Consumer Confidence Edges Up in June

GfK’s latest Consumer Confidence Index showed a slight improvement in June, rising two points to -18. Of the five measures that make up the index, two moved higher while three held steady compared to May. The findings come from the Consumer Confidence Barometer (CCB), jointly produced by GfK and the Nuremberg Institute for Market Decisions (NIM) since October 2023.

Commenting on the results, Neil Bellamy, Consumer Insights Director at GfK, noted:
“Overall confidence among consumers has inched upwards in June, gaining two points to reach -18. This uplift is largely due to more optimistic views of the wider economy, with assessments of the past 12 months improving by three points and expectations for the year ahead up by five points.  However, households remain cautious about their own finances. Both backward- and forward-looking personal financial situation scores were unchanged from May. Inflation continues to weigh heavily on day-to-day life, and with petrol prices expected to climb following renewed conflict in the Middle East, alongside uncertainty around tariffs, there are still considerable pressures at play. In such a volatile climate, it is too early to expect a clear path back to sustained confidence.”

Tribunal Rules Retailers Not Liable for VAT on External Flooring Fitting

A VAT tribunal has ruled that retailers selling flooring are not responsible for VAT on installation work carried out by independent fitters, in a decision that could have wide-reaching implications across the industry.

HMRC had argued that supplying and fitting flooring amounted to a single taxable transaction, meaning VAT should be charged on both elements. The case centred on Thompsons Carpets in Mansfield, a United Carpets franchisee, against whom HMRC had originally raised a £375,000 assessment.

Although HMRC later withdrew that claim in May 2021, the authority continued to pursue the wider issue. By late 2021, further assessments totalling almost £497,000 were issued, covering the period February 2018 to November 2021.

The First Tier Tribunal, presided over by Judge Natsai Manyarara and Justice of the Peace John Agboola, heard the case earlier this year. In its detailed judgment, the panel sided with United Carpets, making several key findings:

• The agreement between United and its customers was for the purchase of flooring only, not fitting services.
• United’s involvement in fitting was limited to introducing customers to independent fitters.
• Fitters contracted directly with customers and were paid by them, not by United.
• In-store signage made clear that United did not provide fitting services.
• The commercial reality was that fitters were independent operators, not subcontractors of United.
• Flooring supply and fitting could not be treated as a single supply, since they were provided by different parties.

As a result, the tribunal concluded that VAT on fitting services is not the responsibility of retailers in such arrangements.

HMRC has until 22 September to decide whether to appeal. A spokesperson said the department is “carefully considering our next steps.”

The full ruling is available via the National Archives: FTT decision

Barrow Clark Complete Furnishers Ltd - New Retailer Member

The NICF would like to welcome Barrow Clark Complete Furnishers Ltd, a new Retailer Member from Devon.

Royal Mail Delivery Changes

Royal Mail has confirmed that 2nd Class letters will now be delivered every other weekday, reflecting the fact that fewer letters are being sent. It will aim to deliver all 2nd Class mail, as well as standard bulk business letters, within three weekdays, compared to the previous target of two days.

Potters Carpets and Beds - New Retailer Member

The NICF would like to welcome Potters Carpets and Beds, a new Retailer Member from Leicestershire.

Maestri - New Patron Member

The NICF would like to welcome Maestri a new Patron Member from Caerphilly in Wales.

Mittons Ltd - New Retailer Member

The NICF would like to welcome Mittons Ltd, a new Retailer Member from Leicester.

Carpet Gallery - New Retailer Member

The NICF would like to welcome Carpet Gallery, a new Retailer Member from Gwent in South Wales.

Perthshire Flooring Limited - New Retailer Member

The NICF would like to welcome Perthshire Flooring Limited, a new Retailer Member from Perth.

John Parsons - Returning Fitter Member

The NICF would like to welcome back John Parsons, a Fitter member from Worcestershire.

Stonehouse Flooring - New Retailer Member

The NICF would like to welcome Stonehouse Flooring a new Retailer Member from Gloucestershire.

