ALBION Mill Carpets, Retail Business of the Year, is top of the pile and a local success story.
After being shortlisted last year in the same category at the Pride of Tameside Business Awards, the Ashton firm went one better this time.
The award was also perfectly timed as it came in the week Albion Mill Carpets, which is based at The Albion, 29 Penny Meadow, celebrated its sixth birthday.
The business was formed by Dean Hindle who learned his trade with one of the UK’s largest flooring contractors.
He admitted it a “gamble” going solo and initially he was assisted by two part-time fitters.
Dean need not have worried as today Albion Mill Carpets has a staff of 14 including 10 full-time fitters while his wife Gemma Armstrong-Hindle has also come on board.
The company prides itself on its customer service and is accredited to The Carpet Foundation and National Institute of Carpet Fitters, abiding to the rules and code of conduct from both bodies.
Albion Mill Carpets has more than 290 five-star reviews online and Dean explained much of their word is secured by word of mouth and recommendations as customer service is their main priority.
That was taken Dean and his team of fitters all over the UK from Cornwall to Scotland, though predominantly their work is concentrated on Tameside.
Dean added a carpet is only as good as its fitter and all are specialists in their trade, the crème de le crème as he pointed out.
In his career, Dean has worked on major contracts including Manchester Town Hall, Manchester Central Library, football stadiums and large retail outlets.
But he described himself as people person and enjoys measuring up and fitting a carpet in the back bedroom for Mr & Mrs Jones as much as anything.
Dean is happy to share the success of Albion Mill Carpets with others as he supports 15 local clubs and organisations, including the juniors at Dukinfield Town and Curzon Ashton, Stalybridge Celtic’s disability team, Macmillan Cancer, Willow Wood Hospice and the Society for Abandoned Animals.