25/08/2026
It’s hard to believe it’s now 18 years since Sowton Carpet Mills moved into our Exhibition Way showroom, but looking back at where it all started, it’s fair to say we’ve come a long way.
The story begins with Neil, who joined Sowton as a young single dad raising Luke and Abi, initially as a driver’s mate before quickly finding his way onto the showroom floor and impressing the then owners, Mr & Mrs Holt.
Then there was Phil, who many of our customers will know as our lovely estimator. Phil joined Sowton Carpet Mills halfway through a career as a carpet fitter, having already spent years fitting carpets across Exeter since the early 1970s.
Then, in the late 90s, Phil took on an apprentice.
Simon, A good looking, long haired lad whos stint as a semi pro skateboarder, took him around the world doing what he loved. His carpet fitting job was only meant to be “temporary” with his wages basically there to fund the wild weekends that came with being a true lad of the 90s. 🍻 🤪
In 2008, Mr & Mrs Holt decided to close the business, but John Holt offered Neil, Phil and Simon the chance of a lifetime. He sold them the company for just £1.
Three friends, one business and the start of a whole new chapter.
A few years later, Neil’s children joined too. Luke in 2013, Abi in 2018 and Cameron in 2020.
18 years later, there are more grey hairs, more wrinkles, Simon’s skateboard is firmly retired, Phil has swapped the tools for a clipboard and our fitting team has grown from 2 lads to 12.
But the important things haven’t changed.
Our passion for the business. Our love for our customers. Our pride in doing things properly.
And our golden rule:
“NEVER RIP A CUSTOMER OFF. AND IF THERE’S A PROBLEM, SORT IT, DON’T IGNORE IT.”
But above all, friendship.
As Neil has always said:
“We’re not business partners. We’re mates that work together.”
That probably sums up Sowton Carpet Mills better than anything else.
To our staff, fitting teams, suppliers, families and every single customer who has trusted us with their homes over the years…
THANK YOU. ❤️
Here’s to the next 18 years. 🥂
