News - Heckmondwike

The relaunch of our popular Odyssey range is coming soon, ready to take offices and commercial spaces to another world.

This one-of-a-kind range delivers a bold and modern look, perfect for the residential, learning and commercial spaces. With a durable structure, unique design and a wide-ranging colour bank, there are a whole universe of benefits to the refreshed range. You won’t find anything else like it on the planet! Trust us.

In this blog, we share 7 reasons to install our new commercial carpet tile range, Odyssey.

1 – Modern Colour Bank

With the relaunch of Odyssey comes an updated colour range. However, the current bank of colours incorporates deep blues and greys; a palette that can seamlessly blend in to any environment.

In terms of colour psychology, these colours are said to project calmness, stability and wisdom onto the users of a space. For further design options, the Odyssey range can be paired with colours from our Supacord range, giving added highlights and definition.

2 – Intense Durability

Unlike low-quality carpets, the range is made from the highest-quality materials, meaning that it will not ravel or fray. Ideal for office and commercial environments, this carpet can withstand heavy footfall without fading or deteriorating.

Despite the pandemic potentially ending in the coming months, hygiene will remain top priority in commercial and learning environments. Our Odyssey range can withstand the intense cleaning measures necessary to keep spaces spotless.

3 – Unique Designs

Odyssey’s bold design makes a statement, conveying both sophistication and style. It’s brilliant detail draws attention to the floor, and gives the right impression to every user.

The range uses the latest innovations to bring a level of creativity that is unique to the fibre-bonded sector. It’s a place that no fibre-bonded carpet has been before, and you won’t find a carpet like it on earth!

4 – Flexibility

The Odyssey range comes in the form of carpet tiles, which can be easily moved and interchanged. This makes it easier for a space to meet the ever-changing government guideline requirements, which need to be met to promote safety – even after the pandemic.

When placed against clashing or opposing colours, the tiles can be used to create walkways and borders. With rules on social distancing still very much in place, this is a great way to keep people apart and guide them around buildings.

5 – Noise Reduction

Whether it be in a commercial or an office space, it is important that noise levels are kept to a minimum. With a BS EN ISO 140-8: 20dB rating, Odyssey absorbs sound to create a large reduction in impact noise.

The colours in the range also have positive light reflectance ratings, meaning that the carpet is easy on both the eyes and ears.

6 – Cost-effective

Cost is a factor that must be considered when looking to install the perfect carpet for your environment. It can be easy for contractors to choose a solution that is cheap to buy and cheaply made, however this will fail to stand the test of time.

However, Heckmondwike has a reputation for delivering high quality carpets for an affordable price. We are keen to suggest that customers try before they buy, and that’s why all of our carpet samples are free; including Odyssey.

7 – Office Essentials

As well as being a great commercial carpet, Odyssey is perfect for the office. With many businesses working from home, now is the perfect time to renovate office buildings.

The anti-static qualities of the range also means that it is suitable for use in rooms with computers, making it an incredibly versatile option. Our latest case studies, such as M&N Heating & Plumbing, and Tapper Interiors, exemplify just how Odyssey can transform a space.

To learn more about our Odyssey range, and its relaunch, contact our expert team. Call 01924 406 121 or email sales@heckmondwike-fb.co.uk.

Following the 2016 Referendum, Brexit saw the United Kingdom withdraw from the European Union on the 31st January 2020. With much uncertainty surrounding the move, one can only predict the consequences to follow.

We can relate to Brexit, in the way that our Supacord carpets were launched in 1973 – the same year that Britain joined the EEC. This goes to show that some things remain, while others don’t.

As a commercial carpet manufacturer with UK production at its core, our customers based in Great Britain will not see any changes to our products or services, and we see Brexit as an opportunity to offer solutions to those who may have previously looked towards overseas suppliers.

However, our vision is not shared by others in the flooring market. Here are some ways we think Brexit will impact the flooring industry.

Tricky business

Brexit will cause the flooring industry to lose many of their customers, even here in the UK. For example, retail and high-street chains, in particular, will have anxieties of their own surrounding Brexit and may choose to cut back on interior design renovations. However, sectors that go ahead with renovation are likely to opt for British manufacturers.

Also, as the UK is one of the main markets in the European carpet industry, if importing becomes a luxury many European countries will lose out on business. To combat this, those in the UK carpet industry must conduct extensive research into the requirements of British customers, to widely appeal to them.

