The UK Flooring Podcast

In this eye-opening episode of the UK Flooring Podcast, we sit down with Taz from Roomvo, the cutting-edge room visualization platform that's transforming the home decor industry. Discover Taz's fascinating journey from the telecom sector in Canada to leading product innovation at Roomvo in New York. Learn how AI and generative technology are reshaping the way we envision and decorate our living spaces. Whether you're a homeowner, a retailer, or a tech enthusiast, this episode offers a unique glimpse into the future of home design and the pivotal role AI plays in it.About Our Guest:Taz from RoomvoRoomvo revolutioniSes the home decor shopping experience by bringing hundreds of thousands of products to life through their state-of-the-art room visualization platform. With a focus on unrivalled realism, Roomvo helps shoppers engage with decor products in their own spaces. From manufacturers to retailers, Roomvo provides perfect digital and in-store visualization solutions to inspire shoppers worldwide.Website:www.roomvo.comKey Points Discussed:Taz's Diverse Background:Transition from telecom engineering in Canada to corporate strategy.His role in expanding a Canadian bank into the U.S. post-financial crisis.Movement into tech, specifically hotel technology, and its parallels with the flooring industry.Role at Roomvo:Leading the product team to solve market problems and seize opportunities.The shift to a fully remote work setup post-pandemic and Taz’s personal approach to remote work.Industry Challenges and Opportunities:Increasing traffic, leads, and sales for flooring and home decor stores.Enhancing user engagement throughout the entire shopping journey.Expanding product categories to include more home decor elements.AI and Roomvo’s Technological Advancements:How AI and generative AI are integrated into Roomvo’s visualization tools.The launch and success of Roomvo Inspire, a tool that uses AI to redesign spaces with various styles.Future possibilities of AI in creating personalized home design experiences.Privacy and AI:The balance between providing personalized AI experiences and maintaining user privacy.The role of government regulations in protecting user data.Innovative Marketing and Business Models:The power of referral systems and cross-business integrations in driving new clients.Taz’s view on digital ads, local relationships, and event participation for client acquisition.

In this eye-opening episode of the UK Flooring Podcast, we sit down with Simon Grimley, the Managing Director of Grimley Flooring. Simon shares his captivating journey from early career failures to becoming a leader in the flooring industry. This episode is packed with invaluable insights on business growth, industry challenges, and the importance of resilience and adaptability.Key Takeaways:Family Legacy in Flooring: Simon recounts the history of Grimley Flooring, starting with his grandfather in the 1930s and how this legacy influenced his career path.Early Career Struggles: Simon opens up about his initial failures due to overconfidence and lack of proper business strategy, and how these experiences shaped his professional outlook.Relaunch and Growth: Discover how Simon relaunched Grimley Flooring in 2020 and navigated the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, turning it into a period of significant growth.Industry Insights: Gain an understanding of the current state of the flooring industry, the impact of pricing and competition, and the role of professional organizations like the NICF.Business Strategies: Learn about Simon's approach to customer engagement, marketing, and maintaining high service standards to stand out in a competitive market.Future of Flooring: Simon shares his thoughts on the future of the flooring industry, including the role of AI and technology in transforming business operations.Memorable Quotes:"Ego is what went wrong. I believed that I was special and different, and with hindsight, I can say I wasn't.""Running a business isn't just putting a quick post on Facebook and the work floods in. More people need business knowledge rather than just being good at what they do.""The best advice I ever heard was, 'Don't put my wallet in a customer's pocket.'"Connect with Simon:LinkedIn: Simon Grimley on LinkedInWebsite: Grimley FlooringSponsors:Fit Box: A revolutionary device for measuring temperature and humidity in timber floors over time, crucial for underfloor heating installations. Learn more at fitbox.co.uk.

