Page 64 - History-of-flooringLR

Headlam’s history

Headlam, the leading floorcoverings distributor to trade customers, is in industry-leading systems and applications. The group now employs over 2,000
its 30th year, although many of the businesses within the group have far people and operates 21 distribution hubs and centres.
longer heritages.
Headlam is focused on continuing to improve its service proposition,
Headlam was previously known as Headlam, Sims & Coggins and involved in broadening its customer base, being initiative and responding to customers’
the footwear and fabrics markets. Following a name change, Headlam made its evolving needs. This includes the launch of its industry-leading mobile app
first acquisitions within floorcoverings distribution in 1992, and by 1996 had ‘myheadlam’ last year, enhanced digital systems, new product launches, and the
become the market leader. nationwide roll-out of an improved trade counter network. Headlam’s ESG
Strategy is an important part of the long-term success and sustainability of the
Over the last decades, Headlam has built upon its leading position through group, and the announcement in 2022 of a Net Zero target by 2035 was
acquisitions, organic growth, and investment in its extensive network and a key milestone.

1948 - 1989 Known as Headlam, Sims & Coggins and
involved in footwear and fabrics markets

1989 Renamed Headlam

1992 First acquisitions within floorcoverings distribution
(from Hickson Flooring Distributors)

1992 - 1996 Consolidation of the market through acquisitions and organic growth

1996 Became market leader following the acquisition of
Mercado (founded 1919)

1996 First acquisitions in Continental Europe (The Netherlands)

1997 Acquisition of MCD (founded 1977)

2002 Focused solely on floorcoverings distribution
following disposal of other divisions

2002 - 2021 Ongoing acquisitions, organic growth, and investment

2020 New state-of-the-art Ipswich distribution centre opened, rehoming
businesses including Faithfulls (founded 1955) and Garrods (founded 1972)

2021 First ESG Strategy Report published

2021 Launch of new industry-leading mobile app, myheadlam

2022 Net Zero target by 2035 published

Today Clear market leader with 66 businesses across
the UK and Continental Europe

64 The History of Flooring