THE Carpet Foundation will enter 2002 with a new member on board.

The foundation, which was set up to boost the image of carpet, has been joined by Blackburn-based Causeway Carpets.

A major factor in Causeway's decision to join was the success of the foundation's quality mark to ensure top-notch product.

Causeway marketing manager Liz Haben said: "The introduction of the quality mark sealed our decision.

"We have been monitoring the activities of the foundation and the feedback we are getting from the market place is that the quality mark is becoming well-known and accepted."

The Kidderminster-based carpet body introduced the mark because too many people had suffered from manufacturers' excessive suitability claims.

Carpet expected to last seven to 10 years often wears out in three. However, the mark guarantees product durability and quality.

The appointment takes membership of the group, set up two years ago, to 14 leading manufacturers nationwide.