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LATEST NEWS | PEOPLE

Kemtile welcomes back Jay Livingstone

EMTILE has welcomed back Jay Jay has enjoyed a 25-year career in sales responding
KLivingstone as sales and business and worked across pretty much all aspects to fresh
development manager, to help drive sales of flooring from installations, contracting, challenges.
in Scotland and northern England. estimating, project management, national He added:
Kemtile describes itself as one of the business development and more. ‘I believe Jay Livingstone
UK’s leading specifiers and installers of He commented: ‘There’s not much I’ve respect in life
industrial hygienic flooring, with more not seen and experienced. Having worked is earned through hard work.’
than 40 years of trading experience in the for the company before, I know I’ll be The company says he joins Kemtile at
UK, specialising in single source hygienic back working with a team of highly skilled an exciting time for the business with
flooring and wall solutions. flooring specialists with an excellent ambitious growth targets – now part of
It says it offers a full turnkey service reputation. I’ve jumped at the chance to the international Stonhard Group – ‘still
from groundworks to finish, including get back involved with former colleagues led by the vastly experienced Jamie Cook’.
drainage systems, kerbs, guardrails, and and friends.’ Jay again: ‘Jamie has taught me so much
wall protection products, to suit various He is said to bring a wide range of about professionalism and that working as
manufacturing environments with a focus contacts into the role and is looking a team is fundamental to success.’ 
on longevity, quality and compliance. forward to meeting new people and www.kemtile.co.uk

Global flooring Think Group invests in new talent to

brand ‘strengthens accelerate growth and innovation
UK and Ireland ORKSHIRE-based textile manufacturer Think Group (formerly
leadership’ with new YJames Robinson Fibres/Texfelt) is celebrating one year since its
country manager major rebrand by announcing two new integral hires, Harriet Adams
and Lance Bray, ‘who’ll help maximise the opportunities created
by the rebrand while building on the firm's 150-year heritage and
ARADOR, which describes
Pitself as the industry leader in reputation as a pioneer in the fibres and non-wovens sector’.
premium flooring, has announced Harriet joins the organisation’s senior leadership team as
the promotion of Carrie Gillis to development director. Her role will see her responsible for focusing
country manager for the UK and on growth strategies and identifying new markets beyond existing
Carrie Gillis channels.
Ireland. The promotion aligns with
She brings 13 years of product development and operational
additional strategic hires in the brand’s sales team, reflecting experience from Camira and H&C Whitehead and has worked in
Parador’s continued support for the A&D market.
Bringing a design-led approach shaped by her background textiles for 18 years.
in fashion marketing, PR, and influencer partnerships, Gillis Harriet comments: ‘I’m excited to be joining Think Group at such an
combines expertise in branding with extensive experience in the exciting time for the company. What stood out to me about the firm is
flooring industry. the team's commitment to innovation and their focus on developing
sustainable products and processes.’
Gillis began her journey at Parador as an area sales manager,
Lance joins the group with a strong background in product
progressed to senior specification manager and now steps into development in the bedding and upholstery sectors, followed by more
her new leadership role. ‘My journey with Parador has been one than a decade at one of the UK’s leading furniture retailers, SCS.
of real personal and professional growth,’ Gillis says. ‘Each step
The new key accounts manager will be responsible for
has allowed me to build stronger relationships with our clients, strengthening customer partnerships and supporting the global
grow the specification side of the business, and help raise
Parador’s profile in the UK market. This progression reflects my expansion of the manufacturer's non-woven portfolio.
Danny Shortall, managing director, comments: ‘These appointments
passion for design and branding, and the opportunities Parador demonstrate our commitment to innovation and growth, and Harriet
has given me to develop and lead.’
As country manager, Gillis will shape Parador’s strategy in and Lance will be integral in shaping Think Group’s future.
the UK and Ireland, focusing on strengthening relationships ‘Over the next few years, we will aim to build on the reputation of
within the architecture and design community, expanding retail our non-wovens division, pushing the limits of our current production
and developing bespoke solutions where necessary to enter new and
partnerships, and ensuring Parador is recognised as the go-to
premium global flooring brand. exciting sectors.’ 
‘What excites me most about this role is the opportunity to thinkgroupuk.co.uk
shape our strategy in such a dynamic and design-driven market,’
Gillis explains. ‘I’m passionate about building on the strong
foundations we already have and driving forward our vision for
sustainable, design-led innovation in the UK.’
Neel Bradham, CEO at Parador, adds: ‘Carrie’s promotion
reflects her dedication, expertise, and the strong relationships
she has nurtured throughout her career. Her design-led approach
and deep understanding of branding will be pivotal as we
continue to grow our presence in the UK and Ireland.’ 
www.parador.de Lance Bray Harriet Adams

24 CFJ December 2025 www.contractflooringjournal.co.uk
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