Name: Allan Kiely
Age: 68
Company: Kiely Carpets Ltd.
Job Title: Managing Director
How did you get into the flooring industry?
Interestingly, I come from an engineering background. Around 35 years ago, a friend of mine asked me to join them in a floor laying partnership and I haven’t looked back. Floor laying is a different world to engineering, but my background knowledge allows me to understand composition of materials, their expansion and contraction, that sort of thing.
What’s been the biggest change in the industry over the past 10 years?
I don’t think the market has recovered from the 2008 financial crisis, and consequently, customers are still playing it safe. When the market is buoyant, people feel braver and choose bolder colours and patterns, but at the moment, we’re finding a lot of requests for beige.
Looking forwards, what do you think will be the biggest change in the next 10 years?
There’s a lot of work available due to a large number of new sites being built; lots of houses, offices, commercial and retail. We have a good reputation, and our work comes from word of mouth, so as long as this continues, then I’m happy.
What’s the worst job you’ve been on?
Bar jobs tend to be the most challenging. There’s usually a very restricted timescale and we’re the last ones in, but often get pushed back by other jobs over-running. Space is often limited too, especially behind the bar itself, and when you’ve potentially got safety flooring, carpet, kitchen flooring, there’s a lot to do in a small window of time.
And what’s the best?
James Purdey & Sons, the famous gun and rifle makers based on South Audley Street, Mayfair, is a highlight. I’m not sure their customers really give the floor a second thought when they enter the shop, but working on a project for a client with such a well-known history gives you a buzz.
Do you have a go-to product for certain jobs?
We use lots of F. Ball products: Styccobond F44, Styccobond F46 and Styccobond F60 are the main adhesives we use. They’re trustworthy, made for fitters, and they work. You can’t really ask for much more.
What do you like best about the job?
It’s a bit of a cliché, but every day really is a different day. I enjoy the variation of different projects, from small domestic jobs through to large hotels and office blocks. Working with different products and keeping up with new ones and changes in the market keeps me on my toes.
What is your least favourite thing about the job?
Sitting in a car! When you’re not working on a job, you’re not earning. We work all over the country, so there’s a lot of travel involved, and no-one’s a fan of traffic jams.