Milestone Flooring

Seamless Terrazzo WOW-factor at office reception

Edward Booth — Mon, 23 Aug 2021 15:59:55 +0000

Mondeco Rapide seamless terrazzo sets the right first impression underfoot at a prestigious office development in the heart of Leeds. Mondeco Rapide in pure white was selected to give a contemporary aesthetic to this new build development, in keeping with the stunning, design-led environment.

The seamless terrazzo range from Flowcrete is engineered for a faster installation and – once in-situ – to effortlessly stand the test of time. As a five-component, rapid curing resin terrazzo floor system, it provides a durable, non-porous luxurious finish, with extensive flexible design properties and UV light resistance.

Specification Sales Manager for Construction Products Group (CPG) UK, Emma Phillips, who specified the project and looks after the North region said: “Flowcrete Mondeco Rapide’s technology really does bring seamless terrazzo to the next level. Mondeco is very popular with architects and interior designers due to its beauty and versatility, we can tailor the product to create a contemporary or traditional aesthetic by changing the colours and aggregates. Because of its flexible design properties, durability, and UV light resistance, it is the ideal choice to deliver style and substance in a wide variety of locations. The project at Leeds highlights how it can be used to make a great first impression.”

The specification team assisted Sheppard Robson with the selection of the floor finish in keeping with the high-end development.

Jonathon McCrone, Project Architect at Sheppard Robson, said: “Selecting the right floor was key to the appearance and feel of the entrance area and we are delighted with the results.”

As one of only two licensed Mondeco Rapide installers in the UK, we were able to take our experience and expertise into the project. We worked to stringent safety and sustainability standards to apply the floor finish, including COVID-19 protocols, as well as specialist monitoring activities to ensure local businesses and shops on the site boundary could operate without any limitations.

Our Managing Director Peter Harrison commented: “With traditional epoxy systems, long programmes, curing time and a lack of flexibility mean that typically terrazzo projects slow down construction programmes. However, installing the Mondeco Rapide system allows us to deliver a high-quality bespoke system within a fraction of the time”.

“Having completed a number of Mondeco Rapide projects, we have gained the knowledge and expertise to streamline the process each time. Thanks to our skilled teams and extensive range of hi-tech machinery, we have enjoyed great success using the system on this prestigious Leeds office project as well as many others.”

Responsible waste management was also a priority, achieved through effective project planning, measuring areas accurately for the materials required, and reusing or recycling waste where appropriate.

The floor’s longevity is another key sustainability factor, with Flowcrete Mondeco Rapide’s exceptional durability and heat conductivity cutting out potential emissions and resources that would be needed for a replacement floor in years to come.

Why not take a look at our Terrazzo page where you can read about all of our decorative flooring solutions! Click Here

If you would like more advice on flooring issues or would like someone from our team to visit and assess your flooring needs,
contact us here

Prepare To Succeed

Edward Booth — Wed, 16 Sep 2020 13:58:32 +0000

Improving Your Profile

Preparation is an integral part of any coating or flooring system to ensure a quality installation. It is crucial to protect your investment in flooring, as failure and remedial works can be costly and lengthy to resolve. Whether you are considering a polished concrete, resin, polyurethane, or tile finish, failing preparation is preparing to fail your flooring.

Substrate-talking

The existing or newly installed substrate must be assessed for its stabilisation and strength. The condition of the foundation can be affected by temperature, moisture, and traffic load. Reinforcing techniques such as resin injections and adhesive promoters may be required.

Removing contamination including dust particles and damp and cleaning the imperfections from substrates will allow for an unblemished profile. Foreign elements of oil, grease or pre-existing coatings or sealers may reject coverings causing failures to bond. Encouraging a good bond between the substrate and coating or flooring system through texturing profiles to create a mechanical adhesive will prevent peeling and separation.

Levelheaded

Accurate equipment is required to determine current levels. Levels are key in areas that require drainage to falls and to prevent wet liquid pooling. Self levelling products and expert mechanical grinding can achieve an extremely smooth finish.

Substandard preparation may result in defects, bonding issues, cracking, and uneven surfaces, and health and safety failures. Your floor profile will ultimately represent your business profile and strides should be taken towards a professional, stable, and strong image.

