Category: Ipswich Branch

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The Three Wood Bears: A Masterpiece from Collier & Catchpole

We’re always proud of the effort from our dedicated team, and the lengths they will go to showcase a product range. Today we want to give a special shoutout to Jason Wood, Ciaran Wood, and Callum Wood (plus Gary!) — for their latest masterpiece of a TikTok video showcasing our Ipswich branch timber range.

wood
wood

The boys understood the assignment, not only highlighting our selection of timber products, but also their charismatic personalities — Be sure to check out the full video on our social media channels: TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

Whether you’re after sawn timber, planed timber, chipboard flooring, or MDF skirting, we have you covered. Additionally, we stock timber mouldings, architrave, door frames, and door liners for a variety of construction and finishing projects. Perfect for both professional builders and DIY enthusiasts, our sheet materials and decking options ensure you’ll find the right timber solution for any job.

Explore our range of fence panels, fence posts, decking, and sleepers, ideal for creating stylish and durable garden structures. With a wide variety of timber products, you can build everything from garden fences to outdoor decking with ease and reliability.

Check out our full timber range and experience the quality and service we’re known for! (Wood family not for sale!)

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Guess How Many Teabags in the Jar Competition

Throughout November, customers took part in a fun in-store challenge, all for a chance to win one of 70 top-tier prizes.

The competition has us all scratching our heads, we had over 350 guesses throughout the month and the lucky winners have now been notified. Thank you to everyone who participated, and a big congratulations to our winners!

teabags

The correct number of teabags in the jar was 346. It was a tight competition, but here’s how the top guesses stacked up:
🥇 1st Place: Darren Wilkins, guessed 350, just 4 teabags off! He walked away with the grand prize of a Makita cordless kettle with two spare batteries.
🥈 2nd Place: Craig Ellis, guessed 337, securing his spot and winning a selection of high-quality workwear and tools.
🥉 3rd Place: Helen Kemp, guessed 358 and won an assortment of tools and some new TuffStuff work boots.

We gave away over 70 prizes in total, including workwear, boots, tools, and, of course, the grand prize of the Makita cordless kettle — perfect for making a brew on site.

teabags

We’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who took part in-store. Your guesses, enthusiasm, and support made this competition a fantastic experience for all involved. We hope you enjoyed participating as much as we did.

Big thank you to everyone who had a guess in-store and a bigger thank you to Collier & Catchpole, TuffStuff Workwear, Azpects Ltd, ACO Group, TIMCO and Keystone Lintels for sponsoring.

Stay tuned for more in-store challenges and fun competitions coming soon — and don’t forget to pop into Collier & Catchpole for all your building, landscaping, and workwear needs.

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Gary Takes on Movember: Raising Awareness for Men’s Health

We are putting the spotlight on Gary today — who is spreading awareness and raising funds for Movember this month by sporting a 10/10 moustache and sharing his story. Watch the full TikTok video here 🙌

“Movember is a leading charity changing the face of men’s health. We know what works for men – and what doesn’t..”

Since 2003, Movember has been inspiring millions of people to join the movement and make a difference by growing a moustache, getting active, or hosting events — all with the aim of shining a light on important issues such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health.

movember

“I am taking part in support of men’s health, such a worthy cause. I have had issues with mental health in the past and appreciate how isolating it feels to suffer in silence and how difficult it can be to finally open up about troubles, even to loved ones.

For me, this resulted in having a blackout at the wheel suffering physical injuries but more so emotional damage which took me a long while to fully recover from.

My wife was my absolute rock during this time and she is. She stood strong through it all and got me through basically. So, my “MOtivation” is all linked to this time in my life” – Gary Bloomfield

Click here to support Gary 🙏

movember

For all the dads, brothers, sons and mates in our lives. Let’s join forces to support men’s health this Movember.

There are many ways to join the Movember movement

  • Grow a Mo: The traditional way to participate is by growing a moustache and raising awareness
  • Move for Movember: The Order of Mo remembers the 60 men lost to suicide globally, every hour. To take part, all you have to do is run or walk 60km. Cover the distance in one go or over the month.
  • Host an Event: Get your community together to raise funds for Movember
  • Donate: Even if you can’t participate, you can always make a donation to support Movember‘s life-changing work

For more information on Movember and how you can get involved, visit Movember UK.

