Archwood Group, a leading manufacturer of timber products, has been awarded the King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development 2024. The prestigious accolade was presented by the Lord-Lieutenant of Clwyd, Henry George Fetherstonhaugh OBE, at a ceremony at the company’s headquarters in Chirk, North Wales. Local dignitaries, including the mayor and councillors, were in attendance to celebrate Archwood Group’s commitment to sustainability. Founded in 1867, Archwood Group has been at the forefront of timber manufacturing for over 150 years. As a family-owned business, the company is proud to be recognised for its ongoing dedication to sustainable practices and its efforts to minimise its environmental impact. The event included a site tour, a presentation on Archwood’s sustainability initiatives, and a formal award ceremony. Lord-Lieutenant Fetherstonhaugh presented the King’s Award to the Archwood team, acknowledging their commitment to reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainability across the business. Josh Burbidge, Managing Director of Archwood Group, said: “Receiving the King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development is a proud moment for our entire team. It validates the hard work we’ve put into making sustainability an integral part of our operations, and it underscores our commitment to leading by example in the timber manufacturing industry.” The award is proof of Archwood Group’s dedication to sustainable practices, following a remarkable 66% reduction in emissions. Installation of over 2,600 solar panels underscores their proactive stance on reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to 100% renewable energy. In 2021, Archwood Group partnered with the sustainability accreditation, Planet Mark, and also joined the United Nations Race to Zero campaign, whereby the business has committed to achieve Net Zero by no later than 2050. This follows Archwood Group’s appointment of its internal Environmental Action Group. The King’s Awards for Enterprise, previously known as The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, were renamed last year to reflect His Majesty The King’s desire to continue the legacy of HM Queen Elizabeth II’s by recognising outstanding UK businesses. The Award programme, now in its 58th year, honours UK businesses that have made outstanding contributions to the economy, society, and the environment. Archwood Group is one of 11 winners from Wales to receive the award this year, joining an esteemed group of enterprises. Archwood Group, based in Chirk, North Wales, operates under two trading brands: Richard Burbidge, a leading manufacturer of stairparts, decking, and mouldings, and Atkinson & Kirby, which supplies premium hardwood flooring. As a local, family-owned business, Archwood Group is committed to sustainable development and strives to make a positive contribution to both the economy and the environment. Find out more about our Sustainability Journey here

Choosing between Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) and real wood flooring can seem daunting. Both options bring their own set of benefits, and deciding which is best depends on your specific needs and lifestyle. Here’s a breakdown to help you make an informed choice. Aesthetic Appeal Real wood flooring is unmatched when it comes to natural beauty. Each plank is unique, featuring its own grain patterns and textures, which bring warmth, depth, and a sense of authenticity to any space. As wood ages, it develops a patina that adds even more character over time. On the other hand, LVT is designed to replicate the look of natural wood, and modern versions do this impressively well. However, despite its ability to mimic various types of wood, LVT can’t quite capture the same depth, texture, or authenticity that real timber provides. Durability and Maintenance If you’re looking for a highly durable flooring option, LVT is hard to beat. It’s resistant to water, scratches, and daily wear and tear, making it a great option for high-traffic areas such as kitchens or bathrooms. LVT requires very little maintenance, making it ideal for busy households.  A drawback however is that this product cannot be refinished to repair any scratches, marks or dents to restore it to its original beauty so if when worn it would need costly uplift, subfloor preparation and replacement. Real wood flooring, while robust, does require more attention to keep it looking its best. It’s sensitive to moisture and may need refinishing over time to restore its original beauty. With proper care, however, wood floors can last for generations, as they can be sanded and refinished multiple times, adding to their longevity.  Installation and Cost LVT is generally easier to install, often suitable for DIY projects, and offers a more budget-friendly option for those seeking a wood-like appearance without the price tag. Real wood, though more expensive upfront, provides a long-term investment and adds significant value to your home. Professional installation is usually recommended for real wood to ensure a flawless finish and proper long-term performance.  Which is Best for Your Home? If you’re after long-term value, timeless elegance, and the charm that only natural materials can provide, real wood flooring is an exceptional choice. It brings warmth, beauty, and a unique character to any room. However, for a practical, low-maintenance solution that mimics the look of wood and can handle high-traffic areas, LVT is a fantastic alternative. At Atkinson & Kirby, we specialise in high-quality wood flooring that brings warmth and character to your home. Explore our wide range of styles to find the perfect flooring solution that suits your space and lifestyle. For help choosing your perfect wood floor, click here To explore the full Atkinson & Kirby flooring collection, click here

