National Flooring

As the New Year starts National Flooring move forward by relocating to new premises in Maxey, Peterborough. A small move in distance but a large step for the company as success continues to rise.

The move was a necessary adjustment that had to be made to facilitate the growth of the company. With increasing demands from new and existing customers National Flooring were required to take on new staff to ensure that the efficiency and reliability expected from the company was maintained.

Another key necessity, as National Flooring's customer base expands, was the space to maintain adequate stock. The site, which also accommodates a warehouse, allows National Flooring to sustain higher stock levels and permits access to materials 24/7.

As well as additions to the Peterborough office, 2007 also saw the addition of an Operations Manager based in Manchester enhancing the company's flexibility within the Northern regions. The addition has already proved successful with many new clients benefiting from a fast and dependable service.

Robert Brown, Managing Director of The National Flooring Company comments, “ 2007 has been a successful year for us and we hope the move is the start of further growth. The new offices provide us with much more space and in return will allow us to run our operations much more smoothly. We hope the growth of our company will help us to continue delivering the service expectations held by both our existing and new customers.”

Fabric Turns to Resin

08/08/2007 Editorial

One of London's most popular venues that features some of the world's finest talents asked National Flooring to help with a refurbishment project to revamp the club's image, by installing an attractive and durable floor.

Fabric Nightclub, situated in the trendy Farringdon area, a popular spot for clubbers, decided to renovate the old Victorian building and asked resin flooring specialists National Flooring for their advice. The nightclub spread over two levels with a range of rooms and music genres, which create different atmospheres, needed a flooring solution to complement the surrounding décor.

In Room One in the access area Fabric had decided on a concrete finish to reflect a natural look. National Flooring specified a seal system with glass beads to protect the concrete, whilst providing a slip resistant finish. Including sub floor preparation the job was to be completed over three days, allowing the club to open as usual on the Friday night.

During preparation National Flooring realised the condition of the concrete was not suitable and as an alternative suggested the Degafloor Freeflow system. The seamless system provides outstanding durability, required by a venue with such high footfall. Upon discussion Fabric agreed and the specification was changed at the last minute to a mono-colour floor finish that provided a simple yet attractive floor creating the ideal ambience.

Joe Beade, Building and Maintenance Manager for Fabric commented, “ National Flooring were extremely helpful, it was delightful to be working alongside such a team of professionals and we certainly look forward to working with them again in the near future.”

Hygiene of High Importance

15/06/2007 Editorial

A food manufacturer that provides meals to the healthcare sector approached National Flooring when their existing floor finish failed and offered the risk of bacterial contamination. Due to the nature of the industry it was imperative that the highest hygiene standards were met.

As a result of high production the existing vinyl sheet was not proving to be durable enough and had split at the joints, leaving an ideal home for bacteria to breed. With hygiene being paramount, National Flooring provided the ideal solution by specifying the Degafloor FB system. The completely seamless and impervious system does not pinhole or pore, leaving nowhere for bacteria to breed.

Another problem that National Flooring were asked to face was the breakdown in production. The company work around the clock and therefore disruption to trade could have a serious impact. The Degafloor FB system cures fully 2 hours after installation, therefore when National Flooring were given a 48 hour window, they could be confident that the floors would be installed and ready for full use 2 hours after completion. National Flooring proved their claims and provided a floor that offered the hygienic and slip resistant properties required, without interfering with production.

Robert Brown, Managing Director of National Flooring comments, “ From initial contact we knew we could provide a solution that solved all the requirements that were being asked of us. The Degafloor FB system provides the definitive solution for the food industry where hygiene, slip resistance and time are not negotiable. We pride ourselves on our expertise within the industry and use our knowledge and experience to ensure the floor we install is fit for purpose under production conditions.”

Health and Safety Concerns

22/02/2007 Editorial

In today's litigious society Health and Safety issues are becoming an increasing concern in industry and the workplace. Therefore it is vital that every company takes the appropriate steps to ensure that safety requirements are implemented to the highest standards.

