The NICF Council

The NICF is headed by an elected Council. 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 Fitter
I 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.
Craig Emery
Master Fitter
I 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.
Rob Fitzgerald
Fitter
I have worked in the flooring trade since 1996 and am based in Selby, North Yorkshire. I started my own business supplying and fitting carpets and vinyl in 2007 working alongside my brother.
Simon Grimley
Fitter Member
I 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.
Rhys Ivemey
Master Fitter
I have been installation flooring for 7 years, and have recently set up my own business. I pride myself on my quality of work, and have a clear goal of improving the standard of installation in my County.
Ian James
Master Fitter
Ian'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 Fitter
Mark 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.
Brett Warren
Master Fitter
I have been in the flooring trade since 1997 and have always had a passion for LVT. I aspire to be the best I can be and believe we must keep ourselves at the top of what we do by applying our time and committing to ongoing learning.
Matthew Yerrell
Master Fitter
Matthew has 33 years experience in the flooring industry. He spent 26 of those years running a business, and says he is still learning!