple teams out on site at once. But this episode is not just about growth for the sake of it. It is about what helped make that growth possible: investing in training, building better systems, trusting good people, and being willing to learn from others instead of trying to do everything the hard way.A big part of the conversation centres around the first wood floor fitting course run with Cockerill & Co, where installers from different backgrounds got hands-on experience with plank, herringbone, borders, and proper setting out. Ben explains why practical training matters so much, why better skills lead to better jobs and better margins, and why too many people still see asking for help as a weakness when it is often the fastest way to improve.If you fit floors, manage fitters, or want to move into higher value wood floor work, this episode is packed with insight.BOOK THE WOOD FLOOR FITTING TRAINING HERE:https://www.tickettailor.com/events/cockerillco/2150757What You'll Learn in This Episode:Why training gives flooring businesses a faster route to growth, fewer mistakes, and a much better return over time.How Ben has grown Black Duck Flooring from a small operation into a business with multiple teams on site, without the wheels falling off.Why practical, hands-on training matters more than endless theory, especially when it comes to wood floor fitting.What happened on the first wood floor fitting course, including plank installation, herringbone, border work, and setting out.Why learning specialist skills like borders and herringbone can help fitters win better jobs and charge properly for high-end work.How systems, paperwork, trust, and delegation allow a business owner to step away from the tools and still keep standards high.Why so many people hold themselves back by refusing help, and why getting the right support often shortens the journey massively.What Make or Break, Flooring Freedom, and the wider Cockerill & Co training environment can do for confidence, mindset, and long-term progress.Memorable Quote:“Why make loads of mistakes and get things wrong and take five years when you could do it in a year?”Speaker InformationBenBlack Duck FlooringInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackduckflooring/Book the Wood Floor Fitting Training:https://www.tickettailor.com/events/cockerillco/2150757Where to Find The UK Flooring Podcast:Website: https://theukflooringpodcast.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theukflooringpodcast/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theukflooringpodcast/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/59DLhGPVKNtVoS656EYtxqApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-uk-flooring-podcast/id1606720642 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of The UK Flooring Podcast is a special National Flooring Awards 2026 edition, with Tom and Sarah pulling back the curtain on what is coming this year, why last year hit so hard, and why this one looks set to raise the bar again.From the atmosphere and emotion of the 2025 event to the plans already in place for 2026, this episode is all about momentum. Bigger entertainment, a stronger VIP experience, a packed room full of the best in the industry, and an awards night built to celebrate flooring properly. If you were there last year, this will get you buzzing for what is next. If you were not, this is the episode that will make you want to be in the room.Tom and Sarah also break down how nominations work, why entering properly matters, what the judges are really looking at, and why writing yourself off before you have even entered is a mistake. One of the strongest themes in the episode is simple: this is not just another industry event. It is a genuine celebration of the people, companies and work that make flooring what it is.What You'll Learn in This Episode:Why the National Flooring Awards 2025 created such a strong reaction, and what made the atmosphere so memorable.What is changing for 2026, including more entertainment, a larger dance floor, a stronger VIP offering, and more time to make the event even better.How nominations and ticketing work, including why shortlisted businesses will need to be in the room.Why your entry needs proper effort, and how judges use your submission to make decisions.How the judging process works, including the role of public voting and why the panel takes the process so seriously.Why businesses across the industry should not talk themselves out of entering before they have even had a go.A full run through of the award categories for 2026, and why there is real opportunity for businesses of all sizes to get involved.Memorable Quote: “You can't package that up and sell that to somebody. You've literally got to experience it.”Speaker Information Tom Cockerill and Sarah Cockerill Hosts, The UK Flooring Podcast / Founders of the National Flooring AwardsWhere to Find The UK Flooring Podcast Watch on YouTube Listen on Spotify Listen on Apple Podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of The UK Flooring Podcast sits down with Gary Hosey, leadership coach and EQ-i Master Trainer, for a straight, practical chat about emotional intelligence, and why it matters more in flooring than most people realise.Because whether you're a one-person band or running a team of 20, the job is still people. Customers with expectations. Staff with personalities. Pressure, stress, and those awkward conversations you keep putting off until they blow up. Gary breaks emotional intelligence down into the real-world stuff that actually helps: how you communicate, how you handle stress, how you make decisions, and how you build trust without turning into a pushover.One of the biggest takeaways is simple but brutal: if you want better outcomes, you need better conversations. Gary explains why “being interested, not interesting” changes sales