THE 2025 CFJ Awards, held at Dallas Burston Polo Club on Friday 5 September, saw Westcotes Flooring win Installation of the Year with its Visitor Attractions project at Bechstein Hall – Flagship Piano Showroom, Recital Hall & Accommodation in London.

Westcotes’ partners on the project included Sasgo, Ted Todd, Cellecta, Planners Services & Sundries, Protec International, Mapei UK, FSE Foundry, Forbo Flooring Systems, and Milliken.

Flooring Matters took second place with its residential refurbishment at Cliff Orchard, Torquay, while Westcotes also claimed third with its Cambridge office refurbishment at Shakespeare House, Project Generator.

Altro with MacGregor Flooring won Sustainability Initiative of the Year for its project at Parkhead Health and Social Care Hub in Glasgow.

The Lifetime Achievement Award went to Geoffrey Ball, who helped build F. Ball and Co. into the UK’s leading flooring adhesives manufacturer. Joining the family business in 1965 and becoming managing director in 1982, he championed employee welfare, reinvestment, and industry support. He launched the company’s customer reward scheme—returning over £8.5m since the 2008 financial crash—oversaw an £8m production facility, and created the F. Ball Centre of Excellence training centre. His legacy of innovation and integrity continues to shape the company today.

Helen Tidmarsh, operations director of the CFA, received Outstanding Contribution of the Year for nearly 35 years of service. Her expertise has shaped training, apprenticeships, publications, standards, and events, as well as ensuring the smooth running of CFA, FITA and NICF councils. Tireless and professional, she has made a lasting impact on the industry and all who work within it.

Other winners included TradeChoice Carpet & Flooring (Distributor of the Year, by popular vote) and F. Ball and Co (Manufacturer of the Year).

Entertainment came from stand-up comedian—and former carpet fitter—Jack Skipper, who delighted the audience. He follows in the footsteps of Richard Coles, Jo Caulfield, Justin Moorhouse and Hal Cruttenden, but was the first comedian with direct flooring experience.

Judging was carried out by an independent panel: head judge Richard Renouf, chartered surveyor Graeme Dewar, Hillside Contracts director Tony Mathe, and Kelly Gayle of AG Flooring, who replaced much-loved former judge Fiona Bowman after her retirement.

Organised by Contract Flooring Journal, the CFJ Awards remain the UK’s premier celebration of excellence in contract flooring, recognising outstanding installations, innovation, and talent across the industry.