We’ve proudly supported the Best of South Tyneside Awards since their inception
A legendary South Shields brand has backed this year’s Best of South Tyneside Awards.
The Best of South Tyneside Awards are returning for 2026 on Thursday, March 26, and iconic clothing retailer Barbour has pledged their support to the event.
Barbour’s story began in South Shields in 1894 when the company’s founder, John Barbour, started supplying oilskins and other garments to protect the growing community of sailors, fishermen and dockers from the weather.
Then in the 1980s, Dame Margaret Barbour designed the iconic wax jackets that made Barbour a household name - with the classic designs remaining best-sellers to this day.
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Having been a staple business in the borough for the last 132 years, Dame Margaret has expressed why it is important for the company to support this year’s Best of South Tyneside Awards.
She said: “As one of the largest employers in South Tyneside, Barbour has proudly supported the Best of South Tyneside Awards since their inception.
“They shine a spotlight on the extraordinary efforts of local individuals, volunteers, carers, young people and community groups whose contributions often go unrecognised.
“Each year the stories shared are both humbling and deeply inspiring for everyone involved and it means a lot to all of us at Barbour to be part of these Awards.
“We are particularly proud to sponsor the Child of Courage Award which honours young people who have shown exceptional bravery and determination in the face of significant challenges - the outstanding courage and fortitude shown by all the nominees is always so inspirational.”
Dame Margaret has also shared with the Shields Gazette what makes the borough special to Barbour and gave an insight into how the company supports the local community.
She added: “Barbour’s connection to South Tyneside is far deeper than geography — it has shaped the brand’s identity, craftsmanship and values from the very beginning.
“In 1894, John Barbour opened his first store in the Market Place in South Shields supplying oilskins to the mariners and fishermen to protect them from the worst of the North Sea weather.
“These early products laid the foundations for the durable, fit for purpose, weather-resistant clothing that has become synonymous with the Barbour name.
“More than 130 years later, South Shields remains at the heart of the business.
“The company’s headquarters and Simonside factory are still based here and skilled machinists continue to handcraft and re-wax and repair Barbour’s iconic waxed jackets.
“Today, Barbour is one of the area’s major employers, with over 500 people working at our South Shields site.
“Many employees come from families with long associations to the company, reflecting a continuity of expertise and community connection.
“Through The Barbour Foundation, we also provide support to the local area.
“The Foundation supports a wide range of charitable and community initiatives across South Tyneside, including the recent restoration of the Herd Groyne Lighthouse — a much-loved coastal landmark that stands not only as a symbol of the town’s maritime heritage but also the Barbour brand.”
Nominations for the Best of South Tyneside Awards 2026 closed on Sunday, February 15, but you can find out more details about the ceremony at: https://www.bestofsouthtyneside.co.uk/.
If you need more information about the Best of South Tyneside Awards 2026, contact: [email protected].
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