chats, customer trust, and how your team responds to you.What You'll Learn in This Episode:What emotional intelligence actually means, and the five key areas that sit underneath it (self-awareness, self-expression, interpersonal skills, decision-making, and stress management).Why trust is the real foundation of repeat work, and how to build it without giving everything away for free.A simple shift that improves customer conversations fast: ask better questions, find out what matters, then deliver that experience.The difference between leading 5 people and leading 20, and why “doing it all yourself” stops scaling being possible.Why feedback gets avoided, how it piles up, and how to make it normal before it turns into conflict.How to develop supervisors and key people around you so leadership is shared, not chaotic.Memorable Quote:“Be interested, not interesting.”Speaker InformationGary HoseyLeadership Coach and EQ-i Master Trainerhttps://www.garyhosey.com/LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/garyhoseyWhere to Find The UK Flooring Podcast:Website: https://theukflooringpodcast.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theukflooringpodcast/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theukflooringpodcast/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/59DLhGPVKNtVoS656EYtxqApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-uk-flooring-podcast/id1606720642 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Recorded in the Cockerill & Co Darlington HQ, this episode of The UK Flooring Podcast sits down with Ben Wain, business consultant, property investor, husband and dad, for a straight conversation about what it takes to run a flooring business when the bar keeps rising.Ben shares his route from leaving school and working behind bars, into sales, then an 18 year career in retail leadership, before stepping into consultancy. That background gives him a rare mix of frontline reality and big picture thinking, and it shows in how he talks about people, performance, and the gap between “busy” and “well run”.The thread through the episode is simple: customers now expect a joined up experience, and if your systems, showroom, website and team are not aligned, you will feel it. Ben breaks down what “Amazon level” expectations look like in flooring, why new businesses can leapfrog older ones, and how to approach tech and AI in a way that helps you sell, deliver, and keep standards high, without turning your brand into generic noise.What You'll Learn in This Episode:Why customer expectations are higher than ever, and how that changes the way flooring businesses need to operateWhat “omnichannel” actually means for flooring, and why your website and showroom have to matchHow newer businesses can move faster, and what established businesses must fix to avoid falling behindWhy “race to the bottom” pricing is a trap, and how it quietly kills profitabilityHow to think about speed, service and communication as part of what customers pay forWhat Ben sees as the biggest challenge in the industry, finding, keeping and developing fitting teamsHow to build structure and accountability without micromanaging everythingPractical ways to use AI tools like ChatGPT for planning, training, systems, and management supportThe biggest mistake people make with AI, and how to stay authentic while still moving quicklyMemorable Quote:“Customer expectation is so high, you can very quickly get left behind.”Speaker InformationBen WainBusiness Consultant and Property Investorhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/wain-consultancy-coaching/Where to Find The UK Flooring Podcast:Website: https://theukflooringpodcast.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theukflooringpodcast/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theukflooringpodcast/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Recorded live at Momentum 26 in Newcastle, this special episode of The UK Flooring Podcast is Martyn Cohen from Cockerill & Co, delivering a straight-talking keynote on leadership, team performance, and what it actually takes to scale without burning yourself out.Martyn's background is rooted in leading teams at scale, from smaller groups to large operations, and he pulls those principles into the reality of running a flooring business. The thread running through the whole talk is simple: results come through people, and if you want consistent performance you need a repeatable way to create clarity, ownership, and accountability.At the centre of the keynote is a practical framework Martyn calls the FLOOR model: Focus, Leadership, Ownership, Observation, Results. It's a five-part checklist for driving performance that you can apply immediately, whether you are leading installers, sales, ops, or a growing management team. He also covers goal-setting that actually sticks (including SMART targets), how to adapt your leadership style to different people and situations, and how to coach rather than rescue, so your team improves instead of waiting for you to step in.What You'll Learn in This Episode:Why performance starts with focus, and how to give your team a clear target to aim atHow to create clarity on “what good looks like”, so people can execute without constant checkingHow to set SMART goals that actually drive action, not vague intentionsThe leadership styles that matter in the real world (and when to direct, coach, support, or delegate)How to build ownership and accountability, without slipping into micromanagementWhy observation matters, giving people autonomy while still keeping standards highHow to use simple coaching structures (including the GROW approach) to develop people over timeHow to measure performance properly, and then do something with what the numbers are telling youWhy trust and reputation are hard to replace, and how strong execution protects bothA practical prompt to leave with one commitment you can implement immediatelyMemorable Quote:“You can't outspend trust.”Speaker InformationMartyn CohenKeynote recorded live at Momentum 26 (Newcastle)Cockerill & CoWhere to Find The UK Flooring Podcast:Website: https://theukflooringpodcast.