| H E A L T H | THE RIVER MAGAZINE | Autumn 2018 11 L ordship Flooring have been part of the south London community for long enough to see the area develop significantly. Unlike many London high streets Lordship Lane, East Dulwich is still much used and well loved by its locals who share a strong sense of support for local businesses. Derek Ashbridge of Lordship Flooring said, “Realising and embracing how the success of the local high street impacts the whole community and celebrating independent shops rather than chains, makes for a more interesting and characterful community.”The community of Dulwich is thriving; with a local boutique cinema in a converted church, independent fishmongers, butchers and restaurants lining either side of Lordship Lane. “We have seen our business grow from a single shop with a couple of part time fitters to a double fronted shop with 20 full time fitting staff and averaging 12 fittings a day,” Derek explained. “We have been able to invest in our staff and train apprentices, letting them find their niche and specialise in their strengths. Two of our fitters specialise in original floorboard renovation, another two specialise in hard flooring and one fits our specialist woven runners, another three fit all of the wood and parquet.” “While most people still opt for neutrality in the main areas of the home, the right choice of floor will make a LORDSHIP FLOORING East Dulwich 129-131 Lordship Lane, SE22 8HU t: 020 8693 8728 e: dulwich@lordshipflooring.com Blackheath Village Brigade Street, SE3 0TW, t: 020 8852 8109 e: blackheath@lordshipflooring.com w: lordshipflooring.com huge impact on the interior as a whole,”Derek continued, “and the people of this community enjoy championing more adventurous schemes.” From wooden floors to rubber, concrete minimalist ones or cosy carpeted sitting rooms the family run business have expert craftsmen to fit them all. They also design Marmoleum floors, popular in Victorian hallways, a totally natural product laser cut into traditional and contemporary designs in over 200 colours. They even have a huge screen room-visualiser where photos of customer’s current floors are uploaded and different designs and laying patterns are simulated to help make the best decision. Who says the high street can’t compete with the digital world? There are some things it still does the very best. There are still some purchases you would not want to make online, which are keeping communities bustling. by mel hutton | S T Y L E & S H O P P I N G | FLOORING H I G H S T R E E T