Brick specialist Shaun Balaam has joined Kent Blaxill, bringing with him 30 years of experience in the industry.

Mr Balaam joins as a Colchester-based brick and block specialist, having focused on bricks eight years ago after working as a sales representative and branch manager for both national companies and independent merchants.

Andy Whitney, Kent Blaxill’s building sales and operations manager, said: "He is very knowledgeable and well known in the brick field across East Anglia, and is incredibly positive about joining Kent Blaxill. Customers are already enjoying the benefits of his brick-matching expertise."

Mr Balaam said: "I have grown up with a lot of the builders around here. But I also have a lot of contacts with architects. I will be introducing more solus bricks at Kent Blaxill to increase the company's exclusive range.

“As this is the company's 175th anniversary we are starting with the launch of two blended anniversary bricks: a lighter brick that we are calling the '2013' and a more weathered, older-looking brick that we are calling the '1838'."

Outside work Mr Balaam likes to travel, and embarked on major trips to Dubai and India last year when he celebrated his 50th birthday.