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theukflooringpodcast/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theukflooringpodcast/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Recorded live at Momentum 26 in Newcastle, this special episode of The UK Flooring Podcast is Sarah Cockerill's keynote, delivered to a room full of flooring business owners who probably did not come for “a talk about numbers”. Sarah opens with a confession that will feel familiar: she is not naturally a numbers person, and she actually hates them, but she has learned that the right numbers, looked at consistently, will tell you the real story of your business.She takes you back to where her relationship with money started (Yorkshire upbringing, Barclays in the family, bags of pub receipts on the living room floor), then brings it right into the messy middle of running a flooring business. A knock on the door from HMRC (a £20k CIS bill) kicked off a chain reaction that lots of owners will recognise: trying to “sell your way out” of a cash problem by pushing turnover, getting bigger, adding people, and hoping the money sorts itself out. Sarah is very clear, that approach nearly cost them everything.From there, the keynote becomes a practical reset. Sarah breaks down what actually went wrong (overtrading, losing control of cash flow, treating the business account like a personal purse, and letting systems lag behind growth), then gives a simple framework to stop it happening to you. No accounting lectures, just habits: keep all finance data in one place, use separate bank pots (especially for HMRC), pick one tool, pick one report, learn a small set of key numbers, and ask for help the moment you do not understand something.What You'll Learn in This Episode:Why “numbers tell a story”, and how to read the story without being an accountantThe real danger of chasing turnover to solve a cash problem, and why it feels right in the momentThe HMRC CIS bill lesson, and what it revealed about cash flow and controlThe three silent killers Sarah points to: overtrading, losing control of cash flow, and treating the business bank account like your own purseWhy growth is not the problem, but growth without systems isHow to simplify your finances fast: one inbox (accountant email), one place for data, and a set time to deal with itWhy separate bank pots matter (including a dedicated HMRC pot), and how it removes panic from the business“Choose one tool”, and stop mixing spreadsheets, software, and half-finished systemsThe power of one report (year-to-date, month-by-month) to spot patterns quicklyHow department coding helps you track where profit is really being made (or lost), and why that matters when you run multiple servicesA simple way to hunt “profit leakage”, and identify the small gaps that quietly drain profit over timeThe most important rule if you are confused by any of it: ask someone who understands, and learn through consistencyMemorable Quote:“Numbers tell a story.”Speaker InformationSarah CockerillKeynote recorded live at Momentum 26 (Newcastle)Where to Find The UK Flooring Podcast:Website: https://theukflooringpodcast.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theukflooringpodcast/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theukflooringpodcast/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Recorded live at Momentum 26 in Newcastle, this special episode of The UK Flooring Podcast is Tom Cockerill's keynote, delivered to a room full of flooring business owners who came for more than the usual product talk. The theme is simple but uncomfortable: hesitation to decision, and how avoiding the hard calls quietly caps your growth.Tom shares the personal side first, a Christmas Eve health scare that forced a decision he would have handled very differently years ago, then pulls it back into business. From building a flooring company to nearly hitting the two million mark and still feeling stuck, he unpacks what was really holding him back: confidence, discomfort, and the habit of making “easy hard decisions” (spending money, signing leases) while dodging the ones that hit your gut.This keynote is a push to stop waiting until you feel ready. Not with hype, but with practical frameworks you can actually use: ask what the worst case scenario is, make big decisions quarterly, and run your daily ops fast and repeatable. If you have been putting something off because it feels awkward, this episode will feel like it is aimed directly at you.What You'll Learn in This Episode:Why hesitation is rarely “just your personality”, and how it quietly limits business growthThe difference between decisions that look bold (stock, leases) and the ones that actually move you forwardA real, high stakes example of decision making under pressure, and what changed for Tom over timeHow pushing into discomfort builds genuine confidence, without the ego or “Billy big bollocks” actThe “worst case scenario” question, and why it cuts through overthinking fastWhy customers do not just buy from people, they buy from experts, and how confidence affects sales in the first few secondsA simple operating rhythm for business owners: big vision slow, daily ops fast and repeatable, then repeat every quarterHow raising your personal standard (doing what you said you would do) raises your business standard tooMemorable Quote:“What is the worst that can happen?”Speaker InformationTom CockerillKeynote recorded live at Momentum 26 (Newcastle)Where to Find The UK Flooring Podcast:Website: https://theukflooringpodcast.