60 second interview: Leanne Harris from KH Flooring Ltd.

Name: Leanne Harris
Age: 37
Company: KH Flooring Ltd, Oldham
Job Title: Company Director

How did you get into the flooring industry?
We’re a family business, started by my husband, Dave, whose been a floorlayer since leaving school.  

My background is retail management but I’ve always been involved in the business in some capacity. I joined officially five years ago when we were growing and we felt we wanted to focus on it solely. It’s my role to manage the showroom, order stock, liaise with customers, bookkeeping and occasional measurements.  

We’ve enjoyed a lot of growth and we’ve worked on some really great projects. I’d say we don’t want to take over the world; like most people we want a good lifestyle for us and the kids, some nice holidays, and we’re happy.  

What’s been the biggest change in the industry over the past five years?
The price of flooring going up! 

We’re also seeing a lot more design-based projects. Customers are more aware of what’s available and they want bespoke designs, not just a floor that’s practical. Years ago, it was all about feature walls, now it’s about feature floors. And herringbone – everyone wants herringbone.  

Looking forwards, what do you think will be the biggest change in the next five years?
Personally, I believe we’re facing a recession after Covid and the cost of living is also having an impact. There’s been an increase in domestic jobs over the past couple of years as people have had more disposable income and wanted to invest in their homes whilst they spend more time in them. But that will have to come to an abrupt end at some point – we’ll have to see how it goes. Fortunately, we do a lot of contract work, so things will be okay for us.  

What’s the best job you’ve been on?
SportPesa head office in Liverpool was a great job. They’re a betting and online casino company and we installed a race track around the office using marmoleum for the road and then red and white LVT for the rumble strips. They also had a race car image on the wall to complete the job.  

I’ll also get into trouble if I don’t mention Wembley Stadium as well. The team really enjoyed being there a few years ago; they got a buzz out of being somewhere so iconic.  

And what’s the worst? 
We had some jobs for a council a few years ago, installing flooring in bathrooms. We had an apprentice working on the job and it wasn’t worth sending another fitter, so I used to drive him over there and it was cold and there was no electricity. It was really good practice for the apprentice though, so he got a lot out of it.  

Do you have a go-to product for certain jobs?
We use a lot of F. Ball products – the team really likes Stopgap 1200. We also like Styccobond F44, F46 and F60, the contact adhesive. And the waterproof surface membranes.  

What do you like best about the job?
Being from a retail background, I like the customers. I’m a people person, so getting to work with people is great. Also, seeing the finished jobs is always nice. 

What is your least favourite thing about the job?
I’d have to say finding good labour when we need it. We subcontract some work, particularly in the south when we’re really busy. The trouble is, when we’re busy, so is everyone else, so it’s hard to get the staff in. And then when you’re quiet again, it’s like buses, the work all comes in again at the same time. It’s definitely a challenge.