Page 10 - CFJ_Feb26

LATEST NEWS

A closer look at Kick-Start Publishing's new CEO and his vision for the company

ICK-START Publishing’s new chief consultancy, leveraging £3.4bn of spend. titles and has gained a detailed
Kexecutive officer, John Miller, brings a Operating in the cost reduction arena understanding of the company’s markets,
diverse and well-rounded background to for several years, he worked alongside customers and partners. This hands-
the role, shaped by decades of experience major consultancies such as Capita and on involvement now underpins how he
across defence, logistics, consultancy and PwC, gaining further insight into strategic intends to lead the business.
commercial leadership. decision-making, efficiency and long-term Looking ahead, John's focus is on
As the business looks to its next phase value creation. delivering a clear three-to-five year
of development, his approach is rooted His relationship with Kick-Start strategy that builds on Kick-Start
in discipline, collaboration and a clear Publishing spans more than two Publishing’s established authoritative
focus on delivering value to the flooring decades. John first met John Heath 22 position in the flooring industry. Central
industry. years ago and has since supported him to this is ensuring the company’s core
John began his career in the Royal Navy, through consultancy roles across several strengths around trust, targeted reach
joining in October 1980 and spending businesses. and data are fully maximised in its highly
most of his service in the Submarine specialised markets.
Service aboard HMS Renown and HMS He's also keen to work closely with
Resolution. commercial partners to continue
He also gained experience in the developing compelling exclusive content
General Surface Fleet, serving on HMS that supports customers in addressing
Fife and HMS Birmingham. the challenges facing the industry.
He left the navy when family Enhancing Kick-Start Publishing’s
circumstances changed following the messaging and expanding its digital
arrival of his two children, taking with footprint form a key part of this vision,
him a strong foundation in teamwork, alongside a renewed commitment to
accountability and operational rigour. listening to and engaging with the flooring
Transitioning into the commercial industry to ensure its evolving needs
sector, John spent several years in are met. John’s already seen increased
logistics, working with TNT Express, Bunzl John Miller support from the sector in recent weeks,
Group and Special Delivery Services. That professional relationship, built which he views as a positive indicator of
During this time, he held senior leadership on trust and shared values, eventually the company’s direction.
positions including sales and marketing led to John joining Kick-Start Publishing Reflecting on the road ahead, Johnny
director, commercial director and group as a consultant, initially focused on cost says he’s ‘very much looking forward to
managing director. These roles helped efficiencies and exploring new ways to delivering a highly relevant and improving
shape his understanding of complex develop the business. service to the flooring industry with the
supply chains, customer relationships and Over the past three years, John has top quality Kick-Start team we have at
the importance of sustainable commercial become increasingly embedded in the our disposal’, and is particularly keen to
growth. organisation, working across sales, work closely with David Strydom, the
John later partnered with American operations and events. He’s developed company’s new managing director, as the
Express to establish a cost reduction strong relationships across all Kick-Start business continues to evolve. 

New CFJ editorial board will ensure media independence
ICK-START Publishing has announced the year to review coverage, assess of either Kick-Start Publishing or the
Kthe formation of a new CFJ editorial relevance and suggest improvements to Contract Flooring Association (CFA).
board, designed to reinforce editorial ensure the magazine continues to serve ‘CFJ has always taken pride in its
independence and content quality. The the contract flooring industry effectively. editorial independence,’ said David
panel will meet at points throughout The board will operate in an Strydom, CFJ editor and managing
advisory capacity and will director of Kick-Start Publishing. ‘That
initially comprise three will continue, with informed input
members: an independent from contractors, manufacturers and
flooring consultant, a independent consultants helping to
flooring contractor and a shape our editorial direction. As with
manufacturer. The founding the CFJ Awards judging panel, board
members will be announced members are selected to provide
soon. objective, unbiased perspectives for the
Maintaining neutrality will benefit of the wider industry. Contract
be a core principle of the flooring needs a strong, independent
board. To support this, no media voice, and that remains central
member will be an employee to CFJ.’ 

10 CFJ February 2026 www.contractflooringjournal.co.uk
@CFJMagazine