Day: February 22, 2022

Your Special Day at The Richmond Park Hotel

Post author By 17 Degrees Magazine
Post date February 22, 2022

If you’re planning a wedding in Scotland and want a wedding venue that’s easily accessible for all your guests and looks amazing, why not consider the fabulous Richmond Park Hotel. Located just 30 minutes from Edinburgh and 40 minutes from Glasgow, this beautiful wedding venue has so much to offer in terms of facilities.

The Richmond Park Hotel is a 46-bedroom pet friendly hotel with a large restaurant, bar and two function suites. Our stunning, recently refurbished hotel has the right amount of modern luxury, unique historical charm, and a Scottish theme. We are in the historic town of Borrowstounness (Bo’ness: on the outskirts of Edinburgh, famed for its historic pottery, picturesque views, and great walking paths.

Whether it is an inclusive wedding package or something bespoke, allow us to bring the vision for your special day to life with the help of our expert wedding co-ordinator. We know how much planning goes into your special day, our team can help create the perfect day.

More than any other occasion a wedding must be flawless and that is what we deliver at The Richmond Park Hotel. Whether you dream of an intimate occasion with close family and friends or a grand celebration, our beautiful wedding suites offer flexible space that effortlessly blend period charm with designer chic and glamour throughout.

Tying the knot at The Richmond Park Hotel isn’t just about a superb setting and imaginative, carefully crafted food. Every wedding is special for our team, and they’ll take care with every detail to make sure it all goes smoothly from the planning to the day itself.

A longstanding, local partnership: Carron Bathrooms and FBS Plumbing Solutions

Post author By 17 Degrees Magazine
Post date February 22, 2022

Carron Bathrooms is the ‘Name for Baths’ and has a history dating back to 1759, when it was the original Carron Company. The company rode the wave of the Industrial Revolution and was famed for their short- barrelled naval cannons. Since then, they have been at the forefront of modern bath design.

FBS Plumbing Solutions are the independent Scottish distributor of quality bathroom & plumbing brands and have been since 1980. They are a family business with extensive products ranges and stock based in Falkirk.

We recently interviewed Alison Sime, the Managing Director of FBS Ltd and Lynn Jarvie, the Marketing Manager of Carron Bathrooms about their business partnership.

What is your business’ unique offering?

Lynn: Carron Bathrooms is Europe’s leading manufacturer of acrylic baths. With our proud history dating back to the formation of the original Carron Company in 1759, our unique blend of experience and innovative designs means we have built a reputation for producing first class products, backed by unrivalled customer service.

Alison: FBS is a long standing and well-respected family business that distributes quality bathroom and plumbing brands across Scotland as well as having a well-established Trade Counter & Showroom based in Falkirk. We offer positive solutions for all customers and our staff have unrivalled industry knowledge and experience to share. Customer service is our priority, and we aim to not only deliver on promises but exceed expectations.

What inspired you to run a business in your industry?

Lynn: We are proud to be a privately owned business. The company owners bought the business over twenty years ago, and almost immediately used their previous manufacturing experience to start investing in the factory and the people who are such a huge part of what we do. They recognised then that the bathroom industry was changing, and baths were no longer just a functional item, but were becoming an integral part of the overall design of the space. To be involved at the beginning of such a change was exciting and offered a chance to grow the business for the benefit of the owners, employees and customers.

Alison: FBS has always been family owned and without a doubt, my dad is my inspiration. His hard work ethic, professionalism and determination were stamped into me at an early age. I feel privileged to have successfully established FBS as leading Scottish distributor to the bathroom and plumbing sector. I just love the buzz in the bathroom industry – the people, the products, the trends and innovations make every day special. My only regret is not having had the chance to work with my dad……but then again that may have been a battle of strong wills!

How do your businesses work together to provide excellent service?

Lynn: Carron and FBS go back many years. FBS were originally a customer, and when Carron sales in Scotland grew, it made sense to look for a local partner to distribute our baths. With their vast experience in the Bathroom and Plumbing industry, FBS were a natural choice. They understand our products, they understand the Scottish market and most of all, they understand the meaning of customer service, which aligns perfectly with our brand.

