Page 20 - CFJ_Dec25

PREVIEW | FLANDERS FLOORING DAY

Flanders Flooring Days: Gateway to the
heart of Europe’s flooring industry

NNOVATION, sustainability and, above to FFD2026. The fifth edition
Iall, quality: that is what defines modern in May 2026 will mark the
flooring. Across Europe, businesses in pinnacle of its young yet Flanders Flooring Day
the industry are seeking meaningful significant history.’
connections to strengthen both their International buyers meeting European flooring industry naturally connects,’
Jonathan Middelkoop, R&D manager at
products and their market position. manufacturers Dutch Betap remarks.
To this end, an initiative launched by ‘Flanders Flooring Days is quickly ‘The market may be challenging, but that
a select group of founding fathers in becoming Europe’s leading flooring only strengthens the need to be present,
2021 has evolved into the leading event exhibition’, according to Alessio Marco to show who we are, and to showcase
Ranaldo, commercial manager at the
in the industry, attracting more than Italian ALMA CARPETS. ‘We’re meeting the very best of Betap. Our presence at
100 European brands and a host of knowledgeable professionals who truly Kortrijk Xpo is the perfect opportunity to
international buyers from 78 countries to understand the industry. That makes do just that.’
Flanders this year. every conversation more meaningful and Continues the organisers: ‘On top of
Say the organisers of Flanders Flooring avoids superficial interactions. The quality connecting with the cream of European
Days: ‘Anyone wishing to showcase their of the contacts here is simply higher than manufacturers, visitors and exhibitors
products and connect with other players at other shows in Europe.’ are also treated to an inspiring seminar
in hard and soft flooring, should mark their Visitor numbers keep climbing and in program. At the most recent edition,
calendar for the next edition of Flanders 2025, the number of exhibitors increased speakers shared insights into current
Flooring Days. by as much as 20%. Robert Siewes, sales trends and the thought processes behind
‘If you’re looking to network with manager at Egger, explains why European them and focused on sustainability. The
Europe’s leading flooring manufacturers manufacturers can’t miss this event: exclusive Flanders Flooring Night was
‘Unlike larger consumer-focused fairs,
or international buyers, there’s only one this event offers the time and space to highly appreciated by the invited guests.
place to be: Flanders Flooring Days. connect directly with the clients who truly ‘Looking to connect with international
Since its launch in 2021, this high- matter to us. We meet professionals, buyers and put your products in the
end business event has grown steadily, not passers-by, and can have focused spotlight of the European flooring
attracting more exhibitors and visitors conversations about our latest collections.’ industry? Don’t miss the fifth edition of
each edition. A significant number of his colleagues Flanders Flooring Days, taking place from
‘Increasingly, international participants reportedly agree: 72% of the exhibitors 18-21 May 2026. Contact the organisers
have joined to present their latest have already booked a spot for next year’s today and secure your place at this must-
collections. This has turned the Hub edition. The 2026 edition promises to be attend event.’
in Kortrijk Xpo and the participating the biggest yet. ‘The quality of the contacts here is simply
showrooms on location into a true Flooring’s natural habitat higher than at any other show in Europe,’
gateway to European flooring excellence. ‘Flanders Flooring Days brings says Alessio Marco Ranaldo, commercial
‘Today, 72% of the FFD2025 participants manufacturers together in a key location manager at the Italian ALMA CARPETS. 
have already confirmed their participation in Western Europe, right where the www.flandersflooringdays.com

LATEST NEWS | PEOPLE

Carl Nicol to
Carl Nicol OBITUARY | SHAUN BOLAND
retire from
T is with deep sadness Polyflor confirms the
Westcotes after Ipassing of Shaun Boland (66), Polyflor technical
nearly five sales representative for the Anglia region on 2

decades in the November 2025 after a short illness.
Shaun worked for Polyflor for more than nine
industry years and was a hugely popular member of the
team, universally respected by his colleagues and
ARL Nicol, founder of
CWestcotes Flooring and friends in the flooring trade. Shaun will be fondly
remembered by all who knew him for his positive
winner of the 2023 CFJ Lifetime Achievement Award, energy and outgoing, friendly nature.
will retire from the flooring industry on 5 January 2026, Outside of work Shaun was a keen martial
ending a remarkable career. artist, having competed at a high level in the
‘The flooring industry has provided me good and bad discipline of Muay Thai. Shaun went on to become
memories and from nothing to a fantastic lifestyle over a distinguished member of the UK Muay Thai Boxing scene, founding
this time,’ says Carl. Chao Phraya Muay Thai Boxing Academy and going on to referee and
A larger-than-life personality, he led Westcotes
Flooring to many installation successes. Shortlisted for judge events at World Title Level. Our thoughts are with Shaun’s partner
Lifetime Achievement in 2022, he went on to win the Catherine and close friends and family at this difficult time. - Polyflor 
accolade in 2023. 

20 CFJ December 2025 www.contractflooringjournal.co.uk
@CFJMagazine