While the kids might be enjoying time off school, the rest of us are hard at work – renovating the school! Throughout the summer, many school procurement teams may be using this time to begin some much-needed classroom enhancements.
This is an even greater concern as we manage the hygiene considerations of the pandemic. With this in mind, every piece of school furniture has a role to play – from encouraging distancing to preventing the spread.
So, where do carpets play a part? In this blog, our commercial carpet company lists the 5 best carpets for school renovations.
For the entrance
It’s the first area students, teachers and visitors see, so you’ll want your carpets to make an impression. When choosing entrance matting, it’s important to stick to the ‘six-step rule’. This generally assumes that people will not consciously wipe their feet when entering a non-domestic setting.
As such, you need to choose a Bespoke Entrance Mat that traps dirt, and can do so within six steps – which also affects the size of the matting you choose.
For the classroom
Arguably the most important area of the school, the classroom needs to be a place that inspires. This includes offering a multi-sensory experience. Heighten emotions with dramatic reds or bring a sense of calm with jade greens – as more than two-thirds of us are ‘visual learners’, we need to be careful about colour choices.
But likewise, we cannot overlook acoustics. Carpets can reduce airborne noise by up to 35%, so we always recommend a carpet tile with acoustic backing. The Supacord range offers bright colours and better acoustics, helping to reaffirm that multi-sensory experience.
For high traffic areas
Did you know that schoolchildren walk up to 15,000 steps per day? This calls for a heavy-duty carpet tile, particularly in areas like corridors. Not only should your carpets be durable; they should also be easy to clean. A lot of steps makes for a lot of mud!
Our Diamond range features a cobbled design for quick and easy vacuuming. It’s also available in a range of colours, from simple greys to dashing reds.
For the school hall
The school hall has so many purposes – from hosting assemblies and dinner times to those treasured school discos. So, you’ll want a flooring that’s just as flexible.
Turn your school hall into a sports zone, dance floor and performing arts centre all in one with our Expo Tiles. These can also be laid on top of hard floors for a carpeted effect.
For breakout areas
As we get past the worst of the pandemic, we should expect to see more ‘breakout areas’ in classrooms. These are generally relaxing spaces where students come to chat and explore creative ideas.
You can designate specific areas with coloured tiles from our Array collection. With colour fastness and impact noise reduction, they promote clearer thinking with a touch of style.
Looking for something else?
No matter what your school needs, we’ll find you a carpet tile that fits the bill. If you’re looking for something different or out of the ordinary, please feel free to get in touch.
Heckmondwike FB is one of the UK’s leading commercial carpet manufacturers with over 40 years experience in the education sector. To learn more, or request a free carpet sample, please contact 01924 406 161 or email sales@heckmondwike-fb.co.uk.
Welcome to the latest instalment of our ‘People of Heckmondwike’ blog series, where we showcase the faces behind the commercial carpet tiles manufacturer. This week, we caught up with Yorkshire Area Sales Manager, John Barraclough.
Continue reading to learn about his favourite product range, visions for the future and his famous feature in a special edition of Weetabix Top Trumps cards.
How long have you worked at Heckmondwike?
I joined Heckmondwike in May 2007 on a 6 month contract to cover maternity in the North West Area. From October 2008, I was offered the full time position of Area Sales Manager for the North East of England.
This left 10 months, during which time I worked on various projects including temporary coverage of the Midlands Area Sales Manager and 3 months as temporary Dispatch Manager. From September 2013, I was also responsible for Scotland in addition to my existing area.
Finally in 2017, after a major restructure of the business, I took on responsibility for Yorkshire.
What does your role entail?
I am responsible for the promotion of sales of Heckmondwike products by gaining specifications through architects, councils, interior designers, facilities management companies, builders and more. I also visit flooring contractors, flooring wholesalers, and various other flooring outlets.
Tell us something that most people don’t know about you.
I once featured in a limited edition of Weetabix Top Trumps Cards. The moustache looks a bit tragic…
How do you envision the future of carpet manufacturing?
