Fox Group acquires ports in Fleetwood and Silloth

Fox Group is delighted to announce that it has reached an agreement with Associated British Ports for the acquisition of its ports in Fleetwood and Silloth. 

Fox Jackson Ports, established for the acquisition, is part of Fox Group, a fourth-generation, family-owned and Blackpool headquartered construction, logistics and property group. Specialising in property, quarrying, the supply and haulage of aggregates, recycled materials, earthworks, plant hire, civil engineering, and waste solutions. Fox offer services to a range of customers across the house building, civils, maritime, infrastructure, highways and wider construction sectors.

Fox Group has identified ports and maritime as an attractive opportunity to further develop and strengthen their business strategy. Acquisition of the ports will enable a continued sustainable growth trajectory.

The group has recently celebrated the first anniversary of Fox Maritime, a now established shipping brokerage along with stevedoring operations at Glasson Dock, Lancaster. We offer chartering, brokering and agency services to anyone who wants to move dry bulk cargo by sea, throughout the UK and Europe. 

Paul Fox, CEO of Fox Group and Andrew Duckett, CEO of JA Jacksons said: “The acquisition of the ports of Fleetwood and Silloth aligns with our long-term vision for sustainable growth as a company and develops our long established and extensive property portfolio. 

“We look forward to working closely with local communities, businesses and stakeholders to ensure the continued success and development of these vital ports and the economic development of the Northwest.”   

The Fox vision at this point is to continue to operate both Fleetwood and Silloth as working ports, handling cargo and providing a strong offering to other maritime customers such as marina users. Fox will also look at other value adding opportunities to develop the ports from this core proposition.

Fox Group has a strong connection to the area, with CEO Paul Fox growing up in nearby Thornton. The company was started in Blackpool in 1932, while predominantly operating around the Wyre and Fylde coast.  He has since chosen to headquarter the nationwide company here along with other owned assets. Fox Jackson Ports wants to add value to the Port and for it to be integral to the success of Fleetwood as a whole.

The completion of the acquisition is subject to regulatory clearances, such as the transfer of the appropriate Harbour Authority authorisations, and customary closing conditions. Fox Group are committed to working with ABP to ensure a smooth transition and will work collaboratively to ensure uninterrupted operations and customer service during this process.

In the coming weeks we will be the holding the first consultation session with the local community. We are committed to being as transparent as possible and encourage those with questions to attend the event or contact us via email.