In this eye-opening episode of the UK Flooring Podcast, we sit down with Lucy Keher, Managing Director and Co-founder of Active Flooring Solutions. Lucy shares her extraordinary journey from her early experiences in construction at just 16 to leading a multi-million-pound flooring company. This episode is packed with insights on overcoming obstacles, embracing challenges, and the importance of resilience in business.Guest Bio:Lucy Keher is the Managing Director at Active Flooring Solutions, a company she co-founded in 2011. With a background in quantity surveying and a passion for the construction industry, Lucy has built a thriving business known for its exceptional service and quality. Her leadership and dedication have driven Active Flooring Solutions to significant growth, reaching an impressive turnover of £17-18 million in 2024.Key Topics Discussed:Early Influences and First Steps into Construction:Lucy's upbringing in Liverpool and early influences from her independent, hardworking mother.Her first job in construction at 16, assisting her father with artistic marble work at the Trafford Centre.Challenges and Turning Points:The struggle with A-Levels and the lack of career direction, leading to an initial dislike for office admin roles.Becoming a single mother and the pivotal moment that shifted her focus and commitment to her career.Education and Career Development:Pursuing a degree in quantity surveying while working full-time and raising her son.Breaking barriers as the only female in her university course and the flooring industry at the time.Founding Active Flooring Solutions:The unexpected opportunity to start her own business following a company administration.Early challenges in establishing the company and the decision to take the risk over more secure job offers.Growth and Success of Active Flooring Solutions:The company's growth from a £1.3 million turnover in its first year to a projected £17-18 million in 2024.Building a strong, dedicated team and the importance of doing quality work and developing strong relationships in the industry.Balancing Personal and Professional Life:Managing the demands of being a mother of three, including twins, and running a business.The importance of support from her husband, who shifted careers to provide flexibility for their family life.Future Vision and Advice:Lucy's plans for the future growth of Active Flooring Solutions, including exploring new technologies and marketing strategies.Advice on getting out of your comfort zone, learning from mistakes, and not letting setbacks deter you from your goals.Connect with Lucy Keher:LinkedIn: Lucy KeherCompany: Active Flooring SolutionsListen Now:Tune in to hear Lucy's inspiring story and gain valuable insights into building a successful business from the ground up. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a professional in the construction industry, or just looking for some motivation, this episode is a must-listen.

In this gripping episode of the UK Flooring podcast, we delve into the robust world of flooring solutions with Ultrafloor, featuring insights from Lizzie Elston, Managing Director, and Rebecca Talbot, Head of Marketing. Recorded in the vibrant setting of Cockerill & Co.'s boardroom, this discussion explores the evolution of Ultrafloor under challenging circumstances, the passion behind the brand, and the strategic shifts towards modernization and customer engagement that are setting new industry standards.Episode Highlights:Lizzie's Journey: From sales to leadership, Lizzie shares her 10-year journey at Instarmac, revealing her deep-rooted connection to the family business and her ascent to the role of managing director.Rebecca's Marketing Mastery: With a background steeped in construction, Rebecca discusses the importance of brand personality in a competitive market, her marketing strategies, and the evolution of Ultrafloor's customer-centric approach.Challenges and Triumphs: Both guests open up about the hardships faced when a key product underperformed, illustrating their commitment to transparency and customer service during crisis management.Vision for the Future: The conversation also covers the exciting new ventures and innovations at Ultrafloor, including the introduction of new adhesive products and the sophisticated manufacturing capabilities that promise to revolutionize the industry.Listen to This Episode If You Are:Interested in the intersection of family business dynamics and professional growth.Curious about overcoming business challenges through innovation and customer relationships.Keen on insights from leading women in a traditionally male-dominated industry.Stay tuned for an insightful journey through the highs and lows of building a renowned flooring brand with the formidable duo at Ultrafloor.

Welcome to a new episode of the UK Flooring Podcast! In this engaging session, we sit down with Reggie Herd, the co-owner of a bustling trade floor store and a fresh face in the flooring industry. Join us as we crack open a couple of cold ones and dive into Reggie's fascinating journey from a 13-year-old sweeping floors to becoming a key player in the flooring business.Episode Highlights:Early Beginnings:Discover how Reggie got his start in the flooring world, working under his father and learning the ropes from a young age.Hear about his transition from hands-on installation to mastering the business side of flooring.The Family Business:Learn about the hybrid model of Reggie’s store, which combines retail and wholesale, avoiding ceramics but offering just about everything else in floor covering.Reggie discusses the challenges and advantages of running a family-operated business.Industry Insights:Reggie shares his strategy on branding and product exclusivity, emphasizing his preference for lesser-known brands that offer unique value.The conversation takes a deeper look into customer misconceptions about flooring brands and how educating them can lead to better sales.Challenges and Adaptations:Delve into the most significant hurdles Reggie has faced, including space limitations and adapting to market changes post-COVID.Reggie’s perspective on balancing a vast inventory with the need to maintain customer interest and manage stock efficiently.Future Visions:Reggie speaks on his ambitions for the future of his business, including potential expansions and his thoughts on maintaining a clear division between retail and wholesale pricing.Personal Insights:Get personal with Reggie as he shares the best piece of advice he’s ever received, which helped pivot his career trajectory.Discover Reggie's interests outside of work, including a surprising favorite film!Engagement with Community:Reggie highlights how his business contributes to the local community, including supporting food banks and animal shelters.Guest Information:Name: Reggie HerdTitle: Co-owner at Trade Floor StoreLinkedIn: Reggie HerdConnect with Reggie:Instagram, Facebook, TikTok: @TradeFloorStoreThank you for tuning in! Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes, share this podcast with your friends, and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform.

