East Anglian builders’ merchant Collier & Catchpole has appointed Jasper Smathers as its new branch manager of the Ipswich yard.

Mr Smathers is delighted to return to the town after spending the last seven years with Kent Blaxill in Colchester and Bury St Edmunds.

He said: “Not only am I back in Ipswich but I am very excited about the opportunity to play a key role as Collier & Catchpole shifts from being known as a specialist civils merchant to achieve greater recognition as a general merchant.”

Tim Rowbottom, managing director is delighted to welcome Mr Smathers to Collier & Catchpole: “We are recruiting with an eye to the future and believe that Jasper, with his experience, energy and enthusiasm is a perfect addition to the team.”

Mr Smathers is taking over from Roger Tricker who will continue to work with the organisation in the new role of purchasing manager based in Colchester. He is looking forward to the strategic post which will see him working more closely with suppliers to improve the product offering across both branches.