The UK Flooring Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

In this unique "Members Spotlight" episode, we feature two in-depth interviews that give listeners a comprehensive look into the flooring industry. Guest host Alex Derham from Smartwood Flooring interviews our regular host, Tom, for a deep dive into choosing the best flooring products and fostering strong supplier relationships. Later, Elaine Thomas of Living Floors joins us to discuss how her business has transformed over the last 25 years, adapting to changing customer needs and new technologies.

What’s Inside:

• The critical differences between big-box store flooring products and high-quality, specialised options
• Why Tom prefers glue-down installations over click LVT and tips for effective budgeting in flooring
• Elaine's insights on evolving customer expectations, showroom experiences, and the role of technology in a traditional business

Memorable Quotes:

• "When it comes to flooring, it’s not just about the product—it’s about the relationship with your supplier, the quality, and what best suits the space." — Tom Cockerill, Host
• "If you have a showroom, you’ve got to give customers an experience, or they may as well just buy online." — Elaine Thomas, Living Floors

Guest Information:

• Alex Derham – Smartwood Flooring
• Website: https://www.smartwoodflooring-scotland.com/
• Elaine Thomas – Living Floors
• Website: https://living-floors.co.uk/ 

Episode Sponsored By: UltraFloor

https://www.instarmac.co.uk/products/ultrafloor/

https://www.facebook.com/UltraFloorContractFlooringSolutions/

https://www.instagram.com/ultraflooruk/

https://www.tiktok.com/@ultrafloor

Useful Links

• Claim a free contract kit from UltraFloor: UltraFloor Contract Kit

Where to find us

• Website: https://theukflooringpodcast.co.uk
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theukflooringpodcast/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theukflooringpodcast
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cockerillco6141

Produced by Cockerill & Co

• Reach out on 01325 952548 or email hello@cockerillandco.co.uk
• Website: https://www.cockerillandco.co.uk
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cockerillandco/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cockerillandco/

Don’t miss this episode—subscribe now for more stories and insights from industry leaders!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Alan Collins, Technical Site Support and Training Manager at UltraFloor breaks down common myths and best practices around underfloor heating. Learn what it takes to ensure a seamless underfloor heating installation from an industry expert.

What’s Inside

• Key steps to successfully prepare and install flooring over underfloor heating systems
• Tips on proper subfloor preparation and common mistakes to avoid
• Essential advice on primers, smoothing compounds, and product compatibility with various underfloor heating systems

Alan Collins – Technical Site Support & Training Manager, UltraFloor

• LinkedIn: Alan Collins

Episode Sponsored By: UltraFloor

https://www.instarmac.co.uk/products/ultrafloor/

https://www.facebook.com/UltraFloorContractFlooringSolutions/

https://www.instagram.com/ultraflooruk/

https://www.tiktok.com/@ultrafloor

Useful Links

• UltraFloor Training Academy
• Hydro Bond 
• Fidbox for underfloor heating monitoring
• Claim a free contract kit from UltraFloor: UltraFloor Contract Kit

Where to find us

• Website: https://theukflooringpodcast.co.uk
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theukflooringpodcast/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cockerillco6141

Produced by Cockerill & Co

• Reach out on 01325 952548 or email hello@cockerillandco.co.uk
• Website: https://www.cockerillandco.co.uk
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cockerillandco/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cockerillandco/

Don’t miss this episode—subscribe now for more stories and insights from industry leaders!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The UK Flooring Podcast, Dan Lovatt of Lovatt Studio shares his journey from retail to interior design, discusses the importance of choosing the right flooring, and explores the latest trends in flooring and design.

What’s Inside:

• The importance of specifying the right flooring for long-term durability and aesthetics.
• Fast fashion in flooring and how trends are moving towards sustainability and longevity.
• Key considerations for lighting and its impact on flooring choices.
• The shift from grey to warmer, earthy tones in interior design trends.

Memorable Quote:

"Flooring is the biggest investment—get it right and it should last 20-30 years."

