How Karpet Mills is Investing in the Future
After a strong year for the business, we caught up with Karpet Mills Managing Director Joel Dickinson
How are things going at Karpet Mills?
Things are going incredibly well at Karpet Mills. We recorded our strongest-ever financial period last year, followed by further growth in the first half of 2026, so it’s been a really positive time for the business.
There’s a great deal of momentum across the company, and it’s been fantastic to see the hard work of our team translating into continued success. We’ve also been investing in the business to ensure we’re well placed for the future, and we’re excited about the opportunities ahead.
While we’re proud of our achievements, we’re always looking at ways to improve and develop. We want to continue building on that success and delivering an even better experience for our customers across the North East.
Tell us how the business has developed over the last year.
Over the last year, we’ve continued to develop across several areas of the business. One of the biggest priorities has been our investment in our showroom network, with significant refurbishment taking place across our five branches.
We’ve also continued to grow our offering across residential, designer and commercial flooring. Our commercial division has worked on a wide range of projects, from offices and hospitality venues through to schools, care settings and industrial premises. Alongside that, we’ve been developing our use of design visualisation software, helping customers explore flooring options and make more informed decisions about their projects.
It’s been a year of progress, but the focus remains on making sure we have the right people, products and infrastructure in place to support our customers and the continued growth of the business.
Tell us what people can expect when they visit one of your showrooms.
We want customers to feel welcome as soon as they walk through the door. Buying flooring is a significant decision, and we understand that people often want guidance on what will work best for their home or project.
Our team takes the time to understand what each customer is looking for, whether that’s a straightforward bedroom update or a more involved flooring scheme. We can advise on the practical considerations, the different materials available and how to achieve the look they want.
One of the real benefits of visiting a showroom is being able to see and feel the products. Flooring is very tactile, and the texture and quality of a carpet or hard floor can be difficult to appreciate from an online image. We also offer free home measures, helping customers take the next step with confidence and making the process from choosing flooring to installation as straightforward as possible.
What’s new in the showrooms?
Our showroom refurbishment programme has been a major focus, and we’re really pleased with the results. We’ve been investing in creating more modern, inspiring spaces where customers can explore our flooring ranges in a comfortable environment.
Our Designer Flooring premium showrooms at Kingston Park in Newcastle and Hexham are particularly important to us. They showcase the finest brands in the industry and provide customers with an opportunity to explore some of the more premium products available.
We’ve also continued to develop our bespoke design service. With the support of design visualisation software, customers can explore different flooring combinations and get a better idea of how a finished scheme could look.
Our bespoke stair runner displays are another area we’re proud of, with options including taped or bound edges and different finishing details to help create a really individual look.
What brands are on display?
We have a fantastic selection of brands across our showrooms, covering a wide range of styles, materials and price points. Some of the names customers will find include Ted Todd, Cormar, Crucial Trading and Axminster. We also have a particularly impressive Amtico display, which is the largest in the North East.
Our range covers everything from quality carpets and wool products to luxury vinyl tile, laminate and wood flooring. We work with established names across the industry to give customers plenty of choice when it comes to finding the right flooring for their home or project.
The Designer Flooring premium showrooms at Kingston Park and Hexham branches are ideal for customers looking for something a little more distinctive, with a selection of designer products and bespoke flooring solutions.
What are customers looking for at the moment – are you seeing any changes in trends and demands?
Customers are looking for flooring that works for their lifestyle as well as looking good. Practicality is an important consideration, particularly in busy homes where durability and ease of maintenance are key.
At the same time, we’re seeing continued interest in customers creating more individual interiors. Whether that’s through a premium carpet, a designer hard floor or a bespoke stair runner, people want flooring that complements the overall look of their home.
Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) is an important part of our offering because it combines design flexibility with practical benefits. We also have customers looking for quality carpets and wood flooring, depending on the room and the finish they want to achieve. There isn’t one solution that suits everyone, which is why our approach is to understand the individual project and help customers choose a product that meets their requirements, rather than trying to push a particular trend.
What sets you apart from the competition?
I think it’s the combination of our experience, the choice we offer and the knowledge of our team. We’ve been in business for nearly 150 years, and that gives us a huge amount of experience across the flooring industry. But longevity on its own isn’t enough. You have to continue to evolve and give customers a reason to choose you.
For us, that means having a strong product offering, investing in our people and making sure we provide the right advice for every project. We can support customers with everything from a single-room carpet to complete residential and commercial flooring schemes.
We’re also proud of being an independent business. We have the scale and expertise to offer a really comprehensive range, while still retaining the personal service and family values that have always been important to the Karpet Mills Group. Ultimately, it’s about doing the right thing for the customer and making sure they feel confident in the flooring they choose.
What’s on the horizon for the business?
We’re looking forward to continuing the progress we’ve made and building on the strong position the business is in today. We’ll be continuing to invest in our showrooms, our people and our product offering. There’s always new flooring innovation coming through, and we want to make sure we’re offering customers the best possible choice, whether they’re looking for something practical for a busy family home or a premium finish for a more bespoke project.
We also see opportunities to continue developing our commercial flooring division, building on the work we’ve already done with businesses and organisations across the North East.
As we approach our 150th year, it’s a really exciting time for Karpet Mills. We’re proud of our history and the generations of customers who have supported us, but we’re equally focused on the future. Our ambition is to keep developing the business, maintain the quality of service we’re known for, and ensure Karpet Mills remains a leading independent flooring provider in the North East for many years to come.