Choosing the correct floor finish is paramount in lowering the risk of injury to employees. When specifying a flooring system it is necessary to identify all the environment conditions. Early identification and an accurate specification will ensure that the price quoted is the price invoiced with no hidden extras incurred on site.

National Flooring provides a range of flooring systems that are suited to industries unique requirements. Whether the premises require slip resistant finishes or colour demarcation highlighting high-risk areas, National Flooring will guarantee to specify and install the most suitable system to withstand production conditions.

With the ability to lay hundreds of square metres a day and top of the range products that cure fully two hours after installation, production downtime is greatly minimised, essential for industries with limited shutdown periods.

Robert Brown, Managing Director of National Flooring comments, " We treat Health and Safety issues with great importance and will never compromise our position. The information we receive from our clients is vital when specifying the correct floor finish therefore we operate in a partnership approach. From initial contact we guarantee to work closely with our all clients to ensure that expectations are not just met but exceeded. We like to build relationships to ensure that our clients never have a flooring problem!"

For further information please contact us on 01733 254800.

Quality Floor, Minimal Disruption

09/01/2007 Editorial

With so much pressure being placed on companies to maximise output, the time available to maintain, refurbish or repair floors is rapidly diminishing. Twenty five years ago companies closed for two weeks at a time not so today, forty eight hours if you are lucky. At National Flooring we recognised that the materials we had used in the past, i.e. epoxy, polyurethane, polymers would not enable us to guarantee that a new floor could be cured totally, physically and chemically within the short time scale, and therefore chose to specialise in the installation of Degafloor MMA resins.

In collaboration with Degussa (without question the largest manufacturer of fast curing resins for flooring) Degafloor systems were developed. The Degafloor systems have a guaranteed physical and chemical cure of 2 hours ready for full use. Over the years the range has extended to systems that are aesthetically pleasing, anti-slip for health and safety, hygienic in fact meet 95% of industries

requirements.

Managing Director of National Flooring, Robert Brown comments, " After 40 years experience in the industry using every type of generic resin, I chose to specialise in the installation of MMA resins as I truly believe they provide valuable benefits to all industries. Our focus and experience on one product ensure that clients receive a quality floor with minimal disruption."

For further information please contact us on 01733 254800.

Center Parcs picks National Flooring

12/04/2006 Press release

National Flooring's recent trip to Center Parcs was on business rather than pleasure when they were asked to install a new flooring system at one of the sites.

The popular UK holiday destination needed to find a durable flooring solution for its 'Parcmarket' at the Whinfell Forest site in Penrith as part of an extensive refurbishment of the site.

Project Manager at Center Parcs, Stephen Gormley, commented: "We were keen to replace the existing floor with something that offered increased durability - vital for an area with such high footfall. Another important factor was that the flooring had to be installed with as little disruption to the trading of the outlet as possible."

The area totalling 510 sqm had three different existing floor finishes and levels causing real problems in terms of flooring selection. However, resin flooring specialists National Flooring were able to specify a Degafloor Flake resin system which can overcoat tiles, marine ply or galvanised metals as well as concrete.

The tough, impermeable resin surface creates an attractive seamless finish that eliminates weak spots, such as grouted joints - helping retailers to overcome high maintenance costs often associated with vinyl or tiled finishes.

Stephen continued: "Degafloor's properties immediately stood out to us, especially its rapid cure time. National Flooring carried out an efficient installation in a professional manner that minimised impact on the guests and the operation of the outlet."

Meanwhile, Center Parcs was even able to incorporate company colours into the floor thanks to Degafloor's ability to provide bespoke finishes that enabled the floor to 'blend in' with the surrounding environment.

Commercial director of Degafloor, James Wright, commented: "Center Parcs had a very common flooring problem - they needed a hardwearing floor that looked good and could be installed with minimal disruption. The Degafloor Flake system is an ideal solution to these issues and the benefit of curing in just two hours means that outlets need not close down for long periods of time, if at all."

