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THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

Q Why are your company’s products A Following best practice and choosing renewable sources, save resources in the
different from your competitors’ the best products for the job. A large part long run. People are increasingly looking
products and what’s the secret to of this is subfloor preparation. Simple to buy from companies who take their
creating a successful flooring product? things, but sometimes overlooked, like environmental responsibilities seriously.
A F Ball has a long track record of checking for subfloor moisture and Initiatives include the F Ball Recycling
investing in research and development installing a moisture management Scheme, which provides locations
to create exceptionally high quality solution if it’s needed. Also, making sure where contractors can deposit empty
products, many of which have advanced that the subfloor is in a good condition recyclable F Ball buckets and bottles for
performance benefits to make and any surface contaminants are recycling, for free. This has been rolled
contractors’ jobs easier and quicker. removed. And, of course, applying a out in response to a positive reception
This research and commitment to floor smoothing compound to create from flooring contractors. It follows the
quality underpins our unique F Ball a perfectly smooth surface for the introduction of recyclable packaging for
Guarantee, which states that F Ball installation of the final floorcoverings. several products, with much of the new
products will work as intended, no ‘ifs’ This really does optimise the appearance packaging itself manufactured from
or ‘buts’. of the finished installation. recycled materials.
Finally, using the right adhesive for the We’ve also installed over 1,700 solar
Q What is your major selling point with specific application and floorcovering panels at our Staffordshire headquarters,
contractors? What do your products is crucial. Checking the compatibility of which, along with state-of-the-art
offer them that others don’t? adhesives and chosen floorcoverings is manufacturing equipment to minimise
A Product quality and innovation is particularly important. F Ball produces energy consumption and low-energy
backed up by industry-leading customer a comprehensive Recommended lighting, has gone a long way towards
Adhesives Guide (RAG), which lists
and technical support to help get adhesives recommended for use with making F. Ball self-sufficient in terms of
the most out of F Ball products. The over 6,000 branded floorcoverings energy supply.
technical service department is on hand from over 200 leading international
Monday to Friday to answer questions floorcovering manufacturers. Q What flooring trends are you seeing
about subfloor preparation and at the moment, and how do these
floorcovering installation over the phone Q Can you give an outline of your most influence your product development?
or by email and online chat. Our regional popular product ranges and explain a A Contractors face continuous pressure
technical representatives conduct site bit about them? to complete projects faster, frequently
visits, in person, to provide bespoke, on- A Many of our most popular products while working around other trades.
the-ground advice for complex projects. are ones with advanced features that For this reason, we are continually
We have more coverage on the ground stand out for their quality or extra developing fast-track formulations of
than anyone else. benefits or flooring contractors like products and ones with combinations of
We also support contractors through them simply because of their ease of features that help with working quickly
our Ball Rewards customer loyalty use. For example, Stopgap 1200, which and efficiently.
initiative, which is free to join and can be applied directly over old adhesive
rewards members with cashback each residues, is the ‘go-to’ smoothing We’re also seeing underfloor heating
time they purchase F Ball products, compound of many flooring contractors systems increasingly installed as part
alongside other benefits, as a thank you for its reliability and versatility, in of refurbishments in both domestic
for their continued loyalty. addition to being fast-drying, For similar and commercial environments. This led
Other ways we aim to support flooring reasons, Styccobond F48 PLUS is a us to develop Stopgap 1600, which is
professionals include providing free favourite adhesive for many flooring formulated especially for use directly
training courses at the F. Ball Centre contractors. While it’s a temperature- over retrofitted electrical and water-
of Excellence at our Staffordshire tolerant adhesive, they use it simply for fed underfloor heating systems. F Ball
headquarters with the aim of equipping its application characteristics. smoothing compounds are suitable
them with the skills needed to deliver for application over underfloor heating
first-class flooring installations and learn Q Is sustainability and ethical systems already incorporated into the
about the latest products that may offer manufacturing a key commitment to subfloor.
solutions they aren’t aware of. your business, and if so, why? The popularity of LVTs also continues
Similarly, we recently partnered A Absolutely, and increasingly so. It’s to grow with the rise in quality and
with the Flooring Industry Training incumbent on us to make sure our variety. This is why we promote our
Association (FITA) and WEBS training to business activities don’t adversely affect System LVT range, comprising subfloor
launch the ‘Floorsight’ apprenticeship the environment, in order to preserve it preparation products and adhesives
programme to provide career pathways for present and future generations. that used together and correctly
in flooring and help tackle the flooring Ensuring the company behaves will guarantee optimal results when
industry skills gap. Training for this responsibly and protects the ecosystem installing this type of floorcovering. 
is delivered at the F Ball Centre of in which it functions helps to safeguard www.f-ball.co.uk
Excellence. the long-term sustainability of the
business. Many sustainability initiatives,
Q What’s the secret to a successful such as striving to be more energy- Visit the BRAND LEADERS section on our
flooring installation? efficient and generating electricity from website to read more from F Ball and Co

www.contractflooringjournal.co.uk 29
@CFJMagazine CFJ February 2026