Connection Flooring bolsters growth plans with new appointment

A fast-growing flooring retailer has made a senior appointment to maintain its momentum.

Connection Flooring has welcomed Stuart Phillips as chief financial officer.

Bosses say his arrival will help the Bishop Auckland-headquartered business sustain its growth ambitions, with the firm having opened 21 stores in just three years across England, Scotland and Wales.

North East Times understands the company is close to revealing further openings before the end of 2020.

Officials say 39-year-old Stuart will head Connection Flooring’s brands, which include Flooring Superstore, Grass Direct and Direct Wood Flooring, and provide control, commercial and strategic support.

A Chartered accountant with more than 15 years’ experience, married father-of-two Stuart joined the County Durham operator from a large AIM-listed firm, where he was group financial controller.

He previously held senior finance roles with Paperchase, Arcadia and Hallmark.

“I am delighted to be joining Connection Flooring at such an exciting time for the company as it continues its rapid process to becoming a market leader in the retail flooring sector,” said Stuart.

“It has come a long way in such a short space of time, with 21 Flooring Superstores now open across the UK, in addition to a thriving online business.

“This is down to the investors, board, management team and staff, and I am looking forward to making my own contribution to the continued growth of the business.”

Reflecting on his appointment, Dan Foskett, founder and chief executive of Connection Flooring, hailed Stuart’s “calibre and experience”.

He added: “In 2017, we were exclusively an online business and now we have 21 physical stores across the UK, which include key locations such as London, Edinburgh and Birmingham.

“There are further stores in the pipeline, in addition to our online business, and Stuart’s background in retail finance will stand us in great stead as we continue to grow in the coming months and years.”