“Hi, I’m Tony Thorne, the Specification Area Sales Manager for Wales, representing both Gradus Limited and Gerflor UK and Ireland.”
What do you like about your role and the sectors you work in?
“What I enjoy most is the strong relationships I’ve built with my customers over the past 25 years in South Wales. Many have become close friends, making it a pleasure to work with them on a personal level. I also appreciate the diversity of my role; in a single day, I might meet with an architectural partner, a quantity surveyor, a flooring fitter, or an end user from various sectors.”
What challenges are driving many businesses today in the markets you work in?
“Budgets are a significant challenge in large construction projects. Flooring choices often come late in the process, leaving little money for quality finishes. Fortunately, with the innovative ranges from Gradus and Gerflor, along with our best sellers in UK stock for quick delivery, I can usually find effective solutions for most project requests.”
What are your favourite Gradus and Gerflor solutions and why?
“I love working with Gradus Bronze and Aluminium XT Stair Edging finishes, which feature a stylish metal castellated insert. This innovative product enhances projects in hospitality, leisure, retail, and premium residential settings, helping them stand out. Additionally, my top choice for sports flooring specifications is Taraflex® sports flooring. It’s a market leader in indoor sports surfaces, widely used in leisure and education, with options available for every budget.”
What do you like doing in your spare time?
“I cherish time with my family. As a father of two daughters (ages 5 and 14), I stay busy! When I do find some ‘me’ time, I enjoy riding my motorbike along the beautiful coast and mountains of South Wales.”