Welcome to another high-speed episode of the UK Flooring Podcast!In this episode, we dive into the life of Shane Lynch, not your typical flooring specialist. Shane, the driving force behind SL Flooring, shares insights not just about his entrepreneurial journey in flooring but about his passion for high-end cars and motorcycles, challenging the stereotypes around tradespeople.Highlights from this episode:Shane’s Love for Speed: From Porsches to Ford Edges, Shane discusses the last ten cars he's owned and his deep passion for motorcycles, revealing a life driven by adrenaline both on and off the road.Business and Growth: Shane discusses the evolution of SL Flooring, how it started, and its transformation over the years. He also hints at an upcoming rebranding and his efforts to delegate to maintain quality as the business expands.Work-Life Balance Challenges: The struggle is real when it comes to balancing a booming business and personal life. Shane talks about his approach to finding harmony between work, family, and personal time, including his unique way of managing stress through ice baths.Community Impact and Customer Relationships: Shane touches on the importance of community involvement and how maintaining strong customer relationships has been a cornerstone of his business success.Future Plans and Aspirations: From potential shifts in business operations to personal investment in real estate, Shane shares his thoughts on what’s next for his career and SL Flooring.Personal Insights and Advice: Learn from Shane's experiences with handling perceptions and judgments from others about his success and how it has influenced his choices in cars and business.Join us as we peel back the layers of Shane's life, proving there's much more beneath the surface. Whether you're a car enthusiast, budding entrepreneur, or someone fascinated by the intersection of lifestyle and business, this episode packs a punch of inspiration and a touch of rebellion against the norm.Don’t forget to subscribe to the UK Flow Podcast for more episodes like this, and follow us on our social media channels to stay updated on all things flooring and beyond!

In this fascinating episode of The UK Flooring Podcast, host Tom interviews Richard Osbourn, the seasoned head of marketing at V4 Wood Flooring. Richard shares his unconventional path from art college graduate to marketing guru, his hands-on approach in the flooring industry, and his insights on the evolution of marketing tactics over two decades.About Our GuestRichard Osbourn is the head of marketing at V4 Wood Flooring, a company celebrated for its innovative and high-quality wood flooring solutions. With a career spanning over 20 years at V4, Richard has witnessed and contributed to the company's growth from its humble beginnings. His journey from a part-time van driver to a key player in the company's success story offers invaluable lessons on growth, adaptation, and the importance of understanding every facet of the business you're in.LinkedIn: Richard OsbournCompany LinkedIn: V4 Wood FlooringKey Points Discussed: Career Journey:Richard recounts his early days in graphic design and his pivot to marketing within V4 Wood Flooring. His story highlights the importance of finding one's niche and the courage to pursue new opportunities within one's field. Marketing Evolution:From Yellow Pages to digital dominance, Richard discusses the seismic shifts in marketing strategies and tools over the last 20 years, emphasizing the transition to online platforms and social media. Hands-on Experience:Unlike many marketing professionals, Richard's experience includes physical involvement in the company’s core operations, from driving vans to handling logistics. This unique perspective has given him a deeper understanding of the business and its products. Future Trends:Looking ahead, Richard predicts further integration of technology in marketing, with tools like virtual room visualizers becoming standard in enhancing customer experience and engagement. Advice for Upcoming Marketers:Reflecting on his extensive career, Richard offers advice to new marketers on staying relevant and embracing technological advances to remain competitive.Episode Highlights:The Van to Marketing Path: Richard’s transition from van driver to marketing head showcases the value of internal company growth and adapting roles to meet personal and professional development needs.Marketing Insights: Discussion on the effectiveness of various marketing strategies and the importance of adapting to changing technologies.Personal Growth Tips: Richard shares personal anecdotes and tips on maintaining balance and innovation in a fast-paced industry.Connect with Us:Website: Visit us at The UK Flooring Podcast for more episodes.Subscribe: Available on all major podcast platforms. Subscribe for updates on all our latest episodes and exclusive content.

