This lull creates the ideal conditions for completing essential flooring upgrades with minimal impact on day-to-day operations. This early-year slowdown provides the lowest footfall, lightest production loads and safest working conditions for completing epoxy resin flooring upgrades. It also allows businesses to maintain peak hygiene and safety standards while keeping disruption to an absolute minimum.
“The post-holiday window of January to February is the quietest period for food production, retail and hospitality” agrees Graeme Stewart, director at ISG Resin Specialists based in Springburn, Glasgow.
The company launched in 2021 and installs a wide range of resin systems including epoxy coatings, resin screeds, terrazzo flakes and FlowFast quartz, each available in different thicknesses, finishes and price points.
“In the lead up to Christmas and New Year, lots of people are eating out and enjoying company nights out, so it’s the busiest time of year for the food and drink industry. January and February, when things naturally slow down, is the perfect timeframe to get flooring work done before business picks up again in the spring.”
Other areas can be addressed, such as improving worker safety with anti-slip profiles that reduce risk plus tackling hygiene concerns with minimal downtime. Sections of a site can be taken offline temporarily without disrupting orders or commitments.
Seamless, non-porous floors make it easier to maintain strict hygiene and Graeme says this is when ISG sees the highest demand from food and drink clients, particularly for prep kitchens and unit spaces used before food reaches the restaurants.
The company has completed substantial work at Glasgow’s Robroyston Fruit Market, including for wholesalers Premier Produce. “Other units nearby have seen the results and booked us in as well. Prep kitchens have been a strong area for us, along with retailers and restaurant floors.”
Epoxy resin floors are highly durable and resistant to oils, solvents, acids and cleaners, making them suitable not only for kitchens but also garages, labs, warehouses and industrial environments. The company prides itself on combining correct preparation, the right materials and skilled installation to deliver safe, long-lasting and attractive floors tailored to each client.
Solutions can range from installing a completely new system, like replacing old tiles for example, to refurbishing and repairing existing resin floors that may have been laid many years ago.
“At Cafe Andaluz in Edinburgh, we lifted and replaced a damaged section of resin floor, while at Paesano Pizza, also in Edinburgh, we recently carried out a full renovation. Projects can vary from around 30 to 40 square metres up to much larger installations, like the 230 square metre floor we completed at Paesano.”
Around 80% of the company’s work is in the commercial sector, partnering with facilities managers, maintenance managers, contractors and shopfitters. Graeme says ISG is actively developing niche areas of the business, including butchers’ shops where hygiene standards are critical.
“We’ve already completed a few of these during the quieter period in January, and it’s an area we’d like to grow further.” Some products, he explains, are fast-curing and can be installed during a night shift, allowing businesses to avoid daytime downtime.
Graeme and his fellow directors, father Ian Stewart and Scott Lyle are also looking to expand their current team of five. “We intend to hire at least one more person soon, but they must be the right fit. They need to be skilled and able to deliver the standard of work and customer service our clients expect.”
When contacted by a prospective client, distance is no barrier. “If someone is in Aberdeen or Inverness, we ask for the location, a couple of photos and the dimensions,” says Graeme.
“I can usually work out a cost that evening or the next day and send over a quote along with a PDF explaining the product and available colours. If they’re happy with that, I’ll visit the site, confirm what’s needed and guide them through the options before booking them in.”
The company’s aim, he stresses, is to provide long-term solutions that enhance safety, efficiency and appearance. Everything from anti-slip commercial kitchens and MOT bays to low-maintenance resin driveways and decorative garage floors.
During the quieter months after Christmas, however, work in food production, retail and hospitality becomes the focus, and it’s the ideal time for those sectors to consider new epoxy resin flooring solutions.
For more information contact: www.isgflooring.com
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