Independent builders’ merchant chain Kent Blaxill has formed a new operational management board to drive expansion beyond East Anglia.

Kent Blaxill, which is based in Colchester, already has more than 240 staff at 15 branches across the region, with three more sites planned during 2018.

The growth strategy includes the appointment of Mark Robinson to the newly-created role of sales director, working alongside the rest of the senior team, including Simon Blaxill, managing director, James Park, commercial director, Nick Scully, operations director, Kevin Pryke, finance director, and Allanna Docherty, HR director.

Mr Blaxill said: “One of the newest branches is in Market Harborough in the East Midlands and the time is right to form an operational management board to drive the continued expansion beyond East Anglia.”

He added: “The board decided in 2017 to invest heavily in staff development and Allanna has begun a wide-ranging programme to reinforce core values and develop a talented and motivated team.

“As a company, we have been evolving in the building materials supply industry for 180 years. We remain a family-owned business with the same core values of quality and service.

“It is very exciting for me to have a young and energetic team start 2018 with many new ideas for the next stage of Kent Blaxill’s growth. Long may it continue.”