Leicestershire-based flooring retailer expands

Added by Love Business East Midlands | 14 October 2020

UPDATED: 14 October 2020

A national online flooring retailer, which is based in Leicestershire, is continuing its rapid expansion by opening a new warehouse and offices in Coventry.

UK Flooring Direct, which has its headquarters in Hinckley has moved into an additional 54,000 sq ft unit on Prologis Park close to Junction 3 of the M6 and the Ricoh Arena.

It will eventually see around 70 of the company’s staff based in Coventry across a range of departments including sales, customer service, distribution, finance, IT and warehouse. It will also lead to new jobs being created.

The company was founded by Nuneaton entrepreneur Jason Ashby in 2005 with just a £299 investment in a website and the firm is now growing at a dramatic pace with £50 million worth of annual sales in its sights.

Despite tough trading conditions for many in the retail sector, the company has seen sales of its products – including wood and laminate flooring – increase in recent years, including during the lockdown period.

It moved from Exhall to its current base in 2017 due to the need for more space but has since increased its staffing numbers to around 160 and has grown its senior management team with a series of key appointments.

That meant that UK Flooring Direct needed to expand its footprint across the region and the location at Prologis Park was the perfect fit.

Jason Ashby, CEO of UK Flooring Direct, said:

“This is the latest step in our continuing growth story.

“We have invested significantly in technology, people and products over recent years and that is an ongoing process to ensure we continue to innovate in the way we serve our customers all over the country.

“This is an exciting move for UK Flooring Direct as it is key to our future success but also reflects the company’s roots as we were based just down the road from Prologis Park in Exhall for many years and we have continued to grow ever since.

“Not only is this a positive move for us as a business, it’s good for the regional economy too as we plan to expand even further which will mean increased investment and more jobs.

“Hinckley remains key to the business and we will continue to be a great employer for the town.”

He added:

“Our target is rapid growth as we tap into an ever-expanding demand for wood and laminate flooring, with customers welcoming our expertise and experience in this area as well as the fact that we offer convenience in delivering to their door.”

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