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theukflooringpodcast/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theukflooringpodcast/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Recorded at the start of a new year for The UK Flooring Podcast, this episode sits down with Stuart, Founder and Managing Director of Make an Entrance, a UK manufacturer and retailer specialising in bespoke entrance matting and logo mats for both commercial spaces and homes.From an unexpected early career in music to building and scaling businesses, Stuart shares how Make an Entrance has grown from traditional coir matting roots into a modern UK-made operation, supplying everything from residential orders to major brand projects.One of the most meaningful parts of this conversation is the company's partnership work with HM Prison services, centred on rehabilitation and skills development. Stuart explains how structured, supervised work and training can help people build confidence, learn practical skills, and improve employability after release. It's a grounded, human look at doing business with purpose, while still maintaining high standards and quality control.What You'll Learn in This Episode:Stuart's journey into business, and the surprising route that led him into matting and manufacturingHow Make an Entrance moved from selling online to investing in UK-based production and why that decision mattersThe heritage side of the trade: traditional coir matting, craftsmanship, and what customers still value todayLogo mats, commercial projects, and how retailers can make matting an easy add-on saleThe rehabilitation partnership: why skills, routine, and training can genuinely help people rebuild their livesThe realities of running a small UK manufacturer in 2026, including cost pressure and growth challengesStuart's biggest lesson: knowing your numbers, making decisions faster, and staying focusedMemorable Quote:“I don't want to be sat at 60 thinking, I wish I'd had a go at that.”Guest InformationStuartFounder & Managing Director, Make an EntranceBusiness enquiries: business@makeanentrance.com (FAO Stuart)Where to Find The UK Flooring Podcast:Website: https://theukflooringpodcast.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theukflooringpodcast/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theukflooringpodcast/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tom's in the studio with Sarah joining over Zoom for the final episode of 2025. It's a proper look back at what the year actually involved, from client experiences and big trips, to the health scare that hit hard, and the reality of launching the National Flooring Awards (plus Momentum) at speed.What's Inside:The 2025 rewind: quarterlies, training, community, and the moments that defined the year“Costa del Tees”: kayaking, raft building, and why experience days shift mindset fastMorocco: Mount Toubkal, Marrakesh, and why that trip stands outThe health scare: hospital reality, perspective, and the support that showed upThe Keswick Killer: the charity challenge, the graft, and raising thousands for stillborn baby charitiesFlooring Show Harrogate: meet ups, live recordings, and more episodes coming next yearNational Flooring Awards: independent judging, tight scoring, and why “pay for a trophy” is not the gameMomentum: building a business summit alongside the awards, speakers, logistics, and pressureAlliance: why they cut non engaged clients, and what the community offers in real terms2026 direction: fewer episodes, higher quality, and bigger guestsMemorable Quote:“There's nowhere to hide when the judging is done properly.”Guest Information:Sarah Cockerill (Mrs C)Cockerill & CoMomentum 2026: The Flooring Business Summit and National Flooring AwardsTickets and National Flooring Awards nominations are live!Date: Saturday 3 January 2026Venue: Crowne Plaza Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 3SGTimings: Momentum Summit 9:30am to 5:00pm | National Flooring Awards 7:00pm to lateOne day. One industry. Unlimited momentum.Get your ticket now:https://www.cockerillandco.co.uk/momentumNext National Flooring Awards date mentioned in the episodeFriday 19 September 2026Majestic Hotel, Harrogate (The Ballroom), in partnership with The Flooring Show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Big news, Martyn Cohen is officially joining Cockerill & Co. After a decade plus leading sales and ops across major flooring names, then launching MC Growth Consultancy earlier this year, Martyn is bringing his people first approach into the community. In this episode Tom digs into why he said yes, what he has learned helping retailers, commercial contractors and manufacturers, and how he will add firepower for our members in 2026.About MartynFormer senior leader at Headlam and Carpetright, now growth consultant working across retail, commercial and manufacturing. Known for building high performing teams, fixing recruitment bottlenecks, improving buying terms, and making complex installer set ups work in the real world, HMRC included.What we coverThe announcement, why Martyn is joining Cockerill & Co, and how the partnership worksFrom redundancy to momentum, the first 8 to 9 months of MC Growth ConsultancyThe £2 to £3 million ceiling, when systems, people and process become the growth leverTwo magic moments, franchise results and a commercial client that needed to scale capacity before salesPeople first performance, recruitment done right, culture, and honest conversations that avoid formal performance casesThird party fitter networks, pricing, VAT, HMRC headaches, and how to stay on the right side of the lineBuying power, where the hidden points are in supplier terms, and why a thirty minute call can save tens of thousandsUnplanned services that now matter, recruitment search, interview support, and prep for sale or full business exitsWhy the Cockerill & Co community