The team
Essex Boatyards Ltd was founded in 1976 by Dave Barke Senior. James and Nick Barke joined the team in 1991 and are now Joint Managing Directors. Guy Barke and David Barke Junior are also fully involved in this long-standing family business. Today, any member of the team can help you with your enquiries but, if you need to contact someone for particular advice or information, here's a brief description of our individual responsibilities.
Dave Barke Senior - Executive Director
Dave Barke established the business in 1976 . Today, his main role is Executive Director and consultant for the company.
James Barke - Joint Managing Director
James Barke is Joint Managing Director. He deals with the day-to-day management of the business, and takes responsibility for sales, marketing, purchasing and employee issues. James also deals with the underwriting of boats.
Nick Barke - Joint Managing Director
As well as managing day-to-day issues, Nick is responsible for the key areas of sales, marketing and the future direction of Essex boatyards and associated brands as well as the recently acquired Essex marina.
Guy Barke - Yard Manager
Guy manages the 20 staff needed to fit out, move and water test the 60 new and used boats each month. He also works in Arvor sales.
Dave Barke Junior - Engineering Manager
Dave is the newest member of the family team, serving an apprenticeship in marine engineering before joining Essex Boatyards. His main responsibility is customer care, working alongside Nick Barke.
Ben Nichols - Sales Executive
Ben has responsibility for boat sales and enquiries, and the day-to-day running of the sales department. You can contact Ben on his dedicated sales email address (ben@essexboatyards.com), phone to discuss new or used boats, or arrange to visit Ben at the yard to view boats on a one-to-one basis.
Dan Chaffe - Sales Executive
Dan has the responsibility for general sales enquiries along with Ben, he will also be in charge of many of the day to day office issues that need to be controlled. You can contact Dan on his dedicated sales address dan@essexboatyards.com or just give him a call using the office number to discuss either new or used boats.
Andy Whitmore - Sales / Brokerage Executive
Andy's responsibilities are for all brokerage boats and sailing yachts in addition to new and used boat sales. Please contact him on his dedicated sale email address andyw@essexboatyards.com or the office on 01702 258885.
Tony Knight - IT and Accounts Director
Tony manages the company's financial operations, including marina activities and takes responsibility for IT issues, including network problems. He can also help with most office queries.
Heather Surgett - PA to the MD's / Fairline Parts
Heather is PA to the 2 MD's and is solely responsible for the sale of all Fairline parts. She also deals with all advertising and employment/HR issues.
Catherine Eyers - Reception /Accounts Assistant
Cat is the friendly face you'll greet as you walk into the office. Cat's duties include helping Tony in accounts and Heather in the day to day running of the office.
Darren Pilbeam - Transport Manager / Glastron Sales Executive
Darren is in charge of overseeing all boat transportation and deliveries also new Glastron sales
Chris Browning - Yard Technician
Chris is the point of contact for all our customers that have any problems with their boats. He organizes the warranty team to carry out any necessary repairs. He can also deal with any technical enquiries you may have.
Ian Mackenzie - Offsite After Sales Manager
Ian Mackenzie is our after sales manager. He often works off site in our service vehicles, attending to customers warranty and service work.
Peter Bell - Fairline Senior Technician
Peter fits any navigational and other options that you would like fitted to your boat.
Andy Notley - Fairline Fitter
Andy is responsible for all the fit-outs on Fairline boats.
Martin Brain - Fairline Fitter
Martin Brain is responsible for carpetary and joinery on the Fairline boats.
Brian Beeson - Engineering Manager
Brian works with Peter and Andy Notley on the Fairline boats.
Gareth Locke - Yard Foreman
Gareth Locke is responsible for the efficiency of our yard and monitors and distributes the work load for all yard staff, reporting then to Guy.
Ben Huggett - Stores Manager and Parts
Ben is responsible for the workshop, stores and ordering of all boat parts (apart from Fairline).
Tom Pringle - Technician
Tom is responsible for all the fit-outs on Arvor boats
Dale Burton - Valeter
Dale Burton heads-up our valeting team. Before our boats go to the customer, Dale's team washes and cleans them, from top to bottom, inside out, making sure they are in top condition.
Simon Lambert - Yard Hand
Simon is responsible in helping the others in the yard.
Michael Knott - Arvor Fit Out
Michael fits out Arvor's alongside Tom
Trevor Betts - Fairline Sales Director (Southampton Office)
Trevor is responsible for and heads up the Fairline Port-Solent office
Geoff Gullen - Harbour Master
Geoff is the Marina Harbour Master. He is always charging around on his feet ensuring the smooth running of the harbour, including all boats entering and leaving the marina.
Julie Anne Reed - Marina Administration
Julie works closely with Geoff looking after the marina administration, dealing with berth holders, day to day calls into the office and invoicing.
Thomas Kemp - Yard Hand
Tom is a yard/boatman.
