18 FESTIVAL OF BUSINESS


FOX ON THE RUN


Paul Fox is currently orchestrating one of the most impressive growth stories in Lancashire from his business headquarters in Blackpool.


The chief executive of Fox Brothers Group took to the festival stage to share that journey and to give his views on business development. He also gave a fascinating insight into what drives him as a business leader.


The growth of the group, organically and through a buy to build strategy, has already been spectacular. Current group turnover is £150m.


Since the start of the decade Fox has developed from a regional player to a national business that employs 850 people and has 31 locations across the UK.


Paul Fox


The family run business specialises in the supply and haulage of aggregates, recycled materials, muck shift and earthworks. It is also involved in plant hire – the heavy lifting side of construction.


The group has also embarked on a sustainability journey with the focus firmly on reducing its carbon footprint. It is a strategy Paul says makes clear business sense as a major tool for growing value in the group.


It has transformed into a multimodal transport operation, with a recently opened railhead in Leyland and a maritime division based at the Port of Lancaster.


Delegates were told how Fox’s growth journey got underway when it set off on the acquisition trail.


The first was a multi-million-pound deal that brought together two of the North West’s heavyweight operators in the haulage and plant hire sector. A whole series of acquisitions followed with businesses across the country bolted onto the group.


Paul is a firm advocate for family businesses and their strengths, including their workforces’ loyalty. All the businesses acquired by Fox have been family run, with the people staying post-deal.


Paul told delegates that the businesses Fox buys have to tick several boxes. He said: “We have to understand what they do; it can’t be broken and there have to be some clear synergies and cross-selling opportunities.”


He also spoke of the importance of having reporting systems in a business – and knowing the numbers.


Paul, who was brought up in Thornton by his grandparents, took over the reins of the business in 2007 at the young age of 23, following the death of his grandfather.


He told delegates: “I learned by my mistakes. You lose money a few times and that hurts, so you’re not going to make that mistake again. It was a steep learning curve.


“The biggest lesson you learn is that your business is nothing without the people within it. Treat them right.”


SUPPORTING BUSINESS


Rossendale Borough Council is committed to helping you make your business the best it can be, whether you’re thinking of moving to the borough or you are already based here, the support available is designed to add value to your business.


SUPPORT AVAILABLE


Workshops, events & networking sessions Access to funding & grants 1-2-1 tailored business support Planning & licensing advice Business rates relief Regeneration & innovation projects Promoting your business & celebrating your success stories Employment help through job fairs, employability project & apprentice sessions Property searches, land & bespoke solutions


www.rossendale.gov.uk


tariqali@rossendalebc.gov.uk 01706 252 567/07923 222707


Accelerator programmes are open to all business owners, you do not have to be a NatWest customer.


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