Name: Ian Williams
Age: 52
Company: ACE Flooring Contractors
Job Title: Co-Director
How did you get into the flooring industry?
I left school in 1982, aged 16, and got a job as a trainee carpet fitter.
What’s been the biggest change in the industry in the past 10 years?
Health and safety. There’s definitely been an increase in awareness for rules and regulations regarding wellbeing.
Looking forwards, what do you think will be the biggest change in the next 10 years?
I imagine there will be an increase in innovation for flooring products, loose-lay products especially.
What’s the worst job you’ve been on?
I once had a job putting new flooring down in a morgue. There were only two of us working and it was freezing cold with dead bodies everywhere. I still remember the tags on their toes!
And what’s the best?
I’ve had lots of great jobs; I’ve been very lucky. My favourite jobs are probably cruise liners.
Do you have go-to-products for certain jobs?
It depends on the job; if someone needs work done on a wet room, they’ll often specify Altro products for example. From F. Ball, I’m a big fan of Styccobond F46 adhesive.
What do you like best about the job?
I don’t see flooring as a job; it’s my life. I’d be lost without it.
What is your least favourite thing about the job?
Chasing money from clients. Getting paid on time shouldn’t be too much to ask!