Celebrating 50 Years of Collier & Catchpole being a Builders Merchant
A Legacy of Trust, Service and Innovation
In May, 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, Managing Director, Collier & Catchpole
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!”
Collier & Catchpole
As part of the celebrations, Collier & Catchpole welcomed long-time customer Dave Cant (80), along with former employees Mick Layzell (87) and Chris King (60) back to the branch they all fondly remember for a cup of tea and a walk down memory lane. See the full video on Collier & Catchpole’s newly updated ‘About us’ page, alongside a timeline that goes back to the 17th century.