In order to do this, UK flooring companies must reconsider factors such as the materials, colours and patterns of the carpets they manufacture. Carpets that are available in a selection of colours and designs will be favoured, such as those in our Array collection.

Struggling supplies

Most of the raw materials used in carpets are purchased from abroad. This means that more money must be invested in UK manufacturing – a trend seen across a number of other industries which heavily rely on importation.

Our UK carpet manufacturer holds significant stocks of fibre raw material, alongside finished carpet rolls and tiles – with our manufacturing processes operating throughout the year to provide the latter. Almost 90 percent of our suppliers are also based in the country, meaning that we should be in a comfortable position for the future.

Changing tastes

In the five years since the Brexit vote, it’s safe to say that a lot has changed. Tastes are just one of the trends that have altered dramatically over the years. We can reflect and learn from them to predict what is to come.

For example, in interior design, carpet tiles have soared in popularity due to their versatile, durable and movable properties. They can be interchanged with ease, and be installed and removed with minimal disruption. The coronavirus pandemic has fueled this demand, as customers look for practical solutions.

The industry must think fast to meet demands, a trait that was reflected in the quick launch of our Social Distancing Carpet Tiles last year. We quickly identified that the customer wanted a stylish, more permanent, interior alternative to hazard tape and stickers during the pandemic, that would stand the test of time until no longer needed.

Contact our expert team for more information about our extensive product range. Call 01924 406 121 or email sales@heckmondwike-fb.co.uk.

A freezing office can really affect your mood, work ethic and concentration. It is therefore no surprise that a cold classroom has the same effect on students. To combat the winter chill, it is increasingly important that students and teachers are comfortable and cosy.

Although most primary and high school students have been back for a few months now, they are still settling back into the new school routine and getting used to the difficult new arrangements and rules. A cosy space can make them feel more relaxed and at home.

In this blog, our commercial carpet company explores how carpet can be used to create a cosy environment in the classroom this winter.

Trap Heat with Carpet

The Department for Health advises that opening windows to let fresh air into a space can reduce the rate of infection by more than 70%. Therefore, this winter, classrooms have never been cooler. However, flooring can be used to help combat this.

Unlike hard floors, carpet has a low density and requires little energy to warm up. So, even if the temperature is low in the classroom, carpet will feel warm underfoot and to the touch.

Carpets have incredible insulation properties too, allowing heat to be trapped and retained. Thick and dense carpets, such as those across our fibre-bonded range are favoured, as thinner carpets stay cooler.

Wonderfully Warm Colours

It is said that light coloured carpets absorb less heat than darker shades. So, to keep the classroom cosy, avoid whites and yellows and choose a deeper and darker palette of colours.

However, your dark colour palette doesn’t have to be your typical greys and blacks. It is incredibly important to keep bright colours in mind, as these can help to motivate and inspire students. These colours can improve students’ learning experience, and student performance.

As winter is the time of year to be cosy, seasonal colours such as deep purples and reds can be introduced. The carpet tiles in our Array and Supacord range are available in a wide range of bright and dark colours, which easily match existing colour schemes.

Amazing Acoustics

It has been proven that high noise levels affect learning and student performance, and carpet can help to keep the classroom quieter. Aswell as reducing heating costs, carpet also works to limit sound levels in and around the space.

This is because carpet is able to absorb sound. Experts believe it can reduce airborne noise by up to 35%, as well as destroying the reverberation and echo in a room. This means that costs can also be saved on other insulative means in the classroom.

All our carpet tiles are BS EN ISO 140-8: 21db accredited, meaning they can drastically reduce noise in educational facilities.

Subtle Instructions

Of course, reminders of the measures that students need to undertake, in order to keep the school safe, are an essential part of the classroom. However, fluorescent stickers and tape can seem alien and intimidating in such a space, and interrupt the cosy and comfortable atmosphere.

Instructions that seamlessly blend into an environment, such as our Social Distancing Carpet Tiles, can be used to clearly display important messages, without piercing the relaxing setting. As with all of our carpet tiles, they can be lifted up and moved to adapt to any classroom space.

Contact our expert team for more tips to transform your space and for more information about our extensive product range. Call 01924 406 121 or email sales@heckmondwike-fb.co.uk.

