In Memory of Ian James - 1967-2026

It is with great sadness that the NICF remembers Ian James, a long standing and dedicated member of the Institute, whose commitment to the NICF spanned three decades.  Ian passed away at home surrounded by family on 12 September, aged just 59 years, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Ian became a member of the NICF in September 1996 and went on to make a significant contribution to the organisation, serving in a number of important roles throughout his membership.

He was elected to Council in September 2006 and remained a Council member until the end. Ian served as Vice President from 2010 until 2012, at which point he was elected as NICF President.  Ian served two terms as President, completing four years in the role before standing down in August 2016. During his time as President, and throughout his years on Council, Ian gave his time, knowledge and experience generously to the Institute and its members.

Ian's contribution to the flooring industry went far beyond his work with the NICF. He was an exceptionally skilled and knowledgeable floor fitter, with Master Fitter status in carpet, domestic sheet vinyl, LVT and resilient sheet vinyl. His expertise, attention to detail and pride in his workmanship reflected the high standards of craftsmanship that the NICF strives to promote.

Ian's ability as a fitter was recognised throughout his career. He was a finalist in the original Carpet Fitter of the Year competition and was twice named Midlands Floorcovering Fitter of the Year. One of his greatest competitive achievements came in 2005, when he was part of the UK Team that won the European Floorlaying Championship.

Ian was instrumental in the return of the Fitter of the Year competition in 2016, following a gap of 15 years. This was particularly appropriate given his own experience and achievements in fitting. He was passionate about recognising the skills, knowledge and craftsmanship of professional fitters and understood the importance of providing opportunities for those skills to be celebrated.

Alongside his fitting career and work with the NICF, Ian was also a FITA Council member and an instructor for FITA for many years. He shared his considerable knowledge in other areas of the industry too, working as an independent flooring inspector and as an NVQ assessor, helping to maintain standards and pass on his expertise and experience to others entering and working within the profession.

Ian's practical knowledge, technical ability and commitment to high standards made him highly respected by his fellow professionals. Whether through his own craftsmanship, his work as an assessor and inspector, or his contribution to the NICF, he was someone who believed strongly in doing things properly and in supporting the development of the flooring industry, and particularly the domestic sector.

Ian will be remembered not only for the roles he held, but for the contribution he made to the NICF and the wider flooring industry over so many years. His long association with the Institute, his achievements as a fitter and competitor, and his willingness to share his knowledge leave a lasting legacy.

The NICF extends its sincere condolences to Ian's family, friends and colleagues at this sad time.

He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by all those who had the privilege of knowing and working with him.

(The photo of Ian was taken at the Fitter of the Year semi-finals in June 2026.  Ian loved the competition and was delighted to be well enough to attend. He had a very busy few days, judging, chatting to so many friends and colleagues and there were some giggles along the way too - we all know Ian had a wicked sense of humour).