Stuart Burlton – Make an Entrance – The UK-Made Matting Brand with a Bigger Purpose

Recorded at the start of a new year for The UK Flooring Podcast, this episode sits down with Stuart, Founder and Managing Director of Make an Entrance, a UK manufacturer and retailer specialising in bespoke entrance matting and logo mats for both commercial spaces and homes.From an unexpected early career in music to building and scaling businesses, Stuart shares how Make an Entrance has grown from traditional coir matting roots into a modern UK-made operation, supplying everything from residential orders to major brand projects.One of the most meaningful parts of this conversation is the company’s partnership work with HM Prison services, centred on rehabilitation and skills development. Stuart explains how structured, supervised work and training can help people build confidence, learn practical skills, and improve employability after release. It’s a grounded, human look at doing business with purpose, while still maintaining high standards and quality control.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Stuart’s journey into business, and the surprising route that led him into matting and manufacturingHow Make an Entrance moved from selling online to investing in UK-based production and why that decision mattersThe heritage side of the trade: traditional coir matting, craftsmanship, and what customers still value todayLogo mats, commercial projects, and how retailers can make matting an easy add-on saleThe rehabilitation partnership: why skills, routine, and training can genuinely help people rebuild their livesThe realities of running a small UK manufacturer in 2026, including cost pressure and growth challengesStuart’s biggest lesson: knowing your numbers, making decisions faster, and staying focusedMemorable Quote:“I don’t want to be sat at 60 thinking, I wish I’d had a go at that.”Guest InformationStuartFounder & Managing Director, Make an EntranceBusiness enquiries: [email protected] (FAO Stuart)Where to Find The UK Flooring Podcast:Website: https://theukflooringpodcast.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theukflooringpodcast/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theukflooringpodcast/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.