Flooring Industry News August 2021

FLOORING CONTRACTORS ADDED TO SKILLED OCCUPATION LIST

Successful lobbying from the Contract Flooring Association and Build UK has seen carpet fitters and flooring contractors added to the skilled occupation list.

THE FLOORING SHOW GETS BACK TO BUSINESS IN HARROGATE

“ The highly anticipated Flooring Show returns to Harrogate Convention Centre from 19-21 September 2021 with an unmissable line up of new and established flooring suppliers.
‘It’s been two years since the flooring industry last came together, and we’re sure you’ll agree it’s been far too long’ says event director, Alex Butler.
‘So many buyers have missed the opportunity to touch and feel products before making decisions, and we’re so excited for our sector to come together and finally do business in person again.’

Show essentials:

Dates: Sunday 19 September to Tuesday 21 September 2021
Opening hours: Sunday 9:30-17:30 | Monday 9:30-17:30 | Tuesday 9:30-15:00
Venue: Harrogate Convention Centre, King’s Rd, Harrogate, HG1 5LA “

Entry is free for industry professionals. Find out more including how to register on the Contract Flooring Journal website.

JULY SALES SLOW BUT FURNISHING DOES WELL

“ Against a backdrop of slowing retail sales last month, furnishing stores continue to do well and credit card sales in the sector are booming.

High Street sales increased by 6.4% in July, against a growth of 3.2% in July 2020 according to the BRC’s latest data. This marks a slowdown as it is below the 3-month average growth of 14.7% and the 12-month average growth of 10.4%. “

Full report onThe Stocklists website.

SALES SLOWDOWN, BUT STILL AHEAD OF 2019

“ ONS retail sales data for July has confirmed a slowdown in summer sales for furnishing and flooring after the heady growth of the Q2 re-opening season, but levels still remain about those of pre-pandemic trading.

Sales across the furnishing sector as a whole were 13% down in July compared to the previous month according to the Office of National Statistics. “

Find out more on The Stocklists website.

THE CONTRACT FLOORING ASSOCIATION REPORT ON THEIR AGM

“This year’s AGM took place on Tuesday 24 August via Zoom and was opened by Keynote Speaker, Stuart Young ACIPR, Head of Stakeholder Engagement & Management/EU Exit & Covid19 Construction Sector Relationship Manager, Construction Unit, BEIS.  Stuart provided members with an update on the Construction Talent Retention Scheme – a copy of the presentation is available on request. “

Find out more on the CFA website.

FLOORING SHOW DETAILS AND FEATURES

“ The Flooring Show is the UK’s largest and only event dedicated to the industry. Thousands of retailers, contractors, distributors, fitters, designers and developers attend every year as the industry meets, connects and does business.

With all the leading suppliers exhibiting, see 250+ brands from around the world in one place, discover current industry trends, develop new skills and source the latest products.”

Check out the Flooring Show website for full show details.

BEIS SERVICES & INVESTMENT QUESTIONNAIRE ON THE UK-EU TCA

“ The Department of Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) is conducting ongoing monitoring work to understand the impacts on UK services of our new relationship with the EU under the Trade and Cooperation Agreement. “

CFA members can complete a questionnaire on this link.

SMALL FIRMS CALL FOR APPRENTICESHIP INCENTIVE EXTENSION AS STARTS TUMBLE

Following another annual fall in apprenticeship starts, FSB calls for the apprenticeship incentive to be extended In response to the publication of statistics on apprenticeships and traineeships in England, Federation of Small Businesses (FSB)’s National Chair Mike Cherry commented:

“Whilst the pandemic has understandably had a dampening effect on training efforts, the annual fall in apprenticeship starts is nevertheless very concerning against a backdrop of chronic skills shortages.”

Read the full article on the FBB website.

FURTHER READING

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