NICF Council
The NICF is headed by an elected Council. The council meets four times a year to review the policies, finances and any other matters relating to governance of the Institute. Members currently serving on council are:
Jason Draper
President
Master Fitter
I have been in the flooring trade for over 20 years now. As a master fitter in carpets, LVT and laminate and a Fitter of the year finalist in 2016, I have a range of knowledge and am ready to help and assist wherever needed whilst always looking to personally improve.
Dan Jones
Vice-President
Master Fitter
I have been in the trade since leaving school and I look forward to my term on the council. Carpet is my main work but I am interested in all forms of flooring. I hope we can benefit the members and the trade in any way we can.
Brian King
Honorary Treasurer
Master Fitter
Brian has been fitting floor coverings for over 25 years, running his own flooring company in NW England. Brian joined the NICF in 2003 and became a Master Fitter in 2008. He became a FITA instructor in 2010 and joined the NICF Council in 2011.
Jamie Addison
Master FitterI have been in the flooring trade for around 20 years and started off as a domestic carpet fitter, through training it opened my eyes to the high standards that are achievable in all aspects of the flooring trade. Being the only Scottish council member I hope to bring a spotlight to the high standards north of the border, while improving it at the same time.
Craig Bates
(Spotnails Ltd)
Patron Member
I have worked for Spotnails Maestri for some 29 years, starting as an apprentice service engineer, moving to sales, then general manager and finally Managing director for the last 4 years. I have a great passion for tools and the fastening industry, continually looking how we can help the flooring trade.
Matt Blackbourn
Master FitterI have run a very successful family flooring company for over twenty years, which is located in the midlands. In 2009 I was part of the Great Britain Flooring Team and also hold Master Fitter status in Carpet, Domestic Vinyl, laminate and LVT. In addition, I spent several years as a FITA instructor, sharing my knowledge and experience with others in the trade. Even with decades of hands-on experience, I continue to learn something new every day.
Dean Dickinson
Master FitterAs a proud NICF Council Member and certified LVT Master Fitter, I bring over 25 years of dedicated, hands-on experience to the flooring trade. My core expertise is concentrated on high-quality LVT flooring solutions, focusing exclusively on complex domestic designs and achieving exceptional results in residential settings. I am extremely passionate about the growth and professionalism of the industry. I am committed to leveraging my role on the NICF Council to actively contribute to the improvement of installation standards and best practices, ensuring technical excellence and long-term quality for our members and the wider flooring community.
Craig Emery
Master FitterI have been working in the flooring trade for 26 years since leaving school at 16 and now run my own company along with my brother. I am extremely passionate about the trade and everyone involved in it and am really looking forward to my time serving on the council.
Tim Green
Master FitterI have been in the trade since 2002 since successfully completing my apprenticeship in flooring. I now head up the training department at F Ball & Co Ltd as I have a passion for training. I achieved my master fitter status a few years back, and am keen to promote training, collaboration and best practice in our industry.
Simon Grimley
Fitter MemberI have been in the flooring industry for over 20 years, as a third generation carpet fitter, and in January 2020 set up my own company. I joined the NICF in April 2021 and was pleased to add LVT to my membership listing in November 2021. I was delighted to be eleted to the NICF Council in August 2023.
Ian James
Master FitterIan's been in the flooring industry for over 30 years, running his own business for 27 years. Winner of the European Floorlaying Championship with UK Team in 2005.
Gary Scott
(Hanson Plywood Ltd)
Patron Member
I have worked in the wood based panels industry for a total of 40 years and enjoy collaborating with the many passionate flooring industry experts to marry our services together.
Mark Smurthwaite
Master FitterMark has been fitting floor coverings for 16 years since leaving school, 12 years of those running his own flooring business in West Cumbria. Mark joined the NICF in 2003 and became a Master Fitter in 2010. He won Carpet Fitter of the year 2016 and joined the NICF Council in 2017.
Sam Willis
Master FitterI have been involved in the flooring industry from a young age - I was 4 when I first went out with my Dad who was a fitter for 55 years. From school, I completed an apprenticeship with my Dad and have since gone on to gain further qualifications. I am passionate about flooring and proud to be a Master Fitter in many types of flooring, offering the best service to my customers. I am very proud to be on the NICF council, to help our trade.
Matthew Yerrell
Master FitterMatthew has 33 years experience in the flooring industry. He spent 26 of those years running a business, and says he is still learning!