Posted in Minoli
30th October 2023
One of the most rewarding aspects of being an importer and distributor of porcelain tiles is working with our clients in interior design, architecture and property development.
On the one hand, Minoli is essentially a supplier of building materials which requires fundamental capabilities in logistics, stock holding, vehicle fleet management and delivery routing, amongst others. After all, it’s this ‘back office’ side of our operations that underpins the pillars of our business model – to source, stock, and reliably supply our customers with the right products, and with a level of service considered second to none.
However, there’s also a creative side to our business that’s borne out in the beautifully crafted, Italian porcelain and ceramic tiles that we carefully select from our production partners, and the consultative approach our teams have when advising on design directions, product combinations and specifications.
Sometimes it’s about the technical characteristics of a product – calibrated sizes, rectified edges, slip resistance and substrate suitability. More often though, it’s about helping our clients make design-led choices by understanding their projects and preferences, presenting different surface styles and colourways, and working with them to shortlist a selection, with budgets and timelines in mind.
Continuous advancements in the design and production of porcelain tiles allow for more inventive applications and it’s exciting to see how the interior designers and architects we work with are incorporating extra-large format slabs, different surface treatments and textures, ranges with coordinating indoor tiles and outdoor pavers, and finishes that emulate both natural and manmade materials.
For our clients in property development, we work with firms that have in-house, professional design teams, but also those who have come to rely on our advice and guidance depending on the particular scheme requirements, whether for highly bespoke residences or more formulaic developments that require prudent value engineering.
With over 100 ranges in the Minoli product portfolio, representing nearly 600 different designs, in numerous different sizes and finishes, with indoor, outdoor, mosaic and décor pieces, there are options to suit both modern and traditional properties, and innovative architectural applications.
The breadth of designs includes natural stone and concrete effects through to those that emulate marble, gemstones, wood and metallic finishes, and others with block-print patterns and artwork-like illustrations. Often the decision-making process involves sharing designs with end-users and stakeholders or seeing the tiles in the context of where they will be fitted, and that’s where the Minoli Sample Service is so helpful.
Getting hold of samples from Minoli’s tile collections is simple and our clients can collect preprepared samples in person from either of our Oxford or London showrooms, order them online in a few clicks through the Minoli website, or even contact us by phone or email to request samples to be sent by post.
Another important consideration in the selection process is delivery lead times and availability from stock, and this has been a focal point for investment by Minoli in recent years. With the expansion of our existing warehouse facilities and the acquisition of adjacent buildings, the stockholding capacity at Minoli’s Oxford distribution centre represents some £4m in net cost value and includes all our most frequently specified series.
Minoli also operate our own fleet of 10 state-of-the art, DAF LGV trucks and 8 smaller support vehicles, with Minoli employed drivers, so our clients are assured that their orders can be safely delivered to site, where and when they are needed.
Whether for individual room refurbishments or complete property renovations, new build developments or commercial, workplace and hospitality projects, Minoli has the right surface and service solutions for professional designers and developers.
If you would like to discuss requirements for forthcoming projects, request samples of any of our porcelain tile ranges, or arrange to see these products in person, please don’t hesitate to contact our teams:
Minoli Oxford – 01865 778225 / showroom@minoli.co.uk
Minoli London – 020 7474 2934 / thesurfacewithin@minoli.co.uk
Corporate Clients – Please contact your account manager directly / developers@minoli.co.uk