IKEA gets the Degafloor treatment

03/04/2006 Press release

Resin flooring specialist National Flooring, has added another big name to its growing portfolio of retail customers by completing a number of installations for IKEA across the country.

Four of the cult furniture stores have been supplied with innovative Degafloor MMA resin flooring systems to provide a hygienic and aesthetic flooring solution to various areas within the outlets.

Craig Rowan, construction manager of RG Group and contractors for the Milton Keynes branch, was delighted with the new flooring. Explaining why the Degafloor FB resin system is perfect for the application, he commented: "Degafloor was chosen mainly because of its hygienic properties, as the floor - 450 sqm of Oyster Grey FB - was to be installed into the kitchen area.

"Because resin is impermeable it doesn't allow germs to fester and it's also water resistant which was important as the floors tend to get fairly wet, so now we won't have any problems with water leaking through to floors below," Craig continued.

Degafloor forms a tough, seamless surface providing a durable finish that does not exhibit weaknesses associated with grouted seams or failing joints common with more traditional finishes, such as vinyl and tiles.

Meanwhile, aesthetics were also a top consideration for IKEA. Craig confirmed "As well as the durable and hygienic properties of the flooring, it also looks great, which is important when it's in public areas such as the restaurant."

IKEA's UK Construction Manager, Steve Batley, added: "National Flooring worked closely with us to provide a flooring solution that exactly matched our specifications. Other types of flooring have failed us in the past at other stores but Degafloor doesn't have the same weaknesses."

National Flooring's Commercial Manager Simon Campbell concluded: "We're delighted to add IKEA to our burgeoning portfolio of retail clients. The initial installations at the four stores have proved to be a major success and we look forward to working with IKEA again in the near future."

The Milton Keynes project follows hot on the heels of successful National Flooring installations at three other branches. IKEA Cardiff was the first to benefit from the partnership where 562 square meters of Degafloor FB was installed in kitchen and dishwasher areas. Nottingham and Edmonton followed suit, where in excess of 650 square meters was installed in similar areas.

Flooring no problem for HMP Norwich

20/03/2006 Press release

When HMP Norwich needed to renew the flooring in its healthcare centre, estates manager Martin Hanson knew the specific requirements of such a floor were likely to be a challenge.

Having such an important area of the prison out of operation for a long period of time was impractical, so Martin needed a solution which minimised downtime whilst also being totally safe and hygienic.

And after a long and exhaustive search Martin settled on a unique Degafloor solution installed by partners National Flooring.

Martin explains: "Probably the most vital factor is time. If something is likely to take longer than a few days then we can't do it, so the faster a floor can be down and ready to use, the better. In this case, installing a new floor within the healthcare centre was particularly specialist as it's such a volatile area.

"Those considerations meant we needed something tough," says Martin. "That led us to choose a Degafloor FB resin flooring system as it met all our requirements. And what really stood out was the two-hour cure time which meant the floor could be back in use just hours after installation."

Martin also reported problems with flooding in the past, and this was another reason why Degafloor was right for the application, as the system is totally impermeable and resistant to fluid so will not allow water to seap through causing water damage.

"Overall, I'm really pleased with the quality and finish of the flooring," concludes Martin. "It is exactly what we needed, with Degafloor managing to offer a suitable solution to each of the challenges facing us."

Martin isn't the only estates manager to have chosen Degafloor - HMYOI Huntercombe, HMP Doncaster, HMP Littlehey, HMP Nottingham and HMP Gloucester have also benefited from using Degafloor resin flooring systems.

National Flooring co-operates with Anglia Regional Co-op

06/06/2005 Press release

Anglia Regional Co-Op has chosen National Flooring to install flooring at their brand new convenience store in March, Cambridgeshire, after experiencing problems with previous flooring solutions.

Durability, cost effectiveness, fast installation and aesthetics were all important factors that National Flooring was tasked with providing, and this led the company to specify a Degafloor flake resin flooring system.

This tough, seamless flooring from Degafloor was installed in the main retail area of the store, meaning aesthetics were just as important as being able to withstand heavy footfall on a daily basis.

