A NEW business has opened in Tetbury's town centre.

A former antiques shop - situated in 51 Long Street, Tetbury - has been transformed into a showroom which showcases some of the highest quality flooring in the area.

James Padden, aged 41, decided to move his business Flooring South West to Tetbury because he wants to give back to the community that he grew up in.

The dad-of-three has worked in Cheltenham, Bath and Gloucester over the last few years but said the historic town feels like home.

His new Tetbury showroom opened on Saturday, February 3.

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Shopfront of Flooring South West on 51 Long Street, Tetbury Shopfront of Flooring South West on 51 Long Street, Tetbury (Image: James Padden)

Mr Padden was chuffed when his first sale at the new showroom was a couple who chose to buy two rooms worth of carpets from Riviera Home's Tetbury range.

Every wood, LVT and carpet sample on display in the showroom has been meticulously chosen by the business owner who is passionate about providing a high quality service.

The father also guarantees fitters and said he will always go the extra mile for his customers to ensure a seamless transaction. 

Town mayor Liz Farnham is due to attend an official opening ceremony at the shop on Saturday, March 2.

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Sign outside the new flooring showroomSign outside the new flooring showroom (Image: James Padden)

Mr Padden said: "I was born and raised in the area, this is home to me.

"It is a beautiful, affluent area, and I think there is a market for my business here.

"Something that I learnt from a very young age is that the proprietor is the business and that you can't leave other people to it.

"I don't want to be big and corporate and want to stay heavily involved in everything I do.

"A lot of what I do is high end, it is luxury. The most expensive carpet I have is £330 per square metre.

"Finding flooring which is decently made is really important, there are so many carpets nowadays that look rubbish after three years.

"I arrange the supply and the fit of the flooring so I am involved in the process from start to finish.

"It is meant to be a stress-free transaction, but if anything does go wrong people have my word that it will be put right.

"I think customer service is absolutely essential because that is what spreads a good name.

"The showroom is open between 9.30am and 5pm Monday to Saturday but if it is a big project and you want talk through it you can book an appointment outside of these hours."