SHAW Contract has the design, the sustainability, and the price range, but crucially, it also delivers. The brand’s entire carpet tile range is manufactured in the UK, giving it a unique edge in a market that demands style, quality, and speed.
‘Whether it’s a fast-turnaround office project that needs stock product delivered next day, or a large-scale workplace refurbishment requiring carefully balanced aesthetics and performance, we’ve got the product range and processes to meet those needs,’ says Andrew Jackson, business development director for EMEA at Shaw Contract.
Fit-for-purpose across every workplace
From premium executive suites to high-traffic open-plan offices, Shaw Contract products are designed to deliver on performance and appearance alike. ‘There’s always a demand in commercial offices,’ Andrew says. ‘Building users expect premium design but also flooring that is hard wearing and durable. We ensure our products meet both ends of that scale.’
While Shaw Contract’s main focus is the workplace and office environment, Andrew says many of the same design principles are being applied to higher education spaces. ‘It’s really interesting: we’re seeing all the attributes of good workplace design appearing in universities and colleges. You need to attract people to use the space in an age of hybrid work and study, and when they’re there, they need to feel comfortable.’
He points to crossovers such as acoustics, VOCs, indoor air quality, and underfoot comfort, all of which impact wellbeing and performance. ‘The way a space is designed directly influences how people perform in it,’ he adds.
A product portfolio for every segment
Shaw’s Creative Connections carpet tile collection exemplifies the company’s approach: trend-led colour palettes, thoughtful design, and options across multiple price points, ideal for modern office fitouts seeking a mix of style and practicality.
‘Our design quality is really strong right now,’ Andrew says. ‘We’ve developed a series of carpet tile designs that look great and meet every budget level.’
The company’s resilient flooring offering is equally robust. Shaw now stocks 2.5mm and 5mm products in a wide variety of designs, available for next-day delivery. The latest innovation, EcoWorx Resilient, is a PVC-free flooring solution that can be installed adhesive-free, allowing easy removal and closed-loop recycling at the end of its life.
‘Traditional LVT products rely on PVC and plasticisers that make recycling difficult,’ explains Andrew. ‘By removing those, we’ve mirrored the innovation we brought to market 20 years ago with our EcoWorx carpet tiles. It’s easier to recycle, better for the planet, and performs just as well.’
Post-Covid: Offices that work harder
Like many, Shaw Contract has seen shifts in how office spaces are used since Covid. ‘Large employers realised that fully remote working can reduce productivity,’ Andrew notes. ‘Now, there’s a renewed focus on getting teams back together three or four days a week. That’s good for collaboration, engagement, and business growth.’
With this shift comes rapid churn in commercial office fitouts. ‘The past few years have been dominated by fast-turnaround projects with short lead times,’ he says. ‘Contractors need products they can install quickly, and that’s where our UK manufacturing really helps.’
Legislation is also driving change, with new requirements to improve energy efficiency in commercial buildings. ‘Building owners know that sustainable, well-designed offices command premium rents,’ Andrew adds. ‘It’s in everyone’s interest, financially and environmentally.’
Sustainability: The new standard
‘The offices that achieve the highest rental premiums are the ones with good design and strong sustainability credentials,’ says Andrew. ‘Even investors are now prioritising sustainable buildings because they know those assets perform better.’
Shaw has long led the way in sustainable flooring. Its closed-loop recycling model and adhesive-free installation systems make products easier to remove, reuse, and recycle. They are also the first brand to offer a second location warranty – a requirement that is growing in importance.
The company also recognises the rise of certifications like WELL and BREEAM, which measure how buildings impact occupant health and wellbeing. ‘We’re seeing huge interest in healthy materials, low-carbon products, and VOC-free options,’ Andrew notes. ‘Designers and clients want to know exactly how much carbon is embodied in what they specify and they want to reduce it.’
Trends and global perspective
Cost and design remain key drivers in the office flooring market. ‘Customers want products that look more expensive than they are,’ Andrew explains. ‘Our cost-efficient ranges are designed to deliver that visual quality while still performing exceptionally well.’
He also sees a growing move away from adhesives and toward adhesive-free flooring systems, as well as a demand for low-carbon, high-performance products that contribute to green building standards.
Regionally, Andrew says the UK and Europe share similar market dynamics, while the Middle East operates differently. ‘In places like Saudi Arabia, commercial development is growing,’ he says. ‘Projects are often larger and more client-driven, but the fundamentals are the same – sustainability, performance, and delivery on time and at the right price.’
Made in the UK – and proud of it
Perhaps Shaw Contract’s biggest strength is its UK manufacturing base, supporting office projects large and small. ‘That local capability gives us flexibility on pricing, faster lead times, and consistent quality,’ Andrew emphasises. ‘When designers and contractors are under pressure, knowing they can get a product that meets their aesthetic, budget, and performance needs, made right here in the UK, takes away a layer of stress.’
In an industry where office design, delivery, and sustainability must work hand-in-hand, Shaw Contract continues to prove it can do all three – beautifully.
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