Birmingham, England, February 7--Nick Hood is a man that has brought European rivals to their knees. The 30-year-old Birmingham fitter's skills had already made him Britain's carpet laying champion.
Now, after flooring Continental pretenders to his crown, he has also bagged the European title.
Nick earned the title as part of a three-man British team. which beat German and Swiss rivals at the European final at Domotex in Hannover, Germany.
He's the third generation of his family at Hood Carpets and Flooring Ltd, one of the city's oldest carpet shops.
Nick, together with teammates Ian Williams, from Oxford, and Gary Middleton, from Hull, spent three days in front of judges laying laminate flooring, capping and coving, and fitting carpet tiles.
Nick learned his trade with dad Gerald, aged 60, who now runs the shop, and was also taught by uncles Ronald and John.
The business was started by his grandmother Hilda in 1939 and they are still on the same site in Alcester Road, Maypole.
"Even though I've been laying carpets since I was at school, the market changes all the time and there's always something new to learn," said Nick, who attended Woodrush High School and is also a master fitter with the National Institute of Carpet and Floorlayers.
"You must also never be too proud to admit you've made a mistake - we're all human!"
Gerald, whose wife Marilyn also helps out, added: "There's a lot of skill involved and I admire Nick for going through with the competition.
"Most of our eight staff went over to Hanover to cheer him on.
"We've survived on our reputation and recommendation, and have loyal customers as far afield as London and Dartmouth."
