Fox Moving & Storage has worked with NatWest to secure funding to purchase and develop a new Southampton warehouse unit, enabling the Cwmbran-head quartered firm to strengthen its foothold in the South West.

Originally founded by Roy Fox in 1971, Roy’s son Paul has been managing director for nearly 20 years. The firm has grown to seven branches across England and South Wales – including sites in Cardiff and Newport - employing 150 people. Paul’s son Daniel is now a branch manager at the Cwmbran branch. With more than 50 per cent of its business overseas, Paul and his team manage a network of international partners to provide a one-stop removal and storage package for customers.

As specialists in the complex business of removals, Fox has set itself apart from competition with its bespoke client offering. The challenges brought on by the recession required a strong leadership team to change the business strategy and diversify into specialist areas such as shipping. Having acquired a international moving business in Southampton in 2009 Paul and his team had recognised that the rented site was limiting further expansion, as it was too small and hindered development of the business.

Working with Andrew Parker, relationship director at NatWest’s Cardiff office, Fox Moving & Storage secured the seven-figure loan needed to purchase the freehold and develop the site; this will include installing mezzanine floors to allow the firm to diversify into self-storage. The purchase and refurb of the site represents a £1m investment. The team of ten in Southampton will expand by a further six this year alone.

Paul Fox said: “Fundamental to Fox’s business model is acquiring and developing new freehold premises; so this will be our focus with the Southampton site. Throughout this process Andrew has been very responsive and knowledgeable. We’ve been very impressed with the way he has consistently understood our business’ strategy and shown real expertise in supporting this.”

Expansion is very much on Fox Moving & Storage’s agenda with Bristol as an immediate next step for the firm. Moving back into the important London market will also be key. With three generations involved in the firm, Paul is working towards a sustained succession plan for the firm.

Andrew Parker said: "The team at Fox has shown that commitment can help a business overcome even the toughest of times. The firm were flexible in their response to the recession, prepared to invest and identify new market opportunities that reflected market trends. The Southampton site very much consolidates their position as a market leader in the South West whilst also strengthening their local offering.”