If you would like more advice on flooring issues or would like someone from our team to visit and assess your flooring needs,
please contact us here

Cough up your business’ bad habits…

Edward Booth — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 15:15:26 +0000

Covid-19’ short lived environment benefits included a reduction in carbon emissions compared to last year, resulting in cleaner air due to less traffic and industry pollution. With business’ pushing to make up for lost time and the preference to avoid public transport due to high risk of contamination the return to former pollution levels and the potential risk of an increase on pre-lockdown pollution levels is a disappointing reality.

Over the past few months our priority has been our health and we have had to postpone planned work and adapt to new ways of working to comply with government recommendations. Ocean Revival was Milestone Flooring’s 2020 chosen charity event sponsoring a team of four men, one of whom is our very own Contracts Manager Dom Rogers, to row 3700 miles from New York Bridge to London Bridge. This incredible journey was planned to raise awareness and money for Plastic Oceans and The Royal Marines charities. Unfortunately, this extremely valuable challenge is currently postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

On our path to business recovery Milestone Flooring aims to take the health of the environment as seriously as the health of our employees. In honor of Ocean Revival, we would encourage others to think about how collectively we can all contribute towards cleaner oceans, better air quality and less waste. This temporarily lull is an opportunity for us to think about the planet and aim to build our businesses back better.

In 2019 Milestone Flooring achieved ISO 14000 certification for environmental management standards and we are currently working towards exciting new objectives. Coronavirus has interrupted our original plans however it has brought new environmental challenges to our attention. Issues such as car sharing policies and social distancing complications, increases in single use consumables like bacterial wipes and gloves, and higher water consumption rates, all need to be given careful consideration in respect to the impact on our planet.

Covid-19’ short lived environment benefits included a reduction in carbon emissions compared to last year, resulting in cleaner air due to less traffic and industry pollution. With business’ pushing to make up for lost time and the preference to avoid public transport due to high risk of contamination, the return to former pollution levels and the potential risk of an increase on pre-lockdown pollution levels is a disappointing reality.

Returning to our old business ways or responsive behaviors where thought isn’t given to the environment will contribute to rising pollution and ocean temperatures, devastating natural disasters and extreme weather, loss of essential biodiversity marine life and wildlife, and the recurrence of global pandemics.

Issues such as car sharing policies vs social distancing complications, increases in single use consumables like bacterial wipes and gloves, and higher water consumption rates, all need to be given careful consideration in respect to the impact on our planet.

With current emphasis on cleaning products and regimes it is important that thought is given to potential harm to wildlife caused by washing chemicals or wipes down drains. Products that are harmful to wildlife and the environment should be disposed of responsively to avoid contaminating our rivers and seas.

An opportunity to review company objectives and create new meaningful ones that bring positive change has presented itself during lockdown. Milestone are excited to continue its work towards these and invite you to follow us on our journey.

To learn more about Ocean Revival or to sponsor the event please clink the link here!

Follow Milestone on the social channels below to learn how we are trying to raise people’s awareness and make a positive difference to the environment as a team!

COVID-19 makes its mark all over our floors

Edward Booth — Mon, 27 Jul 2020 09:43:18 +0000

Coronavirus has significantly impacted our lives with us all adapting in response to control the spread of the contagious disease. As employees and customers are welcomed back to offices, restaurants and shops, businesses are implementing new protocols with most of the focus being on increased hand sanitation and face masks but have you stopped to consider how the surfaces in your buildings are helping or hindering your efforts to combat coronavirus?

Frequently touched surfaces are prone to viral contamination which include your walls and flooring. Coughs and sneezes can spray coronavirus droplets onto the surrounding wall and floor surfaces which may stay live for hours or days depending on various factors. Viruses and bacteria living on walls or floors can immediately transfer on to what comes into contact with these surfaces such as hands, shoes and bags. The correct hygienic anti viral floor and wall finishes can help you to keep your people safe 24/7.

Sticky Situations

Temporary solutions, such as sticky taping two-metre markers in response to the COVID-19 regulations, and taping out pedestrian zones for safety measures, will be increasing breeding grounds for bacteria and possible trip hazards. Removing floor tape may also risk damaging your floor or leaving stubborn adhesive tape residue.

Hygienic floors need to be seamless, impervious, and hardwearing to endure scrubbing and industrial cleaning – tape, grout lines and joints may hinder cleanliness and breach hygienic and safety regulations.

Permanent options are provided by Milestone Flooring for improved hygiene, colour coded floor zones and professional demarcation to ensure your business is protected over an extended period.

Budget Cleaning!

Milestone Flooring has vast experience helping businesses find the perfect floor within their budget. Practical hygienic anti-microbial capabilities and textured anti-slip surfaces can be blended with contemporary designs that suit you and your company brand!

There is more to a hygienic floor than its hard-wearing and seamless properties- a variety of products, colour’s and decorative finishes bring additional style and appeal. Preventing unnecessary accidents and regulation breaches can be invaluable alone, but with numerous options supported with manufacturer warranties, the protection and longevity of your flooring investment is assured.

Fighting Grime!

If you have just invested in a new mop and every antibacterial cleaner you can find to clean your floors STOP- some cleaning products have chemicals that can attack and damage your floors leading to costly remedial works. Milestone Flooring are proud to be established front runners in providing commercial grade floor and wall, systems and coatings that are squeaky clean and easy to maintain!

Coronavirus behaves differently on the type of surface or material it contacts and although it can be sanitized using disinfectants, floors are prone to contamination again without regular effective cleaning regimes. Should any unwanted substances come into contact with your floors staff should be able to clean these quickly and easily.

Sector Specific?

Our business has catered for the needs of fast-food safe kitchens, injected new life into hospital corridors and quenched the drainage need for breweries to keep microbial growth at bay! Different industries have different durability needs and multiple specifications from chemical resistance to slip resistance.

Flooring in food preparation areas must be compliant with an effective HACCP food safety management plan which is crucial to avoid costly breaches. Flooring designs should be fit for purpose and may need to incorporate stainless steel drainage and be laid to technical falls that ensure it is effective. Did you know we can help you out with this too?

How safe is your floor? Our top tips to prevent slips and trips

Edward Booth — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 16:40:20 +0000

Do you want the good news or the bad news?

We may as well get the bad out of the way first and it’s this; according to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) over 580,000 workers suffered a non-fatal injury while at work last year.

Besides the individual cost, this costs employers over £500 million per year, from loss of production, higher insurance premiums and damage to equipment.

Of these accidents, slips and trips are still the most common.

Now for the good news; all these accidents are preventable.

In this month’s post, we’re sharing how you can avoid slips and trips altogether by taking a closer look at what’s under your feet – your floor.

Tip #1 Keep it clear

Our most obvious tip (although it’s still worth saying) is to remove obstructions so people can move freely, clearing any spills and using wet floor signage.

Tip #2 Watch your feet

You can avoid many slips by making sure workers wear the right kind of footwear.

Get Your Free Slips & Trips Checklist Here!

Download Here

Tip #3 Watch for wear and tear

Regularly inspect for wear and tear and make sure there aren’t any patchy areas of flooring that could become a hazard.

Tip #4 Get the right floors for the right jobs

Anti-slip resin flooring gives lots of options and it can be key to reducing slips in areas where the floor is most likely to become wet.
It’s the ideal flooring choice for areas like kitchens and toilets as well as factories where liquids are involved in the production process.

Tip #5 Is it really anti-slip?

It’s also vital to be absolutely sure your floor really is anti-slip.
Check out the HSE information sheet that sets out how you can test the slipperiness of your floors in both wet and dry conditions.

Tip #6 Test for resistance

At Milestone we use slip alert machines, which involves running a trolley down a ramp onto the flooring surface to measure resistance.
It’s a proven, highly accurate way to measure slip resistance and we find it’s a great training and information exercise for staff too.

Tip #7 Keep it clean, really clean!

When it comes to cleaning, we’re afraid to say that your floor needs more than just a quick wash with a mop.
If its profiles get clogged with dirt, it’ll soon become less anti-slip. We recommend using mechanical scrubbers and the right detergent.

Tip #8 Never ignore repairs, they’re cheaper than you think

Companies sometimes delay repairing or replacing worn flooring for cost reasons. But there are cost-effective options such as patch repairs.
If you already have anti-slip flooring, it can be re anti slipped rather than having to replace the whole floor.

In conclusion

Everyone gains from properly maintained floors – you, your employees and your finances as you avoid accidents and all the costs associated with them.
With over ten years’ experience installing floor systems for some of the big players in the food and drink industries, we’re happy to guide you further on:

Anti-slip flooring testing
What flooring would be perfect for you – looking at what kind of anti-slip flooring you need for your specific areas
Maintenance and repair packages so you’re covered now, and in the future

We’d also be happy to share our top cleaning tips and any other help you feel you need to stay safe.
So, if you have any questions, just get in touch. We’re always happy to help.

Charity Roundup 2019

Edward Booth — Sat, 25 Jan 2020 16:11:58 +0000

The year 2019 may have been and gone in a flash, but throughout that time we were able to achieve some great things. We completed a fantastic selection of flooring projects from RIBA Award-winning sculpture park buildings to nationwide kitchen contracts. While we were kept busy throughout the year, we were also able to do our bit for our local charity, the Prince of Wales Hospice through a variety of ways which you can read more about below.

The Prince of Wales Hospice provides free of charge, around the clock care and support for local people with life-limiting illnesses. Their care also extends to the carers and families of patients, who often need their help just as much.

Five A-Side Football Competition

We took part in a lively charity football tournament in support of the Prince Of Wales Hospice and the Love Me Love My Face Foundation. Our team reached the semi-final where they sadly exited the competition to the eventual tournament winners after a solid group stage showing which saw them finish in 4th overall.

Its A Knockout Competition

We raised a whopping £600 for the Prince of Wales Hospice by participating in the annual Its A Knockout charity competition.
This year we completed games over obstacles, inflatables, and lots more!

Networking Events

We have been involved in the Hospice’s Club 5 membership group which brings local businesses together to help the hospice while generating networking opportunities too. We have hosted our own and have attended a number of these throughout the year as well as additional events such as charity auctions and fundraising events.

Collections

Throughout the year we’ve had a variety of in office collections such as recycling old birthday/christmas cards, ink cartridges, stamps and the various money donation pots within the office.

Charity Bags

We’ve had regular bag collections where the team have generously donated some of their unwanted items such as clothes and toys and we completed the 30 bags for 30 years challenge.

Milestone Flag Sponsorship

We had the opportunity to contribute as a sponsor for the many volunteers who undertake challenges as part of their fundraising for the hospice. As part of this sponsorship, the volunteers carry our flag on these adventures, giving updates of where they have got to with the flag. This year our flag embarked on trips to Peru visiting Machu Picchu, Mount Kilimanjaro and the Three Peaks. Keep an eye out for where it will be next year.

Other Opportunities and Roundup

In the year that the Hospice celebrated its 30th anniversary, there were plenty other bits of sponsorship to get involved in including selling tickets for the anniversary car auction and sponsoring a Milestone Bauble which was hung on the main tree at the Hospice along with the other sponsors.

The year as a whole has been great to take part in and has helped move our donation total passed the £5000 mark! And we cant wait to see what events we can be involved in this year.

Milestone Is Now ISO Certified!

Edward Booth — Tue, 21 Jan 2020 15:12:19 +0000

Today we’re absolutely thrilled to announce that we’ve recently been awarded both ISO9001 and ISO14001 accreditations.
It was quite a journey so we’ve interviewed Zoe, our Director, to tell us what happened and what the team learned along the way.

Hi Zoe, thank you for joining us! Can you tell us why you wanted to be ISO certified?

“We knew it would be a fantastic achievement for our company.”
“We hoped it would improve efficiency, reduce waste and save money, along with making us more environmentally sustainable.
We were keen to develop our professional culture and improve our employee morale whilst striving for better consistency and increasing customer satisfaction. The idea of us all working together as a team towards continuous improvement is such a positive ethos.”

That’s great to hear. So, what exact certifications have you achieved?

“We’ve implemented a new Business Management System by using an integrated ISO 9001:2015 & 14001:2015 Quality and Environmental Management System.”

