Bartons are proud to have a connection with Nottinghamshire dating back to 1908. A fourth-generation family business, Bartons was founded by Thomas Henry Barton O.B.E. as one of Britain's earliest bus companies. It grew to be, for many years, the largest independent operator in the country.

Its transport activities were sold in 1989 following a change in government policies, since when its core activity has been property investment.