Sandbanks Ferry: Company History

Overview of The Sandbanks Ferry

The Bournemouth-Swanage Motor Road & Ferry Company (Incorporated by Act of Parliament 31 July 1923) is the official name for The Sandbanks Ferry.

The business is owned by Fairacres Group (Holdings) Limited, whose registered office is Fairacres, Stock Lane, Ingatestone, Essex, United Kingdom, CM4 9QL, with company number 13672042.

Mike Kean and daughter, Rosie Kean, are active Directors at Fairacres Group (Holdings) Limited.

The Bournemouth-Swanage Motor Road & Ferry Company employs approximately 40 permanent and seasonal employees.

Historic milestone moments for The Fairacres Group and The Sandbanks Ferry

Rodney Kean, Mike Kean’s father formed Silvermist Properties (Chelmsford) Limited (company number 00633649) in 1959.

The company incorporated various business assets including land now known as the Widford Industrial Estate, and a confectionery factory.

The Silver Star Shipping Line was introduced to the Silvermist Properties portfolio in 1981. The line operated vessels between the UK and South Atlantic until the time of the Falklands conflict.

In 1983, Silvermist Properties acquired The Bournemouth-Swanage Motor Road & Ferry Company.

Mike Kean, Director of the company today, joined Silvermist Properties in 1988.

Following a group reorganisation in 1995, Silvermist Properties transferred ownership to Fairacres Group Limited (company number 03021137), a newly formed company owned by the Kean family.

In 2020, Mike Kean’s daughter, Rosie Kean joined Fairacres Group Limited as Director.

Fairacres Group (Holdings) Limited (company number 13672042) was formed in 2024, owned solely by Mike and Rosie Kean. The company became the official owner of Fairacres Group Limited and The Bournemouth-Swanage Motor Road & Ferry Company.

Key historic moments for Bramble Bush Bay

Bramble Bush Bay, the present and fourth vessel for The Bournemouth-Swanage Motor Road & Ferry Company, came into service in 1994.

During the preceding years, both ferry slipways were completely rebuilt to accommodate the vessel.

The ferry service underwent multiple improvement works between the 1980s and 2010s. Works included the construction of new toll booths at Shell Bay, the introduction of a computerised toll system, and the development of new offices, accommodation, stores, and garaging.