TONY BARNETT TRIBUTE: Barnbrook Systems Ltd managing director Tony Barnett has died at the age of 81. Tony is pictured talking to then Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Greg Clark at the Farnborough International Airshow in 2018.
A leading light of the business community known for his drive, entrepreneurialism and spirit has passed away.
Tony Barnett, managing director of Fareham-based Barnbrook Systems Ltd, died at the age of 81 after battling with cancer.
He founded his manufacturing company 44 years ago and built it into an award-winning business with 45 employees and a multi-million-pound turnover.
Tony was also a director of the Farnborough Aerospace Consortium (FAC) and sat on steering committees for various trade groups such as ADS, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the British Standards Institution (BSI).
The management team at Barnbrook Systems Ltd will continue to run the business as usual with support from Tony’s family, including eldest son Andrew Barnett.
Andrew, speaking on behalf of the Barnett family and Barnbrook Systems, said: “It is with much regret and great sadness that we announce that Tony Barnett has passed away.
“Tony successfully entered remission earlier this year after prolonged and gruelling treatment for cancer, but it recently returned and he had begun a second phase of treatment when he passed away.
“Tony coped unbelievably well throughout his illness, showing his customary spirit and strength while remaining wholeheartedly committed to the business he had built and its employees.
“Barnbrook Systems is very much a closeknit, extended family with many people who knew Tony all of their working lives and considered him a father figure.
“Although we have all been left incredibly shocked and deeply upset by his passing, the company has robust management systems in place as part of the succession planning which Tony arranged.
“The family is keen to support the management team as we all look forward to building on the formidable foundations that Tony put in place and create an even stronger business in the future.”
Andrew added: “Tony was rightly very proud of the business he had created and the number of people he had employed over five decades in business.
“His legacy will also show a tireless championing of SMEs and manufacturing on a voluntary basis, and he was due to take up a position as a trade advisor to the government.
“Our thanks go to everyone who has been in touch to express their condolences. Tony will be very missed dearly, and we will consider a fitting memorial to him in due course.”
Tony, who lived in Fareham, leaves wife June and sons Andrew, Mark, Peter and Colin and families.
A keen sailor, Tony’s life was also marked by a full and active role in the community and local politics, including positions as chairman of Fareham Conservative Association and vice-president of Lee-on-the-Solent Golf Club.
Born in November 1940, Tony founded Barnbrook Systems as a ‘one-man band’ in 1978.
Today it has nearly 200 customers worldwide, including firms such as Boeing and Rolls-Royce, as well as its own multi-million supply chain supporting other businesses.
Tony attended 13 consecutive Farnborough International Airshows – with the latest in July being the first he had missed in nearly 30 years. He lobbied many influential figures on behalf of the aerospace industry and SMEs at the airshow including the then Prime Minister David Cameron in 2014.
During the coronavirus pandemic, Tony kept his business running, producing essential components for customers in the UK safety sector.
Under his watch, Barnbrook has supported many young people and students through awards, bursaries and work experience.
Barnbrook’s award wins have included the National Passenger Safety Award at UK Rail Industry Awards 2014, Supplier of the Year at Light Rail Industry Awards in 2014, Innovation of the Year at the Solent Business Awards 2015 and Best Use of Technology at the South Coast Business Awards in 2015.
Tony also won the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Portsmouth News Business Excellence Awards in 2021.
ENDS