Guest Information:

Dan Lovatt - Lovatt Studio

• https://www.instagram.com/danlovattdesign/?hl=en-gb
• https://www.lovattstudio.com

Episode Sponsored By:

https://fidbox.co.uk/

https://www.instagram.com/fidboxuk

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557296591502

https://www.linkedin.com/company/fidbox-uk/ 

Where to find us:

• https://theukflooringpodcast.co.uk/
• https://www.instagram.com/theukflooringpodcast/
• https://www.facebook.com/theukflooringpodcast
• https://www.youtube.com/@cockerillco6141

Produced by Cockerill & Co.

Reach out on 01325 952548 or email hello@cockerillandco.co.uk.

• Website:https://www.cockerillandco.co.uk/
• Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/cockerillandco/
• Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/cockerillandco/

Don’t miss this episode—subscribe now for more stories and insights from industry leaders!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this weeks podcast, we welcome Dan Evans, of D.Evans Flooring out of Cambridge

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Dan's start in flooring and how sub-contracting propelled his knowledge and skills

How you can always find work you not 100% happy with, and thats ok because...

Why is there no awards for wood-floor fitters?

Mastering 99% of flooring trades, but whats next for Dan?

ABOUT THE GUEST

Dan started his flooring career upon leaving school. Dan served his hands on apprenticeship being tutored and supervised by several very experienced floor layers working on both Domestic and Commercial flooring installations.

Following this grounding he started his own business, D Evans Flooring. in 2007. He wanted to ensure that my customers were getting value for money getting the best out of their floor. His aim is to provide all my customers with the highest standard of workmanship and service possible.

ABOUT THE HOSTS

People often ask us why we started this podcast…

It’s simple really. To help others.

We strongly believe in surrounding yourself with likeminded people and peers that can motivate you, inspire you and teach you more than any textbook or course can.

Episode content includes:

Meet the Contractor

Meet the boss

Meet the supplier

And everything in between….

From Strategic Planning to Accountancy and Mindset our content is specifically curated for Flooring Professionals that are committed to growing their businesses and becoming the best versions of themselves.

CONTACT METHODS

To feature on the Podcast drop us an email at hello@cockerillandco.co.uk

Website www.theukflooringpodcast.co.uk

Instagram @theukflooringpodcast @cockerillandco

Facebook @cockerillandco

Linkedin @cockerill-and-co

 To find out more about what we do visit www.cockerillandco.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this weeks podcast, we welcome my old pal Craig James from EGGER UK

KEY TAKEAWAYS

EGGER in Western Europe

How to have your brand represented in big DIY.

How have they saved themselves from supply issues.

How Beer goes hand in hand with EGGER

ABOUT THE GUEST

Craig is the national sales manager UK & Ireland for Egger Flooring Products.

As a sales and marketing professional specialising in flooring manufacturing, Craig help distributors, direct customers, retailers, and flooring contractors find the most suitable floor covering option for their business. 

Over the past 18 years, he has had the opportunity to work with many of the best timber and flooring businesses in the country. 

ABOUT THE HOSTS

People often ask us why we started this podcast…

It’s simple really. To help others.

We strongly believe in surrounding yourself with likeminded people and peers that can motivate you, inspire you and teach you more than any textbook or course can.

Episode content includes:

Meet the Contractor

Meet the boss

Meet the supplier

And everything in between….

From Strategic Planning to Accountancy and Mindset our content is specifically curated for Flooring Professionals that are committed to growing their businesses and becoming the best versions of themselves.

CONTACT METHODS

To feature on the Podcast drop us an email at hello@cockerillandco.co.uk

Website www.theukflooringpodcast.co.uk

Instagram @theukflooringpodcast @cockerillandco

Facebook @cockerillandco

Linkedin @cockerill-and-co

 To find out more about what we do visit www.cockerillandco.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this weeks show of The UK Flooring Podcast we welcome Sam Wilson from Art of Flooring

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Learning from the mistakes made within the industry

The impact covid had on the their business and how they turned things around.