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September Sizzler Trade Event: Success at Our Ipswich Branch

Our very first September Sizzler at the newly revamped Ipswich branch was a huge hit! Held on Thursday, 7th September 2023, the event brought together local builders, landscapers, and DIY enthusiasts for a day filled with great food, exciting product demos, and lively discussions about upcoming projects in the community.

Visitors enjoyed everything from live demonstrations to a delicious hot dog courtesy of The Hot Sausage Co.

September Sizzler Trade Event: A Smashing Success at Our Ipswich Branch

The highlight of the day was the Build a BBQ demonstration, where Kevin showed attendees how to craft an outdoor BBQ using Pavestone Moodul Walling.

Although it was one of the hottest days we’ve seen, the live project showed how easy it can be to create your own BBQ from building materials, inspiring many to plan their next garden upgrade.

We were joined by top suppliers including: Pavestone, Azpects, OX Tools, TuffStuff, and Fernco. A fantastic opportunity for local tradespeople to network, explore the latest products, and discuss projects.

Combine two loves, DIY and BBQ’s. Building a BBQ from our Pavestone Moodul Walling. Kevin will show you how.

September Sizzler – BBQ Demo

THE HOT SAUSAGE CO.

Founded in 1989, the Hot Sausage Company was originally based in Ipswich. As a family endeavour, the business is now mainly run from Ipswich by a father and son team.

PAVESTONE

Pavestone has been synonymous with natural stone paving and walling for over a decade. Pavestone is focused on creating trading alliances with independently, privately owned builders’ merchants. Importing, manufacturing and supplying landscaping and construction products.

AZPECTS

Our revolutionary EASYJoint has become the UK’s top-selling jointing compound amongst landscaping and building professionals.Our complete range of cleaning, sealing, repairing and establishment products deliver assured results in less time with less effort.

Sizzler

OX TOOLS

Our mission drives us to do everything possible to expand every tradesperson’s potential. Creating ground-breaking tool innovations, by making products more sustainably, by building a creative and diverse global team.

September Sizzler at the newly revamped Ipswich branch was a huge hit!

TUFFSTUFF

TuffStuff is an extensive range of clothing and safety footwear which has been specifically created to provide you with quality, durability, and exceptional value for money.

FERNCO

Fernco has been at the heart of the civils and drainage sectors, playing a vital part in shaping the way contractors repair and refurbish drainage and sewer pipelines across the globe.

Thank you to everyone who attended and made the day such a success. We’re already looking forward to our next trade event and continuing to support the local building community with top-quality products and expert advice.

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How to Make a Bug Hotel Using Old Building Materials

Building a bug hotel is a fantastic way to reuse old building materials while supporting your local ecosystem by creating a safe haven for insects. Not only does it help with wildlife conservation, but it also attracts beneficial insects like bees, ladybirds, and butterflies to your garden that help pollinate plants and control pests.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating your own bug hotel using materials you may already have left-over from previous projects.

bug hotel

What You’ll Need

Bricks and Blocks: To provide the main structure and framework

Old Timber: Any offcuts or leftover pieces of wood are perfect for making different-sized compartments

Roofing Tiles: Use old tiles to make a roof that shields the bugs from rain

Drainage Pipes or Gutters: These create tubular spaces that many insects love to nest in

Decorative Aggregates: Fill gaps with decorative stones, pebbles, or slate to add texture and additional hiding spaces

Bamboo Canes: Insert bamboo or other hollow tubes to provide ideal homes for bees

Broken Terracotta Pots: Perfect for additional hiding spots

Dry Leaves, Bark, and Twigs: These are essential for filling gaps and creating a more natural habitat for wildlife

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Choose Your Location

Select a sheltered spot in your garden that gets both sun and shade. Ideally, it should be close to flowering plants to attract pollinators.

2. Create the Base Structure

Use old bricks and blocks as the base structure for your bug hotel. Stack them like you would when building a wall, leaving gaps between them. Make sure the structure is stable.

3. Add Layers with Timber

Use old timber to create multiple levels in your bug hotel. The idea is to offer a variety of spaces where different bugs can thrive. Make sure you alternate the size of spaces to cater to different types of insects.

bug

4. Fill the Gaps

Use bamboo canes, hollow stems and drainage pipes to fill any large spaces. These tubular materials provide great nesting sites for solitary bees and other small creatures. You can also pack in twigs, dry leaves, and bark to fill smaller spaces. 

