COLCHESTER-based East Anglian building supplies firm Kent Blaxill has announced three senior management appointments as part of its ongoing strategy of investing to be ready for economic recovery.

COLCHESTER-based East Anglian building supplies firm Kent Blaxill has announced three senior management appointments as part of its ongoing strategy of investing to be ready for economic recovery.

The appointments hinge around the promotion of Chris Barton to the new role of development manager. Mr Barton has been instrumental in choosing the company's new IT system, and 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 Chris Barton as Colchester branch manager. Jasper previously managed the Bury St Edmunds branch, having joined the company four years ago.

James Ford, who has been a sales representative, has been appointed as manager of the Bury St Edmunds branch.

Operations director John Ford 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.

“Over the past year the company has also purchased three heavy goods vehicles, and refurbished its kitchen showroom as recently as August.”