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Ipswich CTD Tiles store to close as part of Topps Tiles acquisition

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Topps Tiles has bought the CTD Tiles brand and 30 stores for £9m, but Ipswich's branch is set to close. The deal will save 92 jobs nationwide, but 268 staff members will still be made redundant.

The big picture: CTD Tiles entered administration on 19 August, leading to a partial buyout by competitor Topps Tiles. While some stores will remain open under new ownership, Ipswich's outlet, located at Anglia Retail Park, is among those expected to close.

CTD Tiles showroom in Ipswich
CTD Tiles showroom in IpswichOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

By the numbers:

  • 30 CTD stores acquired by Topps Tiles

  • £9m paid for the acquisition

  • 92 jobs saved across the UK

  • 268 staff made redundant company-wide

  • 56 stores, including Ipswich, to close

Why it matters: The closure of Ipswich's CTD Tiles store will impact local jobs, though the exact number of redundancies in our area is currently unknown.

What they're saying: Topps Group chief executive Rob Parker called the acquisition "an excellent fit with our existing business" and said it "creates a new and complementary specialist tile business within the Topps Group."

Between the lines: The deal allows Topps Tiles, who already have an outlet in Ipswich, to expand into the housebuilder market.

The bottom line: While the acquisition secures some jobs and stores nationally, Ipswich's CTD Tiles outlet will close, affecting local workers.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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University to showcase student creativity alongside industry experts at Ipswich event

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The "Unlocked: Creative Industries" event will close with "Arts Unlocked," a vibrant celebration of emerging creative work from University of Suffolk students.

Why it matters: The free event this Friday, 16 May at The Hold in Ipswich brings together local arts, culture and heritage stakeholders to address issues and opportunities facing the creative sector.

The big picture: This is the University's second event in the "Unlocked" series designed to foster collaboration, exchange knowledge, and develop strategies for innovation, growth, and sustainability within different sectors.

The Hold in Ipswich
The free event will take place at The Hold in IpswichOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

The details: The day will feature an inspiring keynote from Rosy Greenlees OBE, who will celebrate the role of creativity in education, business, and community life.

Panel discussions will cover education and skills development, building creative communities and the business of creativity.

Interactive workshops will provide practical guidance on:

  • Navigating funding opportunities

  • Successfully supporting internships

  • Setting up a creative business

Attendees will also have the opportunity to network and explore the knowledge exchange marketplace throughout the day.

What they're saying: Professor Emma Bond, Pro Vice-Chancellor Research and Knowledge Exchange at the University of Suffolk said: "We are proud to host our upcoming 'Unlocked' knowledge exchange day, an inspiring event designed to encourage the exchange of ideas, drive collaboration, and create new knowledge opportunities across the creative sector."

She added: "Part of the university's ongoing commitment as a civic institution, the 'Unlocked' series offers a platform for diverse communities to come together on our Ipswich campus and engage with the issues that matter most to them."

The bottom line: The event aims to strengthen ties between the university and local creative communities while nurturing dialogue and innovation. Those interested can book a free place at: https://www.uos.ac.uk/ipswich-unlocked/

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

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