David Hartley of Burnley's Carpet Market honoured at National Flooring Awards
One of Burnley’s best known business owners has been honoured for the positive impact he has made on the community for almost four decades.
David Hartley’s Carpet Market celebrates 31 years in business this year. For David, personally, he started in the industry 37 years ago.
He was nominated for an award in the small independent retailer of the year category in the National Flooring Awards.
But there was a twist as, even though the shortlist had already been announced, the judges felt that David’s story was a better fit for the Made a Difference category. And they also made the decision to put him through as a finalist with no voting necessary.
At a red carpet ceremony held at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Newcastle, David was presented with a Recognition of Excellence Award after the judges said: “David’s impact and contribution genuinely stood out, and we couldn’t let it go unrecognised.”
It was certainly a proud moment for David who was joined by his wife Nicola, who runs the business with him, and their office manager Lizzie Spencer, who is also their daughter-in-law. And it’s all thanks to Lizzie, for she was the one who nominated David for the awards that honour outstanding flooring retailers, contractors and innovators across the UK flooring industry.
Lizzie presented a moving testimony to David, along with several other testimonials from customers, fellow business owners, friends and people he has helped.
Lizzie said: “David stands out, not just for his experience, but for his values. His long-standing belief that a business should be ‘all things to all people’ is more than a slogan, it guides every decision he makes. He treats every customer with kindness and fairness, no matter their circumstances, and ensures that his work remains grounded in honesty and respect.
“David is widely admired because he has never allowed success to change who he is. He remains humble, approachable, and deeply rooted in the Burnley community. His loyalty to his hometown and the people within it has earned him a reputation as someone who can always be relied upon to help.”
Lizzie said it was a ‘lifetime of consistent kindness’ that made David exceptional, adding that he has donated flooring to local organisations, charities, and council-supported housing, She added: “His contributions to care homes and assisted-living facilities have improved the lives of older adults and residents who deserve safe, welcoming surroundings.
“For countless families facing illness, financial hardship, or personal crisis, David has been a quiet lifeline. He has provided flooring free of charge or at heavily reduced prices at times when people were at their lowest and needed someone to care.
“These acts were never publicised, never shared online, and never used as marketing — they were simply done because David believes everyone deserves a home they can feel safe in.”
David, whose business has become well known across Lancashire, is also recognised as a mentor for many small business owners in Burnley and he is a strong advocate for ‘support local.’