How volunteering to restore a castle in Germany, can lead to a career in the flooring industry

ABOUT THE GUEST

Sam started Art of Flooring alongside owners Pierre and Laurence in 2017. Sam's flooring experience is primarily focused on sub-floor preparation and wood flooring installation. Sam also volunteered to work alongside Master Craftsmen from Europe to restore a castle floor at Workcamp Parquet in Germany.

Art of Flooring are specialists in solid and engineered wood flooring, carpets and luxury vinyl tiles, they have a vast range of premium products, expert fitters and aftercare plans to ensure sustainability.

ABOUT THE HOSTS

People often ask us why we started this podcast…

It’s simple really. To help others.

We strongly believe in surrounding yourself with likeminded people and peers that can motivate you, inspire you and teach you more than any textbook or course can.

Episode content includes:

Meet the Contractor

Meet the boss

Meet the supplier

And everything in between….

From Strategic Planning to Accountancy and Mindset our content is specifically curated for Flooring Professionals that are committed to growing their businesses and becoming the best versions of themselves.

CONTACT METHODS

To feature on the Podcast drop us an email at hello@cockerillandco.co.uk

Website www.theukflooringpodcast.co.uk

Instagram @theukflooringpodcast @cockerillandco

Facebook @cockerillandco

Linkedin @cockerill-and-co

 To find out more about what we do visit www.cockerillandco.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we welcome Danny Thornley. Dan has been in the flooring industry for going on 15 years now, fitting every form of floor going, a real specialist in many areas.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

How does he get most of his work as being self-employed?

What is his most popular product of flooring?

What job stands out as one that Danny 'Proper Fu*ked up" on!

ABOUT THE GUEST

Danny Thornley is the kind of fitter that is just bored of people getting away with low quality installations of carpets and flooring. "Every one deserves the best possible install", as he says.

https://www.instagram.com/dthornleyflooring/?hl=en

ABOUT THE HOSTS

People often ask us why we started this podcast…

It’s simple really. To help others.

We strongly believe in surrounding yourself with likeminded people and peers that can motivate you, inspire you and teach you more than any textbook or course can.

Episode content includes:

Meet the Contractor

Meet the boss

Meet the supplier

And everything in between….

From Strategic Planning to Accountancy and Mindset our content is specifically curated for Flooring Professionals that are committed to growing their businesses and becoming the best versions of themselves.

CONTACT METHODS

To feature on the Podcast drop us an email at hello@cockerillandco.co.uk

Website www.theukflooringpodcast.co.uk

Instagram @theukflooringpodcast @cockerillandco

Facebook @cockerillandco

Linkedin @cockerill-and-co

 To find out more about what we do visit www.cockerillandco.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we welcome the Jonathan Burch of Humidity Devices. Tom has been selling Fidbox’s for thick end of ten years now so he really enjoyed a good chat with Jonathan about how things have changed over the years with Fidbox and the flooring industry.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

How a change of career can spur innovation

What exactly is a Fidbox ?

What Jonathan see is next opportunity for Humidity Devices

And why his next car may have to be an electric

ABOUT THE GUEST

Jonathan Burch is the brain child behind Humidity Devices and the Fidbox. He is highly experienced in the hardwood flooring industry having been Managing Director of Weldon for nine years. Jonathan realised that humidity and temperature control was essential for the trouble free installation of hardwood floors particularly when installed over underfloor heating.

Humidity Devices was formed to to bring the benefits of the Fidbox product to the UK.

Humidity Devices are able to offer Homeowners, Architects, Building Contractors, Flooring Manufacturers, and Flooring Installers a wealth of advice on how to successfully protect hardwood flooring.

https://www.humiditydevices.co.uk/

ABOUT THE HOSTS

People often ask us why we started this podcast…

It’s simple really. To help others.

We strongly believe in surrounding yourself with likeminded people and peers that can motivate you, inspire you and teach you more than any textbook or course can.

