Barbour way of life

As a custodian of the Barbour brand, you'll be a part of preserving this fifth-generation family-owned business for the next generation and beyond. If you're looking for a new adventure that can bring you pride, offer you a range of new opportunities to develop and progress in your career and allow you to really have an impact on the projects you are most passionate about, it could only be...Barbour.





Inside Barbour

The Barbour way of life

Our Mission and Values


Sustainability

Since 1894 we have been a family business built proudly upon our roots in the British countryside. We believe in acting responsibly and minimising our impact on the environment, so that it can be enjoyed by generations to come.

Heritage & Growth

We are an authentic British brand. We protect and value our heritage because this will sustain our growth and evolution.

CUSTOMERS & QUALITY

We take responsibility for attaining a high standard of quality. This is achieved through attention to detail in order to satisfy the diverse needs of the customers.

WORKING HARD TOGETHER

We believe in a pragmatic approach to achieving results through a combination of intelligent teamwork and individual excellence.

INDEPENDENCE

We are a strong family-owned international business. We believe in financial independence to protect our future. We are careful about how we use our money.

LEADERSHIP

We believe in an open and strong leadership to give clear direction. We endeavour to spread empowered leadership throughout the company to support out continuing success.
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1894

Founded by John Barbour in 1894, Barbour began it's story in South Shields in the North East of England which continues to remain its headquarters to this day. Starting it’s journey in 5 Market Place, South Shields, Barbour began to supply oilskins and other garments to protect the growing community of sailors, fisherman and dock workers from the elements and it was these weatherproof designs that gave Barbour the reputation for exceptional quality and innovation that it is renowned for today.

1912

In 1912, J Barbour & Sons became J Barbour & Sons Ltd with John Barbour as Chairman and Jack and Malcolm as joint Managing Directors.

1927

In 1927 Jack Barbour resigned and Malcolm Barbour was appointed chairman and Duncan Barbour, Malcolm’s only son, joined the business. A keen motorcyclist, Duncan introduced a motorcycling range which was worn by virtually every British International team from 1936 to 1977 when Barbour pulled out of the motorcycle clothing market.

1939

In 1939 when Duncan Barbour was called away to war, Malcolm Barbour and Duncan’s wife Nancy took over and developed the Ursula suit which became standard issue for members of the Submarine service. When Malcolm Barbour died at the age of 83, Nancy Barbour took over the role of chairman with her son John Barbour as Managing Director until he died suddenly, leaving behind his young widow Margaret and their 2-year-old daughter Helen.

1974

On 1 April 1974, Barbour received its first Royal Warrant from HRH the Duke of Edinburgh.

1980

In 1980, the first lightweight thornproof short riding jacket, the Bedale, was designed, quickly becoming one of Barbour's most iconic waxed jackets and in the following year, Barbour moved into a new factory in Simonside where the company remains to this day.

1982

On 1 January 1982 Barbour received the second Royal Warrant from Her Majesty the Queen. Followed by the third Royal Warrant from HRH the Prince of Wales on 1 January 1987.

2001

In 2001, Margaret Barbour was appointed a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the New Year’s Honour’s List.

2019

Barbour Celebrates in 125th anniversary and introduces Barbour Re-Loved whereby customers can return their old jackets to be repaired in exchange for a voucher for a new style and their old jackets will be repaired and re-waxed to be resold. In October, Barbour launched its new customisation service, My Barbour offering customers the chance to design their own Barbour waxed jacket.

2021

In July, Barbour celebrated its Re-Waxing Centenary – 100 years of re-waxing jackets 1921-2021. It was in the 1921 catalogue that re-waxing and repairs was mentioned for the first time.

2022

In April, Barbour won the Best Circularity Award at the Drapers Sustainable Fashion Awards for our Wax for Life campaign.

Now

Now, with a retail store presence in over 55 countries worldwide, Barbour has continued to grow into a lifestyle brand offering a wardrobe of functional outerwear, clothing and footwear inspired by the great British countryside. Today, this fifth-generation family-owned business remains true to its core values which espouses the unique values of the British Countryside and continues to innovate and lead the lifestyle clothing sector.

Photo of Steve Buck


“Barbour by nature and heritage is an inclusive brand and we are very proud to have a diverse range of employees, consumers, and customers across the globe.


We have an inclusive workplace and believe in creating a working environment where everyone feels supported and encouraged to succeed. We embrace and live the company values through our everyday activities.


Our people are our most important asset and integral to our success. It is their hard work, dedication and commitment that has made Barbour what it is today.”



STEVE BUCK, MANAGING DIRECTOR

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BARBOUR FAMILY

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