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CONTRACTOR PROFILE

room, designed for the hard of hearing to feel installing carpet for a local tavern or being HMS Ajax and the Battle of the
music vibrations through the floor. Here, Ajax offered Shetland ponies as payment for a River Plate
installed Merbau solid timber over specialised job — which the family transported back in The company’s namesake, HMS Ajax,
underlay, a solution capable of withstanding the boot of a Morris van before they were was a Royal Navy Leander-class
high traffic and heavy use while delivering eventually rehomed. These stories capture light cruiser launched in 1934 and
precise acoustic performance. The firm has the personal, human side of the business, commissioned in 1935. The ship
also been involved in restoration projects, highlighting the blend of ingenuity, humour, served extensively throughout the
refurbishing floors across schools, council and dedication that has kept Ajax Flooring Second World War, seeing action in
buildings, and private estates. thriving across generations. the Mediterranean, South Atlantic,
Supplier relationships play a central Beyond the business, Charles remains and Indian Ocean, and surviving
role in Ajax Flooring’s success. The firmly grounded in family life and South significant battle damage before
company collaborates closely with major London roots. A lifelong Millwall supporter being decommissioned in 1949. The
manufacturers, including Altro, Tarkett, — though he admits he doesn’t get to The bravery of HMS Ajax inspired Don Burill,
Heckmondwike, and Cormar, relying on these Den as often as he’d like — he grew up influencing the culture and ethos of
partnerships for material expertise, technical around Brockley, not far from the Old Kent Ajax Flooring: courage, resilience, and
support, and sustainable product options. Road, where Ajax Flooring was once based. commitment to the task at hand.
‘Communication is everything,’ Charles With three young children aged nine, seven The Battle of the River Plate on 13
stresses. ‘When issues arise, you need and five, spare time is limited, but Charles December 1939 marked the first major
suppliers who answer the phone, offer still finds room to coach his son’s football naval engagement of World war 2.
solutions, and work with you — not point team, Sutton Dynamos, and unwind with a HMS Ajax, alongside HMS Exeter and
fingers. That’s how we maintain quality and round of golf when work allows. HMNZS Achilles, engaged the German
client confidence.’ Sustainability is a growing Partial to a pint of Guinness or a whisky heavy cruiser Admiral Graf Spee off
focus. Charles actively checks manufacturer rather than anything flashy, he’s rarely the coast of South America. Though
specifications for recycled content and without Rosie, the family’s red Labrador. Exeter suffered severe damage, the
environmentally responsible practices, His sister Jayne’s Staffordshire terrier, Sid, coordinated action forced Graf Spee
passing this information on to clients who is also a familiar presence in the office, to retreat to Montevideo, where her
increasingly demand green solutions. reinforcing the sense that Ajax Flooring captain scuttled the ship rather than risk
The company’s history is rich with isn’t just a workplace, but very much a destruction at sea. Charles emphasises
memorable moments and colourful family environment — something that’s this history embodies the spirit of the
anecdotes. Charles recounts incidents such underpinned the company’s culture for company: prepared, professional, and
as his father being bitten by a pub dog while nearly seven decades.  unyielding in the face of challenges.

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T: 01283 245 430 E: sales@qepuk.com robertsukltd @RobertsUK QEP UK

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@CFJMagazine CFJ April 2026