From hand-thrown bricks crafted from our own quarry clay, to a modern fleet delivering building materials across the region, we’ve never stopped evolving. Today, we’re a team of 45, running three sites and six crane lorries. Here’s how we got here:

The story begins in 1880, when William Holman Collier decides to leave the family brickmaking business ” S E Collier” in Reading in search of a fresh start. With his wife Jessie by his side, he made the 110-mile journey by steam train to Stanway, Essex. There, they acquired “The Marks Tey Brickworks” from a local farmer, Mr Wagstaff, who had been using the natural clay and sand on his land to produce and sell bricks. Not only did William and Jessie expand production, they gave locals new opportunities beyond farming and rail — laying the groundwork for a business rooted in people, purpose, and place. A team of eight still continues the tradition of brick-making at W H Collier today.

Meanwhile in Ipswich, Edgar Catchpole was building homes, communities, and a reputation for reliability. E Catchpole and Sons were responsible for building many houses and factories in Ipswich. With a yard full of surplus materials, he turned his building projects into a supply business. In 1974, Roy Collier acquired E Catchpole & Sons, marking the start of Collier & Catchpole as we know it today.

One of our favourite stories goes back around 45 years, when Roy relocated the Ipswich yard a few miles up the road. Bill, our long-serving Buyer, didn’t drive and had always walked to work. Bill had been with E Catchpole & Sons for over 48 years and remained part of the team after the business joined the Collier family. True to his character, Roy quietly bought Bill a moped to make the commute easier. Bill rode that moped for years, and when he finally retired, Roy handed him the logbook. As retired team member Mick Cox put it: “As far as I know, Bill is the only person EVER to have had a company moped!”

Collier & Catchpole

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