“Our Customers Can Survive Without Us but We Can’t Survive Without Them” – Fox Owmby Ltd

Adam Fox is the MD of Fox Owmby – Civil Engineering and Earthworks Contractors and a fourth generation thriving family company, which has grown sustainably since its creation in 1929. Today, Fox operates across the UK from their head office based at Caenby Hall in Lincolnshire and here, Adam tells us more about their history, growth and challenges of the present day.

The business was established in 1929 by my great grandfather Harold Fox. We initially started as Agricultural Contractors around Lincolnshire. This developed when my grandfather, Gordon Fox, became Managing Director in the 1960’s with construction activities such as building reservoirs, roads and working on gas pipelines.

My father, Stephen Fox, then expanded the business into the quarrying market and we now work for all the major brick and aggregate manufacturing companies across the country. He also brought in a director to expand and develop the civil engineering arm of the company in 1991. As well as working in the areas that my predecessors established, we have recently developed the aggregate and transport side of the business in the last three years.

What Do You Do?

I am the Managing Director with overall responsibility for the company, working very closely with our other Directors on the day to day running of the business. All the Directors maintain direct involvement in all aspects of our projects, working with the project team to maintain a positive and collaborative approach to ensure successful delivery.

What Sectors Do You Operate In?

We now work in several sectors from highways to water, quarrying to energy and waste. In the growing renewable energy sector, our work has included infrastructure for wind turbines and geothermal energy and full site construction for anaerobic digestion and biomass plants including construction of large underground storage tanks.

We have a long track record in the traditional energy sector. This includes construction of exploratory sites for onshore oil and gas as well as construction of site infrastructure for power production sites including gas and coal.

Fox has also been providing services relating to water for the past 30 years for a range of projects including drainage systems, reservoirs, flood alleviation systems and canal works. We have been a recognised leader in the waste sector for over 20 years, undertaking landfill construction and capping/ restoration works for most of the large waste companies and also for numerous chemical and industrial waste facilities. We are experienced in mineral and geosynthetic lining systems, as well as enriched soil.

Who Are Your Customers?

We have a wide range of customers throughout Lincolnshire and the UK from blue chip companies to small house builders in both the public and private sector.

How Many Employees Do You Have?

120, comprising of Plant Operatives, Mechanics, Engineers, Surveyors, Site Managers, Health and Safety Manager, Contract Managers and Head Office staff.

Tell Us About Your Background and How You Got Involved?

From the age of three I was often found in my grandfather’s car riding around the county looking at his various reservoir projects. As I got older, every school holiday I could be found working within the workshop sweeping the floor, or as a low loader mate moving our plant around the country, often away for five days at a time.

At eighteen, I spent a few years away developing my skills, but I returned twelve years ago and worked very closely with my father, learning the ins and outs of the business and taking on more responsibility until I was appointed Managing Director in April of this year.

What Is Your Company Ethos

My Great Grandfather Harold’s favourite quote was…

‘Our customers can survive without us, but we can’t survive without them’

…and that’s the ethos that we work to, always putting our customers first. Running a family business is addictive, especially trying to uphold the legacy of the generations that have gone before you. Every day presents a different challenge which keeps me driven.

How Has the Last Year or So Impacted Your Business?

The last two years have been incredibly challenging, working through the covid pandemic, along with recent rising costs across the board within our sector impacting on all aspects of the business.

Who Is Your Inspiration in Business?

The previous generations who have led the business and made it to what and where it is today.

What Has Been Your Proudest Moment?

Breaking into new aggregate markets was certainly a very proud moment for myself and the business but this creates its own challenges, and I am extremely mindful that it doesn’t distract from our core business activities.

The business is going to be 100 years old in 2029, which we are all looking forward to celebrating and we are very proud to achieve this from our humble beginnings.

When And How Did You Begin Working with Witham Group?

We were initially customers of Ovoline and when Dennis Green moved to Witham, over forty years ago, we moved with him which started our working relationship. Its all about people and service and that is why we moved. Witham supply us with all our oils and lubricants for our machines, as well as our paints for our equipment and vehicles.

What Is Important to You in A Supplier?

It is important that a supplier is reliable but also flexible to help us with the changing needs and requirements of the business. I feel it is important to work with another local family business who understands our needs and I can often be found texting Witham’s Managing Director about oil or paint requirements late into the evening and you always get a prompt reply!