The Company was founded in the 1930’s, originally as the Preston Mattress Company. During the 1950’s, the company settled at 33 Shepherd Street, Preston, under the new name PMC (Carpets) Ltd. From this location, sales were made to the trade, including items such as beds, carpet squares and runners, linoleum, under-felt and rugs. Indeed, many people in Preston still claim to have carpets in their homes from this era!

 

In 1970, Sheila and Eddy Brown took sole ownership of the business. Gainsborough Flooring Ltd, as it became, distributed all types of flooring throughout the Northwest to other carpet retailers.

 

Gainsborough continued to serve the people of Preston through its trade counter. As the showroom grew and installations became larger and more varied, Gainsborough took the decision to close the distribution section. In 1997, the final delivery was made, thereafter enabling the company to concentrate solely on installations of both domestic and commercial flooring. Gainsborough is now managed by brother and sister team, Eddy and Vicky, and remains very much a family business.

 

Today, the premises at Shepherd Street, Preston are a far cry from the business of the 1950’s. Gainsborough’s numerous showrooms have evolved over time to become amongst the most spectacular in their field.