Welcome to a very special episode of the UK Flooring Podcast, where we're flipping the script! This week, Tom Cockerill, a has his role-reversed, by being interviewed by none other than Kyle Hedin of the Floor Academy Podcast from the USA.About Our Guest:Floor Academy is renowned for offering invaluable small business insights and guidance, specifically tailored for the flooring industry. Kyle Hedin, the mastermind behind the podcast, has created a platform that not only educates but also empowers flooring professionals across the globe.In This Episode:Discover how Tom Cockerill, co-founder of Cockerill and Company, alongside his wife Sarah, has revolutionised the UK flooring scene. From their humble beginnings at their dining room table to generating close to a million pounds in annual revenue, their story is nothing short of inspirational.Learn the hard lessons from their journey, including how a few bad business decisions led them to lose everything and the incredible comeback story that followed.Get insights into the similarities and differences between the UK and US flooring markets, and how understanding these can benefit your business.Find out why "making it up as you go" might not be the best strategy and the importance of having a solid plan for your pricing and business model.Tom and Kyle discuss the pivotal moment of realizing the need for an "FU Bank account" and how this can change the way you do business.Discover the value of networking with industry peers through podcasts and masterminds, and how these can accelerate your business growth.Exclusive tips from Tom on how to navigate the complexities of the flooring industry and ensure your business not only survives but thrives.A Huge Thank You:We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Kyle for hosting Tom on the Floor Academy Podcast. This unique collaboration highlights the power of sharing knowledge and experiences within the flooring community.Sponsored By:This episode is proudly sponsored by Trade Choice, carpet, and Flooring. As one of the leading independent distributors of floor coverings, Trade Choice offers an extensive range of products that cater to all your flooring needs. For more information, visit tradechoice.com.Contact Us:Have questions, or comments, or want to share your own flooring journey? Reach out to us on our website or follow us on social media. We'd love to hear from you!Thank you for tuning in, and remember, in the world of flooring, you're only as good as your last installation. Keep pushing the boundaries, learning, and growing. See you next time!

In this gripping episode of the UK Flooring Podcast, we had the pleasure of welcoming Paul Stattersfield for the third time. As a seasoned Commercial Flooring Consultant at Cockerill and Co, Paul dives deep into his transition from a corporate career to making a significant impact in the flooring community alongside the team at Cockerill and Co. This episode not only sheds light on the nuances of the flooring industry but also offers a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges, strategies, and personal growth that come with shifting gears professionally.Key Highlights:Paul Stattersfield's Journey: At 53, Paul shares his bold decision to leave his corporate career behind to join Cockerill and Co as the Commercial Director. Driven by the genuine, family-like environment and the mission to truly help clients, Paul discusses the stark contrast between his past corporate life and his current role where making a real difference is at the forefront.Making an Impact: With a focus on adding value beyond transactions, Paul emphasizes the importance of personal connections and the human element in business. He believes in the power of small teams and personal interactions to bring about significant changes in clients' lives.Commercial Flooring Insights: Diving into his specialty, Paul talks about the intricacies of commercial flooring, from training and coaching for sales teams to strategic market expansion. His approach is hands-on, offering one-to-one and team-level guidance to businesses seeking to leverage Cockerill and Co's expertise.Future Directions: Paul teases upcoming projects and initiatives aimed at enhancing team management and providing strategic guidance to business owners. From structured courses for senior management to personalized consultancy for business growth, Paul is laying the groundwork for a comprehensive support system for the flooring industry.An Unexpected Journey: Sharing a light-hearted personal story, Paul recounts an embarrassing moment from his military training days, offering a glimpse into his personality and the human side of industry professionals.Advice and Reflections: Throughout the episode, Paul offers nuggets of wisdom on business growth, client relations, and the importance of seeking help. His message is clear: growth requires commitment, and success is a collaborative effort.Special Mention: The episode also highlights the innovative Fit Box technology for wooden flooring installations, underscoring Paul's commitment to embracing new solutions that add value to clients and the industry at large.About Paul Stattersfield:Paul is a Commercial Flooring Consultant at Cockerill and Co, with a rich background in global product sourcing, coaching, and sales strategy. With over three decades of experience, Paul has dedicated his career to enriching the flooring industry and helping businesses achieve their full potential. Connect with Paul on LinkedIn: Paul StattersfieldJoin us on this enlightening journey with Paul Stattersfield as we delve into the heart of the flooring industry, exploring challenges, innovations, and the personal growth that comes with a career pivot. Whether you're a veteran in the industry or just starting, this episode offers invaluable insights and inspiration for all.