Gabriel Alexandru Mititelu - New Fitter Member

The NICF would like to welcome Gabriel Alexandru Mititelu, a new Fitter Member from Kent.

Fitter of the Year 2025 Semi-Finalists announced

We are pleased to announce that the 12 fitters who have reached the semi-finals practical trials for this year are:

• Hayden Barr – Ambleside, Cumbria    
• Wesley Brocklesby – Ossett, West Yorkshire    
• Zoe Carlton – Northallerton, North Yorkshire    
• Keith Francis – Sompting, East Sussex    
• Bryn Hawkins – Chinnor, Oxfordshire    
• Daniel Jones – Thame, Oxfordshire
• Darren Jones – Caernarfon, Gwynedd
• Neil MacKay – York, North Yorkshire
• Allan Milford – Exeter, Devon
• Mathew Parkinson – Bolton, Greater Manchester
• Danny Thornley – Salford, Greater Manchester
• Dean White – Liskeard, Cornwall

Congratulations to them all!

Visit the semi-finalists page to find out more about our successful competitors.

The task for this years semifinalists will be to lay stripwood plank on a 45 degree angle to an area containing a toilet as well as diagonal herringbone to another area containing obsticles.

The semi-finals are taking place across all three days of the InstallerSHOW, in Hall 4 of the NEC - stand number 4I40.  There will be four semi-finalists per day.  Please do come along to the show and give your support to these amazing competitiors - click here to register for your free exhibition ticket.

Russell Lamerton - Returning Master Fitter Member

The NICF would like to welcome back Russell Lamerton, a Master Fitter from Dagenham.

Andrew Muddiman - Returning Fitter Member

The NICF would like to welcome Andrew Muddiman, returning Fitter Member from Cheshire.

Shane Moore - Returning Master Fitter Member

The NICF would like to welcome Shane Moore, returning Master Fitter Member from Kent.

David Vine - New Associate Member

The NICF would like to welcome David Vine, a new Associate Member from Reading.

Gandhi Carpets - New Retailer Member

The NICF would like to welcome Gandhi Carpets a New Retailer Member from London.

NICF Open Day - Friday 25 April 2025

A Must-Attend Event for Flooring Installers!

Friday 25 April 2025 / 10am – 3pm / FITA Training Centre, Loughborough, LE11 1RA

Join us for an unmissable Open Day at the FITA Training Centre! Whether you're an experienced domestic installer or just starting out, this event is packed with live demonstrations, hands-on experiences, and expert advice to help you refine your skills and stay ahead in the industry.

Live Demonstrations by Industry Experts:

Watch and learn from some of the UK’s best fitters as they showcase their expertise in:

• Flat Weave Installation with Jason Draper (NICF President)
• Natural Floor Coverings with Jason Draper (NICF President)
• Carpet Whipping and Taping with Dan Jones (NICF Vice-President)
• Cap and Cove Techniques
• Floor Preparation
• Carpet Design & Installation – Featuring Carpet Fitter of the Year, Dan Evans in action!
• LVT Design Installation – Learn from the best with LVT Fitter of the Year, Dean Dickinson!
• Tool Demonstration Area – Get hands-on with the latest innovations in flooring tools!

This year’s event is all about interaction and participation. We’re tailoring the demonstrations based on what attendees want to see, making it an engaging and inclusive experience for all.

Meet the NICF Team & Exhibitors

• Speak directly with NICF Council Members to learn about membership benefits and how you can become part of a network of professional installers for the domestic sector. Already a member?  Come along to meet up with your Council and fellow members and talk all things flooring.
• Visit exhibitors such as Floormart Ltd and QEP, who will be showcasing their latest products and services.

More Reasons to Attend:

• Raffle
• Complimentary refreshments served throughout the day, including delicious bacon rolls at noon.

This event is FREE and open to both NICF members and non-members, so come along and make a day of it! 

Save the date and join us for an insightful, hands-on experience that will elevate your flooring expertise!

Have questions or want more details? Get in touch today! Call 0115 958 3077 or email info@nicfltd.org.uk to book your place.

NICF Office - Christmas Closure Dates 2024