I think that the manufacture of man-made carpets will continue for many years. However, companies will need to embrace sustainability and make far more use of recycled products in order to become more environmentally friendly.
What is your favourite product range and why?
It would have to be Array carpet tiles, as they offer an incredibly creative finish.
Finally, favourite biscuit to have with a brew?
Being a true Yorkshireman it has to be anything from Fox’s Biscuits, especially when someone else has bought them!
Contact our expert team for more information about our extensive product range. Call 01924 406 161 or email sales@heckmondwike-fb.co.uk.
Choosing the right carpet is a crucial consideration when designing any space, especially when planning interior design for apartment complexes. Many values must be considered, including design, durability and even acoustics.
In this blog, our commercial carpet company outlines which carpet styles are ideal for apartment buildings, to create the perfect blend between well-being and practicality.
Iconic Design
In the world of carpets, styles and product types are constantly changing to keep up with design trends. They are becoming more and more creative, combining cutting edge technology with an awareness of industry needs.
Carpet tiles provide endless patterns, colours and designs, making them ideal to renovate and spruce up dated apartment floors. Modern colours and designs can give the right impression to space users, firmly conveying professionalism and style.
Cosy and Warm
Apartment buildings are residential spaces, so it is essential that they’re comfortable and welcoming, because they are people’s homes. Carpet and other soft furnishings can work to create a cosy atmosphere, whilst keeping in warmth.
Furthermore, apartments can be expensive to heat, with 10-20% of the heat loss of a home coming from uninsulated floors. The right carpet can help with insulation, allowing heat to be trapped and retained. Thick and dense carpets are the best option, such as our classic Hobnail range.
Amazing Acoustics
As a multitude of people live in apartment complexes, noise control is essential. Although innovations such as thick walls and sound proofing can help with this, carpet can also play a part.
According to the American Society of Interior Designers, carpets are 10 times more efficient in reducing sound than other flooring types, helping to destroy reverberations and echoes in a space. This increases homeliness, privacy and comfort for residents. Our Iron Duke range reduces noise impact by 18 decibels per sheet, as per BS En ISO 140-8 standard, so is the perfect choice.
Functional Flexibility
Apartments are often refurbished and modernised, so require flexible, cost effective flooring options. This is particularly crucial in the current climate, when residential spaces must be able to quickly adapt to the latest covid-friendly government guidelines.
Carpet tiles can be moved around easily, without replacing the whole floor, which makes them the perfect choice for apartment buildings. This means that if a portion of the carpet is damaged, only the affected tiles need to be replaced, reducing costs and inconvenience.
Durability
Shared areas of apartments, such as hallways and corridors, foresee the coming and going of residents every day. The flooring must therefore be able to withstand increasingly heavy footfall, whilst remaining clean and hygienic.
Fibre bonded carpet tiles can withstand heavy footfall, as well as intensive cleaning measures; two things which are part of daily life in an apartment building. Both the Hobnail and Iron Duke carpet tile ranges are designed with demanding environments in mind, helping lower maintenance costs.
Heckmondwike FB is one of the UK’s leading commercial carpet manufacturers, with over 40 years experience catering for design professionals. To learn more, or request a free carpet sample, please contact 01924 406 161 or email sales@heckmondwike-fb.co.uk.
According to the American Society of Interior Designers, carpets are 10 times more efficient in reducing sound than other flooring types. Experts also believe carpet can reduce airborne noise by up to 35%, as well as destroying the reverberation and echo in a room.
There are many reasons why noise reduction in spaces has positive outcomes. For example, it can help users of a space feel relaxed and cosy, as well as focused and motivated.
In this blog, our commercial carpet company explores the acoustic benefits of carpet, and why it is a sound decision to install it in spaces.
Better communication
One of the ways that carpet controls noise levels is through controlling reverberations. This means that noise is less likely to echo in and around carpeted spaces, making them feel welcoming and relaxing.
Laminate, wood and tile flooring cannot control reverberations, as sound bounces off instead of being absorbed. This can completely destroy the atmosphere of a space, making it feel empty, uninviting and noisy.
