Page 49 - History-of-flooringLR

annual awards. In 2021 Designer Contracts, along with Texfelt, a ‘Speed of service is also essential. We’re living in an era that is very
world leading manufacturer of eco-engineered PU foam much about the ‘here and now’. One of the big drivers of this has
replacements, also scooped the prestigious ‘Partners in been the customer satisfaction survey carried out by the Home
Sustainability’ category title in the PFM Partnership Awards. Builders Federation and NHBC each year – it has had an enormous
effect across the industry. As a result, companies such as ours are
It’s all a very far cry from the day, 30 years ago, when md Peter expected to work to much tighter timescales. Lead times from our
Kelsey joined an international retail plc furnishing company to set up customers are shortening so our significant £3.5m stockholding
a contract division, primarily to deal with housebuilders. capacity is essential in today’s climate.’
Says Peter: ‘In May 1992, I started the division from our spare Another increasingly important consideration for the business has
bedroom. I was given a car, a computer and my garage served been growing awareness of sustainability and recycling issues.
as the warehouse. Designer Contracts launched its carpet recycling scheme in 2014
under which 90% of its fitter’s waste or unused flooring is diverted
‘We then moved into a small warehouse in Chesterfield and began to into felt underlay. What isn’t turned into underlay is used within the
slowly establish a regional network, the first ones being in the equestrian sector for arena flooring. It saves 250 tonnes of waste
southwest and northwest. going to landfill each year.

Over the years, we built the business up to six regions with £10m The partnership with Texfelt, through which SpringBond – a fully
turnover and 86 staff. When the retail plc later got into financial recyclable underlay product – is uniquely offered to the new build
difficulties and went into administration, we decided to buy the industry through Designer Contracts, has further diverted
contract division from the administrators. This is how Designer approaching two million single use plastic bottles from the
Contracts was born.’ environment.
Today the company’s regional offices cover Scotland, the North East, The company’s commitment to environmental progress is matched
the North West and North Wales, Yorkshire, North and West by a great sense of philanthropy. This has been demonstrated
Midlands, South and East Midlands, Wales and West, Western through a long track record of charitable donations, notably to
Counties, North London and Essex, Thames Medway and South Ashgate Hospice in Chesterfield and the national children’s help line,
London, Southern Counties, South West, Central, East Anglia and ChildLine.
Kent. It also has a National Distribution Centre in Kettering, a
Showhome and Design Services division and is headquartered near The rags-to-riches success of the business, balanced with its strong
Chesterfield in Derbyshire. moral compass was recognised last year when the inspirational Peter
Kelsey was honoured with an Outstanding Achievement award in the
The combination of national buying power and regional know-how 2021 Flooring Industry awards.
has been key to the growth and success of Designer Contracts –
along with its focus on customer service. 01246 854 577
enquiries@designercontracts.com
Says Peter: ‘Customer service has become increasingly important www.designercontracts.com
over the years, so much so that we now have a dedicated 40-strong
customer service team. We’re really serious about it, to the point
where we have a structured training programme available for all of
our employees.

The History of Flooring 49