Previous installations of terrazzo tiles at other Co-Op supermarkets had proven expensive and time consuming to lay. Anglia Regional Co-Op also found that tiled floors cracked easily, and matching replacement tiles was a difficult process.

But future maintenance of the Degafloor flooring system will not cause any such headaches. Even if the seamless floor should show signs of wear, it can be quickly and cost effectively refurbished or repaired in the colour of the original installation.

Andrew Dighton, Development and Property Services Manager for Anglia Regional Co-Op said: "We were looking for a low-maintenance, cost effective flooring solution which could be tailored to match our corporate colours. National Flooring provided us with a Degafloor Flake resin flooring system which is tough and looks great.

"The new store has only been open for a few weeks but we are really pleased with the result and will almost certainly be using National Flooring again for future installations."

Another main benefit of having a Degafloor resin flooring system installed is that it cures in just two hours, meaning business need not be put on hold any longer than necessary, and the installation in March was completed in just two days.

James Wright, Commercial Director of Degafloor said: "The versatility of Degafloor flooring systems mean that they are suitable for a wide range of retail environments. The outstanding aesthetics of the flake system, combined with other properties such as durability and excellent slip resistance, make Degafloor ideal for supermarkets which see a great deal of footfall and so need reliable flooring which is safe and looks great."

Floors for Free

31/05/2005 Press release

Regent Inns has discovered there is no need to close their popular Walkabout bars and Jongleurs nightclubs whilst new floors are installed after choosing National Flooring to supply resin flooring to its bars and clubs across the UK.

The bar and nightclub chain called in National Flooring to help minimise the loss of revenue from being forced to close sites for up to five days to allow floors to be refurbished using products from pre-existing resin suppliers. Regent Inns also had a comprehensive range of additional needs that included durability, flexible aesthetics and excellent slip resistance.

Peterborough-based National Flooring, a specialist in industrial and commercial flooring, was able to meet all of Regent Inns requirements by specifying and installing Degafloor systems into these busy establishments. Each installation is completed overnight and, due to the unique two hour cure time of Degafloor, each site is able to re-open the following morning with a completely new floor.

James Wright, commercial director of National Flooring, said "We chose to specify Degafloor mainly due to the two hour cure time, but in addition, the systems remain slip resistant even when wet, important in nightclubs where drinks are frequently spilt. And thanks to the flooring's durable properties, it can withstand broken glass, as well as being resistant to cigarette burns."

Degafloor offer a wide range of systems, each being available in a vast range of decorative finishes, allowing bespoke solutions to be created without a significant impact on installation cost.

Chris Cotton, property development manager at Regent Inns, said: "We were able to have tailored colours for our flooring, meaning the finish looked professional and fitted in perfectly with the rest of the décor in our venues. So far we have had Degafloor resin flooring installed in our Liverpool, Sheffield, Bournemouth, Nottingham and Covent Garden outlets and are looking to install Degafloor systems in a number of other outlets."

Chris continued: "Our Walkabout bars are the busiest pubs on the high street and we therefore had problems maintaining the floors at a reasonable standard. Our existing flooring could not withstand the volume of footfall in the venues, and so we also needed an extremely hard-wearing floor which is exactly what National Flooring provided. Our refurbished floors are now durable, easy to clean and anti-slip."

James Wright added: "We are delighted to have been chosen by Regent Inns to supply so many of their venues with Degafloor resin flooring systems. It was essential that we provide extremely durable solutions that could be installed with minimal impact to normal trading hours. We achieved this by installing a Degafloor solution on a 'disruption free' overnight installation programme which, combined with the resulting revenue retention of not having to close the bar, means Regent Inns have effectively been able to upgrade their flooring for free."

For more information on National Flooring please call 01733 254800

JJB resolves flooring issues thanks to National Flooring

25/04/2005 Press release

Sports and leisure giant JJB has called in industrial flooring specialist National Flooring to help combat flooring issues within their Soccer Dome facilities.

