Kent Blaxill adds two managers

Kent Blaxill, the independent East Anglian builders merchant, has announced three senior management appointments as part of its ongoing investment strategy.

Chris Barton has been promoted to the new role of development manager. Having been instrumental in choosing the company’s new IT system, he will be responsible for the installation of the new software. He will also take control of the communications strategy, and specific large projects such as branch network development.

Jasper Smathers will take over from Barton as Colchester branch manager. He previously managed the Bury St Edmunds Branch, having joined the company four years ago.

James Ford has been appointed as manager of the Bury St Edmunds branch.

John Ford, operations director, said: “These moves underline the company’s strategy of investing throughout the recession in order to ensure we will be stronger as the market recovers. As a result, unlike many businesses around, we have not had to make any staff redundant and we continue to invest in training to make sure they are equipped to take full advantage of the recovery. Our glazing team regularly have training to ensure they are up to date with all current legislation and are capable of taking large, high-value contracts.”