HE'S a crawler who's spent most of his working life on his knees, grovelling at the behest of his customers - but that's exactly how he likes it!

Carpet fitter turned company director Paul Harwood found that the more time he spent on all fours, the more his business flourished

If anyone knows all about rolls - and roles for that matter - it's the floor-coverings expert from Chorley-based Harwoods Carpets.

He's so proficient that he's been invited to contribute to several episodes of ITV's Carol Vorderman's Better Homes - for a second time!

Paul's expertise, coupled with Harwoods reputation, opened the door to Better Homes, raising the company's profile far beyond Chorley.

"We were recommended to the show's producers last year," explained Paul. "Initially, we helped to upgrade two homes for a programme shot in Leyland. Granada was obviously pleased with our efforts and asked us to provide floor-coverings for two more editions of the show, in Nuneaton and Littlehampton.

"They have come back for more in the second series. "They complimented us on the speed and efficiency of our fitting. And as I organise all of that, I found it personally very pleasing even though I never got to star on screen."

Paul does very little 'hands-on' these days, but what he doesn't know about the job wouldn't fit on a miniature carpet sample.

"I had 20 years on my knees, doing the job and training people up to the Harwoods standards, and now I've hung up my staple gun. Mind you, I miss a lot of the banter. I could write a book - Confessions of a Carpet Fitter - you wouldn't believe some of the situations you find yourself in.

"We once turned up at a house and a tiny old lady opened the door. She was wearing a black curly wig tied under her chin with a black shoelace. Honestly, you couldn't make it up and we couldn't work for laughing. And the things you find in people's bedrooms when all you want to do is fit a carpet - it makes me blush to think about it."

Paul is time-served in the demanding trade, but reckons he's as fit as he ever was.

"My dad taught us to look after ourselves at work. Protect your knees with pads, wear decent overalls, lift loads carefully and you will avoid arthritis, creaky joints, bad backs, 'builder's bum' and all those other occupational hazards.

"As a result, I've no after-effects from so long at ground level. I'm an ex-fitter, fit enough to face most challenges, including my kids!"

When the company re-organised, Paul fitted quickly into his new 'roll' and is better equipped than anyone to have an overview of the business.

He said: "The experience gained in my former position is invaluable as director and team leader of the carpet fitters.

"I'm in charge of all operations. Each day, I sort the fitters out, all their carpets, coverings and accessories. Timings, equipment, materials, all have to be programmed to suit the requirements of each individual order.

"It's my job to make sure everything runs smoothly and the team has what is needed to fulfil orders efficiently and to provide customer satisfaction.

"The team is well-established and works very well together. My job is to ensure it stays that way and make the most of everybody's strengths."

Directing 'operations' means time spent balancing, organising and liaising with everyone else to pull the Harwoods team together - making sure everything 'fits' - into the bigger picture, that is.

"Systems, that's what it's all about," says Paul. "We have all worked to install systems which provide the fitters with an efficient schedule of jobs, along with codes of practice which are backed up by inspection and customer services.

"If everyone does their bit properly, the systems will run. I don't need to be called out very often these days"

Harwoods have an experienced in-house team of carpet fitters, supplemented

by regular 'freelances.' They too are imbued with the 'systems,' providing a mutually beneficial arrangement.

Paul enjoys the variety of challenges thrown up by his mantle as operations

director. That's only 'fitting,' yet he has a safety valve waiting at the bottom of the garden.

For apart from knowing his carpets, Paul also knows his onions and can still

be found on all fours, but tending his garden.

"It can be a bit hectic at times, but if needs be, I can relax from work by knuckling down to the garden.

"Fruit and vegetables are a speciality of mine, it's something I've always been interested in. I have a patch with potatoes, onions, raspberries, blackcurrants and apples, there's always plenty to go at." You just can't keep Paul Harwood off his knees!