A joint statement by Kick-Start Publishing CEO, Johnny Miller, and managing director, David Strydom.
A NEW day is dawning at Kick-Start Publishing, publishers of Contract Flooring Journal (CFJ). 2026 started with a bang: a new management team is in place, along with a renewed determination to deliver independent editorial integrity.
Our purpose is clear: to continue serving the contract flooring community with insight, expertise, and transparency. The challenges faced by this industry have never been more apparent. From apprentice shortages to sustainability requirements, the sector continues to face headwinds that demand a clear, reliable voice. That’s where CFJ steps in. We want to be more than a magazine. CFJ will champion the interests of contractors, manufacturers, and everyone involved in bringing exceptional flooring solutions to life.
At the heart of this vision is a renewed focus on digital engagement. The industry is evolving, and so must we. Digital tools allow us to connect and empower readers in ways that were unimaginable a few years ago. From enhanced online content to interactive features, CFJ will provide platforms for discussion. Our goal is simple: to be future driven while remaining grounded in the realities of the contract flooring world.
Helping drive this vision forward is Alissia Clifton, our new media and events sales manager. Overseeing trade publications including The Specifiers Guide and CFJ, Alissia has spent the past few years working across B2B titles in print, signage, and KBB industries, juggling publishing, sales, events and account management. We’re excited to have her onboard.
The men and women of the industry – and our partnership with them – remain integral to our mission. We’re proud to renew our commitment to these professionals, acknowledging the vital role they play in every successful project. They’re the backbone of the industry and we’re determined to ensure their voices remain front-and-centre.
This focus will also be evident in our awards programme. The CFJ Awards, at the National Conference Centre in Birmingham on Friday 11 September, will undergo a transformation that will make it unprecedented in the flooring sector. Details will follow in the coming months.
In parallel, we’ve announced an editorial board, designed to reinforce editorial independence and ensure quality and relevance of coverage.
These initiatives are about more than adapting to change – they’re about leading it. By strengthening digital presence, enhancing editorial oversight and deepening relationships with contractors, we aim to set a new benchmark for professional publishing. CFJ will be a resource that informs and empowers, a platform where innovation meets practical experience, and where industry challenges are addressed constructively.
The future we envision is one where CFJ remains indispensable. Integrity isn’t optional, content is authoritative yet accessible and the magazine supports a sector that deserves recognition and respect.
Thank you for being part of this journey with us.