Category: Ipswich Branch

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2026 Trade & DIY Events at Collier & Catchpole

We’re excited to announce our 2026 Trade & DIY Events at Collier & Catchpole. Join us across Lawford, Ipswich and Colchester for a packed calendar of seasonal trade & DIY events 🤝

Whether you’ve traded with us for years or you’re visiting for the first time, our events are a chance to catch up with the team, our highlighted suppliers, see what’s new, play some games and be part of the Colliers community.

Landscaping Roadshow – March 2026

📍 Lawford – Thursday 12th March 2026 (8am – 12pm)

📍 Ipswich – Thursday 19th March 2026 (8am – 12pm)

📍 Colchester – Thursday 26th March 2026 (8am – 12pm)

Collier & Catchpole’s Landscaping Roadshow is back for 2026, bringing leading landscaping brands to Lawford, Ipswich and Colchester for a hands-on morning of inspiration and advice. Meet highlighted suppliers including; Long Rake Spar, Global Stone Paving, Brett Landscaping, RUBI Tools, Azpects and Talasey.

Summer Bonanza – Thursday 18th June 2026

📍 Colchester

Summer Bonanza returns on Thursday 18th June 2026 at our Colchester branch, bringing together 20+ leading suppliers (to be confirmed) for a full day of inspiration, unbeatable seasonal trade deals and live demos. Open to both Trade & DIY, enjoy wood-fired pizza, competitions, prizes, giveaways and plenty of project networking.

September Sizzler – Thursday 10th September 2026

📍 Ipswich

September Sizzler returns for a forth year on Thursday 10th September 2026 at our Ipswich branch, another great day of trade deals, games and prizes. Open to Trade & DIY, the event will feature leading building material suppliers (to be confirmed), live demos, product displays and exclusive on-the-day offers + free hot dogs from The Hot Sausage Company.

Winter Wonderland – Thursday 26th November 2026

📍 Lawford

Winter Wonderland returns on Thursday 26th November 2026 at our Lawford branch, marking our final trade event of the year in true Collier & Catchpole style. Open to Trade & DIY, the day will feature leading suppliers (to be confirmed), live demos, displays, giveaways and exclusive winter trade deals + free hog roast, crackling and apple sauce sandwiches by Lawford’s Hog Roast legend.

All Collier & Catchpole events are free to attend. Open to trade & DIY. Keep an eye out on our social media for upcoming events & updates. Be there, or be a patio square.

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Part 2: More Than a Merchant: 50 Years of Collier & Catchpole

As part of our 50th year celebrations, we got the cameras back out and headed over the Orwell to our Ipswich branch to catch up with two more familiar faces.

In More Than a Merchant: Part Two, we sit down with Mick Cox and Ronnie Mapplebeck, who between them dedicated decades of service to Collier & Catchpole. What followed was more than just a conversation. It was a reminder of what has always made Collier & Catchpole special.

Mick and Ron reflect on what it truly meant to work at Colliers. There were early mornings, busy yards and the usual pressures of the trade, but what stands out most in their stories is the sense of belonging. They talk about laughter in the yard, Christmas hams, productivity bonuses, supportive managers and friendships that lasted long after retirement. It was never just a job. It was a community.

“That’s the first time I’ve ever known someone to have a company moped!” Moments like that capture the character and personality that have always been part of Collier & Catchpole, a business serious about service but never short on humour. Listening to Mick and Ron, one message comes through clearly. People mattered.

Employees were known by name. Effort was recognised. Loyalty was valued. There was pride in doing the job properly and looking after customers, and in looking after each other. It is why so many team members stayed for 30 years or more, not because they had to but because they genuinely wanted to.

That culture, built on respect, camaraderie and doing right by one another, remains at the heart of Collier & Catchpole today. For 50 years under the Collier & Catchpole name, and long before that, we have supplied bricks, blocks, timber and building materials across Essex and Suffolk. Our legacy is not just built on products. It is built on people.

A huge thank you to Mick and Ronnie for coming to visit us back at the branch, and for sharing their stories and being part of our anniversary celebrations. Always a pleasure.

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Bulk Bags Just Got a Bit Brighter

You may have noticed something a little brighter leaving our yards recently. Our bulk bags have had an upgrade.

Gone is the plain white. In their place are our new Collier & Catchpole lime green bulk bags, standing out on sites across Essex and Suffolk. We hope you like them as much as we do. More importantly, it is what goes inside them that really matters.

At Collier & Catchpole, our bulk bags are packed with the essential materials that keep projects moving. Whether you are laying a patio, preparing foundations, building up levels or finishing off a landscaping project, we supply a wide range of aggregates and building materials.

From sharp sand and building sand to ballast and gravel, from decorative aggregates to topsoil and landscaping materials, designed to make delivery and handling straightforward. Bulk bags are ideal for larger projects where consistency, quantity and convenience matter.