5. Create Hiding Spots

Insert broken terracotta pots and smaller stones from decorative aggregates to create dark, damp places for bugs like woodlice, centipedes, and beetles to hide.

6. Make a Roof

Use roofing tiles or slabs to make a roof for your bug hotel, helping to keep it dry during wet weather. You can also add slate chippings to give it a stylish finish while protecting the bugs from the elements.

7. Decorate and Finish

Get creative by decorating the bug hotel with additional materials you have on hand. Paint some parts of the timber if you like, or add moss and grass to encourage insects to move in quicker.

bee

By reusing building materials such as bricks, timber, and slate, you not only create a haven for insects but also reduce waste, making this project both eco-friendly and sustainable.

Creating a bug hotel is an easy, affordable, and fun project that contributes to the conservation of local wildlife while also adding a unique feature to your garden. Share your own bug hotel project (big or small) with us on completion for a feature on our social media. Good luck! 🐛

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New #StickWithACO Pens: A Fun Challenge at Collier & Catchpole

Introducing our new #StickWithACO pens that aren’t just for writing, they’re for sticking on things and for (safely) throwing. Our new pens will stick to almost any surface.

They’ve quickly become a hit with our team, suppliers and customers, who’ve turned our new pens into a fun game — and we’re challenging you to join in on the action! Have you got time for a quick game of #StickWithACO?

How to Enter the Silicone Pen Challenge:

  1. Grab a pen from us in-store or at one of our events
  2. Stick/Throw the pen to something
  3. Take a photo or video
  4. Send it in or tag us in your post using #StickWithACO, or #BuildWithColliers

The Prizes:

🥇 1st Place: £50 Amazon voucher
🥈 2nd Place: £20 Amazon voucher
🥉 3rd Place: A selection of ACO Group and Collier & Catchpole goodies

The competition runs until February 28th 2023, so there’s plenty of time to get involved and take on the challenge! Whether you’re competing for bragging rights or for one of our fantastic prizes, a laugh is guaranteed.

pens

Sponsored by ACO Water Management UK & Ireland — top manufacturer of drainage management systems, and other products that stick together 💧

  • Internal and building drainage
  • Landscaping
  • Highways & airports
  • Environmentally sensitive projects

ACO has developed their own unique model (Collect, Clean, Hold and Release) which embraces the entire surface water management cycle. From the point where rain lands right through to where it re-enters the natural water environment.

Explore our range of ACO Group products on our website or visit us in-store to learn more.

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Collier & Catchpole & Azpects: Limited Edition T-Shirts

Brand new Collier & Catchpole 🤝 Azpects Ltd co-branded t-shirts. On-the-go EasyJoint installation guides in 100% cotton🍦

We’ll be giving away our new t-shirts at our events throughout the year. Whether you’re attending one of our trade shows, in-store promotions, or outdoor demos, make sure to be there to grab your hands on one.

Designed in-house, featuring the EasyJoint installation guide – the tees are exclusive to Collier & Catchpole customers. A big thank you to our friends over at Azpects for their help with this project, and for their continued support.

t-shirts azpects

Here’s a look at some of our most popular Azpects products you can find online and in-store.

1. EASYJoint: The Ultimate Jointing Compound

EASYJoint is a very quick, effective, and aesthetically pleasing way to fill joints between paving, be it natural stone or concrete flags. It is suitable for all types of paving material provided there is a gap of at least 3mm wide and 20mm deep.

The result of using EASYJoint, to joint your paving, will be a paving gap that is completely filled without the need for kneeling and compressing the material by hand that will last for years. 

2. EASYSeal Slate and Limestone Sealer and Enhancer

EASYSeal Slate AND Limestone is an advanced water based high performance sealer using the latest technology to provide a waterproof, breathable, transparent yet durable seal to limestone and slate.

Solvent free and easy to use, EASYSeal Slate AND Limestone helps to repel dirt and stains and inhibits the growth of moss and algae.

