Title: Cut my arm off and you’ll see flooring in my veins 

Recorded live at the Flooring Show 2025, this powerful conversation dives into the incredible career journey of Mark Ewart, founder of Apple Flooring, one of Essex’s most respected independent flooring retailers.

From major setbacks to remarkable comebacks, Mark walks us through his story, from early days in Dixons and Comet to navigating redundancy, launching multiple flooring businesses, battling serious health issues, and ultimately building Apple Flooring into a two-showroom powerhouse with a passionate team, loyal customers, and a thriving reputation.

Packed with honest insights into the real challenges facing retailers, the rise of “men in vans,” supplier frustrations, why client experience matters more than ever, and how Apple Flooring built a model based on simplicity, transparency, and everyday low pricing, this episode offers a rare and inspiring look at what it takes to grow (and sustain) a successful flooring business in 2025.

 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Mark’s full journey: redundancy, reinvention, and the birth of Apple Flooring
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• The rapid growth from a home office and two containers to two premium showrooms
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• The REAL costs of running a retail flooring shop (and why “men in vans” are hurting the industry)
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• Why exclusivity agreements and display stand pricing frustrate retailers
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• How Mark built a “one price fits all” model that keeps margins simple and customers loyal
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• Why Apple Flooring invests heavily in people, training, fitters, showrooms, and brand consistency
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• The secret to world-class customer experience (espresso included!)
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Memorable Quote:

“Cut my arm off and you’ll see flooring in my veins, when it’s your own business, it becomes a different animal.”

Guest Information

Mark Ewart

Founder & Managing Director – Apple Flooring

🔗 Website: https://www.appleflooring.co.uk/

🎟 Momentum 2026 – The Flooring Business Summit & National Flooring Awards

One day. One industry. Unlimited momentum.

📅 Date: Saturday 3rd January 2026

📍 Venue: Crowne Plaza Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 3SG

⏰ Timings: Momentum Summit 9:30 am – 5:00 pm | National Flooring Awards 7:00 pm – late

🎫 Get your ticket now: https://www.cockerillandco.co.uk/momentum

🎫 Get your ticket now: https://www.nationalflooringawards.co.uk/

Where to Find The UK Flooring Podcast:

Website: https://theukflooringpodcast.co.uk/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theukflooringpodcast/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theukflooringpodcast

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