In March 2020, the world as we knew it completely changed. Here at Heckmondwike FB, following government advice on COVID-19, our market-leading Supacord carpet tiles range has been transformed to emphasise safe social distancing in schools, colleges, universities and commercial working environments as they gradually adapt to new safety measures.

Understandably, there are times when mistakes will be made and the safety message may need to be reinforced. That is why at Heckmondwike FB, we’ve used our Fusion technology to laser engrave arrows for directional walkways and messaging to subtly remind students, staff, and visitors to follow social distancing measures.

In this blog, we’ll discuss how carpet tiles help with social distancing and wayfinding and why you should install them over other flooring solutions.

Easy Installation

The original government advice stated that a safe social distance was two meters, however, this was soon updated to one meter, demonstrating that while these particular measures are imperative right now, they’re not necessarily permanent. Thankfully, our carpet tiles are easy to set and can be quickly removed and replaced should they need to be.

Durability

Our social distancing carpet tiles are made from our renowned Supacord range, which has been used in classrooms for over forty years and considered the number one carpet solution for schools, colleges and universities. The tiles are designed to not ravel or fray and are durable enough to withstand areas with heavy footfall.

Reduced Risk of Accidents

Unlike social distancing loose-lay mats or hazard tape – which can sometimes cause accidents – social distancing tiles reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls that could occur. Carpet tiles also provide a safer solution to hard flooring for the same reasons and can protect against breakage if valuable items are dropped.

Design

Safety is the most important factor to consider when choosing to install social distancing carpet tiles, but that doesn’t mean the design should be forgotten about. Our carpet tiles come in Steel Grey, Blue and Green, giving learning environments and companies the option to choose either a popular, modern and subtle colour, or a more striking, bold colour that will stand out in a range of spaces.

A Gentle Reminder

With our Fusion technology, we’re able to laser engrave arrows into our carpet tiles as a gentle reminder to students, staff, and visitors to follow social distancing measures, and (as we understand the rules can sometimes be hard to remember) to reinforce what those measures actually are!

Heckmondwike’s Social Distancing Carpet Tiles are now available to purchase, however, due to the current situation, we are unable to provide samples of the product. For more information or to purchase your carpet tiles, please call us directly on 01924 406 161 or email: sales@heckmondwike-fb.co.uk.

This month, it’s back to school and back to university for many but what does the new normal look like?

University has for generations been strongly associated with socialisation, as well as education. However, with stringent covid-secure measures in place until further notice, on campus will be a lot different, as will the student experience.

According to UCAS, young people were not deterred by the new circumstances, and lockdown saw a record number of hopeful university applicants. In this blog, we explore how student spaces will change and how to pandemic proof spaces easily with carpet design.

Social Bubbles

Social bubbles will be introduced to separate students into small groups, according to their undergraduate course. They will live and study with this select group, attending small and controlled face-to-face seminars.

As the classrooms will feel more empty, classroom layouts will be adapted to create cosy spaces, where students can feel relaxed. Warm colours, like red, orange and yellow will be favoured for interior design to create a comfortable and inviting space.

One-way Systems

Despite many exams being held online, students will be able to opt to take exams inside university buildings too – in which case, they must be clearly directed to their desk. To help with this, and many other new scenarios, one-way systems are likely to be implemented to guide staff and students.

Our Social Distancing Carpet Tiles can reinforce important messages, aid with wayfinding and remind people to keep a safe distance. With important messages laser engraved with Fusion technology, they will stand the test of time and last as long as they are needed.

Student Health and Wellbeing

Hygiene will be paramount in universities, both on and off campus, with strict cleaning measures in place. There will be reduction in the use of lecture theatres, as they would need an unmanageable amount of cleaning to become safe environments.

As well as physical health, student’s mental health must be cared for and taken seriously. Many universities will face the challenge of creating safe work and social environments, so students can still interact with their peers and lecturers. Flooring can be used to create visual safe spaces and borders which enable students to mingle, whilst maintaining social distancing measures.

Heckmondwike’s Social Distancing Carpet Tiles are now available to purchase. For more information or to purchase your carpet tiles, please call us directly on 01924 406 161 or email: sales@heckmondwike-fb.co.uk.

According to a recent study by the University of Salford, the design of a classroom can impact student performance by 25%. This study alone goes to show just how important it is to create a space which motivates and inspires students.

The relationship between classroom design and student learning is by no means a new discussion. Many forward-thinking teachers, headteachers and educators have been convinced that classroom design plays an important role in the learning experience.

