Dame Barbour to be honoured at UKFT Awards

Dame Margaret Barbour is to be honoured with the Outstanding Achievement Award

to celebrate her 40 years at the helm of iconic British brand Barbour at the upcoming NatWest UK Fashion and Textile Awards 2014.

The awards taking place on May 22, will present Dame Barbour with the accolade as the brand marks its 120th anniversary this year, in recognition of her work as chairman to reinvent the brand from rural and naval work wear to a global fashion brand, as well as her long-standing contribution to the UK fashion industry.

“We are thrilled and honoured to present Dame Margaret Barbour with the NatWest UKFT Outstanding Achievement Award at this year’s ceremony,” said John Miln, CEO of UKFT. “Under her guidance, Barbour has gone on to become one of the most significant and iconic British brands both here in the UK and around the world. Her contribution to the UK fashion and textile industry has been immeasurable and we look forward to celebrating this well-deserved win with her.”

Dame Barbour added: "It is a great honour to receive this Outstanding Achievement Award and to be recognised in this way. When I took over the company in 1968 in the saddest of circumstances, I would never have dreamed that I would be accepting an Award like this.

“I think my late husband, John Barbour, would be proud of what I have achieved in turning Barbour into the global lifestyle clothing company it is today.”

Dame Barbour has previously been honoured with a CBE for services to industry in 1991, and in 1995 she became President of the Royal Warrant Holders, as Barbour holds three Royal Warrants. In 2001, she also became a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire.