Meet the expert

Academy Team

Quick-Step® has invested significantly in a state-of-the-art floor installation training Academy supported by a dedicated world class team of experts in floor training.

Our staff are also supported by our highly experienced team of Technical Representatives, Area Sales Managers and Customer Service staff who regularly provide on-site advice to professionals in the flooring industry.

Lee Thompson, Procurement and Technical Manager, Unilin Distribution Ltd.

When it comes to technical knowledge and expertise in wood flooring products and installation training Lee is the leading figure within the flooring industry in the UK and Ireland.

Lee has over 20 years world-wide experience in technical flooring assessments having previously worked in the insurance industry. Lee is now Procurement and Technical Manager for Unilin Distribution Ltd. and works extensively throughout Europe, Middle East and Asia sourcing materials for the manufacture of flooring for Unilin. Lee has delivered floor training programs to many of the largest distributors, retail partners and customers in the UK & Ireland.

Lee Thompson, Unilin
Darren Robinson, Unilin

Darren Robinson, Training Manager, Quick-Step Academy for Excellence in Flooring

With over 21 years experience in all aspects of floor coverings Darren Robinson is one of the most recognized floor training professionals in the UK having provided floor training services to Devon Vocational College and a large floor training services company. Darren was instrumental in developing and delivering the first nationally recognised Flooring Guild apprenticeship programme. Utilising his wide ranging skills he has successfully taught the next generation of carpet and floor layers to exceed the national standards and operate at the highest level. Darren has many years experience in running wood and laminate floor training courses, carpet fitting courses and LVT training courses.

Darren has achieved many flooring accolades including training and accreditation from a number of wood, laminate and LVT flooring manufacturers on the back of having managed to establish a very successful floor laying business for 17 years. Darren is also a fully qualified A1 flooring assessor of Levels 2 and 3 NVQ floorcoverings and can deliver Government recognized NVQ flooring qualifications.