A FAST-GROWING independent flooring company has invested over £2.5million in new fleet and depots and created more than 40 new jobs as demand for its products continues to increase across the UK.

North East-based Connection Flooring has spent £1.8million opening three new depots – in Stirling, Bristol and Torquay – bringing the number of regional hubs it has to nine.

In addition, 18 new vehicles, including vans and double-decked HGV curtain-side trailers, have been purchased at a cost of £800,000.

Having the new depots and vehicles has resulted in Connection Flooring, which has its head office in Shildon, County Durham, employing more than 40 new members of staff – with more recruitment planned.

Nick Bisicker, Connection Flooring’s operations manager, said: “Just 12 months ago, we were operating nearly half the vans and depots we currently have, and we were restricted on locations we could deliver to.

“But, the addition of the new depots now provides us with access to the whole of the UK for next day delivery guaranteed

“The new vehicles allow us to offer different and better services through our own network, but we’re not stopping there.

“Our next target is offer deliveries into customers’ properties as a white glove service, which means the customers will be able to select a room of their choice for the flooring to be delivered into, making the whole shopping experience with us completely stress free and simple.”

Mr Bisicker added: “Our drivers go through extensive training in systems, procedures, customer service and the company core values so we can ensure our customers receive a top-level service from purchase to delivery

“We have certainly come a long way in the last 12 months.”

Connection Flooring began life in 2012 as a purely online business, but then embarked on a physical store programme.

It recently opened its latest store, in Stockport, and the 16th in total in just two years.

People who shop for Connection Flooring’s products online or in stores have access to three high quality brands, Flooring Superstore, Direct Wood Flooring and Grass Direct.