New CFA President Sets Focus On Competency, Sustainability and Health & Safety

By Matthew Brown, CFA President

Being elected President of the Contract Flooring Association is a tremendous honour, and I am deeply grateful for the confidence our members have placed in me. Having served on the CFA Council since 2018 and as Vice President since 2024, I have seen first-hand the important work the Association undertakes to represent and support our industry. In my role as Managing Director of Uzin Utz UK, I work closely with contractors, distributors and specifiers across the country, which has given me a clear view of both the challenges and opportunities we face. Over the next two years, my focus as President will centre on three closely linked priorities: competency, sustainability, plus the health and safety of UK flooring installers.


I have over 25 years in the flooring industry and have been fortunate to experience a wide range of roles and disciplines. I began my career in a technical role with Tarmac before moving into specification and sales, where I developed an early appreciation of the importance of technical knowledge and quality installation. My subsequent 16 years with ARDEX, culminating as National Sales Manager, broadened my understanding of both resilient and resin flooring markets. Today, as Managing Director of Uzin Utz UK, I have the privilege of working across multiple flooring disciplines, supporting customers and contractors throughout the UK. These experiences have reinforced one simple belief: our greatest asset has always been our people. The knowledge, skills and professionalism that exist throughout the contract flooring industry are what set us apart, and it is these qualities that I want to champion during my Presidency.

Competency is fundamental to everything we do. It underpins safe working practices, quality installations and confidence throughout the supply chain. As client expectations continue to increase and legislation evolves, it has never been more important to demonstrate that those working within our industry possess the skills, knowledge and experience needed to deliver work to the highest standards. This is particularly true in the context of installer health and safety. Competent installers are better equipped to make safe decisions on site – from correct subfloor preparation and moisture control to the safe use of machinery, handling of materials, management of dust and adherence to CDM and site-specific safety requirements. The CFA has already made significant progress through its training initiatives, apprenticeships, technical guidance and promotion of best practice and I want to build on these foundations by supporting education, professional development and the recognition of competency at every stage of a flooring career. Developing the next generation is equally important. Our industry offers rewarding and varied careers, but we must do more to attract new talent and ensure young people are given the opportunities, training and support they need to succeed.

Sustainability is the second pillar of my Presidency and one that increasingly influences every decision we make. Environmental responsibility is no longer an aspiration but an expectation. Clients are rightly asking questions about product selection, waste reduction, carbon impact and the longevity of flooring systems. As manufacturers, contractors and suppliers, we all have a role to play. Sustainability is not simply about choosing greener products but is also about making informed decisions throughout the entire life cycle of a project, improving efficiency, reducing waste and ensuring flooring installations deliver long-term performance. To me, competency and sustainability are inseparable. Skilled professionals make better decisions, produce higher quality installations, minimise waste and create flooring systems that perform for longer. Raising competency therefore supports sustainability, just as sustainable thinking strengthens the long-term reputation and resilience of our industry. By sharing knowledge and encouraging collaboration across the supply chain, the CFA can help members navigate this rapidly evolving landscape with confidence.

One of the reasons I became involved with the CFA was my desire to give something back to an industry that has given me so much throughout my career. Supporting training, encouraging continuous improvement and helping businesses thrive have always been passions of mine and I look forward to working with colleagues across the Association to deliver meaningful progress over the next two years. The CFA has a proud reputation as the voice of the contract flooring industry, built on collaboration, professionalism and a willingness to share expertise. I believe we have an exciting opportunity to continue raising standards, promoting best practice and demonstrating the value that competent, safety-conscious and professional flooring contractors bring to every project. I look forward to meeting members throughout my Presidency, listening to your views and working together to ensure that competency, sustainability, as well as installer health and safety remain at the heart of everything we do. Together, we can continue building a stronger, more professional and more resilient future for the contract flooring industry.

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