Therefore, it’s important that any flooring or facilities management specialist takes this into consideration. Especially in busy environments, such as classrooms, colleges, large office developments and residential spaces. Most of our carpet tiles tested under BS EN ISO 140-8 and produce favourable results, meaning they can drastically reduce noise in spaces such as this.
Relaxing and tranquil
Researchers suggest that silence is even more relaxing than listening to music, and can release tension held in the body. It is incredibly important that users of a space feel comfortable in their environment, and carpet can help to achieve this.
As carpet can drastically reduce noise levels, a space can become a hub of tranquility. In the office and classroom, a more relaxed atmosphere can raise the overall morale of space users and reduce stress.
As well as the acoustic benefits it has, carpet has incredible insulation properties, allowing heat to be trapped to make a space cosier. The carpet tiles in our Array and Supacord range are part of a thicker and denser fibre-bonded range, for added insulation and acoustic benefits.
Stay Focused
Less noise and sound reverberation means that people tend to be more focused, which in turn, boosts productivity. This makes carpet the perfect choice for the education sector. A noisy environment can be a huge distraction to anyone trying to learn, listen or work. If sound levels are kept low, people will be happier and the results will speak for themselves.
The right colours choices can also help students to concentrate and stay focused. According to colour psychology experts, the colour green in the classroom can evoke these effects. The carpet tiles in our Supacord range provide a wide ranging colour bank, making them perfect for inspirational educational facilities. Supacord is also available with an acoustic backing, reducing the need to install expensive specialist underlay.
Contact our expert team for more tips to transform your space and for more information about our extensive product range. Call 01924 406 121 or email sales@heckmondwike-fb.co.uk .
According to a study by the University of Salford, classroom design can impact learning by 25%, both positively and negatively! With children making their return to school, after a prolonged period of homeschooling, there has never been a more important time to review learning spaces.
The Easter holidays provide an ideal window for interior renovations. In this blog, our commercial carpet manufacturer explores some of the simple ways you can improve learning spaces for students, staff and visitors.
Comfortable learning
For the comfort of students and teachers, it’s important that classrooms are warm and inviting.
The University of Salford research cited temperature as a key factor in learning progress. Carpet is an exceptionally good thermal insulator and can be up to ten times warmer than other floor coverings. In addition, carpet is 10 times more efficient in noise reduction compared to other flooring options; which can benefit student learning.
The carpet tiles in our Array and Supacord range are part of a thicker and denser fibre-bonded range, for added insulation and acoustic benefits.
Hygienic hub
The cleanliness of a learning space is also important. Beyond the more obvious links between hygiene and health and attendance levels, behavioural and performance factors come into play. A clean environment can reduce distractions and create a more engaging space.
Since the coronavirus outbreak, hygiene has been paramount. Carpet may seem like a less obvious flooring choice as it can’t be mopped like hard flooring. However, porous surfaces such as carpet are in fact less hospitable to viruses, trapping them in the holes of the surfaces and reducing the opportunities for transmission.
Used in classrooms for over 40 years, our Supacord carpet tile range is ideal for learning facilities. In addition to being a more hygienic option, it’s durable and heavy-duty which means it will continue to stand the test of time.
Adaptability is key
In the University of Salford study, one of the key factors that impacted learning was adaptability, or how easily teachers could rearrange the classroom layout to support that day’s learning goal. A traditional rigid layout, with desks arranged in rows facing the teacher, was shown to have a negative effect on learning outcomes.
The pandemic has additionally created an increased focus on functionality, rather than cosmetic appearance. Configurable furniture and flexible fixtures have seen a surge in popularity this past year, as spaces have had to continually adapt to meet changing rules and guidelines.
Carpet tiles can be used to create different zones within a classroom and all our products can be easily lifted up and moved, making it simple and much cheaper to support the ever-changing needs of learning spaces.
Heckmondwike FB is one of the UK’s leading commercial carpet manufacturers with over 40 years’ experience in the education sector. To learn more, or request a free carpet sample, please contact 01924 406 161 or email sales@heckmondwike-fb.co.uk.
