| ABNB started life as the brainchild of Andy Burnett whilst he was the Technical Editor of Waterways World, the popular magazine still at the forefront today. In the early 90's brokers would only sell boats that were taken to their sales base but many vendors were reluctant to abandon their pride and joy, even though they were selling. Andy Burnett Narrowboat Brokerage pioneered and perfected selling boats from their home moorings which enabled the vendors to participate in the sales process, an opportunity welcomed by many. |
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| As the business grew, Andy resigned from Waterways World and concentrated full time on building the Andy Burnett Narrowboat Brokerage into a thriving business to the point where an office with full time staff was needed and Crick Wharf became the home of ABNB. Paul & Lesley Mudie were employed by Andy & Christine Burnett to staff the office at Crick Wharf - at that time just a portacabin. The wooden chalet office, seen above, followed soon and ABNB was firmly established as a leading broker of quality boats at Crick. |
When Andy & Christine retired in 2004, they sold the company to Paul & Lesley Mudie who continued to run ABNB in much the same manner - why mend something that isn't broken - although they were continually looking at ways to utilise developments and advances in technology as the upgraded website demonstrates. Improvements were made to the brochure production and website through digital photography. The website was also further developed with the addition of a menu driven navigation of the site and a simple search option.
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| Sadly Lesley died after losing her fight with scleroderma in June 2009. In order to fill the big void that she left in the company two new directors were appointed - Paul & Sheila Smith whose boating experience and expertise have been well proven - putting the 'new' company in a strong position to move forward into the new decade. There is however the potential for much confusion as there are now 2 Pauls !!! who will be known as Paul M & Paul S. |
| Nevertheless, our constant aim is to provide the standard of service of yesteryear which is so often missing in today's self-centered hectic lifestyle and our committment to provding a friendly, professional service is second to none.
Our collective boating experience encompasses all aspects of the cut and it is difficult to envisage an area of the canal world in which we wouldn't be able to offer you constructive advice and support, be it realising your dream or hanging up your windlasses.
Updated January 2010
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