To create a space that works for both the student and teacher, there are several factors to consider. Read on to see our blog explore some of these!

Acoustics are everything

Noise is the number one distraction within a learning space. It’s been proven that high noise levels affect learning and student performance. Therefore, it’s important to be able to control sound levels and reduce the amount of noise transmitted.

Soft furnishings and fixtures are fantastic for absorbing sound. According to the American Society of Interior Designers, carpet is 10 times more efficient in reducing noise than any other flooring type. The findings also showed that carpet was able to prevent sound from travelling between rooms.

Our carpet tiles are BS EN ISO 140-8: 21db accredited, which means the products can effectively reduce impact noise in a range of commercial environments.

The colour of learning

Add a splash of colour to your classroom. Not only does colour provide the perfect opportunity to portray personality, but it can be used to improve the learning experience and student performance.

Bright colours can inspire and motivate students, and even get them excited to learn. It’s important to have a basic understanding of colour psychology to ensure you are using the right colours. For example, yellow and red can increase creativity and alertness, whereas green and purple can create a peaceful and calm environment.

Flooring design provides an easy way to inject colour into classrooms. The carpet tiles in our Array and Supacord range offer a wide-ranging colour bank, from subtle greys and blues to vibrant yellows and purples. These colours match corporate colour schemes easily, which makes them ideal for learning facilities.

Multi-purpose space

The best classrooms are easy to adapt. With teacher and student sharing the same space, the classroom should be designed in such a way that facilitates the needs of both. This can be achieved with configurable furniture and flexible fixtures.

Some teachers may want to alter the space to suit different activities, such as group projects and individual work. Moveable furniture enables them to do this with ease and limits the distractions for students, and can help different types of learners.

Classrooms are bound to evolve, so that’s why we made our carpet tiles changeable. Our products can be easily lifted off the floor and moved, if necessary to suit changing spaces. This can make renovations easier to carry out, and much cheaper.

Contact our expert team for more tips to transform your space and for more information about our extensive product range. Call 01924 406 121 or email sales@heckmondwike-fb.co.uk.

With social distancing in effect until further notice and, like many other institutions, schools must adapt to the ‘new normal’. Interior design within classrooms and workspaces need to change to allow improved hygiene and personal space. There is a lot of debate over how this will happen when schools fully reopen in September, but here’s what we predict will change.

Hygienic flooring

Although measures such as strict cleaning and distancing of furnishings are existing short-term solutions, long-term solutions are needed. The summer holidays are the perfect opportunity for schools to renovate their classrooms and workspaces. Studies suggest that Covid-19 does not linger for long on porous surfaces, like carpet, so many schools are likely to turn to this as the safest flooring solution.

Increased focus on student wellbeing

It’s been a tricky time for pupils, as they typically thrive in the classroom. Therefore, any space should be a place of creativity and inspiration. Carpet design can help create a perfect positive working environment. The carpet tiles in our Array range are available in 24 different colours, with bespoke designs available on request. So, pupils can be effortlessly motivated in their colourful surroundings.

One-way systems

Students will be directed throughout school and in classrooms with one-way systems. With increased footfall on the same path, the flooring must be high-quality and durable. Our Social Distancing Carpet Tiles remind pupils to follow the rules and help with wayfinding, making them a great solution. With laser engraved arrows, our range of bespoke tiles are especially useful for one-way systems and remind pupils and staff alike to keep a safe distance.

Focus on flexibility

The sooner schools are COVID-proof, the sooner pupils can return safely. Therefore, there is an increased focus around functionality, rather than cosmetic appearance. Flexibility is key, as spaces can become multi-purpose and adapted to suit different activities and varying pupil needs. All our carpet tiles can be easily lifted and moved, enabling schools to fully utilise classrooms and spaces to their highest ability.

With lockdown measures slowly starting to ease in the UK and businesses looking to reopen, the question of how to maintain safe social distancing measures is on everyone’s minds. The safety measures so far have helped prevent the further spread of Covid-19, and it’s imperative we continue to stick at it.

So, following the advice on Coronavirus from the UK government, at Heckmondwike, we have transformed our Supacord carpet tiles products into Social Distancing Carpet Tiles to encourage safe social distancing within schools, colleges, universities and commercial working environments as they gradually adapt to new practices, and here’s how.

