Owners of the renowned brand Barbour, Dame Margaret and Helen Barbour, have been listed among the wealthiest individuals in the North East in the 2024 Sunday Times Rich List, ranking fourth with a total of £537 million. The South Shields-based company, famous for its green wax cotton jackets, started with a single shop opened by John Barbour in South Shields Market Place in 1894.
Over the decades, Barbour has expanded its product range and market presence globally, while maintaining its headquarters in Simonside, Jarrow. The brand has a strong tradition of repairs and maintenance of its products, promoting sustainability through its Wax for Life program. Barbour has also received several Royal Warrants and established the Barbour Foundation, contributing over £29 million to various community and research projects.
For more than a century, Barbour has thrived under family management, adapting and diversifying its offerings to cater to changing consumer preferences. The company now boasts a presence in over 55 countries, producing a wide range of clothing and accessories, all while staying true to its North East roots.