In existing Soccer Domes, leaks had appeared in wet showering and changing areas highlighting how sealants and grouting between tiles could not cope with the amount of water and footfall on a daily basis.

Vinyl flooring had also previously been used but despite the initial benefits of vinyl such as low installation costs and outstanding aesthetics it did not provide a long-term solution.

Key specification requirements set out by JJB meant that a new flooring solution had to be tough, come in a choice of colours and with a fast cure time to minimise disruption. And, thanks to National Flooring's flexible approach, the company was able to solve JJB's flooring problems by installing a Degafloor resin flooring system.

The system installed by National Flooring, Degafloor FB, is a seamless coating which can be applied to a wide variety of existing or new flooring surfaces to create a hard-wearing finish. Its properties also mean that it can withstand heavy footfall and water without breaking down, becoming slippery or leaking.

Martin Webster from Archer Architects who specified the product said: "The shower areas within existing Soccer Domes where tiled or vinyl finishes had been utilised, were not durable enough to cope with constant use. Our Client needed a hard-wearing product which keeps its robust properties despite heavy use, so the Degafloor system was definitely the best option.

"National Flooring installed the Degafloor FB resin flooring system to new-build projects at Blackburn and North Shields which provided great aesthetics as well as a water-proof finish."

Martin continued: "The problem with health clubs is that surfaces have to cope not only with everyday dirt and grime, but also with human body residue - and this is difficult to clean from tiles, making showering areas more and more unhygienic over time. National Flooring provided us with a solution that is impervious and totally seamless, making it the safest and most hygienic option for wet areas."

James Wright, Commercial Director of National Flooring commented: "We are delighted to be working with a company of the standing of JJB and applaud their pro- active approach to customer health and safety. The decision of JJB is indicative of a wider re-focusing by specifiers of solutions which remain 'fit for purpose' over the full life-cycle of the installation."

The best defence against spectator injury

24/02/2005 Press release

Degafloor, a flooring specialist with significant expertise in the sports industry, is urging safety officers at sports grounds to review their stadia flooring after a spate of slips, trips and falls that have resulted in costly litigation against clubs.

Resin flooring supplier Degafloor and their installation partner, The National Flooring Company Ltd, have combined their expertise to create an unbeatable package for the sports industry after identifying and resolving flooring problems for a number of top sports clubs.

Recent research has shown that around 50% of all reported accidents at sports grounds are caused by slips, trips and falls, many of which can be directly attributed to unsuitable flooring. These shocking statistics also suggest that as many as 95% of major slips result in broken bones, creating a major headache for all operators of sporting venues.

Volume of footfall and wet weather conditions have long been known to contribute to slippery flooring within stadiums - particularly in older stands with concrete walkways - and in an increasingly litigious society, clubs are becoming more and more aware of the potential risks and are turning to companies such as National Flooring and Degafloor to provide an efficient, cost-effective and durable solution.

Despite the obvious risks, there is still a distinct lack of advice about suitable flooring solutions designed to minimise risk to spectators. But Peterborough-based National Flooring and Degafloor are advising safety officers at all sports venues - both indoor and outdoor - to talk to them now before it's too late.

Over the past ten years many sports venues throughout Europe have either improved or created plans to improve their facilities and spectator safety. The drive to improve facilities is particularly marked in the redevelopment of football grounds in the 1990s following the publication of the Taylor report, yet flooring on terracing, steps and public concourses is still a grave concern, with a number of incidents reported each year.

Even in the modern era of all-seater sports stadia, the high volume of spectator traffic continues to cause the deterioration of public walkways, resulting in slippery surfaces. Whilst the problem of persistent standing has also led to a number of slip related incidents.

The Taylor Report (1990) and modern ground regulations identify short term standing - when spectators are entering or leaving the ground, or movements during spectator excitement - as "high risk" and particularly likely to cause spectators to slip, trip and injure themselves.

Whilst realistically, these risks will never be wholly eliminated, both National Flooring and Degafloor believe that stadia management should implement whatever physical measures they can to reduce the risks to an acceptable level. And that may involve the installation of specially created slip resistant flooring solutions such as Degafloor FB.

