INDUSTRY UPDATE THE IPG Supporting Independents THE TILE ASSOCIATION COLUMN


The power of rewarding loyalty: How The IPG App is driving engagement for independents


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ndependent members of The IPG have always built their success on relationships. Strong local connections, expert


advice and personal service continue to set them apart from larger competitors. However, in an increasingly competitive market, giving customers an additional reason to choose independent businesses can make all the difference. That is exactly where The IPG App is making an impact. Recently, a loyal customer of IPG member Fords South West won a


£3,000 holiday to New York through a supplier-backed competition on the platform. While the first headline prize generated excitement, the real story is how the app is helping independent members attract customers and encourage repeat visits. The IPG App rewards installers for visiting participating member stores.


Through a growing programme of supplier-sponsored competitions, promotions and exclusive offers, tradespeople gain access to rewards that are not available elsewhere. The benefits extend beyond prize giveaways. For members, the app


creates additional touchpoints with customers, encourages repeat visits and provides a way to differentiate from competitors. Suppliers also gain greater visibility and direct access to installers. The New York holiday may have been the first major headline prize, but


it is only one example of the opportunities available through the platform. With a growing range of competitions and promotions planned, The IPG App continues to deliver meaningful benefits for merchants, suppliers and installers alike. For independent businesses looking to strengthen customer


relationships and drive loyalty, it is proving to be a valuable tool in an increasingly competitive marketplace.


Nike Lovell, Marketing Director, The IPG.


Record-Breaking Number of Visitors for Newly Rebranded ExpoTile 2026 and TTA Awards 2026 Winners


The Tiling Show, backed by new sponsor NoMorePly Boarding Systems. Later that day, TTA Awards 2026 hosted an evening of celebration, recognising the brands, people, products and services that are leading the future of tiling. From mini golf to Star Wars, free prizes to tool demonstrations,


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ExpoTile’s stands had a wealth of attractions for visitors to enjoy. A key development for 2026 was the increased focus on UK tile distribution, in addition to presence from Tile of Spain, growing the exhibition’s value for a retailer audience. ExpoTile is the only UK trade show which brings together so many leading tile distributors, domestically and internationally, to inspire new designs and strengthen supply chains. Winner of the Tile Fixer of the Year 2026 TTA Award Luca Dennis of


Balderton Tile Centre also received a variety of prizes worth £3,500 collectively provided by exhibitors at the Show. TTA Awards


guests enjoyed celebrations in style with a good atmosphere and three-course meal, with singing and comedy from TV personality Bobby Davro. This was followed with the event’s popular Afterparty, sponsored by Progress Profiles, complete with a photobooth and with live music from the brilliant Paul Martyn. Standout recognitions include Charles Clapham MBE of Palace


TTA Awards 2026 winners celebrating.


Chemicals Ltd winning the Lifetime Achievement Award, delivering an inspiring speech and joined by his family, and Craig Scott of W Rodgerson & Sons winning Tile Fixer of the Year. Congratulations to all the evening’s TTA Award winners, which is an outstanding achievement and the highest accolade available in the tiling industry. For the full list of winners, visit:


www.tiles.org.uk/tta-awards/ Photographs from the day are available online.


uwww.the-ipg.co.uk 42 BKU JULY 2026


Visit: www.tiles.org.uk/events/galleries uwww.tiles.org.uk


n 5th June at Hilton Birmingham Metropole, it was a brand new launch for ExpoTile 2026, formerly known as


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