Bringing Cornwall to you

We learn about the exciting expansion plans of Oltco, the inspiring flooring company taking a little Cornish magic out to the rest of the country.

You know when you’ve arrived in Cornwall. It’s hard to put a finger on exactly why, but you get that bright, life-affirming feeling as you cross the Tamar westward. There’s just something about the place that you won’t find anywhere else… not just the beautiful scenery and clean air, but a way of doing things, a unique character and proud identity that’s indefinably Cornish. It permeates into the people and the businesses too – inspiring companies like Oltco, the Newquay based flooring specialists with a national reputation.

“… the company’s values and ambitious service and products have already drawn customers from all over the country…”

When I met director Johnny Pearce and some of the team a few months back it was so refreshing to witness a company that does things properly, and has got the balance just right. Clearly they genuinely love what they do, and want to get the best results for clients every time, but they also appreciate the importance of time for yourself and the family – everything they do is geared towards lifestyle.

This was immediately evident by the show-stopping revamp of Hotel California’s outdoor spaces and pool area. The hotel, beautifully positioned overlooking the Gannel estuary, needed a reliable solution for a balcony that was flooding, as well as a safe system for its swimming pool. Oltco’s resin-bound flooring was perfect – being porous it doesn’t puddle, it’s seamless, and it’s extremely low maintenance. What’s more it looks great – a high-end finish to complement the high-end performance. The team chose Oltco’s own ‘Crantock’ blend, to maintain a local flavour – indeed, from a distance the effect is uncannily reminiscent of the nearby golden sand that entices you to the beach.

But far from being just a local phenomenon, the company’s values and ambitious service and products have already drawn customers from all over the country, including several high-profile clients. Oltco is now boldly taking it one step further, on a mission to bring a little slice of the Cornish magic out to the rest of the UK.

The ambitious plans start with the opening of a new Blackpool-based franchise, headed up by fellow Director Tom Stringer’s cousin, Jonathan Stringer, and Alex Hoskisson. Jonathan knows the business well, having been there at the very start, 12 years ago when Oltco was first founded. For the team, he really was the perfect candidate to export the Oltco brand. “All decisions are based on the ‘feel good factor’,” explains Johnny. “In Jonathan, we really couldn’t have found a better person as our pilot to take our brand and values out nationwide.”

Jonathan adds: “At Oltco Blackpool, we strive to deliver the absolute best quality and service to our customers in the north. We adhere wholeheartedly to the Oltco family ethos of establishing lasting relationships with our customers by exceeding their expectations and gaining their trust through exceptional products, performance and aftercare. This is an exciting time for us and we are looking forward to making some big changes in people’s lives.”

The Blackpool business follows the very same format that has proved so successful here in Cornwall.

For a start, they have exclusive access to the company’s unique market-leading products. All of Oltco’s bespoke resin-bound gravel blends are named after beautiful Cornish beaches – including a few of our favourites such as Kynance, Porthminster and Fistral – so those who have visited and have happy memories of their toes in the sand really can take a bit of Cornwall home with them. In fact, Oltco can even create bespoke blends entirely for you, perhaps evocative of a secret beach you discovered all to yourself.

The Oltco team work with the franchisees closely, sharing their good old-fashioned Cornish values, expertise, services and know-how. Key to success ultimately lies in the best training and failsafe systems, combined with a strong marketing strategy – the attention to detail for clients, such as boxes of chocolates for the client, all the little pieces that make up the bigger picture. Indeed, just as the Oltco team are meticulous about the job and finish itself, so they are meticulous in the aftercare, and client relationships.

With Oltco, you’ll never have to worry about the hard sell – the team have a very relaxed approach and won’t pressure people into using their services.

“For us its about growing the brand – it’s a long-term plan,” explains Johnny, “teaming up with likeminded people, who get what we’re about, sharing our ethos and values.” If this sounds tempting to you, and you’re looking for a dynamic new business venture with Cornish values and products at its heart, why not get in touch with Johnny and the team now?