Join us for our 2026 Open Day

We are delighted to confirm the details of our 2026 Open Day taking place on Friday 24 April at the FITA Training Centre in Loughborough LE11 1RA from 10.00am until 3.00pm, it is open to both NICF members and non-members.  

Attendees of last year's event may recall that several of our patron members were present, offering demonstrations on the proper application of their products. The event also provided an opportunity to engage with the technical teams and address any flooring issues participants had experienced.

This year's event will differ a little from last time with the focus being more on participation as opposed to just watching. Demonstrations will be carried out by those who are masters in their field and will include all aspects of flooring, then there will be the chance for those of you that want to get hands on a with any of the tasks, our aim is for everything to be interactive.

Our President, Jason Draper, will be demonstrating stair runner installation, including the process of making and tapping, which is certainly worth coming along to see.

The NICF Vice-President Dan Jones will be demonstrating the evermore popular binding tapes to produce rugs and stair runners which proves to be a very well-liked service to offer customers currently.

The current LVT Fitter of the Year Dan Jones will be demonstrating different resilient floorcoverings throughout the day so this is an ideal opportunity to learn some tips and tricks from the best.

Jamie Addison will be doing a demonstration using natural flooring if that is something that you would like to try or may have questions on.

The master fitter carpet bay will be fitted out live on the day with an opportunity for those who have considered upgrading to this top-level category to ask questions and see how it is done. This offers a rare insight into what is expected and is a must for anyone considering upgrading to Master Fitter status in future. 

Sub-floor preparation demo’s will also take place throughout the day, and there will also be a tool demo area where some of the latest tools will be available for you to try. 

We are delighted to be welcoming the following companies, some of whom are NICF Patron Member or Fitter of the Year Sponsors:

• F Ball & Co Ltd – Tim Green and Phil Nightingale will be carrying out demos and offering technical advice. 
• Floormart Ltd – Kieran Howard will be there on the day.  You will have the chance to order tools that you may have tried or maybe you just have some that are due for replacement. 
• KC CP will supply their popular Forest Impressions LVT for demonstrations, so visitors can experience how easy it is to cut and fit. Elliot Gunn will be on hand to answer technical questions and provide samples.
• Mapei UK Ltd – Neal Perryman will be carrying out demos answering questions.
• MyScribe – Sam Prosser will be there to demo the tool and answer any questions.
• Penthouse Carpets – Simon Beeby is attending to answer any questions about the manufacturing of their carpets.
• The Stocklists – your chance to meet the Editor Lauren McCarthy who will be there to chat about the publication, and to ensure you are on the circulation list for your FREE copy each month (it’s one FREE subscription per NICF membership).  Perhaps you have thought about submitting editorial to The Stocklists but were not sure if it was something they would consider.  This could be your opportunity to discuss it in more detail with Lauren and to find out how to progress it. 
• Ulster Carpets – Andrew Gicquel and Tony Wilkes will be bringing sample books for you to view and will be able to answer any questions about the manufacturing of their carpets. 

As well as all that some NICF council members will be on hand to advise you regarding the benefits of membership or how to get the most from your membership or maybe you just want to talk flooring, we can do that too. Maybe you are thinking about entering future fitter of the year competitions and would like to know more details about that, we can advise on that and FITA’s training courses. 

Complimentary refreshments will be available throughout the day including bacon rolls at lunch time, biscuits, tea, coffee and juices. There will also be a raffle and the chance if time permits to request a demonstration, we will do our best to accommodate you.

Join us for what promises to be another unmissable NICF open day.  

Please ensure you register to attend (to assist us with our catering arrangements) by calling the NICF office on 0115 958 3077 or email info@nicfltd.org.uk.