Meanwhile another problem has been the recent rise in the number of spectators standing in radial gangways. Evidence suggests that these supporters are most at risk of falling or slipping as other spectators push their way through either to get to the seating areas or the public concourses. This problem has been particularly prevalent on older, worn concrete steps.

Over the last three years, Top football clubs Celtic, Bolton Wanderers, Leeds United and Leicester City have all acted to improve safety by appointing National Flooring to install the Degafloor FB system.

All of these clubs had found their previous flooring unsuitable due to the slippery nature of old and worn surfaces, so National Flooring was called in to provide advice and to install a bespoke solution. The Degafloor FB solution chosen provides the grip, durability and visibility required to meet the latest building regulations and safety legislation, whilst even team colours have been incorporated into the finished floor surface!

At Parkhead, home of Scottish champions Celtic FC, problems had occurred after contractors applied a floor paint to steps making them slippery. National Flooring removed the paint and applied Degafloor FB in a bid to solve the problem. And since the initial application throughout almost one third of Parkhead three years ago not one case of an accident has been encountered in the treated areas.

Coca-Cola Championship club Leicester City has also made use of National Flooring's vast expertise after the south stand concourse flooring at the Walkers Stadium, which had previously been finished in power floated concrete, had become slippery. On match days and especially in the wet, the volume of supporter footfall was creating concerns over potential accident and injury. To resolve these concerns, National Flooring specified and installed the Degafloor FB resin flooring system so supporters entering the turnstiles would be able to access the seating areas safely .

National Flooring's commercial director James Wright said: "Sports arenas cannot afford to take any risks when it comes to spectator safety so we are delighted to be working with so many major clubs to help them improve safety at their stadia. The feedback has been really positive from spectators and management alike whilst the safety record speaks for itself. We are looking forward to working with many more in the future."

James reports that whilst it has so far mainly been football clubs who have had the capacity to review their flooring requirements, other sporting venues have begun to show interest in improving floor finishes with spectator safety being the main driver.

That is in part due to the Safer Sports Grounds Programme (SSG), a lottery funded scheme available for the provision of ground safety improvements for spectators at rugby union, rugby league and cricket grounds. This includes works to improve spectator safety, the provision of better access to the stadium and safer terracing.

James concluded: "The problem of slip, trip and fall related incidents at sports grounds is by no means unique to football. We are now beginning to talk to a number of rugby clubs, cricket grounds and other top facilities with a view to them upgrading their existing flooring solutions.

"Legislation is constantly changing and it's only a matter of time before the improvement of public walkways, concourses and terraces becomes law. Despite that, our advice is to act now to avoid potential expensive lawsuits."

Top London nightspot chooses National Flooring

26/11/2004 Press release

A stylish new nightclub in London has called in Peterborough-based National Flooring to help with its refurbishment by installing a unique and innovative, yet extremely hardwearing flooring solution.

The nightclub, The Penthouse situated in Leicester Square, has recently been given a new lease of life by the Elysium group. Spread over three floors and boasting some of the best views in London, the club was in need of a flooring solution that was seamless and tough but could have a number of leading edge design finishes to match the décor in different areas of the club.

The solution saw Degafloor Flake, a resin-based floor that is both durable and innovative in terms of aesthetics, installed in key areas throughout the club. A biscuit coloured flake was used in the restaurant and bars whilst a striking orange flake (combined with silver) was used on the main dancefloor. In the bathrooms, two different pearlescent flake systems were used to create a glamorous feel, whilst the finish will also ensure slipping incidents are a thing of the past.

Matt Rawlinson, the interior designer with MRD Design responsible for The Penthouse, explained why Degafloor and National Flooring were the ideal choice for the project. He said: "National Flooring gave us a solution which provided the best of both worlds - the

practicalities of the Degafloor flooring system meant we had a new floor installed and ready for use in two hours, but also the slick, contemporary feel to the finishes meant we didn't have to compromise on style."