Bulk bags remain one of the most practical ways to order aggregates. They reduce waste, minimise multiple trips and keep materials contained and manageable on site.

If you have not ordered a bulk bag from us recently, keep an eye out for the new look next time your delivery arrives. And if you are planning a project that requires sand, gravel, ballast, decorative stone or topsoil, speak to your local branch team about what we have available. Same reliable materials. Same dependable service. Just a brighter bag.

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Meet Roger The Yard Cat

Every good builders merchant needs a yard legend. At our Ipswich branch, that legend is Roger.

About a year ago, Roger simply turned up. He started appearing around the yard, popping in to see the team and making himself known. At first, the team assumed he was just passing through. But Roger had other plans. He kept coming back, clearly keen to spend time inside with the Ipswich team.

The team began letting him in during the day, giving him a warm spot and some company, before gently putting him back outside at closing time. This went on for a couple of weeks until it became clear that Roger was not lost at all. He actually belonged to a neighbour who lives behind the yard. He just preferred hanging out with us. And honestly, who could blame him.

Before long, Roger was part of the furniture. The Ipswich team built him his own little house in the shop and he now even has a cat flap so he can come and go as he pleases. He has a proper bed behind the shop counter, where you will usually find him fast asleep, completely unbothered by the hustle and bustle of the day.

The team take turns feeding him outside of work hours, making sure he is well looked after. Customers ask about him. Regulars know exactly where to find him. He has become a proper member of the branch. Spoilt is an understatement.

Roger brings a bit of calm to the yard, a bit of character to the counter and a lot of smiles to customers walking through the door. He might not lift timber or load bulk bags, but he does a very important job all the same.

If you are visiting our Ipswich branch, do not forget to say hello to Roger the Yard Cat. Just do not be surprised if he ignores you in favour of another nap. Keep an eye out on our social media for Roger updates, we all love him, and he loves us.

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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.

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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!

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Collier & Catchpole September Sizzler 2025

Last week we welcomed customers to our Ipswich branch for the third annual September Sizzler, and once again it delivered everything it promised. “Free stuff, food on us, trade deals, games and prizes” all wrapped up in a brilliant late afternoon thunder storm.

From 9am through to early afternoon Colliers @ Wherstead Road was busy with trade professionals and DIY customers making the most of the day. Leading suppliers including TuffStuff Workwear, Azpects, Global Stone Paving, Brett Landscaping, OX Tools, RUBI Group and Brett Martin were on hand with displays, product advice and live demonstrations.

The Hot Sausage Company kept everyone fuelled with free hot dogs, while customers entered the prize draw to win a wood fired pizza oven and stepped up to the challenge to win their height in beer. The combination of exclusive on the day trade deals, giveaways and hands on product insight made it a valuable event for anyone planning upcoming projects.

What makes the September Sizzler special is the balance between business and community. It is a chance to catch up properly, talk through jobs, see materials up close and meet the people behind the brands. Events like this are a reminder that Collier & Catchpole is more than a builders merchant. We are part of the local trade community in Ipswich and across Suffolk and Essex.

A huge thank you to our suppliers, our team and everyone who came along to make this year’s September Sizzler such a success. If you missed it, keep an eye on our social media for event updates and join us at the next one.

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Steven Ward Takes on Race the Sun Jurassic Coast Challenge

A huge round of applause for our very own Steven Ward, who recently completed the gruelling Race the Sun Jurassic Coast Off Road Challenge in support of Action Medical Research.

Held on 14th June, the event marked 17 years since Steve and his teammate, known as Shadey, first took on Race the Sun back in 2008.

Returning nearly two decades later, they set themselves the challenge once again, this time raising funds for a charity dedicated to life changing research for sick and disabled children.

The course was no small task. The day began at sunrise with a 20 mile cycle, followed by a 9 mile coastal hike, a 2 mile kayak and then another 20 mile ride back to base. The goal was simple in theory but tough in practice, to complete the entire course before sunset. Steve and Shadey rose to the occasion and crossed the finish line in an impressive 8 hours and 57 minutes.

To make things even more memorable, they completed the challenge dressed as Captain America and Iron Man. Superhero costumes may have added a bit of fun, but they also added to the heat and physical demands of the day.

Not only did they conquer the course, they also raised an incredible £1,120 for Action Medical Research. The event as a whole raised more than £270,000 to help fund vital research aimed at defeating the diseases that devastate children’s lives.

Reflecting on the challenge, Steve said, “We struggled with the heat and Lycra combination to be honest but delighted to complete the event, more importantly raising invaluable funds for this special charity. I would like to thank Collier & Catchpole for their very generous donation and everybody who sponsored us.”

