First staged in Harrogate in 1962, The Flooring Show has demonstrated terrific staying power, outlasting a number of rival events staged in Blackpool, Brighton, Earls Court and Birmingham.
Although recent years have been hard for the industry as well as the show, the 52nd edition – which starts on Sunday 21st September – will feature over 140 exhibiting brands representing all areas of floor coverings and related products and services, many highly relevant to the contract and commercial sector; this is a healthy increase over 2013.
A great deal of effort is being made by the new management team to develop a content-rich event this year, starting with the Trends Hub – displaying inspirational examples of cutting edge flooring materials and designs from around the world.
The Campaign for Wool and British Wool Marketing Board will put on a major celebration of wool carpet, including a Wool Trends Centre in Hall C, supported by the industry’s leading carpet brands – Adam Carpets, Axminster Carpets, Brintons, Brockway Carpets, Bronte Carpets, Cavalier Carpets and Ulster Carpets, all officially participating in the event. The area will also feature inspirational room sets and a Wool Education hub.
Seminars relating to the contract and commercial flooring sector form an integral part of the Business Enrichment Theatre seminar programme, which takes place on each day of the show. Also this year there will be two Demo Zones, spearheaded by the CFA – FITA – NICF, and running across all three days of the show, to allow a much greater range of installation issues to be covered.
Another first for the show is a special “Wool Feature”, provided by Martin Curtis of Curtis Wool Direct Ltd. A large wool installation will be created by the artist Angela Wright, whose works have been presented around the world; it is hoped that this stunning area will encourage end users, contractors, interior designers and architects to come and see what wool is all about.
The exhibition, seminars, demonstrations and networking opportunities are all free of charge to trade participants. Free parking at the venue’s underground car park is open to all visitors, and there will be free internet access throughout.
For more information, or to register, please visit www.theflooringshow.com