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 Episode
How 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 Information
Guest: Paul McMaster
Business: Carpets & Flooring 2 You
Location: Bishop Auckland
Website: 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 Podcast
Listen 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.
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