Inflation affecting flooring manufacturer despite positive outlook

Financial data published by the flooring manufacturer James Halstead shows a slight decline in annual revenue to £127.2 million for the year ending Dec 31, 2025, compared with £130.1 million the previous year.

Profits were lower than the previous year, and profit margins decreased slightly. The decline in profits is largely attributed to inflation driven by the war in the Middle East, which has increased raw materials, transport and energy costs.

James Halstead is based in Bury and manufactures floor coverings for domestic and commercial use. Its high-profile premium brands include Polyflor, Karndean, Recofloor, Expona and Carnero.

The company CEO, Gordon Oliver, recognises the current difficult conditions, which he says are impacting all flooring manufacturers and suppliers. However, he is optimistic about the company’s future. Despite short-term challenges, James Halstead is well established in the flooring market, and sales are expected to pick up in the medium term.

Broker Panmore has positively assessed the company’s health, saying:

”In our opinion, the quality of a business is demonstrated by its ability to navigate turbulent markets. In this regard, James Halstead continues to score well, validating our positive stance on the stock.”

Whilst most types of floor coverings may cost more due to inflation caused by world events, many value-for-money deals are available for quality flooring from a good flooring retailer in the Chester and North Wales region. It is a good time to purchase new flooring for both residential and commercial customers.

Global carpet market projected for steady growth

According to the latest industry analysis by consulting firm IMARC, the global carpet market is predicted to grow, driven by technological innovation and shifting consumer priorities.

The market is set to reach a valuation of approximately $88.9 billion by 2034, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.17%. Despite the rising popularity of hard flooring, carpets remain a staple for both residential and commercial interiors.

In homes, carpets are increasingly viewed as a luxury furnishing. Premium options like natural wool provide effective thermal and acoustic insulation plus underfoot comfort.

In commercial use, carpets are essential for acoustic management. They significantly dampen impact noise such as footsteps and moving furniture and reduce echoes, creating a quieter, more productive environment in busy offices and hotels.

Many buyers are prioritising the environment alongside aesthetics for home furnishings. Manufacturers have responded by expanding their ranges to include recycled fibres and natural yarns such as wool, jute and sisal. Recycling schemes dispose of carpets responsibly when they are too worn to use.

Advancements in fibre engineering have led to carpets that are far more stain-resistant and hard-wearing.

The online carpet buying process is being transformed by Augmented Reality (AR). Virtualisation tools allow customers to "place" a carpet in their room using a smartphone camera before making a purchase. However, it may still be better to visit a local carpet retailer in North Wales to feel the textures and view real samples in your home's natural light before making a final decision.

Social media user discovers award show red carpet in Los Angeles bin

Paige Thalia, a resident of Los Angeles, went for a walk in the city and discovered rolls of red carpets in a skip behind the Dolby Theatre, where the Oscars ceremony was held the previous day. After she published details of her find on social media, it sparked interest in what happens to red carpets after award ceremonies.

Around 50,000 sq ft of red carpet is laid for the Oscars ceremony. While some of this carpet is recycled, as Paige discovered, some is discarded.

According to a report in The Guardian, many award events do have policies against single-use carpets. The organisers of the Golden Globe Awards are committed to reusing their carpets. The Baftas use recycled carpets at their award ceremonies.

If the Oscar organisers continue to use single-use carpets, after Paige publicised her find on TikTok, it is thought that many people will try their luck at the Dolby Theatre after the Oscars in the future.

Paige Thalia reported that she took home some of the Oscar red carpet she found in a bin for her living room, but realised it was of poor quality. Although it could be reused at other award ceremonies, it would have a limited lifespan.

If you use carpets in a Chester home or business, choose high-quality ones, as they will last for many years. When they are worn out, the most sustainable course of action is to recycle them so they don't end up in a landfill site.

Five methods to avoid when cleaning vinyl flooring

Vinyl flooring in North Wales homes is popular as a more affordable alternative to hardwood. It looks like natural wood and lasts a long time, provided it is regularly cleaned. However, according to flooring experts, there are at least five ways of cleaning vinyl flooring that could damage it.

1. Bleach-based or ammonia cleaners

Ammonia and bleach cleaning solutions disinfect and remove grime, but they are not suitable for vinyl as they can damage the protective coating.

2. Abrasive cleaners

Abrasive scrubbing brushes, scouring pads, and gritty cleaning pastes can cause small scratches or discolouration on the floor surface.

3. Hardwood cleaners

Although vinyl mimics the appearance of real wood, it should not be cleaned with specialised hardwood cleaning solutions, which can make the floor look cloudy and potentially make it slippery. These cleaners are often too acidic, which may degrade vinyl.

4. Steam mops

Steam mops can be too hot for vinyl flooring. They may weaken the adhesive holding the vinyl planks to the subfloor, leading to warping or loosening.

5. Acidic natural ingredients

While some natural cleaning agents are better and more environmentally friendly than chemical ones, highly acidic substances like vinegar and lemon juice can harm vinyl or discolour it. Baking soda, when used in excess, can also be too harsh for vinyl flooring.

To prevent damage, vacuum or sweep the floor regularly, then clean with a solution designed for vinyl. Alternatively, use soap mixed in warm water with a few drops of tea tree oil.

Densely woven silk carpet could set a Guinness World Record

A silk carpet displayed in the Turkish region of Cappadocia is claimed to be the most densely woven carpet ever made, potentially qualifying for a Guinness World Record.

The current record holder is a carpet with a knot density of 675 per square meter. The Turkish carpet has a 50-by-50-knot weave and a double-knot density of 2,500 knots per square meter. If this is verified by Guinness World Records, it will be the new record holder. Carpet expert Hakan Demiratan stated that the verification process by Guinness is extensive, but he believes the carpet will qualify.

The Turkish silk carpet took five years of expert work to complete. It features a Tree of Life motif, depicting plants, birds, and animals gathered around a cosmic tree that symbolises continuity and eternity — the connection between life, nature and the universe.

The carpet is made from Bursa silk, which is traditionally associated with premium quality Turkish textile production. The carpet is on display at the Carpet House in Cappadocia, awaiting its expected entry into the Guinness World Records.

The other notable carpet record in the Guinness Book of Records is the world’s largest hand-tufted carpet, which measures 12,464 square metres and is located in the Grand Mosque in Kazakhstan.

The unique Turkish silk carpet’s value has been described as priceless and is not suitable for walking on. More practical and affordable, premium quality carpets are available from a good carpet retailer in Wrexham.