A FAMILY-owned business which has been in Bolton for 36 years is still ensuring that homeowners get the best possible service at the best possible price.

G & G Carpets opened its premises in Blackburn Road, Astley Bridge, in 1980 at a time when, to most people, carpets were a major buy meant to last for the next decade or two. As a result, multi-coloured, patterned carpet was popular, blending in with changes in home décor.

Today, as managing director and founder Gran Daubney explains, home décor changes more frequently with flooring helping to provide a useful colour backdrop. To reflect this, there are far more plain carpets on offer in all kinds of colours and styles.

When he started the business, Gran already had many years in the carpet business. He started as a carpet fitter at just 16 and his career took him into a senior management role with a national carpet chain.

As a result, he has a wealth of experience and knowledge in this field and is the kind of person to offer customers helpful genuine expert opinion.

He has seen many trends and styles in flooring. But, unlike some traditional carpet businesses, he has driven G & G into embracing the latest ideas. As a result, the company, as well as offering a huge selection of carpets also has other types of modern flooring.

“Vinyl laminate flooring, for example, is now really popular,” he stated. “We deal in Karndean, probably the best-known name and which produces a vast range of flooring effects – from tiles to wooden floors and parquet flooring.

“It’s very attractive and hard-wearing as well as easy to keep clean. We get people inquiring all the time about this and recommending it to family and friends. It really does look amazing.”

Carpets also retain their popularity, with the new soft iSense range a particular favourite. “Grey is the most popular colour currently,” added Gran. “We also sell many of the neutrals but grey is definitely what people want now. Another popular trend is striped carpet on the stairs and landing, often with Karndean in the hall.”

While traditional carpet brands like Brintons, Ulster and Axminster retain their enduring appeal, the popularity of manmade, bleach-cleanable carpets continues with many homeowners and businesses. “We always advise on what is best for a particular room or area,” said Gran, “and we supply virtually all brands.”

G & G Carpets has two teams of fitters, expert estimators and a staff with a long pedigree in the carpet field. The company is now fitting carpets and other flooring for the younger generation buying their first homes, often just as it did for their parents.

They estimate that, over the years, they have had around half a million satisfied customers, and fitted thousands of homes and offices.

They even move furniture, take away old carpet and re-fit doors if people ask them.

“I always say,” concluded Gran, “that we’re not the biggest company in our field, just the best.”