National flooring retailer opens office and warehouse in Coventry

Jason Ashby, CEO of UK Flooring Direct.

UK Flooring Direct, which has its headquarters in Hinckley, Leicestershire, has moved into an additional 54,000 sq ft industrial unit on Prologis Park in Coventry with the help of Birmingham property consultancy, Vail Williams LLP.

The deal was negotiated by Midlands property expert, Carole Taylor, a partner at Vail Williams, which saw a lease of the unit secured with landlord, BMO UK Property Fund.

Carole commented: “The market is very strong for industrial property in the Midlands currently, driven primarily by the logistics sector and last mile delivery. Having carried out a detailed search across the region we call home, we knew that the strategic location of Prologis Park, situated just off the M6 on the outskirts of Coventry with easy access to their existing warehouse, would be the perfect fit. The move will now give our client the space they need to continue to develop and grow their business.”

The company was founded by Midlands entrepreneur Jason Ashby in 2005 with just a £299 investment in a website and the firm is now growing at a dramatic pace with £50 million worth of annual sales in its sights.

Around 70 of the company’s 160 staff will now be based in Coventry across a range of departments including sales, customer service, distribution, finance, IT and warehouse. The move is also anticipated to create up to 50 new jobs.

Jason Ashby, CEO of UK Flooring Direct, said: “This is the latest step in our continuing growth story. We have invested significantly in technology, people and products over recent years and that is an ongoing process to ensure we continue to innovate in the way we serve our customers all over the country.”

Despite tough trading conditions for many in the retail sector, UK Flooring Direct has seen sales of its products – including wood and laminate flooring – increase in recent years, including during the lockdown period.

“Our target is rapid growth as we tap into an ever-expanding demand for wood and laminate flooring, with customers welcoming our expertise and experience in this area as well as the fact that we offer convenience in delivering to their door,” concluded Jason.

BMO were advised by Burbage Realty.