Easy to set at 2-metre distances

Not only are our 50cm x 50cm tiles easy to set at 2m distances, but they can also be used anywhere throughout a building. Setting the tiles wherever you need will help to create certain walkways, nudging people in the right direction and providing a clear understanding of where they can walk and where they can stand, ensuring a safe distance is kept at all times.

Reduced risk of accidents

Some social distancing measures within schools or workplaces, such as loose lay mats, can cause more slips, trips and falls which may, in turn, result in failure to remain 2 metres apart from colleagues or classmates. Social distancing tiles are easy to fit and will decrease this risk.

Bright colours to increase awareness

For schools, in particular, the bright colours are a helpful way to remind young children where they should be walking or sitting. The Supacord range offers a range of different colours too, so you can have some fun with the design.

Our standard colours are steel grey, green and blue, but if required, you can also choose from 39 different shades of blue, red, orange and more.

Reinforce the message

By using our Fusion technology, we’re able to laser engrave arrows and safety symbols on the tiles, reinforcing the message to stay 2m apart from one another. The arrows also make it easy to know which direction to walk in and will avoid unwanted clashes.

For many of us, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, homeschooling is the norm at the moment. While teachers have provided learning packs and you may have had plenty of tips on how to assist your kids with them, it can still be a struggle finding the balance between home and school.

So, Heckmondwike FB have put together some of the best ways to create the ideal environment where children are still eager to learn.

Have a dedicated learning space

First thing’s first, dedicate certain parts of the house to learning. By doing this, the kids will know when to focus on school work and when it’s time to relax and play. This doesn’t just have to be one room, it could be certain parts of every room, but a dedicated space for learning only is important to improve concentration.

Make the most of your space

Throughout the day, kids don’t just stay in one classroom. Take them outside too or go into the hallway for an assembly before they return to their workspace. You could always create a reading area in the living room, a table in the kitchen for maths and if the weather’s nice – take the science projects outside!

Make sure everyone’s comfortable

Just like adults in an office, children should have appropriate chairs and a table to ensure they’re sitting comfortably throughout the day. They might want to work on the floor at some point if they’re building something or are required to move around a lot – just make sure they’re not hurting their backs.

Get creative

Make the space fun! Classrooms are full of colour, toys, pictures and so on. So, why not create a star chart or some fun visuals for the wall. They’ll love it and it will make your space feel a lot more educational.

Stay organised

The last thing you want is more mess in the house or to lose important school work. Use files and pencil pots or even just a shoebox to ensure all your child’s work is kept safe. Keeping the space clean and tidy will also improve productivity!

For more tips on how to design the perfect learning environment, at home or in schools, colleges and universities, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can contact your local area manager here, call us directly on 01924 410 544 or email us at sales@heckmondwike-fb.co.uk.

As we enter the second half of the academic year, plans are well in place for facilities managers to refurbish and replace the carpets in student halls and houses.

JLL’s Student Housing Report forecasts there will be a further 500,000 full-time university students in the UK by 2030, and with the number of students choosing to stay in PBSA (Purpose-built student accommodation) rising, so is the number of new student living opportunities.

When it comes to student accommodation, first and foremost, the carpets should be durable. It’s likely they will need to withstand heavy footfall and wear and tear for several years, so longevity is vital. When evaluating your options, it’s also better to choose dark colours for the same reason.

According to an article published on savethestudent.org, 1 in 3 feel their accommodation is poor value for money, so here at Heckmondwike FB, we want to help change this by at least providing high-quality carpets throughout student halls and houses.

Due to the nature of student life, it’s important to consider the maintenance of carpets, too. The less upkeep and expense for both students and landlords, the better.

We offer a wide range of carpets that are specifically designed to achieve all of the above, with a huge collection of durable, long-lasting and practical carpets available in a variety of designs and colours.

It’s the robust construction of our fibre boded carpets, such as Supacord, which make them both durable and extremely low maintenance and therefore the best choice for student accommodation. Our products are also designed to not ravel or fray and all meet the relevant safety standards.

We have a long-standing history working with the education sector, including universities and colleges, alongside private accommodation providers, delivering both practical and stylish carpets, so you can rest assured your project will be in good hands with us.

For more information on our range of carpets for a variety of sectors (including student accommodation), please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can call us on 01924 410 544 or send us an email – sales@heckmondwike-fb.co.uk.