Celebrating Excellence

Daniel Jones (Oxford City Flooring) wins NICF LVT Fitter of the Year 2025  

The Flooring Show in Harrogate is one of the biggest dates in the UK flooring calendar. Every September, the industry comes together to showcase the latest products, innovations, and craftsmanship that make our trade so special. Among the highlights is the NICF Fitter of the Year competition, which alternates annually between carpet and LVT. 

This year, the spotlight was firmly on LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) – and we couldn’t be prouder that our very own Dan Jones not only competed but went all the way to win the coveted title of LVT Fitter of the Year 2025.

 

What Winning Means for Dan 

For Dan, this wasn’t just a single weekend of work – it was the result of years of skill building, dedication, attention to detail, maybe a little OCD 😊, persistence and genuine love for the trade and the work that he does. Having competed in the last two LVT years, he returned for his third attempt, determined to give it everything. 

Winning means recognition at the highest level in the industry. It proves not just that Dan can deliver technical perfection under pressure, but also that he has the creativity, precision, and problem-solving skills that separate a good fitter from a great one. 

It’s validation for the long hours, the meticulous attention to detail, and the passion he puts into every project – whether it’s a competition floor or a client’s home. 

 

What It Means for Oxford City Flooring 

Dan’s win isn’t just his victory – it’s ours too. At Oxford City Flooring, we’ve always believed that craftsmanship is at the heart of everything we do. Having one of our fitters recognised as the very best in the country highlights the quality of work we deliver to every client. 

For customers, it’s reassurance that when they choose us, they’re not just choosing a flooring company – they’re choosing excellence, proven at a national level. 

For our team, it’s inspiring. It shows that hard work and commitment to the trade can lead to incredible recognition.  

 

Why Trade Competitions Matter 

Events like NICF’s Fitter of the Year are about much more than trophies. They: 

  • Raise standards across the industry by showcasing what’s possible. 
  • Celebrate craftsmanship in a trade that’s often undervalued. 
  • Inspire the next generation of fitters to aim higher and push themselves. 
  • Bring the community together, creating opportunities to share ideas, learn, and grow. 

In a world where so many people underestimate the skill involved in flooring, competitions like this put craftsmanship front and centre. They remind everyone that this is a profession built on expertise, precision, and pride. 

 

More about The Flooring Show 

Every September, the flooring industry comes together at The Flooring Show in Harrogate – the UK’s biggest event dedicated to our trade. It’s more than just an exhibition. It’s where manufacturers unveil their latest products, from innovative LVT ranges to eco-friendly carpets. It’s where suppliers, retailers, and contractors discover new solutions that shape the future of flooring and it’s where craftsmanship is celebrated – the skills, techniques, and passion that elevate our work from functional to beautiful. 

The show is a rare opportunity for the whole industry – from apprentices to established businesses – to learn, share ideas, and showcase the very best of what flooring has to offer. It’s a reminder that flooring is not just about covering a surface, but about design, precision, and innovation working hand in hand. 

 

Who makes The Flooring Show what it is? 

It’s a true team effort. The event wouldn’t be possible without the organisers and sponsors who support the competitions and showcase the very latest products. Then there are the judges, respected experts from across the trade who bring their knowledge, sharp eyes, and high standards to ensure the winners truly deserve their titles. 

But it’s also about the people on the ground – the fitters who put their skills to the test, the businesses who come to learn and connect, and every visitor who walks through the doors. Whether you’re competing, judging, sponsoring, or simply soaking up the atmosphere, each of us plays a part in making the show the vibrant, unmissable event it has become. 

 

Who are the NICF and why do they matter? 

At the heart of the Fitter of the Year competition is the National Institute of Carpet and Floorlayers (NICF) – the UK’s leading professional body for flooring installers. The NICF champions excellence in carpet, vinyl, laminate, LVT, wood, and other floor fitting disciplines, working to raise standards across the industry. 

As the official organisers of the competition, the NICF plays a vital role in making the event what it is. They design the competition format, set the technical standards, and ensure that every entrant is judged on more than just how their work looks. Durability, precision, and true craftsmanship are what count, reflecting the level of skill needed to be the very best. 

NICF Master Fitters and senior members form part of the judging panel, bringing their wealth of experience to assess competitors with a trained and critical eye. This means that when a fitter wins, the recognition carries real weight – it’s a seal of approval from the most respected voices in the trade. 

But the NICF’s role goes beyond the competition. By running events like Fitter of the Year, they shine a spotlight on the flooring industry as a whole, showcasing the craft, dedication, and technical knowledge it takes to be a professional installer. For winners like Dan, being crowned under the NICF banner isn’t just a personal achievement – it’s industry-wide recognition that puts their skills in the national spotlight. 

 

Sponsors for Fitter of the Year / Flooring Events 

  • InstallerSHOW 
  • F. Ball & Co. Ltd 
  • Bostik 
  • Contract Flooring Journal (CFJ) 
  • Elements LVT 
  • The Flooring Industry Training Association (FITA) 
  • The Flooring Show 
  • Hanson Plywood 
  • Interfloor 
  • Interiors Monthly 
  • Invictus 
  • Karndean Design Flooring 
  • KC Construction Products 
  • Mapei 
  • ProKnee 
  • Roberts 
  • Spotnails 
  • Spyder Performance Adhesives 
  • Stairrods 
  • The Stocklists with Flooring News 
  • Textures LVT 
  • Trade Choice Carpet & Flooring 
  • UZIN UTZ 

 

Why These Sponsors Matter & What It Means 

  • These companies are key players in the flooring / adhesive / materials / tooling space, so their sponsorship helps ensure real industry relevance. 
  • When a sponsor is a manufacturer (e.g. Bostik, Mapei, Karndean), it often means they provide materials, adhesives or tools for the competition – so the fitters are working with real, top-tier kit. 
  • Their support gives legitimacy, prestige, and financial backing (prize money, events costs, trophies) to the competition. 
  • It also strengthens networking: participants and attendees get exposure to industry brands, and brands get to showcase their products in real use. 

 

Looking Ahead 

We couldn’t be prouder of Dan and what he’s achieved – for himself, for our company, and for the trade. His journey shows that persistence pays off and that investing in skill and training benefits everyone: the fitter, the business, and ultimately, the customer. 

While we celebrate Dan’s incredible achievement, it also sparks something bigger for us as a company. Competitions like Fitter of the Year aren’t just about the winners – they’re about raising the bar across the whole trade and showing what’s possible with dedication and support. 

At Oxford City Flooring, we’re proud to back our team in every way we can. Whether it’s through training, mentoring, or simply providing the opportunity to showcase skills, we believe every fitter should have the chance to push themselves to new levels. 

Dan’s journey is a brilliant example of perseverance, growth, and what can be achieved when you keep coming back stronger. For any of our fitters who might one day want to take part -whether in this competition or others like it – know that we’ll be right behind you. 

The future of our craft depends on fitters who are willing to step up, put their skills to the test, and fly the flag for quality flooring. Who knows? The next Fitter of the Year could already be part of our team. 

Here’s to Dan, our LVT Fitter of the Year 2025 🏆– and to a future where flooring continues to get the recognition it deserves. 

 

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