Fox’s Now Owned by Morgan Marine

[Habebty]

Just had an email stating Fox’s (Ipswich) shareholding now acquired by Morgan Marine. Don’t know much about Morgan Marine, anyone got any opinions about them?

 

[Plum]

Just had an email stating Fox’s (Ipswich) shareholding now acquired by Morgan Marine. Don’t know much about Morgan Marine, anyone got any opinions about them?

Assuming that is MORGAN MARINE HOLDINGS LIMITED or L H MORGAN & SONS (MARINE) LIMITED , both of which have one, and the same, director: Graham Patrick MILLER, whose correspondence address is The Boatyard Brightlingsea, Shipyard Estate,, Brightlingsea,, Essex, CO7 0AR.

 

[Habebty]

Morgan Marine Holdings Ltd.

 

[Egret]

They run a busy boat yard at Brightlingsea with their particular interest being in power boats, with their Formula 1 Car Racing background and engine workshop, but also cater for all types of boats including old or small sailing and motor boats and have lots of 'bits' in the chandlery. Can see they would like more space/workshops so its hopefully a positive, complimentary move for them, particularly with the under cover workshops at Fox's, to extend the range of services they can offer. Oli, son of Graham is a very hands on manager and the Morgans are still involved a bit, Will be a big step up but we have to wish them well.

Edit - E-mail from Morgans confirms purchase and says 'Nothing you love about Morgan Marine or Fox’s is changing – same teams, same locations, same service.' - so that is positive.

(No connection except as a customer of both)

​

 

[Anibal]

Nothing but good experiences with Graham and Oli from my side. I was so happy with them that I recommended them to a friend of mine looking for a new Nimbus, which he ended up buying. Top guys (my personal opinion)

 

[Sailing steve]

Will be a big step up but we have to wish them well.

We also have to wish the the loss of competition between the two separate firms following the takeover doesn't result in an significant hike in hourly manpower rates and chandlery prices.

But I'm not holding my breath...

 

[oldbloke]

I think the chandlery are very aware of the Internet and online shopping. Tom Stewart, the long- time manager, came from Pinnel and Bax, which is probably the country's biggest dinghy chandlery ( online and onsite). I can't imagine he would be hanging around if he thought the new management were going to aim to screw it up

 

[Egret]

Sad that Fox's has been sold - but positive that it has gone to a boatyard operator rather than a housing developer.

 

[Malish]

Sad that Fox's has been sold - but positive that it has gone to a boatyard operator rather than a housing developer.

also good that it has remained 'independent', not taken over by one of the big marina operators

 

[Cobra]

Main interest is stinkpots...very little knowledge of proper boats. The Brightlingsea chandlery is reasonably well stocked, but heavy emphasis on clothing rather than dinghy or sailing cruiser fittings or gear.
Rating out of 10 ...3/10 when compared against a decent chandlery ie Marinestore in Maldon where they actually know what a given item is and know where to find it!

As Egret says, I guess the one big plus is that a housing developer hasn't got its hands on it!

 

[PaulRainbow]

Main interest is stinkpots...very little knowledge of proper boats.

Always has to be one.

 

[Egret]

Power boats is where the money still is - and new clothing for all the family in colours to match the new boat- sustains the business - keeps it alive for those of us that only want a few nuts and bolts each year -

Fox chandlery best locally - long may it remain so - sad to see West Mersea chandlery close - miss Harold Cutts.

At the end of the day, if you want a business to be there, you have to support it, buy local, and commission repairs -so with the new owners we have a chance still.

 

[Cobra]

Interesting that you find Fox's chandlery better than Marinestore, Egret!

Only downside to Marinestore is Maldon is not the easiest of places to get to from B'sea, but at the same time does give a good excuse for a wander along the quay and pop round to Heybridge for a pint and a pie in The Jolly Sailor!

Have to admit that the last time I went over to Fox's I found them singularly unhelpful...quite the opposite to Marinestore where the staff always make an effort!

Shame that so many chandleries are on line nowadays...I guess that is progress though?

 

[Frayed Knot]

Interesting that you find Fox's chandlery better than Marinestore, Egret!

Only downside to Marinestore is Maldon is not the easiest of places to get to from B'sea, but at the same time does give a good excuse for a wander along the quay and pop round to Heybridge for a pint and a pie in The Jolly Sailor!

Have to admit that the last time I went over to Fox's I found them singularly unhelpful...quite the opposite to Marinestore where the staff always make an effort!

Shame that so many chandleries are on line nowadays...I guess that is progress though?

That’s never been my experience at Fox’s.

 

[Egret]

Maldon is a two hour plus round trip from where I am, so not really local, while Fox's is just off the main road on the way to the boat, has the biggest range of stock locally and I've never been disappointed there - so hope it will remain or get better - confirms importance for us to keep supporting local chandleries and repair boat yards, wherever we are.

Good though that we will still have Fox's, Morgans, FrenchMarine x2, Seamark Nunn, SYH and a few others within a half hour drive or so and Marinestore a bit further away.