Impressive. But It can’t have been easy. What challenges did you face?

“Collating data and documenting everything! Along with helping everyone at Milestone understand that we’re trying to improve things and not just create additional work. We had to accept that what we were doing was almost there but that we needed to work at it to make a little better.”

Excellent. What has the outcome been?

“The process of working through the competencies helped us identify certain company processes that were disjointed and systems that were weak. Now this has been addressed, individual and team responsibilities are clearer. We’re more productive and the work we do is of even higher quality.”

Any final thoughts you want to share?

“I’m excited to continue to grow the business and hope this ISO certification will be one of many of our business ‘milestones’!”

Thanks Zoe, we’re really proud of the whole team for working so hard towards this fantastic achievement.

For more information, tips and inspiration, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter & Linkedin.

2020 Flooring Trends: Five Wow-Factor Floors

Edward Booth — Thu, 09 Jan 2020 10:35:47 +0000

Make an impact, impress customers and do your business justice with this guide to the key 2020 flooring trends.

This year is all about getting creative with your flooring, using bespoke materials and finishes to make a statement.

Here are our favourite top five trends.

#1 Branded flooring

In 2020, strong branding is more important than ever. Why not make that important positive first impression on your visitors with a branded reception or lobby floor?

As showcased in our own head office entrance, you can use decorative design and creative installation skills to work your company logo and brand colours to striking effect into your floors.

#2 Natural stone

For another year running, natural stone will remain a key flooring trend. However, it can be expensive to maintain. Pandomo is an innovative flooring system that needs minimal maintenance but boasts beautiful natural stone effects.

We used this to create bespoke floors for the trend-setting Yorkshire Sculpture Park, a project which recently won a host of RIBA Awards, including the prestigious RIBA Sterling prize.

This flooring has blends of natural rhine sand and various sizes of naturally sourced aggregates, encapsulated into an Ardex Pandomo basic screed.

It looks naturally beautiful and will stand the test of millions of visitor footfalls into 2020 and the decade beyond.

#3 Playing with colour

Colour will be a key flooring trend for 2020 and can transform the atmosphere of your business overnight.

We love Flowcrete Mondeco for its huge spectrum of colours; from eye-popping shades to tranquil tones.

It creates a seamless terrazzo, durable and elegant finish and can be customised for bespoke applications.

We used this for the flooring of the prestigious Hampshire Hotel in London’s Leicester Square, which was the UK launch of the Mondeco Rapide.

#4 Polished concrete

Polished Concrete

Expert polishing brings concrete floors bang up to date and can be tailored to create a bespoke, individual look.

Using HTC Grinding machines, we reveal varying amounts of aggregate, giving a unique flooring design, as shown here in the Square Chapel Gallery in Halifax.

The gallery now has a spectacular shiny floor design that’s both modern and perfectly reflects its architecture.

Tru System

Faux polished concrete will also be in demand in 2020.

We love the Tru System, which is available in a range of colours and can be polished to a matt or glossy finish to match any kind of space.

We installed this system in a Gallery area in Sheffield. They wanted a polished concrete look to showcase the artworks and gallery environment.

Mapei System

The Mapei System also produces the look of polished concrete but with added aggregate to create unusual designs.

We love it so much we installed this in the archive room of our Milestone Office showroom as an aggregated finish.

#5 Environmentally friendly floors

With businesses making sustainability a priority, the move towards more environmentally friendly floors will only increase this year.

One of the reasons we love resin floors is that they are greener than many of their counterparts, being non-toxic and very low in Volatile Organic Compounds.

As resin is highly durable, these floors will outlast their competitors; cutting down on repairs and the need for frequent replacement.

Conclusion

So there you have it, our favourite trend-setting floors and finishes for 2020.

Beyond looks, all of these floors are built to last in a way that gives value for money and is better for the environment.

If you have any questions, we’d love to hear them. In the meantime, we wish you major business success and momentum for the decade ahead.

Get Your Free Floor Specification Checklist Here

Download Here

November 2019 Roundup Newsletter

Edward Booth — Tue, 07 Jan 2020 10:03:15 +0000

Polished TRU PC

We installed 30m2 of the Rapid Set TRUPC at an area in Leeds. The Rapid TRUPC is a polished screed system providing a smooth polished concrete look which is finished with a seal and burnish.

