An 186-year-old firm has appointed a new manager at one of its branches in Suffolk. 

Kent Blaxill Builders Merchants is one of the oldest institutions in East Anglia, having been established in 1838.

The firm has announced Gavin Welch as its new branch manager for its store in Arras Road, located just off Dettingen Way in Bury St Edmunds. 

Mr Welch previously worked for a firm in London for a number of years, acquiring a wealth of merchanting experience.

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He said: “I’m delighted to lead a fabulous team of 11 here at the Arras Road branch. There is plenty of opportunity for growth, and customer feedback on the developments we’ve made so far has been hugely positive.”

It comes after the Bury St Edmunds branch, as well as the site in Colchester, was acquired by the Independent Builders Merchants Group ( IBMG) 12 months ago. 

Independent Builders Merchants Group is the largest owner of independent merchants in the South of England.