THE Mail is rolling out the red carpet for its latest Trader of the Week.

Flooring all competitors and rival suppliers is this week’s winner, Ian Ward Carpets, on Cavendish Street, Barrow.

The store was first established in 1988 after owner and founder Ian Ward, 68, wanted to venture into running his own business after training with family since the age of 15.

His wife and company secretary, Diane Ward, 66, said: “We’re really pleased to have been nominated so to win is wonderful.

“My husband trained with his father laying carpets at an early age, but he wanted to go out on his own.

“We’re really passionate about the business, which some would call a dull profession.

“But it isn’t, it’s all about creating relationships with people.

“And for us a house is not complete until a carpet is down.

“It’s more than just putting something on the floor, carpeting is an art which involves mathematics and skill, which takes years to learn.”

Nominating the carpet specialists was Walney homeowner Phil Burns, who said: “I lived in the area for many years and Ian Wards Carpets is a recognisable Barrow business.

“It’s great to see an independent business doing so well.

“I had a carpet fitted by them about 10 years ago, and I’m confident I won’t have to replace it for many years yet.

“Plus, they supply a great range of rugs.”

And the business supply more than carpets and rugs.

“If carpets aren’t your thing, we also provide quality vinyl flooring, which is cheaper than wooden or laminate.

“I remember around the early noughties there was a bit of a surge in popularity for flooring alternatives, but people love a nice warm carpet under their feet, especially in the UK.

“Plus, carpets are safer and arguably easier to clean.

The amount of times I’ve heard people come into our store telling me they’ve had accidents because of wooden or laminate flooring.”

In the future, Mrs Ward wants to look at improving the social media coverage of the company, while educating people about what option would be best for their home.

“Yes, we want to improve our website and social media accounts, we can always improve, but our customers come first - it’s key.”

Want to nominate a business for Trader of the Week? Send your nomination to: tom.murphy@nqnw.co.uk, with a description of why it should win.