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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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/

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