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Independent builders’ merchant Collier and Catchpole has invested over £200,000 in refurbishing its Ipswich shop and sales office, together with reconfiguring the yard layout.
Tim Rowbottom, manging director, said: “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”
Unveiled at the Ipswich depot on August 26, Collier and Catchpole’s shop space has successfully been increased by 33%. The official opening event was held in the yard, the team put together a timetable of events that spanned the entire working week.
Members of the team, suppliers and customers were invited to attend a green ribbon-cutting ceremony and open day event to mark the occasion. Trade displays from top suppliers such as Azpects, Pavestone, Bradstone, ACO, Mannok, Millboard, Metsä Group and Haemmerlin were featured on the day promoting new products. The Mobile Pizza Co, a local catering company was also invited to serve a selection of fresh wood-fired pizzas throughout the open day event.
Jason Wood, branch manager, said: “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”
The Colliers “Shovel Off!” game had visitors far and wide competing to hold an OX shovel at a 90-degree angle for as long as they could. Raffle tickets were given out to customers for an instant win. Prizes were donated from suppliers such as OX Tools, Rhino Flexi-tubs, Timco, ACO, Millboard and Lexden Wood Golf Club.
Louise Parkes, marketing manager, said: “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 is currently working on Suffolk’s first official Millboard Decking Display. Due for completion in September, the display will be found at the entrance of the new Ipswich shop.
