Page 12 - CFJ_Feb26

LATEST NEWS

Kick-Start Publishing confirms 2026 CFJ Awards venue will be the NCC

ick-Start Publishing has announced Renouf; Tony Mathe of Hillside Contracts; The event FLOORING
Kthat the 2026 CFJ Awards will take Kelly Gayle of AG Flooring; flooring is expected INDUSTRY
AWARDS
place on Friday 11 September at the NCC, contractor Shane Moore; and chartered to attract a 2026
Birmingham, marking another high-profile surveyor Graeme Dewar. Together, the wide cross-
fixture in the contract flooring calendar. panel brings a broad mix of technical, section of attendees, from contractors
Now firmly established as one of the commercial and onsite experience, and manufacturers to specifiers and
industry’s flagship events, the CFJ Awards reflecting the diversity of roles and distributors.
recognises excellence across contract perspectives within contract flooring. Kick-Start Publishing says the CFJ
flooring, celebrating best practice, In addition, the Sustainability Initiative Awards remains focused on maintaining
innovation and achievement from Award will be selected by Cathie Clarke, high standards of judging and
manufacturers, contractors, distributors chief executive of the UK Sustainable presentation, reinforcing its position as a
and individuals operating throughout the Flooring Association (UKSFA). This benchmark for quality and professionalism
sector. category continues to highlight the in contract flooring.
Entries for this year’s awards are now growing importance of environmental ‘The CFJ Awards is about recognising the
open and will close on Friday 27 February. responsibility within the sector, recognising professionalism, skill and commitment
As in previous years, submissions will initiatives that demonstrate measurable that underpin contract flooring at its best,’
be assessed by an independent judging progress in sustainability, transparency says Kick-Start Publishing CEO, Johnny
panel drawn from across the flooring and responsible practice. Miller. ‘Bringing the industry together at
and construction industries, ensuring The NCC is a familiar and accessible the NCC gives us the opportunity not only
credibility, balance and practical insight in setting for the awards, enabling the to celebrate outstanding projects and
the judging process. industry to come together to recognise people, but also to reinforce the standards,
The judging panel for 2026 includes achievements while also networking collaboration and innovation that continue
independent flooring consultant Richard with peers from across the supply chain. to move the sector forward.’ 

Louis De Poortere releases 2025 top-seller list

N what has become an annual milestone sales director Alan Russell says, ‘This is Berber (9653 Ksar), a striking style from
Ifor the retail flooring industry, Louis De stalwart of our line-up and also topped the Structures collection that reimagines
Poortere has released its top-selling rugs the list in 2024’. the timeless weaving techniques of the
for 2025, says the company. Continues the company: ‘The next Beni Ouarain tribe of Morrocco. Two other
Louis De Poortere has released what three spots are filled by the Mad Men new styles for 2025 also make it to the
it describes as its hotly anticipated list series of abstract designs, again proving top 20 with Fading World (9672 Milk
of its top 20 selling rugs of the year. The their status as homeowner favourites. Curry) and Virgin Land (9654 Mercury).’
list sees old favourites mix it up with new The list also sees further styles from the ‘The top 20 list gives a fascinating
introductions and reflects the diversity Mad Men line, as well as Antiquarian and insight into what makes UK homeowners
of the Belgian weaver's Ecorugs collection. Atlantic Streaks. One of Antiquarian’s new tick and seeing new styles make an
At number one sits the ‘unmistakable 2025 designs, Tabriz in colour Atlantide appearance goes to show our new
Fading World (8383 Salt & Pepper), a has also made the cut, falling just outside product development taps into this
classic Louis De Poortere design that the top 10 at number 11. psyche,’ continues Alan. ‘We’re looking
blends traditional design with a vintage ‘Sneaking into the top 10 is another forward to seeing if there’s a new number
timeworn feel’. As Louis De Poortere new design, this time in the style of one this year and whether our 2026
products prove to be just as popular as
those released in 2025.’
Adds the company: ‘The Louis De
Poortere Ecorugs collection is now made
with 40% recycled polyester and can be
reclaimed or recycled through Louis De
Poortere’s Take Care programme. Louis
De Poortere has doubled the amount of
recycled polyester used in its Ecorugs
since 2024, when the collection featured
20%.
‘For this year, the Belgian company
expects to increase this again, with all
new Ecorugs made from 70% recycled
polyester. It also plans for the entire
Ecorugs collection to be outdoor-ready.’ 
info@depoorterelouis.com
www.louisdepoortere.com
Fading World (8383 Salt & Pepper)

12 CFJ February 2026 www.contractflooringjournal.co.uk
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