Choosing the right floor colour and type of wood flooring is more than just a practical decision—it's about setting the tone for your home. In 2024, we’re seeing a significant shift in wooden flooring colours, with people moving away from cool-toned colours that typically have blue, green or grey undertones to richer warm-toned colours, with either red, orange or yellow undertones. Warm wood floor colours create a more inviting and comfortable atmosphere, whilst flooring with cool undertones creates a more modern calming atmosphere.  Grey flooring has been a popular choice for its modern appeal, however, this year’s trend leans into a broader spectrum of richer colour palettes and warmer neutrals. Warm wood floor tones like terracotta, earthy browns, and soft sandy hues. These warm undertones are becoming popular amongst homeowners as they offer a soothing and grounded aesthetic. These colours provide a natural warmth that beautifully complements wood flooring, making spaces feel more personal and cosier. This evolution towards richer hues reflects a growing desire to bring warmth and authenticity into the home. Warmer-toned floors such as our Nanzen Oak, with its natural honey mid-tones, blend effortlessly with these emerging colour palettes, creating a welcoming and versatile foundation for contemporary and traditional interiors. The subtle warmth of these warm-tone hardwood flooring options helps to soften spaces and prioritise relaxation and comfort. Our Shrewsbury Oak, a lighter blonde wood floor, is a great example of this trend. It is renowned for bringing smaller darker rooms to life by creating an open airy feel. Its warm undertone colours work beautifully with bolder furniture and accessories, making it a superb choice for adding warmth to contemporary and classic interiors. Our Noma Smoked Oak captures the essence of minimalist Scandinavian design, offering a refined, understated look that pairs beautifully with these warmer neutrals. For those seeking depth and character, the Verdant Smoked Oak provides a rich, warm finish that adds depth and character. This beautiful engineered hardwood flooring is versatile and perfect for several rooms e.g. living rooms or bedrooms, no matter your style.  Request your FREE Warm Tone wood floor sample pack.  Whether you choose warm or cool flooring colours, there’s something for everyone. View the full Atkinson & Kirby engineered hardwood flooring collection.       

The herringbone parquet pattern is a timeless favourite that has been in style for centuries.  It offers the beauty of real wood and can enhance the elegance of any room. As parquet flooring continues to gain popularity, we are excited to highlight some of our exceptional 20mm parquet flooring options. Perfect for high-traffic areas, our 20mm parquet stands out for its remarkable strength and durability, offering superior sound insulation.  Its generous thickness allows it to be sanded and refinished multiple times, ensuring longevity and maintaining its value over the years. Explore some of our 20mm options below and order your FREE samples. Harrow Oak | PAR3005 The light honey tones of Harrow Oak work perfectly in any room.  The rustic grade shows nature at its finest with knots and natural imperfections clearly visible. Block Size: 500 x 700mm | Pack Coverage: 0.5m2 | Lacquered Finish Chester Oak | PAR3006 The subtle touch of grey offers a contemporary flair to classic parquet flooring without being overly bold.  Its rustic grade brings added charm making it a versatile choice for both historic and modern homes alike. For an authentic vintage vibe, think about arranging the blocks in a double herringbone pattern. Block Size: 500 x 70mm | Pack Coverage: 0.5m2 | Brushed & UV Oil Finish Winchester Oak | PAR3004 The light shade is a versatile choice for large and small rooms alike.  Its UV Oil finish means that the natural beauty of the wood has been protected from daily wear and tear whilst the matt finish provides additional strength. Block Size: 500 x 700mm | Pack COverage: 0.5m2 | Brushed & UV Oil Finish Rugby Oak | PAR3003 A classic shade that will enhance any room.  The character of the Rugby Oak flooring has rich caramel tones along with a smooth finish. It mixes well with all the other shades in the range to create a room that is truy unique. Block Size: 500 x 700mm | Pack Coverage: 0.5m2 | Smooth & UV Oil Request FREE samples here

