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Brian Blackbourn served his apprenticeship in 1967 for Eric Cross of Bourne. a well known retailer at the time. He then moved on to become self employed after working for the company for a number of years. Over the years Brian has worked in domestic and contract flooring and also has extensive knowledge of flooring in the marine industry, not only working on canal boats in this country but also luxury yachts moored in several Mediterranean marinas. He has also undertaken work of a specialist nature in many stately homes, both for the National Trust and those privately owned.
He was trained at the Armstrong Flooring School and worked with many apprentices over the years. Now he is moving away from the fitting side of the trade and working more in the showroom and home visits.
Matt Blackbourn started in 2004. He has now served his apprenticeship and has become a
NICF Master Fitter across all but one flooring discipline. As a member of the NICF he has been on many different courses and taken written and practical examinations to gain this status. Along side gaining this high status in the trade Matt is also a instructor for the national flooring school.
Matt says “This is a great privilege to be able to work and teach people new skills they can use the skills I give them for the rest of their lives. Flooring is my passion and I think that comes across whether I’m in the showroom, installing a customer’s floor or teaching a student a new skills”
Matt has also been in Team for Great Britain in 2009 at the European Team Floor laying competition, held in Hanover, Germany. This was after he competed in the UK heats against some of the best carpet and floor layers in the country. Scott Carter-Dowding and Mark Saunders made up the rest of the team. The team was coached by Steve Ramsden the Chief Training Consultant of Fita.
FITA (Flooring Industry Training Association) Certifications:
Other Courses Attended/Completed:
Johnny has been working for the family business for over fifteen years. After leaving school and working part time for the company he was really enjoying the type of work. He also soon realised it is a highly skilled and varied place to work. Johnny trained in all aspects of flooring, under the guidance and expertise of Brian & Matt. Over the years he has gained lots of skills and knowledge which have helped him gain NICF approved fitter status in all of the five flooring disciplines. Johnny says “During my time here at Lambourn I have attended many courses and training days from floor prep to commercial vinyl and am constantly improving and looking for the next course to attend”. Over the last few years he has been working in the showroom, a completely different test of skills he says. Having the hands on experience and practical knowledge this has enabled him to quickly take on the role in the showroom, being able to answer all technical questions and help customers choose the right product for them and their lifestyle.
Courses attended;
NICF Approved Fitter;
Jamie has now been with company for over twelve years and his main focus is the installation side of the company. He is now becoming Matt’s right hand man when it come to fitting and they have built a great working relationship. Jamie say’s “I started out just helping my friend out at work in my spare time. I instantly enjoyed the variety of jobs and how much there is to learn. This is a trade for life and Lambourn has taught me so much over the years. I’m always learning everyday and I don’t think you are ever done improving your skills and learning new things.”
Lesley (or also know as Mum) keeps Lambourn working behind the scenes. Lesley says “Working with so many men, I have to keep them in check. They are brilliant at what they do, all fitting into the different roles of the company so well. I have always enjoyed book keeping so it was easy for me to take on this role all those years ago” Lesley also enjoys working in the showroom once a week and has a huge wealth of knowledge when it come to Lambourn’s products and services on offer.
James is our newest member of the team. He is motivated and very interested in not just the installation of flooring but how the showroom works from selling floor coverings to administration and quoting. To have a apprentice with this interest is a one off and we hope James is here to stay.
Lambourn is a leading independent company in the flooring trade. We are situated in the heart of the historic town of Bourne and has been established for many years. The family business has become a go to name for all things flooring and interiors.
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