Barbour is known as being one of the most recognised and respected English brands there are. But this wasn’t always the case. The Barbour story began in 1894 in South Shields in the North East. A family business in its 5th generation, the Barbour’s headquarter remains located in Simonside, and is now the epicentre of what has become a global business.

Although it sources different products from around the globe, the brands signature product, their classic wax jackets, are still made by hand in the brands mothership factory in the North East.

Barbour have also had several celebrity endorsements that have gained recognition over the years. Back in 2004, Barbour worked with Lord James Percy in the design and marketing of its flagship clothing range – Northumberland. A year later in 2005, this particular range won the Shooting Industry awards for best clothing product. And more recently Linhope 3 in 1 won the same award in 2008. The Vice Chairman Helen Barbour also collaborated with Linhope 3 in 1 in designing the brand’s sporting collection in Autumn Winter 2011.