works, who not how, and proof from peer results, not pitch decksKey takeawaysGrowth is usually blocked by capacity and capability, not just leads or ordersRecruit well, train well, support well, and you will keep good peopleBuying smarter puts profit straight to the bottom line, many miss it through sheer busynessCommunity beats going it alone, the right room saves time and moneyIf we cannot add value, we will say so, the goal is impact, not invoicesWho this helpsIndependent retailers who want to scale without losing sleepCommercial contractors hitting operational limitsManufacturers building UK routes to market or fitter ecosystemsOwners preparing to sell in the next two to three yearsChapter guide00:00 Welcome back, and the announcement 02:00 Martyn's journey, redundancy to consultancy 06:30 Early wins, franchise systems and commercial capacity 11:45 Risk, reputation, and why the pipeline kept growing 14:30 What Martyn brings, people, recruitment, HR and culture 18:30 Installer networks and HMRC, lessons from Carpetright 21:30 Buying power that moves the P and L 24:30 Recruitment as a service, interview help, and search 26:30 Prep for sale, valuation thinking and finding buyers 29:30 Why the community matters more than the features 33:00 Values, saying no when it is not a fit, doing the real work 39:00 How to get involved and next stepsLinksWatch on YouTubeListen on SpotifyListen on Apple PodcastsCockerill & Co, join the community or request a consultConnect with Martyn on LinkedInWork with usWant a straight talking plan to grow, sort your people challenges, or unlock margin, reach out and we will set up a proper call.CreditsHost, Tom Cockerill Guest, Martyn Cohen Produced by The UK Flooring Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Recorded as an exclusive bonus episode, this lively conversation lifts the curtain on the wild, chaotic and genuinely inspiring journey of Sam and Brad, better known as The Bald Builders.From selling building materials online long before the industry was ready, to losing everything, sleeping in a caravan and an office, then rebuilding it all through sheer graft, relentless consistency and a camera phone, this episode captures a story you simply would not believe if it were not true.Today, the Bald Builders juggle National Breakfast Radio on Fix Radio with filming social content, running their own building projects, and growing a loyal online community who tune in every morning and every evening without fail. But the path to get here involved failed businesses, being wiped out by a forty thousand pound hit, living hand to mouth, and taking on jobs they should never have taken simply to survive.Packed with honest detail about how they rebuilt their lives and careers from nothing, how they grew their platform from forty thousand followers to a multi platform powerhouse, and what it really takes to stay relevant online in a crowded trade space, this episode is a rare look at the real story behind one of the UK's most recognisable social media duos.What You Will Learn in This Episode:The true origin story of the Bald BuildersFrom an online builders merchant that launched fifteen years too early to losing everything in a single blow.Why consistency still beats every algorithm trick in the bookTwo videos every single day for eight years and how that discipline shaped their entire career.How they accidentally discovered social media as a lifelineHiding their page during the hardest year of their lives, only to relight the fire when everything fell apart.The moment they realised flowscreed could save themA chance encounter on a job that turned into a complete pivot for their business.Why being yourself matters more than being polishedSam explains why authenticity lasts longer than viral hacks or gimmicks and why the trade sees through fakery fast.The business model that changed their livesNo clients, no chasing invoices, just building and selling their own projects while filming everything they do.How Fix Radio became a central part of their brandA breakfast radio show built for tradespeople and why it works perfectly with the Bald Builders way of life.Memorable Quote:“People watch us because we are exactly the same on camera as we are off it. You cannot get caught out if you never pretend.”Guest InformationSam Hughes - The Bald BuildersContent creators, builders, presenters at Fix RadioFix Radio Breakfast: Monday to Friday, 6 till 9am

Title: Cut my arm off and you'll see flooring in my veins Recorded live at the Flooring Show 2025, this powerful conversation dives into the incredible career journey of Mark Ewart, founder of Apple Flooring, one of Essex's most respected independent flooring retailers.From major setbacks to remarkable comebacks, Mark walks us through his story, from early days in Dixons and Comet to navigating redundancy, launching multiple flooring businesses, battling serious health issues, and ultimately building Apple Flooring into a two-showroom powerhouse with a passionate team, loyal customers, and a thriving reputation.Packed with honest insights into the real challenges facing retailers, the rise of “men in vans,” supplier frustrations, why client experience matters more than ever, and how Apple Flooring built a model based on simplicity, transparency, and everyday low pricing, this episode offers a rare and inspiring look at what it takes to grow (and sustain) a successful flooring business in 2025. What You'll Learn in This Episode:Mark's full journey: redundancy, reinvention, and the birth of Apple FlooringThe rapid growth from a home office and two containers to two premium showroomsThe REAL costs of running a retail flooring shop (and why “men in vans” are hurting the industry)Why exclusivity agreements and display stand pricing frustrate retailersHow Mark built a “one price fits all” model that keeps margins simple and customers loyalWhy Apple Flooring invests heavily in people, training, fitters, showrooms, and brand consistencyThe secret to world-class customer experience (espresso included!)Memorable Quote:“Cut my arm off and you'll see flooring in my veins, when it's your own business, it becomes a different animal.”Guest InformationMark Ewart Founder & Managing Director – Apple Flooring

