New owners settle into life at Larter and Ford in Diss

A well-established Diss business has welcomed new owners – only its sixth in nearly 200 years of serving the community.

Andrew Seager and Michael Downes announced that they have taken over Larter and Ford on Market Hill.

The homeware, kitchen equipment, DIY tools and gardening supplies shop is said to have been founded in the town in 1832.

“As a Diss boy, growing up, I always remember Larter and Ford,” Mr Seager told the Diss Express.

“So in February, when the opportunity came up, as I knew the previous owners, we jumped at the chance.

“We are delighted to be here now and, given the history of the business, we feel like its custodians.”

The shop, which was originally called Aldridge Bros, was gutted by a fire in 1938 and sold to Mr Larter and Mr Ford before being reopened with its recognisable name in 1940.

John and Julie Maskell took over the business in 1961, before passing it on to Carl Edwards in 2013.

Mr Edwards retired in 2021 and it was then owned by the Tipping family until recently.

Mr Seager, 52, worked in the charity sector for most of his career, before deciding he wanted to do something different. He said it was an honour to carry on the shop’s legacy.

“We want to ensure that the shop remains true to its history and has excellent customer service,” he said.

“We are also really looking forward to working alongside the many amazing independent retailers in Diss, including being part of the Heritage Triangle.”

Mr Downes, who previously worked part time at the shop, will now be the site’s manager.

He said: “The customers, who have come in over the past 192 years, make the shop, so however small or big their purchases are here, they are more than welcome to continue the tradition of Larter and Ford.”

The pair said the support from the town had been incredible.

Mr Seager said: “The feedback has been amazing. I have been completely blown away by just how lovely people have been.

“It has been overwhelming and we are a bit humbled by it, to be honest. We have even had good luck messages from some of the other independent businesses in Diss, which has been great.

“We are now reconnecting with suppliers and getting new stock in gradually and will look to evolve the great base and history that we have here already.”

Mr Seager, who once lived in Taylor Road in the town, added that it was great to help people who he had known for years, as well as many new faces.

“We have been assisting people I went to school with, or who perhaps know my mum.

“This is what Larter and Ford has been about since it started: serving the community.

“Diss is a beautiful place. I have always loved this community and I want us, as an independent business, to help people here as best we can for years to come.”

Larter and Ford, which is located at 15 Market Hill, is open from Monday to Saturday, between 9am and 4pm