Episode content includes:

Meet the Contractor

Meet the boss

Meet the supplier

And everything in between….

From Strategic Planning to Accountancy and Mindset our content is specifically curated for Flooring Professionals that are committed to growing their businesses and becoming the best versions of themselves.

CONTACT METHODS

To feature on the Podcast drop us an email at hello@cockerillandco.co.uk

Website www.theukflooringpodcast.co.uk

Instagram @theukflooringpodcast @cockerillandco

Facebook @cockerillandco

Linkedin @cockerill-and-co

 To find out more about what we do visit www.cockerillandco.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we welcome the Floor Ninja!.Tom learns Luke's full life and career story. Enjoy this knowledgable and insightful episode of The UK Flooring Podcast!

KEY TAKEAWAYS

What Luke chose over school

Making 10 pound a day makes you rethink your career choice.

The birth of 'Floor Ninja'

Hiring problems!

And what the future holds for Luke

ABOUT THE HOSTS

People often ask us why we started this podcast…

It’s simple really. To help others.

We strongly believe in surrounding yourself with likeminded people and peers that can motivate you, inspire you and teach you more than any textbook or course can.

Episode content includes:

Meet the Contractor

Meet the boss

Meet the supplier

And everything in between….

From Strategic Planning to Accountancy and Mindset our content is specifically curated for Flooring Professionals that are committed to growing their businesses and becoming the best versions of themselves.

CONTACT METHODS

To feature on the Podcast drop us an email at hello@cockerillandco.co.uk

Website www.theukflooringpodcast.co.uk

Instagram @theukflooringpodcast @cockerillandco

Facebook @cockerillandco

Linkedin @cockerill-and-co

 To find out more about what we do visit www.cockerillandco.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we welcome Peter Roese from KHR Company Ltd .Tom chats to Peter about 40 years in the flooring industry to huge sailing boats!

KEY TAKEAWAYS

We learn how Peter found himself involved in the UK flooring industry

The highs and lows of being a family business.

The issues companies face investing in training, but why it is necessary.

and how Peter plans on sailing around the world!

ABOUT THE GUESTS

Peter grew up in the wood flooring industry, a director at KHR Co Ltd heading up all things technical & PST training, Passionate about educating customers, teaching in the industry for just over 20 years. working alongside customers & manufactures sharing his experience about Lägler machines, wood floor sanding & finishing.

KHR Company LTD was founded back in 1981 by Karl and Jeanne Roese to supply floor sanding equipment to tradesmen in the local Southampton area. The business quickly grew in partnership with German manufacturer Lagler GmbH, distributing high quality sanding machines throughout the UK.

Today KHR is a major player in the floor sanding sector and known for providing top class technical information on all of their products. They work with floor refinishing businesses and floor sander hire shops throughout the whole UK including Central London, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland and are partnered with the biggest names in floor sanding machinery, abrasives and consumables.

Now managed by brother and sister team Peter Roese (Technical Director) and Katie Roese-Mclean (Business Director), KHR remains a small family business with nationwide connections and premium customer service

Learn more about KHR company here> https://khr-online.com/

ABOUT THE HOSTS

People often ask us why we started this podcast…

It’s simple really. To help others.

We strongly believe in surrounding yourself with likeminded people and peers that can motivate you, inspire you and teach you more than any textbook or course can.

Episode content includes:

• Meet the Contractor
• Meet the boss
• Meet the supplier

And everything in between….

From Strategic Planning to Accountancy and Mindset our content is specifically curated for Flooring Professionals that are committed to growing their businesses and becoming the best versions of themselves.CONTACT METHODS

To feature on the Podcast drop us an email at hello@cockerillandco.co.uk

Website www.theukflooringpodcast.co.uk

Instagram @theukflooringpodcast @cockerillandco

Facebook @cockerillandco

Linkedin @cockerill-and-co

 To find out more about what we do visit www.cockerillandco.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.