Mark and Michael lay out the red carpet
Two experienced tradesmen are laying out the red carpet for customers at their new stall in Hartlepool’s Indoor Market.
Michael Carroll and Mark Halliday, who have more than 30 years’ combined experience as carpet fitters, have set up shop selling carpet accessories and remnants, as well as a fitting and measuring service.
For the past few years, the pair have traded as mobile carpet fitters running the business from their homes. But the opportunity to bring a public face to the operation was too good to miss. Mark, 47, who is originally from Glasgow but moved to Hartlepool in 2001, said: “The revamp of the Indoor Market means there’s a lot more people coming in and more passing trade for the stall-holders. It was a great opportunity for us.
“Just on our first day, we had bookings for measurements and fittings so the decision to come here looks a good one. We’re also offering a home service where we visit customers with samples – that’s particularly useful for people who don’t drive and find it difficult to get to some of the big stores out of the town centre.”
Mark and Michael, who both live in the West View area of Hartlepool, first met back in 2001 and went into business shortly afterwards building up steady trade across the North East.
Dad-of-six Michael, 36, has been fitting carpets all of his adult life after joining the trade as a 16-year-old apprentice. He sees the move to the Indoor Market as a step in the right direction for the business. “We’re hoping this takes C & H Carpets to the next level. Having a presence in the town centre will be good for us because we are the only one inside Middleton Grange,” he said.
“We want to see how things go with the stall in the market, hopefully expand that and maybe one day we will get our own shop.”
C & H Carpets has been helped with its move to the Indoor Market thanks to the Hartlepool Enterprise team, which has provided business support and advice as part of the Buy Local campaign.
Andrea Miles, Buy Local campaign co-ordinator, said: “A carpet stall where people can get estimates for fittings and pick up samples is ideal for the Indoor Market where there is a lot of passing trade. Michael and Mark have been in the trade for a lot of years and have a good reputation – we wish them all the best with their enterprise.”
Mark Rycraft, manager of Middleton Grange Shopping Centre, added: “It is great to see another business opening up at the Indoor Market. Good luck to C & H Carpets with their new venture.”
For more information, visit www.chcarpets.co.uk.
