Former business leader Malcolm Barbour honoured by South Shields FC

Malcolm Barbour, who was instrumental in expanding the Barbour business, has been recognised by South Shields Football Club.

One of the main rooms at the club’s Mariners Park ground, in Shaftesbury Avenue, has been renamed the Malcolm Barbour Lounge.

It was unveiled yesterday by Dame Margaret Barbour, and is named after her late husband’s grandfather.

Malcolm joined his father, founder John Barbour, in the business in 1900.

He was instrumental in expanding the business, introducing the Barbour mail order catalogues, selling products all over the world.

“This marked the start of Barbour becoming the global lifestyle business it is today.

He was also a lifelong 
football fan, and in the late 1940s he became a director of South Shields FC, who he supported until his death in 1964.

Dame Margaret, chairman of Barbour, said “Malcolm Barbour made an enormous contribution to the growth of our business.

“He loved to watch football and always enjoyed going to watch South Shields FC as a fan and later as a director.

“It is fitting to acknowledge his contribution not only to Barbour but also to the club by naming the lounge in his honour.

“I think he would have been very proud today of how far both the club and Barbour have come.”

Michael Orr, South Shields FC’s managing director, said: “It gave us great pleasure to welcome Dame Margaret Barbour here to Mariners Park.

“Malcolm Barbour was an influential and pioneering professional with both his business and sporting roots steeped in South Shields.”

The Malcolm Barbour Lounge is used by fans on match days and as a conference room on non match-days.