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Parkol Marine Engineering
Providing a service that’s second-to-none
Established in 1971, we have grown exponentially over the past five decades but remain a family business at heart. Our intimate understanding of the marine industry and owners’ requirements – combined with our commitment to continually raising the bar – has earned us a reputation as one of the leading boat manufacturers in the UK. Taking a highly personalised approach to every commission, the quality of build and service we provide keeps clients returning to us time after time and we have longstanding relationships with entire generations of boat owners. Our focus on speed, efficiency and due diligence enables us to deliver our boats on time, on budget and to an outstanding standard.
We design, build, repair and maintain every type of steel, aluminium and woodhulled vessels and our highly skilled team and network of expert suppliers enable us to meet every conceivable need a boat owner could have. Committed to continuous improvement and innovation, we are constantly seeking ways to ensure our vessels push at the leading edge of the boat building industry, providing bespoke solutions that meet the individual needs of every client.
HAPPY GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY PARKOL!
It was 50 years ago today that the Parkol company was formed by Ken Parker and John Oliver, with the name of the new venture being a portmanteau of the first parts of their surnames.
Ken Parker, also known as the “Black Knight” within the Whitby fishing community, serviced and repaired the fishing fleet in Whitby. When a major overhaul was required he would call in help from a firm from Newcastle, and John Oliver was one of the employees that was sent to do this.
John was approached by Ken to join the business and with the help and support of local business man Jim Leadley Snr MBE, John decided to make the move to Whitby. Dedicated from the start, John and Esther were married on Saturday 27th February 1971 and the very next day they travelled down to Whitby where John started work with Ken on Monday 1st March 1971. Esther later joined them as Company Secretary.
Ken and John were always on 24 hour call out in order to keep the fishing fleet at sea. Some of these vessels were Success, Provider and Lead Us to name a few.
Their ‘office’ premises tended to be The Singing Kettle or The Duke of York.
Photos thanks to: Gemma Oliver and Louise Leadley
