How Bartech Marine Grew from a Garage to a £10m Global Operator

It started in a garage on Mersea Island – one engineer, one big idea, and a belief that things could be done better.

Today, Bartech Marine is one of the UK’s most respected diesel engine specialists. Headquartered in Colchester, with a second site in Aberdeen, they’re trusted by major players like Disney Cruises, EDF, and offshore operators across the North Sea.

In this episode of Made in Essex: The Podcast, Bartech’s Managing Director Paul Bleck shares the story behind that journey – and what it takes to scale smart, lead with values, and build a business that lasts.

🎧 Listen to the full conversation here.

From family firm to industry leader

Paul stepped into leadership from within the family – taking the reins from his father-in-law. Since then, he’s led the business through significant growth:

£10m+ turnover
70+ staff
International clients, local values

But what stood out most in the conversation was Paul’s honesty – about the pressure (and privilege) of taking on a family business, and the decisions he’s made to keep precision, pace and people at the heart of the operation.

Paul Bleck Bartech Marine

Real-world insight for B2B leaders

In this episode, Paul and host Jill Willis – co-founder of Attract & Engage – cover topics every ambitious B2B business leader will relate to:

Building high-performing teams in a competitive labour market
Leading through generational change
Staying ahead in a price-led specialist sector
How to scale without losing what made you different in the first place

One audience question – “How do you stay ahead when price dominates the conversation?” – prompted an answer from Paul that’s worth the listen alone

Why we loved this one

At Attract & Engage, we help B2B brands sharpen their marketing strategy, clarify their message and attract the right kind of attention. What Paul’s built at Bartech is a brilliant example of how strong values and smart growth can go hand in hand.

Paul Bleck was talking to Jill Willis, Director of Attract & Engage and host of the Made in Essex Podcast.

🎧 Catch the full episode here or listen wherever you get your podcasts.👇

And if you enjoy it, follow Made in Essex and share it with someone who’s building something bold.

About Made in Essex
Produced by Attract & Engage, Made in Essex shines a light on the county’s most ambitious business leaders. Each episode is hosted by our co-founder, Jill Willis, and shares candid conversations that celebrate resilience, leadership and growth – the kind that doesn’t always make headlines, but should.

🎧 New episodes drop monthly. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

Keep your eyes peeled for more episodes as Jill invites the county’s most tenacious and successful business leaders to lift the bonnet on their entrepreneurial stories.

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