Carpet firm boss has high hopes for new business

Managing director Robin Evans says he and his staff are “excited” for the future of Carpet Trade Direct.

The store has been six months in the making and tomorrow will open its doors to those in the industry.

The business, based on the Rekendyke Industrial Estate, South Shields, has already received a visit by the Mayor and Mayoress of South Tyneside, Coun Richard Porthouse and his wife Patricia, and the team hopes many more will follow in their footsteps through the doors.

Mr Evans said: “We are all really excited for the future of the business, there is quite a buzz around the place and we can’t wait to open. The warehouse is quite a size and has been designed to offer the best service for those in the carpet trade and smaller shops.”

Mr Evans started his career in the carpet trade after working in the luxury car business and moving back to the area. At the time, he says, he knew nothing about the industry.

After learning the ropes, he began doing research into the trade and realised there was a lot of business being missed.

He said: “What I found was that many carpet fitters were not able to pick carpets up until the day they were due to be laid, and were having to travel to big warehouses outside the area. They were looking at not being able to lay their first carpet until the afternoon.

“Because we are here, they can pick the carpets up in the morning, which means they can lay more carpets a day and increase their work.”

The company buys in bulk, with new lines arriving once a week and sells a range of tools of the trade.

Carpet Trade Direct, which is being backed by businessman Tony Mordue, has four members of staff and has recently taken on a driver.

Mr Evans says they will also be looking at hiring a sales person and two apprentices, in the near future.

The open day will take place, tomorrow from 10am until 4pm, with visitors being given the chance to be taken on a tour of the warehouse and behind the scenes.

Carpet Trade Direct is open Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm, and Saturdays 8.30am to 12.30pm.

Visit www.carepettradedirect.co.uk or email sales@carpettradedirect or visit the carpet trade direct facebook page. To contact the warehouse, Tel. 454 3357.