Build Your Business Using Brains NOT Budget

Serial Entrepreneur John Barnes worked for 17 years with large international corporations including Procter and Gamble and PepsiCo in Senior Marketing and General Management positions in the UK, USA and France.  He moved to Yorkshire in 1988, and with colleagues bought the single restaurant, Harry Ramsden’s in Guiseley. As Executive Chairman, John led the roll out of this business to 70 outlets in 7 countries including a UK stock market listing and eventual exit to Granada, now Compass PLC., in 1999.  

Since selling Harry Ramsden’s, he has been a Director of a wide range of businesses, both publicly and privately owned, ranging from Galaxy 105FM and Zoo Digital Plc in Yorkshire to  Caffe Nero, Arena Leisure and La Tasca Restaurants which increased 5 times in value in 5 years via an IPO and then sale in 2007. He is currently Chairman of Novus Leisure Ltd ( the leading late night bar operator and owner of Tiger Tiger) and a Director of Sportech Plc and  ISG Plc. His wife Pat owns and runs The Orchard Therapy Centre in Horsforth. His Daughter Suzannah  has recently left Asda to set up her own Company and launch a new local food and cafe retail concept 

John was named AIM Non Executive Director of the year 2006 in the Sunday Times/Peel Hunt Awards.

He co-authored the book “Marketing Judo- Building Your Business using Brains not Budget” published by Prentice Hall.