Sunday 24th May 2026 marks an extraordinary milestone for Barlow Technology: 30 years in business (1996–2026).
It’s a moment filled with deep gratitude, reflection, pride, and above all, appreciation, especially for the person who made it all possible: my dad, Ian Barlow.
Back in 1996, Dad started this business, literally, from the back bedroom, at home. With next to nothing in the way of resources and an unwavering belief in his ability to make a difference, he began reaching out into the industry… a complete newcomer at the time. Through sheer determination and tenacity, he built relationships with a handful of partners who would become foundations of the business: Johannes Hubner Giessen (a partnership we are proud to maintain to this very day), Dynavision, Power Limit, and others.
Approaching the UK’s ports and steel mills as an outsider wasn’t easy. It took early mornings, late nights, long days on the road, and moments far from family, all driven by a passion to build something honest, dependable, and lasting. Dad knew the value of trust before anything else; that being a known, reliable, and trustworthy face in this industry was everything. And day by day, that belief turned into a steady and respected business… one that stands strong today because of its humble beginnings.
In recent years, I was entrusted with taking the helm, a responsibility I accepted with pride, humility and honour. Thanks to the groundwork my dad laid, I’ve had the opportunity to build on his legacy: to grow our global partnerships, earn recognition worldwide in the industries we serve, expand our team, and move into larger premises that better reflect who we are and where we’re going.
Travelling across the UK and Europe, meeting customers and partners old and new, there’s one thing that always strikes me; people remember our start, remember my dad, and recognise the journey we’ve been on. That legacy is something I carry with immense pride.
Yes, there are challenges, yes, the time away from family is never easy, but through it all, I carry the mantle of this business with a deep sense of responsibility and gratitude. I’m honoured to be part of something so meaningful, and I’m grateful every day for the opportunity to continue building on what Dad began three decades ago.
Thank you, Dad.
For everything.
Here’s to 30 years… and many more to come.
