On 12 November the corks were popping as staff from Bristol-based Barrettine celebrated the company’s 130th birthday with a special dinner held on board Brunel”s famous ship, the SS Great Britain, launched in Bristol in 1843 and returned for preservation in 1970.
The venue was most appropriate, as it was in River Street in the docks area of Bristol that the company was first started by Mr JV Barrett in 1879. Originally trading in a range of traditional products which included whale oil, mineral oils, pitch, tar, linseed oils and pearl glue which were traded to merchants, as well as to the many ships and shipping lines that visited Bristol Docks.
In 1973, brothers Peter and Colin Bailey bought the company and retained the name. Today, the company is one of the oldest, privately run businesses in the South West of England with around 70 employees and now runs under the guidance of Colin’s son, Steven Bailey. In addition to the pest control division, Barrettine has three other divisions including chemical blending and distribution, manufacturing of wood preservers and DIY products, as well as a contract packing business. As well as pest control companies and local authorities, the extensive customer base of Barrettine’s other divisions include major national retailers, manufacturers as well as a growing export market. Steve Bailey said: “While all the divisions trade separately, the ethos is the same across the group. We aim to focus on customer service and the quality of our products and services provided at a competitive price.” Here’s to the next 130 years!
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