Alison: FBS and Carron have a longstanding local partnership which has evolved around our many shared values. Both companies are passionate about customer service, product quality and providing customers the best experience when choosing the perfect Carron bath for their needs. FBS is really proud to be appointed the sole Scottish distributor for Carron Bathrooms and combining our shared sales and marketing experience will only strengthen our joint market presence. Carron’s ethos around its people and customers aligns perfectly with FBS, so together we are a great team.

Why is it crucial for local business to collaborate?

Lynn: If the past two years have taught us anything, it is that supply chain circumstances can change overnight. To service Scottish customers, it makes sense to partner with a local company to ensure smooth, responsive customer service. Not only that, but it reduces travel miles for our products and helps support our local economy.

Alison: It is crucial for local businesses to work closely together. Apart from the employment opportunities it provides within our community, having Carron baths manufactured less than a mile away from FBS, gives our green footprint a head start from manufacturing through to delivery and final installation. In my opinion, Carron & FBS have a special collaboration because of the joint local heritage and link to Falkirk’s foundry past going back hundreds of years.

What does the customer experience mean to you?

Lynn: For Carron, the customer experience begins with the design concept of our baths. Our baths don’t just look good, they have to offer a true comfortable bathing experience. From there, the customer should feel confident that they have invested in a quality product, one that can be enjoyed for many years to come and hopefully be happy with the sales support and customer service from our distribution partners.

Alison: Every customer is unique and has differing needs. FBS prides itself on offering a first class service to every customer from order taking, advice, delivery, and aftercare support. We understand the importance of fast and efficient resolutions to any problems that may occur and that’s why we have strong, long-standing relationships with both our customers and supply partners.

Business mottos? What are they and how do you action them on a daily basis?

Lynn: Our Mission Statement – “Carron Bathrooms aims to be the best company we can possibly be. A company respected by our customers, suppliers, competitors and by the community of Carron. To be a company for which our employees are proud to work”. This underpins our whole business ethos. We strive to provide the best products, the best customer service and to be an outstanding community partner.

Alison: Our mission statement – “To live by FBS values every day and to put our customers first every time”. FBS wants to provide a five star difference when purchasing bathroom and plumbing products

We have unrivalled industry knowledge and experience
We are a long standing and well-respected family run business
We offer positive solutions and have a “can do” approach
We want to be an employer of choice where commitment and excellence are rewarded
We deliver on our promises and aim to exceed expectations

What’s new for 2022 within your businesses?

Lynn: Trends in bathrooms for 2022 are exciting! A new focus on colour in the bathroom is coming to the fore, although I’m not sure we’ll see the return of the Avocado bath. We will be introducing a range of Anthracite (black) accessories such as bath handgrips and wastes, which are already being sought after by customers. As usual, we will also be concentrating on increasing the number of bath sizes we offer by model, so that there is a Carron bath to fit in everyone’s bathroom.

Alison: Our partnership with Carron Bathrooms is going to be a big part of our 2022 sales strategy and we are looking forward to being able to access the new training centre and showroom facility at Carron with FBS customers to develop their knowledge and understanding of Carron Bathrooms and their unique manufacturing process. We will also be reviewing our delivery routes and frequency to ensure we are keeping ahead of market demand.The FBS trade showroom will get a re-vamp after KBB, the bathroom industry trade show in March, where all the latest product designs and trends will be on show. Exciting times for us all.

Falkirk Carpets & Interiors

Post author By 17 Degrees Magazine
Post date February 22, 2022

Falkirk Carpets and Interiors

15 years ago Robert Reilly founded Falkirk Carpets on Thornhill Road in Falkirk. After many years of working in retail and a life long desire to run his own business he went for it and has never looked back. Robert is Falkirk born and bred as is his wife Lynn. He is the definition of a grafter which is the reason why the shop has always been open to customers seven days a week. He’s not one for sitting at home and enjoys interacting with his customers on a daily basis. The business has grown from strength to strength providing high quality products, expert service and jobs to the local area.

