Reginald S. B. Lancashire was founded by Reg Lancashire a few years after World War 2 in 1949. He opened a small retail store at 13a Hoe street, Walthamstow in East London. The shop was at the quiet end of Hoe Street but business was good regardless.
In April 1951 he opened his second store in Loughton, Essex next to Cramphorns, a garden retailer later to be known as Wyvale. This was in the High Road in a good selling position and continued to grow the company’s position as a large retailer. Two years later his third store opened at 91 South street, Bishop Stortford Herts. This shop opened in January 1953 and was the quieter of the three units, but trade increased when a new Post Office opened opposite which brought many people to that end of South street, and a large number of fresh customers making the shop very busy.
Later Reg Lancashire bought a piece of land on the corner of Aubrey road and next to the existing one in Walthamstow and eventually had a large unit built by Fullers Builders of Walthamstow, who we still have close ties with. It was opened June 1959. In later years the company found that it was becoming more and more involved with contract flooring over time and with the retail side of the business becoming a smaller portion of business. It was decided that a new company should be formed, namely Lancashire Flooring Ltd, to promote the contract flooring business for the future.
Now over 60 years later we are still in the business of contract flooring and have learnt many things in this time we have become a well-respected company. We supply all types of carpet, carpet tiles, vinyl, vinyl tiles, non-slip safety flooring, industrials linoleum, rubber flooring, wooden flooring, including contract grade laminate all over London, Essex and the Home Counties.
Our clientele includes local authorities, schools, colleges, universities, housing associations, healthcare groups, builders, industrial & commercial companies.
Son of the founder Reg Lancashire, left school at 16 and went straight to College at Kidderminster where he studied Carpet Technology for 3 years incorporating two periods of 6 months working at Tomkinsons Factory, one of the leading Carpet Manufacturers in the town. At the end of the course he was awarded a Diploma and an automatic qualification in the Textile Institute. He was made a Director of the R.S.B. Lancashire at 21 and has been involved ever since concentrating particularly on the contract carpet side of the business, He is one of the Company Directors. Mikes background of textile floor coverings covers old and new styles with a broad knowledge of many carpets and manufacturers.
MARTIN BARNARD.
Has worked in many different fields giving him a wide knowledge of chemicals, adhesives and plastics. Martin decided on a complete change and started working with Mike at R.S.B. Lancashires as the Shop manager of Hoe street, when the new Company started Martin became a Director. His position is now on the financial side of the business of which he is very knowledgeable.
BRIAN TAYLOR.
Started with an apprenticeship with Monark flooring in 1968 fitting vinyl, thermoplastic tiles and hardwood flooring. In 1973 Brian moved to Durastics decorative flooring. This also included flooring to shipping in various ports around the country and abroad. After this he formed a company called ‘Wedgewood flooring’ and met Mike Lancashire. His knowledge of contract work helped form a working relationship with Mike carrying out various contracts for him. With enough good experience as a fitter Brian has 'hands on' knowledge of materials and techniques used to install flooring. When the new Company formed Brian became a Director, and now works in estimating contracts and co-ordinating our independent fitters.
SUE MILLARD.
Sue is Mike’s sister and originally worked in London after finishing secretarial college. Joining the business in the 1970's Sue worked with the existing office staff and occasionally helped out on the showroom floor with sales. Sue has been involved with the company for the last 35 years. Sue is now in charge of the Office and handles our paperwork, from estimates & invoices to queries & filing. Sue is also our first aider.
LUKE TAYLOR.
Brian’s Son has been with us for over 5 years and he is our IT professional. He trained with a Microsoft Systems Engineer and studied IT & Networking technologies for 5 years before joining Lancashire Flooring in 2005. He manages our IT systems including our Web site and works on many IT projects for the company. Luke is also in charge of our Health and Safety Policies working with the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) to ensure safe working practices when our fitters attend your site.
