Name: Andrew Stroud
Age: 45
Company: Flortec Limited
Job Title: Senior Contracts Manager
How did you get into the flooring industry?
At junior school I always dreamed of working as an architect and when I left secondary education I gained an apprenticeship with Taylor Woodrow working as a reinforced concrete detailer in their civil engineering department, which introduced me to the world of construction. During the 1980’s recession I was made redundant and fell into flooring as an estimator. I have been working in the industry ever since!
What’s been the biggest change in the industry over the past 10 years?
The biggest change has been the increase of health and safety legislation and the introduction of safety management qualifications. You now have to complete a mountain of paperwork in advance of attending a site to undertake an installation.
Looking forwards, what do you think will be the biggest change in the next 10 years?
Flooring materials will become more advanced and environmentally friendly.
What’s the worst job you’ve been on?
The few bad experiences that I have had can always be traced back to poor site conditions and the lack of coordination of trades by the main contractor.
And what’s the best?
An organised site, coordination of trades and an understanding of conditions required for flooring installations by the main contractor usually result in a successful contract.
Do you have a go-to product for certain jobs?
I try to use F. Ball products on every contract. The brand is tried and tested and always does what it says on the tin.
What do you like best about the job?
There is never a dull moment in this industry and always plenty of gossip! All of the leading flooring manufacturers, distributors and contractors know each other very well, we are like one big happy family and that makes for a great working environment.
What is your least favourite thing about the job?
The delay tactics employed by main contractors to make prompt payments or their poor excuses to under-certify monies due.