It is an incredible achievement and one we are extremely proud of. From everyone at Collier & Catchpole, a massive well done to you Mr Stig. You have shown that superheroes do not always wear capes, although sometimes they do.

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Part 1: More Than a Merchant: 50 Years of Collier & Catchpole

As part of our “50 Years of Being a Builders’ Merchant” celebrations, we recently welcomed a few familiar faces back through the gates at our Stanway branch.

Long-time customer Dave Cant (80), former yardman Mick Layzell (87), and Chris King (60), who first joined us in the late 1980s, returned to share their memories, laughter and reflections on a business that has stood the test of time. What unfolded wasn’t just reminiscence. It was a heartfelt tribute to a company built not only on bricks and mortar, but on trust, camaraderie and community spirit.

More Than a Merchant

There are tales of explosive paint tins, fire-drum tea breaks in the yard and unforgettable radio jingles from years gone by. But beneath the laughter runs something deeper, a reminder that Collier & Catchpole has always been about people first. “It was the best job I ever had,” Mick says without hesitation.

That sentiment echoes throughout the conversation. Dave recalls a time when cash flow was tight and how he was met with understanding and support rather than pressure. Chris talks about a workplace where everyone was known by name and treated with respect.

One particularly touching moment reflects on former owner Roy Collier, affectionately known as “The Governor”. Roy made it his business to look after his people, whether that meant mentoring, listening, offering advice or simply sharing a laugh in the yard. His leadership helped shape the culture that continues to define Collier & Catchpole today. That culture of care, loyalty and long-term thinking remains central to who we are.

The conversation also highlights just how much the construction landscape has evolved. Materials have changed, processes have modernised and the pace of the industry has accelerated.

From heavy concrete products to lightweight plastics, from brick-dominated builds to modern systems, the trade has moved forward. But what hasn’t changed is our commitment to service, integrity and relationships. “A proper family-owned business,” as Kingo puts it. And that’s exactly what we’ve aimed to be for the past 50 years under the Collier & Catchpole name, building on foundations laid long before 1975. This video isn’t just a look back.

It’s a celebration of every builder, supplier, driver, manager and customer who has helped shape our journey. Our legacy isn’t only in the buildings we’ve supplied materials for, it’s in the relationships we’ve built along the way.

More Than a Merchant

Thank you to Dave, Mick and Chris for bringing your stories back through the gates. And thank you to everyone who has supported Collier & Catchpole across the decades. Here’s to the next 50 years.

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50th Anniversary of Being a Builders’ Merchant

This month, Collier & Catchpole proudly marks its 50th anniversary of being a builders’ merchant — a golden milestone in a journey that spans nearly two centuries 🙌

From our humble beginnings in East Anglia to becoming a key element of the Essex & Suffolk construction industry, our steady evolution reflects an everlasting commitment to quality, customer service and the history within our family business.

Our story began in 1880 when William H Collier acquired ‘The Marks Tey Brickworks’ from a local farmer in Essex. Mr Wagstaff had been using the natural clay and sand on his land to produce and sell bricks. W H Collier and his wife Jessie expanded production and gave locals new opportunities beyond farming and rail.

The brickworks expanded into the supply of sand and gravel, running its operation from what is now its Colchester site, W H Collier having bought the land in 1898. At the same time, Edgar Catchpole was building homes, a community and a reputation for reliability in Ipswich. With a yard full of surplus materials, Edgar turned his building projects into a supply business.

In 1974, Roy Collier, W H Collier’s grandson, having sold the sand and gravel business, saw an opportunity for a builders’ merchant in Colchester and Ipswich and bought E Catchpole and Sons as a start. On the 7th of May, 1975, a new era began as the company officially started trading as Collier & Catchpole in Stanway.

A lot has changed over the last 50 years. Collier & Catchpole moved quickly from selling a small range of bricks, blocks, kerb and clay pipe to a complete range of general building materials. New ranges include landscaping, timber, plasterboard, plywood, insulation, tools, decking and chemicals.

“I often think that we have survived the ups and downs of an increasingly fast changing world because we have continued the tradition started by WH Collier of prioritising our staff wellbeing, investing for the long term and contributing to our local community. It is all too tempting for businesses to cash in today and waste the hard work that previous generations have expended, rather than be prudent and focus on longevity” – Tim Rowbottom

The Colliers team go above and beyond to ensure a seamless experience from the inquiry to delivery, and they know how to whistle whilst we work, which is reflected in the faces of their customers and people who love to work with them.

As we celebrate 50 years as Collier & Catchpole, we remain committed to the principles that have guided us since our inception. From hand-thrown bricks crafted from our own quarry clay to a modern fleet delivering building materials across the region, we’ve never stopped investing and evolving.

Thank you for being part of our journey. Here’s to the next 50!