3. EASYGrout

EASYGrout is a high-quality slurry grout for use on ceramic and porcelain tiles for a fine, textured finish. This product is a cementitious grout which is applied as a slurry unlike traditional floor tile grouts. Each 15kg tub contains 3 x 5kg bags for easy use and minimal waste. 

t-shirts

4. EASYTileAlign Red Levelling Caps

These EASYTileAlign Red Levelling Caps from Azpects are convenient and easy to use. They are suitable for both suitable for traditional tile installation methods and for use with Azpects revolutionary EASYClickBase system.

EASYTileAlign ensures that a smooth, even surface is achieved on calibrated, ceramic, or porcelain tiles. Available in a bag of 50, these reusable caps are a quick and easy solution for ensuring a perfectly level patio.

4. Azpects EASYJoint Select

Developed from the best-selling EASYJoint Original, EASYJoint Select is an all-year-round jointing compound developed especially for ceramic and porcelain paving.

EASYJoint Select retains the sweep-in application method that made EASYJoint Original so popular, making it EASY to use and faster than traditional methods. Wet the paving, brush in the compound, then strike the joints for a perfect, professional finish every time.

Collier & Catchpole (Colchester, Lawford, Ipswich)

You can explore the complete range of Azpects products at Collier & Catchpole. Our knowledgeable team is always on hand to assist you in selecting the right products for your project. Pop into one of our branches or explore our website to discover how Azpects can elevate your landscaping and construction projects.

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Celebrating 40 Years of Service: Paul Reeder’s Milestone


At Collier & Catchpole, we are celebrating a significant milestone today — Paul Reeder’s 40 years of service! A huge congratulations to Paul for his dedication, loyalty, and hard work over the past four decades.

forklifting ipswich

A Message from Our Managing Director, Tim Rowbottom

“In a world of constant change, having long-serving employees is an important part of maintaining Collier’s traditions and performance. We are extremely proud that Paul has felt that we are a company he has been happy to work for over the last 40 years.”

paul reeder
celebrating 40 years

As an independent builders’ merchant, we know that the strength of our business lies not only in the quality of our building materials and customer service but also in the commitment of our long-serving employees.

In an ever-changing world, having team members like Paul, who have been with us for 40 years, helps maintain the core values, traditions, and high standards that Collier & Catchpole is known for throughout Essex and Suffolk.

Paul’s longevity with our company is a testament to the positive working environment we strive to maintain. As an independent business, we are proud to foster a team culture that encourages growth, loyalty, and a genuine sense of community.

paul reeder
celebrating with the team

Celebrating long-serving employees like Paul are a vital part of our success, and their dedication ensures that we continue to deliver exceptional service to our customers, both in-store and through our delivery services.

Our progress has always been driven by the people in our business and they remain the most valuable asset the company has. We are immensely proud that over 25% of our staff have been with us for more than 10 years with more than 50% having completed 5 years of service.

As we celebrate Paul’s 40 years with Collier & Catchpole, we remain committed to supporting our team and growing as an independent company that serves the Essex and Suffolk communities. Thank you, Paul, for being such an integral part of our journey!

bowling

For more information about Collier & Catchpole, your trusted independent supplier of building materials in Essex and Suffolk, visit us today.

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Discover the Beauty and Durability of Millboard Decking in Suffolk


If you’re looking for a decking solution that combines natural beauty with long-lasting performance, Millboard decking is the perfect choice for your garden. Inspired by the timeless appeal of real wood, Millboard is designed to outperform traditional decking in every way.

We’ve partnered with Millboard to bring you an exciting new display at our Ipswich branch, showcasing the range of decking options that will transform your outdoor space.

millboard construction


Millboard decking stands out from conventional composite decking thanks to its unique construction. As a result, it looks exceptionally like real wood, but doesn’t rot, retains high slip-resistance even when wet, and requires little maintenance other than a simple wipe clean. 

millboard
millboard

Whether you’re looking to upgrade your current decking or planning a new garden project, you can visit us to explore the variety of Millboard decking finishes and colours in person. This hands-on experience will help you choose the perfect decking option for your Suffolk home.

Millboard’s range includes popular collections like Enhanced Grain, which showcases natural wood textures, and Weathered Oak, which mimics the character of aged timber. Each option is carefully crafted to offer superior style and durability, perfect for creating inviting outdoor spaces where you can relax and entertain year-round.

millboard

With Millboard decking, you get the best of both worlds: the stunning look of natural wood with the high performance and longevity of modern materials.

