Problem-solving, the Foxwood Diesel way

Leigh and Nikki Worsdale have grown up with Foxwood Diesel. Taking over from their late father and former FER president Ken, they have continued honour his ambitious legacy and are setting their own course to reshape not only the business but the future of engine rebuilding.

With technical expertise second to none, Foxwood is a go-to business for bus fleets all over the UK for engine replacement or repair.

Much of this success has been the investment, culminating over numerous decades, in machinery and equipment to enable the business to flourish, although Leigh admits, there are challenges ahead.

“Engine reconditioning is becoming harder,” she says. Manufacturers don’t want the latest engines to be repaired and encourage one use only.”

This is where the power of FER comes in Leigh says, who has enormously benefitted from the depth and experience of the membership.

“We embrace everything available to us to enable us to upskill. This involves going on training courses but also tapping into FER experience, working with Mike Knowles from Elring and other members to ensure we are the best we can be.”

Another challenge facing the business, but mirroring that of skills is recruitment, something which Leigh is passionate about.

“We recommend the apprentice route and work closely with Chesterfield college to offer young people a new career route. There is a lot of work to do here but it’s important we are proactive with offering hand’s on experience and pathway for people to get involved in our sector.”

“We’re focussing on what we’re good at; Mercedes and Cummins engines and supporting bus companies with all their requirements.”

As Ken Worsdale was an industry renowned ‘problem solver’, he would be immensely proud of how Leigh, Nikki and the wider business have carried on this legacy. There are always challenges ahead, but the team at Foxwood is relishing the challenge.