Choosing the right flooring can make all the difference in a space, whether it’s a kitchen, dining room, or living area. Dark wood flooring is a great option to consider, not just for its timeless look but also for its practical benefits. Dark wood flooring is known for its rich, deep tones, which add character and sophistication to any room. It has a luxurious feel that can transform a space, making it more cohesive and well-defined. In large rooms, dark wood helps ground the area, preventing it from feeling too open or empty. They can also offer a variety of benefits that make them a popular choice among homeowners and interior designers alike. For example: Durability and Fade Resistance One of the key advantages of dark wood flooring is its resistance to fading. Unlike lighter woods that can lose their colour over time, dark wood maintains its rich hue even in sunlight. This makes it an excellent choice for spaces with lots of natural light, like the Brewdog at Waterloo Station, where Atkinson and Kirby’s Harlesden Smoked Oak was used. The dark wood not only added character but also protected the flooring from the heavy wear of a busy location. Warmth and Character Dark wood floors bring warmth to a room with their deep, earthy tones. Woods like walnut, mahogany, and oak create a cosy atmosphere, making large spaces feel more inviting. This was exactly what Pomona Island Brewery aimed for when they chose our Bespoke Adelphi Oak flooring, adding a welcoming charm to the pub's British-inspired design. The rich, dark wood provided the warmth and charm necessary to make the brewery's spacious interior feel more intimate. The flooring’s bespoke finish added a unique character that resonated with the pub's traditional yet contemporary vibe, making it a perfect fit for a space designed to encourage relaxation and socialising. Making a Statement Dark wood floors can be the focal point of a room, providing a striking backdrop that makes furnishings, rugs, and decor stand out. Whether paired with modern furniture or antiques, dark wood enhances the beauty of the space. For instance, our  Dark Finger Jointed Oak was used in No. 17 and No. 26 The Promenade to create a bold statement. The visible knots and splits in the wood added a unique, aged charm that complemented the chic interior. View the full Atkinson & Kirby Engineered flooring collection here

Connecting interior and exterior spaces through products and designs derived from nature is a wonderful way to create calming, soothing spaces inside your home.  Your home is your sanctuary, and by embracing Biophilic design which literally means 'love of nature' you can create a tranquil feel in any room. Biophilic design is said to not only help us rest and relax but can also help boost productivity, creativity, and well-being through the use of space, natural lighting, and organic textures. The use of biophilic design and natural light in interior design is more than just a trend, it is an approach which promotes mindfulness, simplicity, functionality, and comfort, by utilising natural light, organic materials, patterns and colours to create more harmonious spaces. From filling rooms with plants and greenery to choosing nature-inspired textiles and furnishings, there are plenty of ways to blur the boundaries between inside and out in your home. Natural Thinking As the foundation of any successful design scheme, flooring plays a key role in helping you bring the great outdoors inside your home. Light wood floors are an essential element of biophilic design. Their natural tones and textures create a warm, inviting atmosphere that echoes the tranquillity of the outdoors. Here at Atkinson and Kirby, we have a selection of materials that are the perfect foundation for such a design. Our  Noma Smoked Oak wood flooring gives a cool and hazy vibe making this the perfect choice for a muted Scandinavian look, mixing pale intonations in a monochrome environment. Our  Manoa Oak flooring, with its delicate grain and chalky finish creates a distinct style in environment.  The Manoa Oak was an essential factor in creating the harmonious living space at Liberton Barns. An award-winning development by Glencairn Properties, consisting of four luxurious two-story homes which capture the essence of rural living with the benefit of a central city location. Originally a derelict farm shed, the site now boasts modern, open-plan living areas with expansive views of the Royal Observatory and surrounding nature reserve. The serene exterior of the Liberton Barn properties is complemented by its ‘Japandi' style interior, this style, a blend of Scandinavian and Japanese design, connecting living spaces with nature. To achieve this look, the Manoa Oak from Atkinson & Kirby’s Contemporary collection was selected throughout the property. Characterised by simplicity, minimalism, and functionality, our Manoa Oak is a popular choice for open-plan residential properties. Similarly, our focus on combining functionality and natural beauty through biophilic design was showcased in the Eden Locke project in Edinburgh. This trend-conscious aparthotel aimed to bring the great outdoors inside. For this project, Atkinson & Kirby’s durable Ness Smoked Oak flooring was chosen to be fitted throughout the hotel. With its filled knots and splits, this traditional, character-rich flooring added a beautifully aged look to the bedrooms, bars, and corridors, perfectly aligning with the building's aesthetic and practical goals while promoting a natural, calming environment. Whichever flooring you prefer, you can create a biophilic look by adding plenty of potted plants, succulents, fresh herbs, and ‘living’ walls or simply by furnishing your space with natural timber furniture and organic textiles guaranteed to ground you after a long day. To explore the full Atkinson & Kirby collection, please click here.