The UK Flooring Podcast

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

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

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🎧 Fix Radiohttps://fixradio.co.uk/🎟 Momentum 2026 – The Flooring Business Summit and National Flooring AwardsOne day. One industry. Unlimited momentum.📅 Saturday 3rd January 2026📍 Crowne Plaza Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 3SG

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 🔗 Website: https://www.appleflooring.co.uk/🎟 Momentum 2026 – The Flooring Business Summit & National Flooring AwardsOne day. One industry. Unlimited momentum.📅 Date: Saturday 3rd January 2026 📍 Venue: Crowne Plaza Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 3SG ⏰ Timings: Momentum Summit 9:30am – 5:00pm | National Flooring Awards 7:00pm – late🎫 Get your ticket now: https://www.cockerillandco.co.uk/momentum🎫 Get your ticket now: https://www.nationalflooringawards.co.uk/Where to Find The UK Flooring Podcast:Website: https://theukflooringpodcast.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theukflooringpodcast/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theukflooringpodcast

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🎟 Momentum 2026 – The Flooring Business Summit & National Flooring AwardsOne day. One industry. Unlimited momentum.📅 Date: Saturday 3rd January 2026 📍 Venue: Crowne Plaza Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 3SG ⏰ Timings: Momentum Summit 9:30am – 5:00pm | National Flooring Awards 7:00pm – late🎫 Get your ticket now: https://www.cockerillandco.co.uk/momentum🎫 Get your ticket now: https://www.nationalflooringawards.co.uk/Where to Find The UK Flooring Podcast:Website: https://theukflooringpodcast.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theukflooringpodcast/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theukflooringpodcast

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🎟 Momentum 2026 – The Flooring Business Summit & National Flooring AwardsTickets and National Flooring Awards nominations are live!📅 Date: Saturday 3rd January 2026📍 Venue: Crowne Plaza Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 3SG⏰ Timings: Momentum Summit 9:30am – 5:00pm | National Flooring Awards 7:00pm – lateOne day. One industry. Unlimited momentum.🎫 Get your ticket now: https://www.cockerillandco.co.uk/momentum🎫 Get your ticket now: https://www.nationalflooringawards.co.uk/Where to Find The UK Flooring Podcast:Website: https://theukflooringpodcast.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theukflooringpodcast/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theukflooringpodcast

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🎟 Momentum 2026 – The Flooring Business Summit & National Flooring AwardsTickets and National Flooring Awards nominations are live!📅 Date: Saturday 3rd January 2026 📍 Venue: Crowne Plaza Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 3SG ⏰ Timings: Momentum Summit 9:30am – 5:00pm | National Flooring Awards 7:00pm – lateOne day. One industry. Unlimited momentum.🎫 Get your ticket now: https://www.cockerillandco.co.uk/momentum🎫 Get your ticket now: https://www.nationalflooringawards.co.uk/Where to Find The UK Flooring Podcast:Website: https://theukflooringpodcast.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theukflooringpodcast/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theukflooringpodcast

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.👤 Guest Information:Oli Butler 🔗 LinkedInThis 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