This unique flooring system from Degafloor is particularly suited to nightclubs and other leisure industry installations as chewing gum will not adhere to the surface, whilst it is also resistant to broken glass and cigarette burns. Because of these benefits, the floor will offer outstanding durability whilst remaining easy to clean, hygienic and safe.

National Flooring's commercial director James Wright added: "We were delighted to be able to provide The Penthouse with a range of flooring finishes which met their demanding specification in terms of both aesthetics and performance. Our systems offer the leisure industry unique product benefits and an almost endless range of aesthetics and as a result, we expect to be working with more pubs, clubs and restaurants in the very near future."

Leicester City build a winning partnership

24/09/2004 Press release

Dramatic dives will in future be kept to the pitch at Leicester City FC, thanks to the intervention of Peterborough based National Flooring.

The Walkers Stadium, home of Leicester City Football Club (LCFC), is one of the best state-of-the-art stadia in the country and a flagship development, not just for the club but for the community as whole. As part of its continued investment, LCFC recently appointed National Flooring -an expert installer of resin flooring solutions for industrial and commercial use - to improve safety for supporters using the south stand.

The south stand concourse flooring had previously been finished in power floated concrete, which had become slippery. However, on match days and especially in the wet, the volume of supporter footfall was creating concerns over potential accident and injury. To resolve these concerns, National Flooring specified and installed the Degafloor â FB resin flooring system so supporters entering the turnstiles will be able to access the seating area safely.

National Flooring's commercial director James Wright said: "We are delighted with the finished look of the concourse that now, with the application of Degafloor â FB provides outstanding spectator safety. We are also pleased to be involved with the club as it promotes itself to the wider community and regularly attracts over 30,000 supporters through its turnstiles."

To make sure fans of the Foxes are kept happy, the heavy duty, anti-slip FB system has been installed using the striking blue and white colours of Leicester City FC.

David Butcher, head of internal services and IT at the club said: "Feedback from the directors and senior management team has been very favourable and we expect these works to provide a significant improvement in spectator safety."

The new stadium, completed in August 2002, was part of major regeneration of a huge area of previously neglected city land and was designed by architects The Miller Partnership.

Anyone wanting more information on National Flooring and its services should call: 01733 254800.

Simply Fresh Foods - Simply the best floor

20/09/2004 Press release

Simply Fresh Foods, a vegetable processing company who prepare and pack vegetables for retail use, has called upon the know how of Peterborough-based National Flooring to head off any potential floor related health and safety issues at its Manchester premises.

With slipping related incidents becoming a major concern for industries nationwide as a result of tough health and safety legislation, Simply Fresh Foods decided it was time to tear up its existing polyurethane floor and install a solution that would keep them ahead of the game.

The company decided it wanted a brand new floor finish with enhanced anti-slip properties that would also provide a long-term solution that would be both durable and cost effective.

And having spoken to a number of companies about its flooring requirements, Simply Fresh Foods was instantly impressed by National Flooring's commitment to undertaking the job quickly and effectively whilst specifying a product that met all the requirements of the job.

Recognising the need to minimise downtime for this busy production facility, National Flooring proposed the use of a Degafloor FB system throughout the 200sqm area on a fast-track installation that could be completed within just three days.

The solution, a heavy duty screed with an anti-slip finish - achieved by broadcasting the surface with Degafloor Quartz Aggregate - also included a number of new drains to help relieve the problem of excess water gathering on the production area floor. Meanwhile, the floor was fully colour-coded to designate areas of both high and low risk in compliance with health and safety regulations.

According to Simply Fresh Foods' engineering manager Alistair Clark it was the proactive approached of National Flooring, combined with the ability to provide a fast-track installation programme, that nudged it ahead of the competition.

Alistair explained: "In the past it has taken days or even weeks to get a new floor laid yet National Flooring was able to specify a solution that that was installed quickly and ready for full use just hours after the work was completed."

