The art of installation

The growth in high end design-led LVT, with its innovative patterns and eye-catching lay-outs, has created new fitting challenges and raised the standards, profile and appreciation of expert fitting services. For forward-thinking retailers and their trained fitters, this growth has created an opportunity to push for higher fitting standards – and to take the lead in ‘upskilling’ their specialist fitting teams.

The fitting of vinyl tile flooring has always been a specialist skill – and there’s certainly a very big difference between a good LVT installation and a bad one. This can become even more apparent when a customer opts for a designer pattern or herringbone design, like those offered throughout the Harvey Maria range. In response to the new and growing demand for these on-trend designs, we recently introduced our own programme of training courses, in partnership with Floorskills.

The Harvey Maria Floorskills training courses are personally supervised by some of the UK’s leading trainers and are held at Europe’s largest independent training centre; a 8,000 sq ft facility in the West Midlands. The two-day courses are held monthly and all those attending must already be familiar with the principals of LVT installation and have completed formal subfloor preparation training. This enables the course to concentrate on the specific installation requirements of a Harvey Maria floor.

The first day of the course focuses on the installation of designer patterns, borders and inlays. “There are many different combinations available to our customers, both in terms of colour combination and laying pattern, and we’re keen to provide all our trained fitters with as much knowledge as possible, so they can enthuse their clients with all the opportunities available to them,” explained Harvey Maria’s Founder, Mark Findlay.

During the second day, there’s a focus on creativity and what can be achieved using a wide range of Harvey Maria designs and the many installation techniques available. The course also explores the use of the correct adhesives, as well as the required cleaning and care methods, and all fitters receive certification as well as ‘Trained Fitter’ status being added to their Harvey Maria web listing. Lunch and refreshments are provided throughout the two-day programme
“I’m passionate about getting as many fitters as possible through our training programme, where the tips and techniques passed on from the expert team at FloorSkills have already proved invaluable to so many. Given that many of our most eye-catching designs require more attention to detail than just about any other LVT, the course represents a great opportunity to upskill. It’s been noticeable that many of the more experienced fitters have given the most positive feedback – I’m convinced that it’s a real game changer in terms of taking skills and confidence to new levels, and ultimately in delivering greater customer satisfaction!” Mark added.

Feedback from fitters has highlighted the courses’ creative potential, along with the invaluable knowledge passed on from its trainers:

“Just like to thank you all for the Harvey Maria course I attended this week at Floorskills in Solihull. The course actually opened my eyes (which doesn’t happen often!). Completing the course has got my creative juices flowing for the endless design possibilities … and I’d also like to thank Matt; it was a pleasure to meet a genuinely knowledgeable and enthusiastic instructor. His skill set is second to none and his tips will be an asset to my business.” Wes Martin

“Would like to say how impressed I was by the training we’ve just undertaken at Floorskills for Harvey Maria. First off, Matt was a great trainer who we learnt a great deal from, along with some tips for getting over some of the designs within the Harvey Maria range. All in all a great course; well worth the travelling and the facilities at the Floorskills training centre were excellent!” Chris Naylor

“There were some top installers and good friends on this course. It was also really good to have a play with the product, with different colours/designs and trying various combinations and layouts. It was also fantastic to see a manufacturer attend their own training course to give insight into the product they produce and listen to feedback from the people installing on the floor. This approach can only serve to improve our trade and the quality within it.” Tony Newall