Essex building materials Archives

Posted on 2 December 20242 January 2025 by Louise Parkes

Collier & Catchpole Lawford Hosts 1st Winter Wonderland Trade & DIY Event

“The perfect way to finish this year’s trade shows — great suppliers, a few cheeky churros & exclusive winter trade deals”

On Thursday 28th November, we hosted our first Winter Wonderland event. It was certainly one for the memory books. A great turnout of customers and suppliers, paired with winter sunshine, giveaways, games, hot churros & chocolate. We couldn’t have asked for more.

🍫 Fried churros & chocolate sauce (9.30am – 1.30pm)
📻 Prize draw to win a Makita UK DAB Radio & D.I.Y S’more Kit
❄️ Competition to win your own height in beer
👏 Live demos, displays & giveaways from RUBI UK & Ireland, Azpects Ltd, TIMCO, Mannok, Pavestone UK Limited, Sika, Brett Martin, Keylite and Colchester Institute.

“It was a great day and well organised, looking forward to the next one!” – Adrian. “Fantastic event, very welcoming environment and an amazing team at Collier & Catchpole. Well done to all involved” – Tristan. “Really enjoyed this event, great marketing again, a pleasure to see hard work come together” – Carl.

Meet The Winter Wonderland Exhibitors

Brett Martin Ltd is a global player supplying specialist plastic products for the construction, fabrication sectors worldwide. “Brett Martin is the UK and Ireland’s leading independent building products manufacturer with a comprehensive Underground, Rainwater and Plumbing product range, including the innovative Cast Iron Rainwater and Soil system, Cascade.”

Colchester Institute‘s Trowel Trades & Wood Occupations department: In partnership with industry leaders like Collier & Catchpole. “We deliver hands-on training and real-world experience. Our learners gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence to excel in the construction industry, preparing them for the next step — higher education, apprenticeships, or employment — ensuring they are workplace-ready and poised for success.” – Tristan Edwards / Chris Coe, M.Ed.

Established in 1972 — TIMCO imports and supplies more than 8,000 quality products from around the world. “From screws and fixings to power tool accessories, hand tools, adhesives, chemicals, personal and site protection, security, ironmongery, building hardware and beyond”

Based in Ipswich, Suffolk — Azpects Ltd have been developing, manufacturing and distributing hard landscaping products since 2009. “We produce products that make creating and maintaining hard landscaping EASY. The revolutionary EASYJoint has become the UK’s top-selling jointing compound amongst landscaping and building professionals.” Mica / David.

Keylite Roof Windows offers a full range of roof windows, blinds, timber loft ladders, flashings, electric operation kits and accessories. “We believe that every product produced should provide the very best in innovation, quality and value for money.” – Abie Jackson.

Mannok is one of UK & Ireland’s most diverse and experienced manufacturers of premium construction products. “Manufacturing and service excellence coupled with a passion for quality is at the core of our business and our aim is to provide an unrivalled technical support to architects, designers, engineers, contractors and building owners” Adrian Downes

RUBI Group specialise in the design and manufacture of machinery and tools for cutting, placing and maintaining tiles. “At RUBI we evolve day by day hand in hand with professionals from all over the world, providing them with the necessary tools to obtain the best results”.

Sika (Everbuild) is a specialty chemicals company with a globally leading position in the development and production of systems and products for bonding, sealing, damping, reinforcing, and protection. “The reputation for Sika for quality and reliability is virtually unmatched, illustrated through a comprehensive portfolio of problem solving products that have been employed for many years” – Chris Forsyth.

This year we have done our best to ramp up our in-house events and the support we have received from our suppliers and customers has boosted the Collier brand and paved the way for the future trade days.

Well done to the Lawford team, you hosted a 10/10 event. We can still smell the churros! See you again next year for Winter Wonderland 2025. Click here to see our top photos from our “family photoshoot”.

Some highlights from the event

Posted on 17 October 202323 October 2024 by Louise Parkes

Collier & Catchpole Proudly Supports Colchester Institute Wood Occupations

“Helping to build the future”

We are proud to announce our sponsorship of the Colchester Institute Wood Occupations Department. Our first delivery of MDF and sawn timber marks the beginning of a valuable partnership that aims to nurture the next generation of skilled woodworkers and carpenters in Colchester and the surrounding areas.