Business Background

The showroom is situated in a beautiful building that has continually been updated and extended as the business has grown. Robert and his team contribute their continued success to building up a strong reputation and loyal client base with many of their customers returning time and again, and also recommending them to their friends and families. There have been many business highlights over the years but one of the most memorable moments was when they won the Flooring Retailer Category at The Scottish Independent Retail Awards in 2019.

Expansion

When he first opened the doors to Falkirk Carpets and Interiors it was known as Falkirk Carpets. They offered a prestigious selection of carpets, rugs and floorcoverings to customers across Scotland – and still do! He decided to extend the business in the beginning of 2019 to also offer interiors as he saw this as a gap in the market. He wanted to offer a one-stop shop so he began offering new ranges of high-end home interiors products. To name a few of the brands: Little Greene Paint, Clarke and Clarke, Voyage and Margo Selby.

High Quality Service

Fast forward to 2022, they are operating as a dedicated and driven working team that has grown over the years. From the skilled sales team to the specialist fitters in carpets, vinyl, LVT, wood and laminate, they are all passionate about providing a personalised service.

When you step into the spacious showroom, you will be greeted by a member of the friendly sales team. Pictured alongside Robert in the article are: Wendy, Sandra, Jill and Manny. Whilst in the showroom, they encourage you to take your time to browse and are on-hand to guide you through all the details of function, colour and style, to help create the look you would like for your home. They offer premium brands in every category and each one has been carefully selected by Robert to ensure of its’ high quality. They also extend and update their offering regularly allowing them to provide products with up-to-date palettes and textures.

Products

You are spoiled for choice when shopping for flooring at Falkirk Carpets. When it comes to carpets some of the brands on offer are: Ulster, Alternative Flooring, Adam Carpets, Brintons and Cormar Carpets. They really are the best of British carpets. When it comes to Laminate flooring they offer Quick Step. They really know a thing of two about luxury vinyl stocking both Amtico and Karndean Design Flooring. They also stock solid wood, vinyl and made to measure rugs!

Amtico One Exclusive Retailer

In 2021, they were extremely proud to become one of only three Amtico One Retailers based in Scotland. Amtico’s products are exclusively designed and crafted in Britain, ensuring expert quality. Robert is incredibly proud to be one of their expert retailers. Pop by to browse the Amtico ranges within the showroom. The team can help with everything from design options, to installation and maintenance advice.

What their customers have to say…

“Just wanted to say a huge thank you to Wendy for being so helpful and going above and beyond to make sure my mum got her flooring. We got it to Islay on Tuesday and it’s been laid today, she absolutely loves it. 5 star service. Thanks again!”

“We used Falkirk Carpets while revamping our business. The quality of service from start to finish was outstanding, not to mention the final result looks amazing! Thank you.”

“So pleased with the service from choosing our carpet to the fitting. 100 percent recommended. We are loving the completed look. Thank you very much!”

“Love our new curtains and blinds – great service and so helpful. Will definitely be back. Would highly recommend Falkirk Interiors.”

“We had our lounge curtains made last year. Jill was lovely, very helpful and fitted them perfectly in our home. I would certainly recommend Falkirk Interiors.”

Falkirk Interiors

Robert brought on Interiors Specialist Jill to run the Interiors side of the business in 2019. It had taken off and he needed an expert in the field to really drive it forward. Jill has over 20 years experience in interiors and is extremely passionate about her vocation. They have continued to expand their offering and now supply a prestigious selection of fabrics, wallpaper, paints and interiors that will suit every taste.

Whether it’s curtains you’re after or your entire home redecorated; Jill offers a no obligation measure and design consultation of your home. She then constructs bespoke interior design ideas that will match with products available in store.

Blinds

Make a statement with your windows with their selection of Roller Blinds, Faux Blinds, Real Wood Blinds, Roman Blinds, Dimout Blinds, Vertical Blinds or Venetian Blinds. They’ll do the measuring and guide you through the process. Plus, all the products are made to measure to ensure a perfect fit. They have an expert fitter to guarantee the highest quality finish.

Get in touch!

100 Thornhill Rd, Falkirk, FK2 7AE
01324 623924
info@falkirkcarpets.co.uk

Opening Hours
Monday-Friday 10 am-5:30pm
Saturday-Sunday 10am-5pm