“At Millboard, we believe in pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo. Our journey began with a simple yet profound idea: to create outdoor decking solutions that combine the natural beauty of wood with the durability and low maintenance of modern materials.  Our story is one of innovation and dedication. We embarked on a relentless pursuit of excellence, leveraging cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices to craft a product that exceeds expectations.”

Keep an eye out for our upcoming Pavestone landscaping display, coming soon to our Ipswich Branch.

Come visit our Ipswich shop today and explore our new decking display. Whether you’re looking to elevate your outdoor living area or need inspiration for a new landscaping project, Collier & Catchpole provides the perfect solution.

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Collier & Catchpole £200,000 Investment in Ipswich Branch


Collier & Catchpole, a leading independent builders’ merchant, has proudly invested over £200,000 in refurbishing their Ipswich shop and sales office, along with reconfiguring the yard layout. This significant investment is set to bolster their commitment to providing top-quality building materials and products for delivery and collection in Essex and Suffolk.

Investment

The refurbishment has successfully increased the shop space by an impressive 33%, allowing for better access to an extensive range of building supplies. Customers can now browse a wider selection of products, from essential construction materials to the latest in landscaping and decorative finishes.

Managing Director Tim Rowbottom expressed his enthusiasm about the upgrade: “Our business is very much based on the people we employ, but without the correct tools and facilities, they will always struggle to do the job to the highest standards. This investment continues our drive to keep the business relevant to our customers’ needs and is focused very much on the service we provide.”

Investment

On Friday, 26th August, Collier & Catchpole opened the doors to their brand-new shop at the Ipswich depot. The official opening event was a week-long celebration filled with activities that highlighted their dedication to serving the Essex and Suffolk building communities.

Trade displays from top suppliers such as Azpects, Pavestone, Bradstone, ACO, Mannok, Millboard, Metsä Group, and Haemmerlin showcased the latest building products, tools and innovations. These key suppliers are integral to Collier & Catchpole’s mission to provide high-quality building materials in Essex and Suffolk.

Branch Manager Jason Wood commented on the successful event: “Thank you to all the staff and contractors for your hard work in getting the new shop over the line. The extra space makes it much easier for customers to buy building materials, and that is really important to us.”

Investment

Fun and Games: Celebrating with the Community

The grand opening wasn’t just about showcasing products; it was also about celebrating with the community. The team organized the “Colliers Shovel Off!” game, where visitors competed to hold an OX shovel at a 90-degree angle for as long as possible.

John from Eagle Construction emerged victorious after an impressive 3 minutes and 30 seconds, taking home the shovel at the end of the event.

the mobile pizza co

Guests also enjoyed delicious wood-fired pizzas from The Mobile Pizza Co, a local catering company.

Throughout the week, raffle tickets were handed out for instant wins. Prizes were generously donated by suppliers such as OX Tools, Rhino Flexi-tubs, Timco, ACO, Millboard, and Lexden Wood Golf Club. These giveaways added extra excitement to the event and showcased the strong relationships Collier & Catchpole maintains with top industry brands.

Investment

There’s no sign of slowing down for Collier & Catchpole. Work has already begun on Suffolk’s First Official Millboard Decking Display, set to be featured at the entrance of the new Ipswich shop. Expected to be completed in September, this display will provide customers with firsthand experience of Millboard’s exceptional decking products—ideal for those looking to enhance their outdoor spaces.

In 2019, Collier & Catchpole expanded by opening a third branch in Tendring to serve the Lawford Manningtree area, reinforcing their dedication to meeting the needs of customers across Essex and Suffolk. This latest investment in the Ipswich branch is another step in their ongoing mission to provide unparalleled service and access to high-quality building materials and products.

Marketing Manager Louise Parkes summed up the company’s forward momentum: “It’s great to finally see the new shop open for business. Everyone has worked so hard. Going forward, trading at the Ipswich depot will be vastly streamlined.”

ipswich yard

Collier & Catchpole invites all customers, new and existing, to visit the newly refurbished Ipswich shop to explore the expanded range of building supplies. With improved facilities and an even larger selection of products, finding the right materials for your project has never been easier.

Can’t make it to the store? No problem! Visit colliercatchpole.co.uk to shop online and arrange for convenient delivery or collection in Essex and Suffolk. From construction materials to landscaping products, Collier & Catchpole is your one-stop shop for your building materials.