In our new ‘People of Heckmondwike’ blog series, we’re showcasing the faces behind the commercial carpet tiles manufacturer. This week, we introduce you to our Commercial Manager, Jeremy Broadhead.
Read on to find out his vision for the future of carpet manufacturing, his favourite product range and his preferred biscuit to dunk in a brew.
How long have you worked at Heckmondwike?
I have worked at Heckmondwike for 10 years now, and it has been great to see the company change and adapt over that time.
Day-to-day, I work alongside our internal and external sales team, along with our production team. I ensure that we always hold the values of the business at heart and offer the perfect customer service every time.
Tell us something that most people don’t know about you.
It’s really difficult to think of anything – in a previous life I was a Rugby Union scrum half. Therefore, I like to talk a lot, so most people know everything about me! One thing that I don’t say enough is that I love my family, friends, colleagues and sport equally.
How do you envision the future of carpet manufacturing?
Fibre-bonded carpet tiles will have an amazing future, and will be used for years to come. I am incredibly excited to reveal what our product development guys have up their sleeve for 2021 and beyond.
What is your favourite product range and why?
It has to be the Array carpet tiles, as they demonstrate just how creative fibre-bonded commercial carpet tiles can be. They’re so good that I even have them in my office!
Finally, favourite biscuit to have with a brew?
As if I would have a biscuit with my tea.. but if I did, it would have to be a chocolate digestive. Just be careful with the dunking.
Contact our expert team for more information about our extensive product range. Call 01924 406 161 or email sales@heckmondwike-fb.co.uk.
The relaunch of our popular Odyssey range is coming soon, ready to take offices and commercial spaces to another world.
This one-of-a-kind range delivers a bold and modern look, perfect for the residential, learning and commercial spaces. With a durable structure, unique design and a wide-ranging colour bank, there are a whole universe of benefits to the refreshed range. You won’t find anything else like it on the planet! Trust us.
In this blog, we share 7 reasons to install our new commercial carpet tile range, Odyssey.
1 – Modern Colour Bank
With the relaunch of Odyssey comes an updated colour range. However, the current bank of colours incorporates deep blues and greys; a palette that can seamlessly blend in to any environment.
In terms of colour psychology, these colours are said to project calmness, stability and wisdom onto the users of a space. For further design options, the Odyssey range can be paired with colours from our Supacord range, giving added highlights and definition.
2 – Intense Durability
Unlike low-quality carpets, the range is made from the highest-quality materials, meaning that it will not ravel or fray. Ideal for office and commercial environments, this carpet can withstand heavy footfall without fading or deteriorating.
Despite the pandemic potentially ending in the coming months, hygiene will remain top priority in commercial and learning environments. Our Odyssey range can withstand the intense cleaning measures necessary to keep spaces spotless.
3 – Unique Designs
Odyssey’s bold design makes a statement, conveying both sophistication and style. It’s brilliant detail draws attention to the floor, and gives the right impression to every user.
The range uses the latest innovations to bring a level of creativity that is unique to the fibre-bonded sector. It’s a place that no fibre-bonded carpet has been before, and you won’t find a carpet like it on earth!
4 – Flexibility
The Odyssey range comes in the form of carpet tiles, which can be easily moved and interchanged. This makes it easier for a space to meet the ever-changing government guideline requirements, which need to be met to promote safety – even after the pandemic.
When placed against clashing or opposing colours, the tiles can be used to create walkways and borders. With rules on social distancing still very much in place, this is a great way to keep people apart and guide them around buildings.
5 – Noise Reduction
Whether it be in a commercial or an office space, it is important that noise levels are kept to a minimum. With a BS EN ISO 140-8: 20dB rating, Odyssey absorbs sound to create a large reduction in impact noise.
The colours in the range also have positive light reflectance ratings, meaning that the carpet is easy on both the eyes and ears.
6 – Cost-effective
Cost is a factor that must be considered when looking to install the perfect carpet for your environment. It can be easy for contractors to choose a solution that is cheap to buy and cheaply made, however this will fail to stand the test of time.
