Stories of Essex Limited continues – and in Episode 3, we look inside the fast-growing world of circular tech.
In this episode, host Jill Willis sits down with Martin Series, Director of Global Services at Foxway UK, to explore the evolution of a business that’s now generating £103 million in turnover. With insight from co-hosts Doug Bentley of Grant Thornton UK and Adam Jones of Birketts LLP, the conversation lifts the bonnet on a business that’s reshaping the future of technology reuse and sustainability.
The Power of the Pivot
Foxway UK didn’t always exist in its current form. The journey began in 2016 with a startup called Global Resale – founded by a group of industry veterans with one clear goal: build fast, scale globally, and do things differently.
And they did just that. Within four years, Global Resale had grown to over £150 million turnover. As Martin puts it, “It was a startup, but with experience already baked in.” That combination of agility and know-how created a unique competitive edge in the circular economy.
Built for Scale from Day One
One of the biggest differences in their approach? Designing everything with scalability in mind.
From building a purpose-built facility in Braintree – 64,000 sq ft and home to 140 employees – to implementing smart operational flows that allow for rapid stock turnover, every decision was made to support growth. “We wanted to be able to churn product through quickly, and that shaped how we built the site and the systems,” says Martin.
The Deal That Changed Everything
In 2022, Foxway Group came knocking. Based in Sweden and with a strong focus on sustainable tech, Foxway was the right fit – not just financially, but culturally.
Martin explains, “It wasn’t just about price. We were looking for the right type of people we could work with – and Foxway felt like home.”
The acquisition aligned perfectly with Foxway’s strategy of expanding its European footprint while doubling down on sustainability. For Martin and his team, it meant more resources, better global connections, and a partner that shared their long-term vision.
Insights for Growing Businesses
This episode is packed with practical reflections for any business thinking about growth, acquisition, or private equity investment. Key takeaways include:
- Design for scalability: From buildings to systems, growth must be intentional.
- Private equity brings new metrics: Be ready for deeper data and more rigorous reporting.
- Culture matters in M&A: The right buyer isn’t always the one with the highest offer.
As Doug notes, the Essex Limited report shows a shift – private equity is becoming more prominent in the region. But as Martin shares, it’s vital to find partners who value people, not just numbers.
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About Stories of Essex
Produced by Attract & Engage, in collaboration with Grant Thornton UK LLP and Birketts LLP, Stories of Essex Ltd is a podcast series created to give a platform to the voices behind the Essex Limited Report — the top 100 privately owned businesses in Essex.
We go beyond the balance sheet to understand what fuels success, growth and ambition across the region.
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Attract & Engage Ltd
Grant Thornton UK LLP
Birketts LLP