KICK-START Publishing is delighted to announce Jack Skipper from South London will be the comedian at the CFJ Awards on Friday 5 September at the Dallas Burston Polo Club in Warwickshire.

Jack has recently gone from being a carpet fitter with no qualifications to an internet sensation and full-time comedian.

He’ll follow in the footsteps of several high-profile comedians who’ve appeared at the awards over the years, including Rev Richard Coles, Jo Caulfield, and Hal Cruttenden. However, the fact he comes from the flooring industry is a first.

Jack has become a standout voice in British comedy, earning widespread recognition for his sharp observations on working-class life and family dynamics. His humour has resonated with audiences across social media, amassing more than 16million likes on TikTok and a loyal following of 360,000 on Instagram.

His rapid rise through the comedy ranks has been marked by significant accolades. In 2022, he was a runner-up in the esteemed So You Think You’re Funny? New Comedian of the Year competition. This year, he continued his momentum, reaching the final of the Komedia New Act contest.

Jack’s success extended to the Edinburgh Fringe, where his critically acclaimed show Skint played to sold-out audiences, earning him a coveted nomination for Best Newcomer at the Edinburgh Comedy Awards.

Beyond the stage, he’s also made his mark on television, appearing in ITV2’s The Stand Up Sketch Show, further solidifying his status as one of comedy’s rising stars.

This year’s awards sees an independent panel of judges including head judge, Richard Renouf; chartered surveyor, Graeme Dewar; director at Hillside Contracts, Tony Mathe; and Kelly Gayle of AG Flooring.

Kelly replaces Fiona Bowman, one of the panel’s much-loved judges and a senior consultant in the FM industry. Kelly joins head judge, Richard Renouf; chartered surveyor, Graeme Dewar; and director at Hillside Contracts, Tony Mathe.

With a background in travel, Kelly transitioned into the family business more than two decades ago, joining a well-respected contract flooring company based in Manchester. With heavy involvement and longstanding members of the CFA, AG Flooring primarily serves the public sector with high-quality floorcoverings, while also catering to select clients in the private sector.

Starting in an administrative role, Kelly quickly expanded her expertise and now oversees a wide range of operational areas, including HR, health and safety, accounts, contract management, procurement, and operations management.
Recently, she’s also taken on responsibilities in pricing, bringing a comprehensive approach to every project. Through numerous industry training courses, Kelly has developed a deep, well-rounded understanding of contract flooring, reinforcing the company’s reputation for reliability and expertise in the sector.

The CFJ Awards, organised by the Contract Flooring Journal, is the UK’s premier celebration of excellence in the contract flooring industry. It highlights outstanding installations, innovative projects, and exceptional talent within the sector.

The awards recognize exemplary flooring projects across various sectors such as education, sports and leisure, hotels, and office spaces. They also honour manufacturers and suppliers who deliver superior products and services, as well as individuals or organisations demonstrating exceptional commitment or innovation within the industry. Entries are evaluated based on quality, complexity of the project, innovation, and overall impact on the sector.

The awards ceremony is a major event in the flooring industry calendar, offering attendees opportunities for networking and celebration. The 2024 ceremony was held at the Dallas Burston Polo Club in Warwickshire and hosted by renowned stand-up comedian Hal Cruttenden.

Participation in the CFJ Awards provides industry recognition, enhancing the reputation of finalists and winners. It also offers significant publicity, with extensive coverage in industry publications and media, as well as networking opportunities to connect with industry leaders and foster potential collaborations.

Entries for the 2025 CFJ Awards have closed and the judges are evaluating them.