60 second interview: Anthony Mynett

Quick fire questions with Anthony Mynett from Carpet Services.

Name: Anthony Mynett 

Age: 50  

Company: Carpet Services 

Job Title: Managing Director 

How did you get into the flooring industry? 

My father started the business in 1963 – I worked with him during my weekends and school summer holidays. I have been working in the company (which I now own) since I was sixteen – in fact, on my last day of school, immediately after I had my final exam, I was picked up  by our fitters, got changed in the van and went straight to help out with a job. I’ve never looked back since! 

What’s been the biggest change in the industry in the past 10 years? 

Attitudes towards health and safety, thankfully; people are a lot more aware of dangerous working practices on construction sites and take more care to avoid accidents. It’s taken a while, but nearly all operatives have bought into the elements of risks while working in construction.   

The increased use of IT – I seem to spend a lot more time speaking to people online and organising things over emails these days, rather than meeting customers and clients face-to-face. 

Looking forwards, what do you think will be the biggest change in the next 10 years? 

I think there will be a problem with a lack of skilled labourers in the industry in the next 5-10 years. This needs to be addressed to keep the industry going; more support is needed through colleges /training schools to encourage people to take on apprenticeships within the flooring industry. 

What’s the worst job you’ve been on? 

I’ve been involved with projects in places including prisons, high security units and even nuclear fall-out bunkers, which were challenging to say the least! 

And what’s the best? 

A few jobs come to mind: I was fortunate to lay the red carpet when The Pope visited Cardiff in 1982 and we work at The Milllennium Stadium (now the Principality Stadium), in Cardiff, prior to event days which is fascinating.  

Do you have a go-to products for certain jobs? 

I’ve been using F. Ball products since I left school – I’ve trusted the yellow bucket for 35 years now! 

What do you like best about the job? 
Every day is different and I come across so many interesting and challenging jobs. There’s also a lot of wonderful people in this industry and I’ve made some great friends over the years. 

What is your least favourite thing about the job?
We suffer with the pressure of being one of the last trades on site at the end of a project – it’s often difficult having to get the project over the line and then having to fight for full immediate payment.  I also find it disappointing that we get very little recognition or praise from some contractors for our efforts.