However, Heckmondwike has a reputation for delivering high quality carpets for an affordable price. We are keen to suggest that customers try before they buy, and that’s why all of our carpet samples are free; including Odyssey.
7 – Office Essentials
As well as being a great commercial carpet, Odyssey is perfect for the office. With many businesses working from home, now is the perfect time to renovate office buildings.
The anti-static qualities of the range also means that it is suitable for use in rooms with computers, making it an incredibly versatile option. Our latest case studies, such as M&N Heating & Plumbing, and Tapper Interiors, exemplify just how Odyssey can transform a space.
To learn more about our Odyssey range, and its relaunch, contact our expert team. Call 01924 406 121 or email sales@heckmondwike-fb.co.uk.
Following the 2016 Referendum, Brexit saw the United Kingdom withdraw from the European Union on the 31st January 2020. With much uncertainty surrounding the move, one can only predict the consequences to follow.
We can relate to Brexit, in the way that our Supacord carpets were launched in 1973 – the same year that Britain joined the EEC. This goes to show that some things remain, while others don’t.
As a commercial carpet manufacturer with UK production at its core, our customers based in Great Britain will not see any changes to our products or services, and we see Brexit as an opportunity to offer solutions to those who may have previously looked towards overseas suppliers.
However, our vision is not shared by others in the flooring market. Here are some ways we think Brexit will impact the flooring industry.
Tricky business
Brexit will cause the flooring industry to lose many of their customers, even here in the UK. For example, retail and high-street chains, in particular, will have anxieties of their own surrounding Brexit and may choose to cut back on interior design renovations. However, sectors that go ahead with renovation are likely to opt for British manufacturers.
Also, as the UK is one of the main markets in the European carpet industry, if importing becomes a luxury many European countries will lose out on business. To combat this, those in the UK carpet industry must conduct extensive research into the requirements of British customers, to widely appeal to them.
In order to do this, UK flooring companies must reconsider factors such as the materials, colours and patterns of the carpets they manufacture. Carpets that are available in a selection of colours and designs will be favoured, such as those in our Array collection.
Struggling supplies
Most of the raw materials used in carpets are purchased from abroad. This means that more money must be invested in UK manufacturing – a trend seen across a number of other industries which heavily rely on importation.
Our UK carpet manufacturer holds significant stocks of fibre raw material, alongside finished carpet rolls and tiles – with our manufacturing processes operating throughout the year to provide the latter. Almost 90 percent of our suppliers are also based in the country, meaning that we should be in a comfortable position for the future.
Changing tastes
In the five years since the Brexit vote, it’s safe to say that a lot has changed. Tastes are just one of the trends that have altered dramatically over the years. We can reflect and learn from them to predict what is to come.
For example, in interior design, carpet tiles have soared in popularity due to their versatile, durable and movable properties. They can be interchanged with ease, and be installed and removed with minimal disruption. The coronavirus pandemic has fueled this demand, as customers look for practical solutions.
The industry must think fast to meet demands, a trait that was reflected in the quick launch of our Social Distancing Carpet Tiles last year. We quickly identified that the customer wanted a stylish, more permanent, interior alternative to hazard tape and stickers during the pandemic, that would stand the test of time until no longer needed.
Contact our expert team for more information about our extensive product range. Call 01924 406 121 or email sales@heckmondwike-fb.co.uk.
A freezing office can really affect your mood, work ethic and concentration. It is therefore no surprise that a cold classroom has the same effect on students. To combat the winter chill, it is increasingly important that students and teachers are comfortable and cosy.
Although most primary and high school students have been back for a few months now, they are still settling back into the new school routine and getting used to the difficult new arrangements and rules. A cosy space can make them feel more relaxed and at home.
In this blog, our commercial carpet company explores how carpet can be used to create a cosy environment in the classroom this winter.
Trap Heat with Carpet
The Department for Health advises that opening windows to let fresh air into a space can reduce the rate of infection by more than 70%. Therefore, this winter, classrooms have never been cooler. However, flooring can be used to help combat this.