Recorded live at the Flooring Show 2025, this episode of The UK Flooring Podcast features a fascinating deep dive into the world of Greendale Carpets & Flooring with Eamonn Prescott. With over 30 years in the flooring trade, Eamonn shares his journey from retail roots at Allied Carpets to leading one of the UK's most respected buying groups. Discover how Greendale's co-operative model empowers independent retailers, offers exclusive ranges, and keeps profits within the group, all while championing innovation, sustainability, and collaboration in the flooring industry.What's Inside:Eamonn's flooring journey: From shop floor to industry leadership.The Greendale story: How a small Lancashire co-op became a national powerhouse.Why joining a buying group can transform an independent retailer's business.The power of exclusivity: How Greendale protects margins with unique ranges.Sustainability, technology, and the future of UK flooring.Real talk: The challenges of fitters, housing market stagnation, and adapting to change.Memorable Quote: “Strength in numbers isn't just a slogan - it's how independents survive and thrive in today's flooring industry.”Guest Information:Eamonn Prescott – Sales Director, Greendale Carpets & FlooringLinkedIn: Eamonn Prescott

Recorded live at the Flooring Show 2025, this episode of The UK Flooring Podcast dives deep with Stephen Latham of J2 Flooring. From building an authentic LVT brand to pioneering UK manufacturing, Stephen opens up about attention to detail, quality control, and what's next for one of the industry's fastest growing names.What's Inside:The J2 story: From retailer frustrations to an industry leading LVT brand.The rise of UK manufacturing and why quality control is everything.The art of collaboration: Why “two heads are better than one” for J2's success.Inside the design lab: How J2 creates ultra-realistic, handcrafted flooring.Future vision: Growth, innovation, and keeping people at the heart of the brand.Memorable Quote:“Building a brand isn't just about the name, it's about confidence, quality, and keeping your ear to the ground with the people who use your product every day.”Guest Information:Stephen Latham – Managing Director, J2 FlooringWebsite: https://www.j2flooring.com/ LinkedIn: Stephen Latham

Recorded live at the Flooring Show 2025, Tom sits down with Ben Granville, Sales Director of Kellars, to talk about the company's incredible rise from a small family operation into one of the UK's fastest-growing flooring distributors.Ben opens up about Kellars' journey of rapid expansion, bold investments in warehousing, and how his team continues to deliver innovation and efficiency without losing the company's personal, down-to-earth culture. From brand identity and customer service to the future of digitalisation in flooring distribution, this episode pulls back the curtain on how Kellars is shaking up the industry.What's Inside:The mindset behind scaling fast and how to keep quality consistent.How Kellars uses branding, logistics, and customer relationships as growth engines.Insights into the company's bold distribution model and product strategy.The importance of investing in people, communication, and keeping things simple.A look ahead: how Kellars plans to keep innovating in 2026 and beyond.Guest Information: Website: Kellars Flooring LinkedIn: Ben Granville

Recorded live at The Flooring Show, Tom and Sarah deliver the tough love every flooring professional needs before heading into 2026. Tired of the “I'm too busy” excuse? They call it out, while giving you the blueprint to take control of your diary, reclaim your time, and build a business that doesn't run you into the ground.From digital scheduling hacks to the truth about holidays, overrun days, and why “busy fools” will be left behind, this episode is a no-filter reality check for the trade. The hosts also drop exclusive breaking news: a brand-new national event and awards designed to unite the flooring industry like never before.What's Inside:Why “too busy” is killing flooring businesses and what to do about it.The power of diary discipline: how to lock in admin, family, and overrun days.Why taking 5.6 weeks' holiday could save your business.The truth about customer experience, stand collecting, and retail inefficiencies.How to market smarter with the data you already own.Breaking news: details of the first-ever national flooring business summit and awards, happening 3rd January 2026.

This week on The UK Flooring Podcast, Tom sits down with Oli Butler, a straight-talking voice in the flooring industry with 30+ years of experience. From his early days as a labourer on the Euro Disney build to leading high-profile commercial projects across Europe, Oli's story is as raw as it is inspiring.He shares the truth about big contractors, payment struggles, and why he built his business around doing things the right way — not the easy way. Expect unfiltered insights, wild site stories, and bold predictions about the future of flooring, including why resin flooring could change everything. What's Inside:Plenty of swearing!Oli's no-BS journey: from Euro Disney hotels to running his own flooring firm.Why he walked away from contract management and the “empty promises” culture.The highs and lows of commercial projects, from Legoland golf courses to Virgin cruise ships.His bold new idea: combining printed vinyl with resin finishes for truly custom floors.The truth about payment terms, work ethic, and why some firms are dragging the industry down.

