The Manufacturer of the Year award recognises both the range and performance of F. Ball’s products, with the winner voted for by readers of CFJ.

The company’s commitment to innovation is supported by significant investment in research and development to enhance its product range and meet evolving customer demands and ensure it remains at the forefront of industry technology, facilitated by on-site laboratories at its Staffordshire headquarters.

Geoffrey Ball, whose great-grandfather Francis Ball founded F. Ball in 1886, joined the family business in January 1965 before progressing to become managing director in 1982. He was instrumental in establishing the company as the UK’s leading manufacturer of flooring adhesives and subfloor preparation products, known for quality, innovation, exceptional service and unparalleled technical expertise.

Beyond this, Geoffrey is recognised for his role as a custodian of the company, maintaining values of honesty, fairness and integrity and ensuring its sustainability for the benefit of future generations and with the intention that it should have a positive role in the local community and the wider flooring industry.

This includes creating employment opportunities for young people, providing free training for flooring professionals at the F. Ball Centre of Excellence and sponsoring local sports teams, such as Leek Town F.C, of which F. Ball is the main stadium sponsor, as well as supporting local community events.

There was also recognition for F. Ball in the award’s installation categories, celebrating projects showcasing excellence in flooring that involved partnerships between manufacturers and flooring contractors.

Commenting on the awards success, F. Ball managing director, Darren Kenyon, said: “We are delighted by a particularly successful CFJ Awards this year.

“Winning Manufacturer of the Year is special because the winner is chosen by readers of CFJ, knowledgeable flooring professionals who use our products, and we’re very grateful to everyone who voted for us.

“It was great to see Geoffrey Ball receive well-deserved recognition for his role in making the company what it is today while maintaining a concern for the local community and the wider flooring industry.

“We’re also delighted that our products played a part in so many of the award-winning projects this year.”