'We can't always talk about everything we do,' said managing director Robert Glen, and when you hear snippets like the Japanese MOD effectively runs on Barrus, as do NATO Special Forces, it's obvious there are probably tales of derring-do to be told. Or not… 'I've met some interesting people over the years,' smiled Glen.

E P Barrus started in 1917 in London. After many racing successes the company began importing US built Johnson & Lycoming marine engines. in the 1930s, Barrus entered the automotive market, supplying garage tools and equipment.

Throughout WW2 the company became the essential lifeline for Britain with the supply of hand tools, cutting tools, military tools and military engines to the War Department and Ministry of Supply.

After the war came the garden-based products with ride-on mowers. Other Barrus innovations include gas-fired garden barbeques ad product introductions included Zodiac inflatables.

After relocating to Bicester, the company became what it is today, distributing Mariner outboards, Yanmar engines and ATVs. In 2001 the company was appointed distributors of MerCruiser inboard and Mercury outboards, followed by Walker Bay Boats in2003.

Today the company has seven divisions, operates through a network of over 1500 specialist dealers and supplies an enviable list of OEMs. Glen is very proud of the company's EDI system that means orders placed before 16.00 are processed within 20 minutes and delivered by 09.00 the following morning.

They just get on with it quietly. A bit like the special forces, really…