Kent Blaxill, the independent East Anglian building supplies company, has sharpened its business focus with the appointment of Andy Whitney and Steve Last as sales and operations managers to head two of its divisions.

Mr Whitney has been promoted to become sales and operations manager, responsible for the company's building materials He joined the company in 1978 and has completed 35 years' service with the independent merchant.

Mr Whitney is well-known to builders throughout East Anglia and, said operations director John Ford, "I am delighted that Andy has taken on this role. He is a highly able and dedicated member of the company's management team."

Steve Last has been promoted to become the merchant's sales and operations manager for the glass and glazing division. He has been with Kent Blaxill for 28 years, working in a number of different sectors of the business.

Part of Mr Last's new role will involve expanding the glass and glazing division's business to the company's seven other branches across East Anglia. "Steve is already submitting investment proposals to grow the glass business," said Mr Ford.