The son of Carpetright founder, Lord Harris, is to establish a rival high-street, flooring retail chain.

Martin Harris left Carpetright where he served as development director, after 23 years of service, last autumn. Five weeks later his father stepped down as chairman. He plans to grow the new chain to 200 outlets in five years, with the first store opening this summer.

Mr Harris told trade magazine, Retail Week that his father was “supportive” and that the new store was not trying to compete with Carpetright, and will target upmarket shoppers. “A lot of flooring stores are not aspirational and I want people to be inspired by the possibility of what they can do with their home,” he said.

Former chairman of textiles and retail group Coats, and nonexecutive of Carpetright from 1993-2005, Sir Harry Djangoly will be the chairman of the new company.

Lord Harris and his family still own a 10% share in Carpetright.