Richard Moore, commercial director at Causeway Carpets, discusses heritage-led manufacturing, challenges, product differentiation and Causeway Carpets’ growth ambitions
When and why did you join the company?
I joined Causeway Carpets as it presented a fantastic opportunity to build a business here in the UK that’s fully supported by one of industry’s most highly respected carpet manufacturers. Lusotufo has 90 years of manufacturing experience and has a clear vision for the future. The entrepreneurial culture just added to the compelling reasons to take up the role.
Why are your company’s products different than your competitors’ products and what’s the secret to creating a successful flooring product?
A key factor is Lusotufo’s heritage. As a vertically integrated producer, from raw fleece to finished carpet, it offers a level of control and capability that few can match. In turn, this lets Causeway Carpets create distinctive, high-quality products with unique and exclusive wool and polyester textures and finishes that offer a genuine point of difference in the market.
What’s the secret to a successful flooring installation?
Working with trusted trading partners is essential. High quality flooring retailers and contractors who provide the right flooring advice and who are supported by skilled installation teams are the backbone of these trusted partners.
Who, outside your company, do you most admire in the industry?
I certainly admire leaders in the industry who have a proven track record of building and running successful, profitable businesses. Their ability to combine strategic vision with operational excellence is something that particularly inspires me.
What three challenges do you feel the industry is facing and what are you doing to overcome these (sustainability, supply, consumer confidence, etc)?
First, creating beautiful products that meet customer demand. We overcome this by producing carpets that are excellent quality, deliver excellent value and bring the latest in balanced on-trend colours. Producing great products is always our top priority.
Second, service. In a market that’s become more demanding, it’s essential to not only deliver great products, but also to get them to homes and businesses as quickly and efficiently as possible. Finally, controlling costs while remaining competitive. As a family-owned carpet supplier, we have the flexibility to adapt and respond to changes in the market, ensuring we stay competitive without compromising the quality of our carpets.
Can you give an outline of your most popular product ranges and explain a bit about them?
Our most popular ranges are Nature Core & Nature Earth, Natural Coordinates, Galway and Camberley – plain colours in two styles – as well as Country Life & Style. Causeway Carpets specialises in loop pile textures and the quality and purity of our wool is exceptional. This allows us to create diverse textures across level, high and low, zigzag and rib structures, all of which are increasingly in demand. We’re also seeing strong interest in our high-end, heat-set polyester styles, available in gorgeous colours and three luxurious finishes.
How important do you feel offering a bespoke and unique flooring solution is to a business?
We’re a specialist rug supplier in Europe, where we see strong desire for bespoke rugs. There’s no reason why the UK should be any different, so we’re planning to introduce our rugs into the market this year. It’ll help specialist independent retailers and contractors to offer a high-end, bespoke offering with the efficiency and flexibility afforded by Lusotufo’s manufacturing knowledge and expertise.
Is sustainability and ethical manufacturing a key commitment to your business, and if so, why?
I believe it’s crucial to be conscious of our impact on the world around us. As a responsible manufacturer we ensure our processes are carefully monitored and fully compliant with environmental and safety standards.
What innovation can your clients expect from you in the future?
We can produce stylish, flatwoven carpets, graphic designs and creative bespoke rugs – all of these we’re looking to implement as part of our UK growth strategy.
How robust is your supply chain in the face of global issues such as war?
Our strength really lies in being a family-owned business that’s committed to a long-term future. Remaining nimble and flexible against external pressures, we’re not constrained by PLC status, which allows us to respond quickly to global market challenges.
What flooring trends are you seeing at the moment, and how do these influence your product development?
Loop piles are enjoying a renaissance, with new textures and colours seemingly emerging on a constant basis. Alongside our experience and expertise in working with natural fibres, because we spin and dye our own yarns, we’re quick to pick up and respond to these trends.
What is your major selling point with contractors? What do your products offer them that others don’t?
Contractors should choose to work with us, because we manufacture new styles and designs at scale, delivering quality and volume in tight deadlines. Maintaining full control over production brings consistent quality, reliable supply and flexibility – all necessary requirements in projects. Additionally, our ability to respond quickly to market trends and client needs make us a dependable partner for contractors.
Where do you see the company in five years?
Causeway Carpets will be a strong brand with strong sales. We’ll be developing exclusive collections for business-to-business customers, our plans to introduce bespoke rugs will have come to fruition, and we’ll have elevated our brand position through points of difference. We’ll be operating as a premium supplier for retailers and contractors looking for innovative and creative products.
01388 737622
sales@causewaycarpets.com
www.causewaycarpets.com