Name: Lee Fox
Age: 42
Company: Oxden Floors
Job Title: Managing Director
How did you get into the flooring industry?
I initially worked as a Quantity Surveyor before getting involved in the family flooring business.
What’s been the biggest change in the industry over the past 10 years?
We’ve had to work to increasingly tighter timescales – we come across wet screeds on practically every new build project and we face increased pressures on completion.
Looking forwards, what do you think will be the biggest change in the next 10 years?
I think the amount of skilled labour available will be different; there is less and less ‘new blood’ coming into the industry – becoming a flooring contractor is not as glamorous or appealing to the youth as working in other industries.
What’s the worst job you’ve been on?
The ones on which the site manager says they are ready for us to start work and they’re not. This is especially annoying when you’ve had to work a miracle to get labourers on site on time!
And what’s the best?
Buckland Hospital in Dover – the largest single phase project we’ve been awarded. The project team were a dream to work with throughout, which ensured that we were on time and the job was completed to a high standard.
Do you have a go-to product for certain jobs?
Each project is different but the good old Recommended Adhesives Guide has certainly helped us out on many occasions!
What do you like best about the job?
There’s always something to do and I enjoy dealing with and meeting different people. There’s also great job satisfaction when you get over the finish line.
What is your least favourite thing about the job?
Chasing payment!