Paul Baker
Maintaining quality while meeting demanding deadlines is becoming ever more challenging amid rising costs and labour shortages, the
director of Baker Flooring tells David Strydom
How do you make sure installation quality stays consistent across different projects and sites?
First, by ensuring every site is ready before the works begin. In my eye this prevents quality issues from the outset but mainly by using skilled and trusted fitters whose workmanship I know and trust.
How do you keep up to date with standards, specifications and manufacturer guidance?
The web. Everything is so easy to access now and also have good longstanding relationships with manufacturers’ technical teams, as well as CFJ.
What do you look for at tender stage to avoid problems later onsite?
Anything unclear but mainly subfloor requirements, with so many different subfloor types we ensure the correct specifications has been costed.
What do you do if a specification isn’t right for the conditions or use of the space?
I present the client or main contractor with a practical alternative and explain why the current specification won’t work or is not fit-for-purpose.
How do you plan labour to balance reliability, skills and workload?
I plan labour by matching the right fitter to each project based on skills and experience, ensuring reliability from the start. I balance workloads so no one is overstretched and maintain a trusted team I can allocate according to project complexity and deadlines.
How do you ensure subfloor preparation is done properly on every project?
I ensure subfloor preparation is done properly by thoroughly assessing the site before work begins, checking moisture levels, and confirming the correct materials and methods are specified. I only use trusted fitters who follow manufacturer guidance, and I carry out regular inspections during the process to ensure every step is completed correctly.
How do you respond when programmes are shortened or changed at short notice?
By communicating quickly with the client or main contractor to understand the new requirements, then reorganising labour and resources to keep the project on track. Because I work with a trusted, skilled team, I can adapt fast while still maintaining quality. I’m honest about what is achievable, and I always prioritise practical solutions that minimise disruption.
What is your process for dealing with defects or issues after completion?
All defects are provided to our project contracts manager who’ll arrange labour to rectify if still onsite. If it’s after completion and we’re not onsite, communication on when and what is being done/arranged dates are provided by my wife Zoe who deals with all aftercare.
How do you approach sustainability and material reuse on projects?
I approach sustainability by choosing materials with low environmental impact, following manufacturer guidance to reduce waste, and reusing or recycling materials wherever possible. I plan projects carefully to avoid overordering, and any usable offcuts are kept for future work. I also work with suppliers who prioritise sustainable products and practices.
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing contract flooring contractors today?
Managing unrealistic programme expectations while still delivering high quality work. Tight timelines, late site readiness, and pressure from main contractors make planning and quality control harder than ever. Balancing this with rising material costs and labour shortages means contractors have to stay flexible, communicate clearly and rely on trusted, skilled teams to keep standards high.
Which suppliers do you have a particularly good relationship with, and why?
Forbo, Altro, TradeChoice and Interface. I have strong relationships with several key suppliers because of their reliability, technical support and consistent service. I work closely with manufacturers whose technical teams are always available to offer guidance, and suppliers who understand our project.
What do you like most about working in the flooring industry?
The connections. The flooring industry is really quite friendly. Some of the greatest people I have met are my closest competitors. But the respect we have for each other is second to none. I know if I needed anything I could speak to other contractors and I hope they realise they could do the same with me.
What do you least like about working in the flooring industry?
There’s nothing really I dislike other than the winter months that gives differing challenges.
Name one change you’d make to the flooring industry
I’d like to make it a little bit easier for the next generation to get into flooring, too much to digest though.
Do you use social media for your business?
We use a Facebook page which is looked after by my wife Zoe and a LinkedIn page that I look after.
