Author: Tim Rowbottom

Posted on by

Welcoming Jack Rowbottom to Collier & Catchpole

We are delighted to officially welcome Jack Rowbottom to the Collier & Catchpole team.

Jack has joined us in the Ipswich yard, where he has already begun learning all aspects of the business. His arrival marks a proud milestone for everyone at Colliers, as he represents the next generation of the Collier family.

His grandfather, Roy Collier, founded Colliers as we know it today, and his great great grandfather, W H Collier, laid the very first foundations of the Collier business back in 1880. For generations, Collier & Catchpole has been built on strong family values, local expertise and a long term commitment to the communities and industries we serve. Having another Collier family member working alongside us is a meaningful reminder of both where we have come from and where we are heading.

Reflecting on his new role, Jack shared, “I am very happy to share that as of September, I have started a new position and career change as Yardhand at Collier & Catchpole. I am excited and proud to contribute, in at least a small way, to my family’s longstanding business.”

Jack brings fresh energy, new ideas and a strong personal connection to Colliers. More than simply a new team member, he represents a continuation of our story. A story that began nearly 150 years ago and continues to grow stronger with each generation.

We look forward to supporting Jack as he develops his knowledge across the yard and wider business, learning the values, standards and service that have shaped Collier & Catchpole for decades. Here’s to this exciting new chapter and to building a future that honours our past. Welcome aboard, Jack. It is great to have you with us.

Posted on by

Louise Parkes Named BMF Young Merchant Achiever 2025

We are incredibly proud to share that our very own Louise Parkes has been named BMF Young Merchant Achiever at the 2025 BMF Building Excellence Awards.

This recognition is a huge achievement, not only for Louise personally but for Collier & Catchpole as a whole. The award celebrates rising talent within the builders’ merchant sector and highlights individuals who are helping to shape the future of our industry. For Louise, the journey into building materials was not a traditional one.

When she joined Collier & Catchpole three and a half years ago, she had never even stepped inside a builders’ merchant. Fast forward to today, and she plays a key role in telling the stories of our people, our suppliers and the projects that shape the world around us. “It is not about where you come from, it’s where you end up.”

That belief sits at the heart of Louise’s story. Her path proves that the building materials industry truly has a place for everyone, regardless of background or experience. With curiosity, creativity and a willingness to learn, she has embraced the sector and helped showcase the opportunities it offers.

Through marketing, events, supplier partnerships and championing careers in construction, Louise has worked to highlight the people behind the products. From celebrating our 50 year milestone to promoting trade events and industry initiatives, her passion for the sector is clear. In her own words, the industry does not just build homes and commercial spaces. It builds careers, communities and long term opportunities.

Louise would like to thank Collier & Catchpole, Tim Rowbottom, the Builders Merchants Federation, John, Jeremy, Dianne, the Building Materials Careers working group and everyone who has supported her along the way.

We are delighted to see her recognised at a national level and proud to have her representing both our business and the wider merchant sector. Congratulations Louise!