In a weekly feature, we profile an established or unusual Islington business. This week we take a look at the foundations of Michael Jones’ flooring company in St Paul’s Road.

M P Jones Flooring has been at the heart of Islington for almost 40 years – and its 71-year-old owner has no plans to retire any time soon.

Michael Jones’s wife Moira said: “Some people say: ‘How on earth he does he still do this?’ but he’s fit as a flea.

“He’s still got bundles of energy.”

The flooring specialist first set up shop in Upper Street in 1970, moving into St Paul’s Road 10 years later.

“He’s so well-known in the area,” said Moira. “He’s laid most of their floors!

“We’ve never placed an advert anywhere, we’ve not got a website, and he tends to work from word of mouth. It’ll be customers just recommending him.”

Michael has been in the flooring industry since he was 15 and decided to strike out on his own after working for big clients like Argos and Marks and Spencer’s. One of his higher profile clients was Boris Johnson.

Moira said: “Local people know just because this place isn’t a glamorous showroom doesn’t mean to say we’re not a good business.”