Jessica Jones

Designer
Jess joined the design team in 2022 after graduating with a BA (Hons) in Textile Design in 2021. Specialising in print and stitch, her passion is exploring different techniques to create varied outcomes. Jess comes armed with a wide range of skills within art and design from hand drawing to digital design using Photoshop. She’s already applying her enthusiasm and knowledge from University and is quickly learning every aspect of the carpet industry from her fellow designers and our production team. Jess’s inspirations are as diverse as industrial product designer Tord Boontje and award-winning wallpaper, textile and surface designer Daniel Heath.

Howard Whitehead

Joint Managing Director
Starting out in the family business almost 25 years ago Howard works closely with his brother, Lees, with both being ultimately responsible for the day to day running of the company and its strategic direction. He’s involved in all aspects of the business but with a key focus on Sales, Design & Marketing and is proud to be working closely with a wonderfully enthusiastic, passionate and creative team.

Lees Whitehead

Joint Managing Director
Lees has been in the business 27 years starting out managing Axminster production at Newhey then overseeing the transition to Colortec and more recently graphics production, he remains hands on to this day closely managing the innovative secondary backing operation. Whilst his passion lies in manufacturing and overseeing operations, he works closely with Howard enjoying the challenges of the Joint Managing Director role and ensuring the business moves forward to keep pace with the markets ever changing demands.

Janine Kerfoot

Designer
Janine joined Newhey in 1999 after achieving a first-class honours degree in Floorcoverings and Surface Pattern at Kidderminster College. Throughout the past 20 years she has seen a huge change in the company’s manufacturing activities from traditional woven Axminster to now high speed Colortec & Graphics Tufted technology. Playing an important role in understanding this transformation from a design perspective Janine has tremendous experience in all facets of the company’s manufacturing capabilities. Alongside her technical capabilities she has also been instrumental in the creative development of some of our most successful stock collections.

Sarah Richardson

Sales Director
With over 15 years’ experience in the hospitality and leisure sector, Sarah joined Newhey in January 2016. She thrives on working with designers, specifiers and end users to create inspiring interiors. She has a true passion for design and finds it immensely rewarding working with clients seeing projects come to life, from concept to fruition. Sarah understands that design is key, but also recognises the commercial aspects of projects. A Business Studies BA means she knows the challenges projects pose. Sarah’s role recently developed from Regional Sales Manager into working alongside Key Accounts to develop relationships.

Steve Cunliffe

Business Development Manager

South East & London

Steve has been working in the carpet industry for almost 45 years and has comprehensive understanding of Design, Manufacture, and Installation of carpets. He has been involved in Specification and Sales in the Contract marketplace since the early 1980’s and has been engaged in suppling carpets to virtually every type of installation imaginable, from Hotels, Airports, Sports Venues, Royal Palaces, Trains, and Ships to name but a few.Steve has a great passion for all things carpet and whether working with Designers, End Users or Contractors takes immense pride in developing designs and specifications to meet customer’s requirements.

Wendy Whitehead

Office Manager
Wendy has many years’ experience in sales and administration. Originally from the plastics industry she has been a part of the Newhey team since 2006. During this time Wendy has played a key role in the implementation of new software to assist with the day to day efficiencies of a modern sales office. More recently she has been part of the export sales team leasing with customers and ensuring their requirements are met. She is passionate about her role and enjoys working with her team to overcome the daily challenges of a busy sales and production office.

Sara Clarke

Business Development Manager
Yorkshire, North West & Cumbria - Sara has been an important part of the team at Newhey for almost 14 years. Starting life as a Project Co-ordinator, she has now progressed through the company to Business Development Manager responsible for several key territories. This progression has allowed Sara to gain a thorough understanding of the flooring industry and all aspects of the design, planning and manufacturing procedures, enabling her to offer sound and practical advice throughout the specification process. A regular on our main social media channels, watch out for posts, likes and shares to keep up to date with what’s going on at Newhey.

Robert Smith

Business Development Manager
Scotland, North East - Robert has been in the carpet industry for over 36 years. Starting in the production department of a local manufacturer, working 10 years in Export Sales dealing with the USA/Canada markets. He moved into UK Contract Sales 23 years ago working with Architects/Interior Designers & working all Commercial sectors.

Adrian Whittaker

Designer
Adrian joined Newhey in 1996 after achieving a Ba Hons in Floorcoverings and Surface Pattern at Kidderminster College. Throughout the past 23 years Adrian has gathered a wealth of product knowledge across each of our manufacturing techniques, Axminster, Colortec & Graphics Tufted, and worked extensively on Bespoke projects and the development of stock collections. Inspiration comes from William Morris, Gaudi, the Art and Crafts Movement, Art Nouveau, and Art Deco. Adrian also carries a passion for historic patterns, architecture and the latest colour trends.

And the team who make the carpet

We’re a friendly and dynamic group of carpet specialists united by our fantastic service.