Magnificent seventh for Foray

Foray Motor Group, based in Salisbury but now growing across the south west of England, is celebrating the acquisition of its seventh Ford dealership.

The landmark seventh, in Poole, Dorset, comes seven years after the company launched with a management buyout of Edwards Ford in Salisbury, and the latest acquisition will mean a virtual seven fold growth in turnover since the buyout.

Foray, which operates Ford dealerships in Salisbury, Andover, Bridgwater, Dorchester, Taunton, and Yeovil as well as a service centre in Chard, has bought the Poole business off Pendragon, from which it acquired Dorchester Ford at the end of January. Foray also has a Fiat dealership in Bridgwater and sells Mazda in Yeovil.

The Poole outlet will return to its historic name of English Ford, which it carried before being rebranded Evans Halshaw only a few months ago.

Last year, Foray’s turnover was £70 million, comparing well with the £15 million being achieved at the buyout. Managing director Chris Yoxon says the new business in Poole will start by contributing £30 million in turnover and there is ample scope to grow.

“Initially, it will mean a doubling of the volume of cars we sell. Foray’s combined total across its other outlets was around 2,000 new cars a year plus a further 2,000 used cars. The Poole business can match that.

“Currently Foray is very strong in commercial vehicle sales, with 2,500 units a year, and parts and these are areas where the new English Ford will be able to develop.

“This move, which lifts Foray into the top 10 Ford dealerships in the UK, brings tremendous opportunities in Bournemouth and Poole, the area served by English Ford.

“We were introduced to Pendragon by Ford Motor Company itself, which reflects well on the strength of Foray. We have had a similar vote of confidence from Royal Bank of Scotland which has enabled us to take advantage of Pendragon’s rationalisation of its southern dealerships.

“The acquisition means that Foray now employs around 500 people. Customers across the group, not just in Poole, will benefit from our larger size and it will give us greater buying power for many things.

“Our intention is to continue to grow, although for the minute we will be taking stock of our acquisitions at Dorchester and Poole and integrating them into the business.

“We now have a strong company with a good team from top to bottom, the firm foundations every successful business needs.”