This week on The UK Flooring Podcast, Tom and Sarah sit down together for a very special episode and they're bringing some big news with them.From exclusive updates about the upcoming Flooring Show in Harrogate to the launch of a game-changing new project that's been five years in the making, this episode is packed with behind-the-scenes insights you won't hear anywhere else.The pair also open up about what they've been up to personally, from family adventures (and a few unexpected dramas!) to their recent Mount Toubkal climb in Morocco with clients and friends from across the flooring industry.Most importantly, they reveal a first-of-its-kind event in Newcastle, January 2026, that promises to cut through the noise, strip back the BS, and give retailers, contractors, and flooring professionals the tools to make 2026 their best year yet.If you want to stay ahead of the curve and be among the first to secure tickets this is the episode you cannot afford to miss.This Episode is Brought to You in Partnership with The Flooring ShowThe UK's biggest flooring event is back in Harrogate from the 21st - 23rd September 2025 and you're invited. From retailers and contractors to designers and distributors, The Flooring Show brings the entire industry together for three packed days of inspiration, innovation, and networking. And best of all? It's completely free to attend.GRAB YOUR FREE TICKETS HERE: https://invt.io/1fxbk9pmhtp Stay in the loop:Instagram: @theflooringshowLinkedIn: The Flooring ShowWebsite: https://theflooringshow.com ​This episode of The UK Flooring Podcast is powered by J2 Flooring J2 Flooring is one of the brands everyone's talking about ahead of The Flooring Show 2025.If you're coming to Harrogate, trust us… Hall B, Stand B26 is where you want to be.Go see what the fuss is about…​ you can thank us laterWebsite: https://www.j2flooring.com/ We Are Recording Live At The Flooring ShowCome and find us on Stand Q112 and be part of the action. Across all three days we'll be recording live, full-length sessions and mini conversations, with the voices shaping the future of flooring.We've got a jam-packed schedule featuring 18 of the biggest brands, leaders, and professionals in the industry, catch the live recordings in person and soak up the atmosphere at the show.Where to Find Us:Website: https://theukflooringpodcast.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theukflooringpodcast/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theukflooringpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The UK Flooring Podcast, Tom Cockerill sits down with Gordon Bowden from Forbo Flooring Systems to talk about what he's been up to lately, his views on the current state of the flooring industry, and where he sees things heading next. From sustainability to shifting customer expectations, Gordon shares candid insights into one of the industry's leading brands and how Forbo continues to innovate across commercial and residential markets.What's Inside:Gordon's latest projects and role at Forbo.The biggest challenges and opportunities facing the flooring industry today.Forbo's approach to sustainability and market innovation.Predictions for the future of flooring, from customer trends to product evolution.Quickfire insights: advice, lessons learned, and personal reflections from Gordon.Guest Information:Website: https://www.forbo.com/flooring/en-uk/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/forbo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forboflooringuk/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/forboflooringsystemsUKThis Episode is Brought to You in Partnership with The Flooring ShowThe UK's biggest flooring event is back in Harrogate from the 21st - 23rd September 2025 and you're invited. From retailers and contractors to designers and distributors, The Flooring Show brings the entire industry together for three packed days of inspiration, innovation, and networking. And best of all? It's completely free to attend.GRAB YOUR FREE TICKETS HERE: https://invt.io/1fxbk9pmhtp Stay in the loop:Instagram: @theflooringshowLinkedIn: The Flooring ShowWebsite: https://theflooringshow.com ​This episode of The UK Flooring Podcast is powered by J2 Flooring J2 Flooring is one of the brands everyone's talking about ahead of The Flooring Show 2025.If you're coming to Harrogate, trust us… Hall B, Stand B26 is where you want to be.Go see what the fuss is about…​ you can thank us laterWebsite: https://www.j2flooring.com/ We Are Recording Live At The Flooring ShowCome and find us on Stand Q112 and be part of the action. Across all three days we'll be recording live, full-length sessions and mini conversations, with the voices shaping the future of flooring.We've got a jam-packed schedule featuring 18 of the biggest brands, leaders, and professionals in the industry, catch the live recordings in person and soak up the atmosphere at the show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The UK Flooring Podcast, Tom sits down with Glen, owner of Coastal Carpets, to talk about juggling family life, running a flooring business, and his love for skateboarding. From the art of laying carpet to hitting the ramps, this episode brings flooring and lifestyle together in a way you won't want to miss.What's Inside:Growing Coastal Carpets into a trusted family-run flooring business.Glen's unique balance between fatherhood, business ownership, and skateboarding.Lessons learned from the trade and the skatepark.Why passion and perseverance matter in both flooring and life.Guest Information: Glen – Owner, Coastal CarpetsWebsite: https://www.coastal-carpets.comThis Episode is Brought to You in Partnership with The Flooring ShowThe UK's biggest flooring event is back in Harrogate from the 21st - 23rd September 2025 and you're invited. From retailers and contractors to designers and distributors, The Flooring Show brings the entire industry together for three packed days of inspiration, innovation, and networking. And best of all? It's completely free to attend.GRAB YOUR FREE TICKETS HERE: https://invt.io/1fxbk9pmhtp Stay in the loop:Instagram: @theflooringshowLinkedIn: The Flooring ShowWebsite: https://theflooringshow.com We Are Recording Live At The Flooring ShowCome and find us on Stand Q112 and be part of the action. Got a story to share, an insight to shout about, or something the industry needs to hear? Book your live podcast recording below and join in the conversations that are shaping the future of flooring.45 minute full length sessions - https://calendly.com/d/csdb-nj3-wm4/the-uk-flooring-podcast-live-at-the-flooring-show15 minute mini sessions - https://calendly.com/d/csxh-h6p-rb6/the-uk-flooring-podcast-live-mini-seriesWhere to Find Us:Website: https://theukflooringpodcast.