Unlike hard floors, carpet has a low density and requires little energy to warm up. So, even if the temperature is low in the classroom, carpet will feel warm underfoot and to the touch.
Carpets have incredible insulation properties too, allowing heat to be trapped and retained. Thick and dense carpets, such as those across our fibre-bonded range are favoured, as thinner carpets stay cooler.
Wonderfully Warm Colours
It is said that light coloured carpets absorb less heat than darker shades. So, to keep the classroom cosy, avoid whites and yellows and choose a deeper and darker palette of colours.
However, your dark colour palette doesn’t have to be your typical greys and blacks. It is incredibly important to keep bright colours in mind, as these can help to motivate and inspire students. These colours can improve students’ learning experience, and student performance.
As winter is the time of year to be cosy, seasonal colours such as deep purples and reds can be introduced. The carpet tiles in our Array and Supacord range are available in a wide range of bright and dark colours, which easily match existing colour schemes.
Amazing Acoustics
It has been proven that high noise levels affect learning and student performance, and carpet can help to keep the classroom quieter. Aswell as reducing heating costs, carpet also works to limit sound levels in and around the space.
This is because carpet is able to absorb sound. Experts believe it can reduce airborne noise by up to 35%, as well as destroying the reverberation and echo in a room. This means that costs can also be saved on other insulative means in the classroom.
All our carpet tiles are BS EN ISO 140-8: 21db accredited, meaning they can drastically reduce noise in educational facilities.
Subtle Instructions
Of course, reminders of the measures that students need to undertake, in order to keep the school safe, are an essential part of the classroom. However, fluorescent stickers and tape can seem alien and intimidating in such a space, and interrupt the cosy and comfortable atmosphere.
Instructions that seamlessly blend into an environment, such as our Social Distancing Carpet Tiles, can be used to clearly display important messages, without piercing the relaxing setting. As with all of our carpet tiles, they can be lifted up and moved to adapt to any classroom space.
Contact our expert team for more tips to transform your space and for more information about our extensive product range. Call 01924 406 121 or email sales@heckmondwike-fb.co.uk.
This month, it’s back to school and back to university for many but what does the new normal look like?
University has for generations been strongly associated with socialisation, as well as education. However, with stringent covid-secure measures in place until further notice, on campus will be a lot different, as will the student experience.
According to UCAS, young people were not deterred by the new circumstances, and lockdown saw a record number of hopeful university applicants. In this blog, we explore how student spaces will change and how to pandemic proof spaces easily with carpet design.
Social Bubbles
Social bubbles will be introduced to separate students into small groups, according to their undergraduate course. They will live and study with this select group, attending small and controlled face-to-face seminars.
As the classrooms will feel more empty, classroom layouts will be adapted to create cosy spaces, where students can feel relaxed. Warm colours, like red, orange and yellow will be favoured for interior design to create a comfortable and inviting space.
One-way Systems
Despite many exams being held online, students will be able to opt to take exams inside university buildings too – in which case, they must be clearly directed to their desk. To help with this, and many other new scenarios, one-way systems are likely to be implemented to guide staff and students.
Our Social Distancing Carpet Tiles can reinforce important messages, aid with wayfinding and remind people to keep a safe distance. With important messages laser engraved with Fusion technology, they will stand the test of time and last as long as they are needed.
Student Health and Wellbeing
Hygiene will be paramount in universities, both on and off campus, with strict cleaning measures in place. There will be reduction in the use of lecture theatres, as they would need an unmanageable amount of cleaning to become safe environments.
As well as physical health, student’s mental health must be cared for and taken seriously. Many universities will face the challenge of creating safe work and social environments, so students can still interact with their peers and lecturers. Flooring can be used to create visual safe spaces and borders which enable students to mingle, whilst maintaining social distancing measures.
Heckmondwike’s Social Distancing Carpet Tiles are now available to purchase. For more information or to purchase your carpet tiles, please call us directly on 01924 406 161 or email: sales@heckmondwike-fb.co.uk.