The small sample size of the project made it tricky to polish, but we used a smaller HTC polishing machine to achieve the ideal finish.

Care Home Flooring

We’ve had the pleasure of installing Flowcrete Peran STB in care homes across the country.

Along with looking decorative, it offers the homes excellent wear and impact resistance, making it ideal for heavy foot traffic.

ISO Update

Following an audit in October, we’re delighted to have achieved our accreditations in ISO 9001:2015 & 14001:2015

In an interview our Director Zoe said;
“Achieving ISO certified standard is a fantastic achievement for our company.
The procedure of working through the competencies helped us improve processes and make individual and team responsibilities clearer. As a result, we’re more productive and the work we do is of even higher quality. I am excited to continue to grow the business and hope this ISO certification will be one of many of our business ‘milestones’!”

We were nominated for Small Industrial Project of the Year

We were thrilled to have been put forward for Small Industrial Project of the Year as part of our work for Rolls Royce, in partnership with Sherwin Williams.

Not only did our chosen product Resuflor VF give Rolls Royce the luxurious aesthetic they were looking for, but it was also able provide heavy-duty performance.

Our Most Recent Fundraising Work

Fundraising For Ocean Revival

Dom, our contracts manager and member of the Ocean Revival team, along with Marketing Coordinator, Edward, and Client Relationship Manager, Connor, spent three days at White Rose shopping centre raising awareness for Ocean Revival 2020.
They had many interesting chats with people about the dangers of plastic to ocean wildlife, the work of Plastic Oceans UK charity, along with giving some virtual tours of our new website.

Local Charity Football Tournament

We recently took part in a lively charity football tournament in support of the Prince Of Wales Hospice and the Love Me Love My Face Foundation.
Our team reached the semi-final where they sadly exited the competition to the eventual tournament winners after a solid group stage showing which saw them finish in 4th overall.

October 2019 Roundup Newsletter

Edward Booth — Tue, 10 Dec 2019 10:04:12 +0000

Covent Garden

Works have begun on the 7000m² project at Covent Garden, which is expected to run well into November. We are making good progress on the job, with the team laying the Altro Crete system to good effect and the area starting to take shape.

Thorpe Park

With the construction of the new Springs Shopping Centre at Thorpe Park in Leeds, we have been entrusted to install a screed into a variety of new shopping units. Each unit had its challenges to overcome, with a variety of different unit sizes and time frames. We had to make sure each unit met its individual timeline so as not to slow down the installation of that store.

Fish Factory

The first phase of a 1000m² project at a fish factory in Lincolnshire has been completed, laying the Trazcon Quartz system throughout. By splitting into two phases, it allows the factory to avoid a complete shutdown. The fast cure MMA system was ideal for getting the factory back up to full capacity and efficiency as soon as possible.

Canning Town

This Canning Town install was not one of our standard Morrisons installations as we were challenged to meet some of the store’s needs. We were tasked with laying 190m² of Flowfast Quartz in the basement area of the store, as well as laying 160m² of Industrial Top to the servicing area, where they required a heard wearing system to combat against constant traffic and potential damage.

Anti-Slip jobs have been taking place

ISO Update

The ISO is split into 3 parts; stage one, two and a final site visit to complete the certification process.
We have currently completed stage one, the paper work for stage two is nearly done and an audit visit to our offices took place mid October.

It's A Knockout Competition

We are delighted to announce that the Milestone team raised a whopping £600 for the Prince of Wales Hospice by participating in this fun challenge.
This year the Milestone team completed games over obstacles, inflatables, and lots more!
The Prince of Wales Hospice provides free of charge, around the clock care and support for local people with life-limiting illnesses. Their care also extends to the carers and families of patients, who often need their help just as much.

Ocean Revival Update

The Lake District Swim Relay

The team swam all the lakes in the Lake District, dragging a boat full of plastic behind them. They swam non-stop, except for the transfer between lakes, day and night until the challenge was complete. The total distance swam was 65km over 11 lakes. We’re so excited to be supporting the team and all for such a good cause. The environment is really important to all the team at Milestone