8 June 2026

After a long and respected tenure in the marine industry, Phil James is set to retire from EP Barrus on 11 June 2026, bringing to a close a career that has made a lasting impact across both the company and the wider British Marine members.

Phil joined EP Barrus in 1998, and over the course of his time with the business, he has played a key role in strengthening its position within the marine sector. Known for his expertise, professionalism and collaborative approach, Phil has been a trusted figure among colleagues, committee members and industry partners alike.

Throughout his career, Phil has contributed significantly beyond his role at EP Barrus through active involvement with British Marine. His first involvement with British Marine dates back around 30 years, when he worked with the training department alongside what was then British Waterways (now the Canal & River Trust), supporting the introduction of the Boat Safety Scheme and helping to establish and deliver industry training courses.

Phil has since been a committed member of several committees, including:

• London & Thames Valley
• Midlands
• Inland
• Propulsion & Equipment

His contributions across these committees have helped support industry development, foster collaboration, and ensure the voice of members is well represented across regional, sector and technical forums.

Colleagues of Phil’s at Barrus said:

Phil is well known and highly regarded across the marine industry, there’s hardly anyone who isn’t in his address book! Over the past 28 years at Barrus, he has mentored more than 40 young engineers and led numerous projects that have significantly influenced the direction of the inland waterways sector, particularly in the area of clean propulsion systems. Phil will be greatly missed, and I’m sure everyone at British Marine will join me in wishing him all the very best for a long, happy, and well-earned retirement.

Reflecting on his career, Phil said:
I have enjoyed the time at Barrus and have seen many changes, particularly with regard to changes in boat propulsion systems. I am also very proud of my involvement in the training of apprentices and graduate engineers, many of whom have gone on to be the backbone of our skilled workforce and will help Barrus meet the challenges of the future.

As he steps into retirement, Phil is looking forward to spending more time on his small holding in Devon which will bring new challenges, and it also means being closer to family and grandchildren.

On behalf of colleagues across British Marine, we extend our sincere thanks to Phil for his years of dedication and wish him all the very best for a long, healthy and enjoyable retirement.