Chris from Colchester Institute commented: “Collier & Catchpole have made a substantial and lasting impact on the lives of budding woodworkers and carpenters.

Their commitment to nurturing talent and fostering craftsmanship is truly commendable! With their support. We can provide our apprentices with the tools, training, and resources they need to excel in their craft.

Thank you Collier & Catchpole, for believing in our mission and investing in the next generation of woodworkers. Your partnership is a shining example of corporate social responsibility and community empowerment.”

We believe that investing in woodworking education not only empowers students but also helps build a skilled workforce for the future.

Our partnership sign has now been installed at Colchester Institute above the doors of the new woodworking suite. We would like to thank Hardwood Signs for their 10/10 craftsmanship, quality and attention to detail.

“Thanks to Collier & Catchpole for sponsoring our new apprenticeship suite. The partnership has allowed for the Level 2 Year 2 Site Carpenter and Joiners to build 2 bungalows inside our new workshop space” – Chris Coe, M.E

Supporting the development of skilled trades is not just about providing materials—it’s about ensuring a strong foundation for the future of construction in our region. Together with Colchester Institute, we are committed to creating opportunities for students to hone their skills and contribute to the local economy.

Thank you to the team at Colchester Institute, so much to look forward to. Let’s build the future together!

Our range of timber products and building materials is available for both delivery and collection from our Colchester, Ipswich, and Lawford branches. Whether you’re working on a self-build, home improvement, or a commercial project, we have everything you need to get the job done.

Posted on 1 July 202323 October 2024 by Louise Parkes

Collier & Catchpole Hosts 1st Summer Bonanza Trade Show Event

On Friday, 23rd June, Collier & Catchpole hosted its first-ever Summer Bonanza Trade Show Event at their Colchester branch. The event brought together customers, suppliers, and industry experts for a day packed with networking, demonstrations, and fun activities.

The event was an opportunity for customers to meet the Collier & Catchpole team and discuss their projects with over 60 industry professionals.

Experts representing a range of product categories, including bricks, blocks, timber, and drainage, were available to provide advice and guidance. Customers could also explore the vast selection of building materials and landscaping products that Collier & Catchpole offers for both delivery and collection from their Stanway, Ipswich, and Lawford branches.

Guests had a blast playing on the retro Pac-Man machine, racing in driving simulators and everyone who visited had a chance to win a 50-inch Samsung TV—which was taken home by Graham from IFIX at the end of the event. To keep energy levels high, over 280 freshly cooked wood-fired pizzas from The Mobile Pizza Co were served to customers throughout the day, as well as burgers and hot dogs.

The first 50 visitors were treated to gift bags filled with goodies, including Pavestone mugs, Collier Hats, Pick&Mix sweets and TuffStuff workwear socks, making the experience even more memorable.

32 leading building material brands came to exhibit including, Ox Tools, Haemmerlin, Pavestone, Toolbank, Azpects, ACO Group, TuffStuff Workwear, and Brett Martin.

Velux brought their famous show-trailer, featuring a fully fitted loft space with Velux skylights, giving visitors a tangible experience of how these products can enhance their homes.

Rockwool demonstrated their fire and water insulation capabilities in a 10m-long mobile display and Millboard impressed attendees with their exhibition showroom.

Colchester Branch Manager Matt Whymark said, “It was fantastic to see customers and suppliers come together. It was a brilliant turnout, and the entire team put in an amazing effort. We can’t wait for the next Summer Bonanza!”

Commercial Manager and Event Organiser Karl Flintoff added, “The event was an excellent opportunity for our suppliers to demonstrate their expertise and product range. The feedback has been phenomenal, with many asking, ‘When’s the next one?‘ It’s a testament to the strong relationships we’ve built with our suppliers.”

The success of the event, with some calling it “the best trade show they had ever been to” sets the stage for more exciting events at Collier & Catchpole. Keep an eye on our social media for event highlights, supplier updates, and news on future trade shows.

Posted on 28 September 202225 October 2024 by Louise Parkes

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.

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.”

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.

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!

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

Posted on 27 August 202223 October 2024 by Louise Parkes

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.

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.”

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.”

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.

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.

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.”

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.