Worldwide marketing group Carlson Marketing has confirmed that its Bristol office is to close at the end of May.

Rumours of the closure had been circulating for some time, until Carlson confirmed the closure on 28 April, describing the shutdown as a “reintegration” of its “satellite operation”, which would be absorbed back into the company’s London headquarters. They said the move was designed to create a single, end-to-end, full service creative function for the agency.

However, staff at the Bristol office told The Drum that the office was indeed closing, with all staff being made redundant. “The agency will be offering relocation assistance to staff, as well as enhanced redundancy packages for any that do not wish to move to London,” a spokesperson for Carlson Marketing said in a statement.

“A handful of people have already taken us up on it and are here. Some people are still in negotiations. They were also given help getting their CVs and creative books together,” the spokesperson confirmed.

“Any who choose redundancy will be offered CV and interview coaching, while creatives will also be given assistance to enhance their portfolios.”

Jonathan Harman, CEO, EMEA, at Carlson Marketing, said the job losses would “create a single, fully integrated team, drawing our creative product to the core of the business.”

“Creativity is at the heart of our philosophy, and this is very much a long term strategic decision to help us deliver the best possible work for our clients,” he added.