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theukflooringpodcast/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theukflooringpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this inspiring episode of The UK Flooring Podcast, Tom Cockerill sits down with the owner of Against the Grain Flooring Stuart Lawler to uncover the passion, precision, and persistence behind one of the UK's most respected bespoke flooring businesses. From the first plank laid to the final polish, discover how dedication to detail and a love for the craft have built a reputation that truly stands out in the industry.Whether you're an installer, retailer, or someone dreaming of starting your own flooring business, this episode is packed with lessons on craftsmanship, customer service, and business growth.What's Inside:The journey from start-up to established flooring brand.How Against the Grain approaches bespoke flooring projects for both domestic and commercial clients.Lessons in managing client expectations and delivering exceptional results.The tools, materials, and techniques that make their work stand out.Tips for building a business based on quality and trust.Guest Information: https://www.againstthegrainflooring.co.uk/This Episode is Brought to You in Partnership with The Flooring ShowThe UK's biggest flooring event is back in Harrogate from the 21st - 23rd September 2025 and you're invited. From retailers and contractors to designers and distributors, The Flooring Show brings the entire industry together for three packed days of inspiration, innovation, and networking. And best of all? It's completely free to attend.GRAB YOUR FREE TICKETS HERE: https://invt.io/1fxbk9pmhtp Stay in the loop:Instagram: @theflooringshowLinkedIn: The Flooring ShowWebsite: https://theflooringshow.com We Are Recording Live At The Flooring ShowCome and find us on Stand Q112 and be part of the action. Got a story to share, an insight to shout about, or something the industry needs to hear? Book your live podcast recording below and join in the conversations that are shaping the future of flooring.45 minute full length sessions - https://calendly.com/d/csdb-nj3-wm4/the-uk-flooring-podcast-live-at-the-flooring-show15 minute mini sessions - https://calendly.com/d/csxh-h6p-rb6/the-uk-flooring-podcast-live-mini-seriesWhere to Find Us:Website: https://theukflooringpodcast.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theukflooringpodcast/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theukflooringpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it take to organise the UK's biggest and boldest flooring trade event? In this week's episode, we go behind the scenes with Suzy from The Flooring Show. From unexpected customs dramas to sparkly bikini mishaps and bold new plans to grow the show, Suzy lifts the curtain on what really happens when you put the entire flooring industry under one roof.

What does it take to run one of Ireland's most trusted hardwood flooring businesses? In this week's episode, Sarah speaks with Siobhan Smyth, co-founder of Floorstore Direct, about her path from hospitality to hardwood and how she and her team built a brand rooted in quality, trust, and relentless education. What's Inside:Siobhan's journey from working with showjumpers and running a pub to launching a flooring companyHow she developed product knowledge, built trust with customers, and created a high-end showroom experienceThe power of aftercare: why Floorstore Direct offers lifelong maintenance and supportBig lessons from 20 years in business, including weathering the 2008 recession and scaling through e-commerceHer mission is to bring more training and qualifications to the flooring industryMemorable Quote: "If you love hardwood floors, you need to go for hardwood floors. In ten years, you can sand and change the look but you'll still have a floor that lasts a lifetime."Guest Information:Siobhan Smyth – Floorstore Direct

What happens when a group of flooring pros swap trowels for trekking poles? They climb North Africa's tallest mountain. This special episode captures the laughter, pain, inspiration, and lessons from the summit of Mount Toubkal.

Damian Harvey of Addmaster joins the UK Flooring Podcast to reveal how invisible silver-ion technology is revolutionising hygiene in healthcare, food production, automotive and even space travel. This isn't just science fiction—it's the future of flooring.What's Inside:How Addmaster's silver-ion antimicrobial additives work and why they're critical in healthcare, food, and tech industriesWhy the floor is often the most overlooked source of microbial contamination and how to fix thatInnovations in scent-enabled plastics, smart flooring, and passive hygiene systemsInsights into how Addmaster's tech helps reduce harsh chemical use and improve sustainabilityFascinating stories from cruise ship outbreaks to NASA-grade flooring solutionsMemorable Quote: “Floors are the forgotten frontline. Our antimicrobial tech catches bacteria at the source—where it actually lands.”Guest Information: Damian HarveyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damian-harvey-666077112 Website: https://www.addmaster.co.uk/ Sponsor Shoutout: Roomvo:Roomvo is transforming flooring retail—starting with how you showcase products—online and in-store—by letting shoppers browse a full, visual catalogue and instantly see products in their own space. And for manufacturers, the Roomvo Partner Program ensures your brand and products look perfect across every dealer site. It's a win-win that drives confidence, trust, and sales. Book your demo here: https://get.roomvo.com/?utm_campaign=12577907-Sponsored%20Partnership%20-%2025.05.01%20-%20UK%20Flooring%20Podcast&utm_source=Uk-flooring-podcast&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_content=May-2025 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/get.roomvo/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/roomvo/Website: https://get.roomvo.com Become a Guest: Share your flooring story! DM us on Instagram, LinkedIn, or Facebook.Interview Tom: Want to turn the tables on host Tom Cockerill? Comment “Interview Tom” on our socials or email us to grill him with these questions!Subscribe: Never miss an episode—hit subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform.Where to Find Us:Website: https://theukflooringpodcast.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theukflooringpodcast/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theukflooringpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.