Ask Robert

02/08/2004 Editorial

Robert Brown is managing director of National Flooring, an expert installer of resin flooring solutions for commercial and industrial use. With more than 30 years' experience, we put a series of readers flooring related questions to Robert for his expert advice.

• Robert, we've got a blast freezer with a damaged concrete floor. I understand that to have it repaired properly will mean switching it off and leaving it out of use for a considerable period of time, something we cannot afford to do. What is the best solution?

You are correct. Switching off the freezer is essential to allow a genuine, long-term solution to be applied. However, when the freezer is switched off you will probably find you are left with a wet concrete surface that has deteriorated, i.e., the surface will seem 'powdery'.

The concrete must be completely dried before installing a repair otherwise this moisture will freeze once the blast freezer is switched on causing the new floor to delaminate. I have used some simple short-term remedies that have proved cost-effective but for a viable long-term solution I'm afraid there is no quick fix.

• Dear Robert, I've received a quote from a flooring company for a polyurethane system of 600sqm. They claim to be able to install the floor and have it fully operational within three days using just one team. Is this realistic?

The simple answer is 'no'. I'm sure the actual floor could be installed in this time (depending on the size of the installation team) but, as any reputable polyurethane manufacturer will tell you, for the floor to cure physically and chemically takes days. This makes the true project duration well beyond the stated three days.

• Hi Robert, I've been quoted £10 per square metre for an anti-microbial additive to be supplied with a polyurethane floor. Does this represent good value for money?

The question you are really asking is 'Does the addition of an anti-microbial solution to a flooring product really create any customer benefits?'

My personal view is that if a factory is washed down with anti-microbial products on a daily basis I question the benefits to be gained. However, this is a debate that has received a lot of attention recently and I'd prefer to let you judge for yourself by reading the articles that have been written by independent scientists. I suggest you take a look on the internet searching under key words such as triclosan.

• Robert, My company needs a new floor and I usually specify a vinyl sheet solution but I've heard much recently about the supposed benefits of resin floors. Can you offer any advice as to the best solution for my needs?

There's a huge choice of flooring solutions available and correct specification is dependent on a detailed understanding of your needs. However, in general terms, when compared with vinyl sheet, resin solutions offer faster installation (MMA based systems), easier repairs and refurbishment, enhanced hygiene (as the result of seamless installations) and better anti-slip properties. Additionally, resin systems are now more decorative and as such can provide a leasing finish.

• Robert, My architect has specified a sealed concrete finish for our production unit floor but I want to understand what a resin solution could offer me. Can you help?

As with the last question, correct specification is dependent on a full understanding of the clients' requirements and the extremes of use the floor will be exposed to.

That aside, I believe that if a power-floated concrete solution would suffice I see little point in adding cost by over-engineering the solution. However, if the area will be exposed to chemicals and/or food residue, if a slip-resistant finish is required and if aesthetics are important, then resin systems can offer significant benefits.

Additionally, many customers specify resin systems to improve hygiene standards and to facilitate easier cleaning. If you would like to discuss this further, then please give me a call.

Robert Brown is happy to give advice on any flooring issue and can be contacted on 01733 254888 or email: technical@nationalflooring.co.uk

Flawless approach from National Flooring leaves Circadia thrilled

16/07/2004 Press release

Compass-owned Circadia, the central kitchen production business, has eased its flooring problems by introducing a solution by Peterborough-based National Flooring.

With its existing vinyl sheet floor demonstrating significant signs of wear Circadia required a cost-effective solution that could meet the health and safety needs of the food industry.

Just as importantly for a busy food production facility, Circadia could not afford a lengthy refurbishment process that would render their facility inoperative for long periods.

But, thanks to the proactive approach of National Flooring, the company was able to specify the use of a Degafloor FB system that could be installed quickly to minimise disruption throughout the 300sqm area.

Following thorough preparation of the area - which involved the complete removal of the existing floor- the Degafloor FB system, a seamless resin-based solution, was laid.

Now Circadia's new floor combines excellent anti-slip properties and a decorative finish with an impervious surface suitable for food production.

Circ