About Us - BusinessLife.Style

About Peter Barnett

Founder & Managing Director, BusinessLife.Style

I bring a unique combination of corporate strategic thinking, hands-on technical expertise, and deep SME transformation experience to BusinessLife.Style. Based in North Yorkshire, I serve ambitious businesses across the UK who want to scale intelligently while maintaining what they love about their business.

My Journey from Corporate to SME Champion:

My career included business development roles at Cornhill and GE, where I learned how businesses operate at scale and developed strategic thinking skills. The real transformation came when I became Business Development Director at Frosts Landscaping & Garden Centre Group, where I doubled the commercial division’s turnover through business development and strategic systems implementation.

15+ Years of Independent Consultancy:

The success at Frosts gave me the confidence to establish my own consultancy in 2009. Since then, I’ve advised over 70 businesses across diverse sectors, focusing on strategic growth, business planning, and sustainable development that actually enhances owners’ lives rather than consuming them.

My portfolio has been wonderfully diverse – I’ve launched a Video Communications Agency, developed public awareness campaigns for innovative technologies with Transport Systems Catapult, managed exhibitions with national clients including ITV Media, and built business networking groups across multiple regions. Each experience taught me something valuable about what makes businesses truly successful.

Technical Understanding That Makes a Difference:

What sets me apart is my technical background spanning from custom software development and CRM implementation to modern AI integration. I’ve managed IT departments, led technical teams, and designed solutions that actually work in real SME environments. This means when I recommend technology solutions – including AI integration – I understand both what’s genuinely possible and what’s just marketing hype.

I’ve implemented systems a wide range of business software solutions but more importantly, I understand how to make them work as part of a broader business strategy rather than just adding complexity.

The Reality of Working with SMEs:

Through years of hands-on experience, I’ve learned that many clients initially try to solve problems themselves because they don’t know who to trust or fully understand how a consultant can genuinely help. I get it – there are plenty of consultants who talk a good game but can’t deliver practical results.

What I’ve discovered is that clients often lack the internal resources or understanding to implement the strategies I develop, so I frequently end up carrying out the activities for them. This isn’t a problem – it’s actually become a key part of my value proposition. I don’t just create plans that sit on shelves; I roll up my sleeves and help implement them.

The BusinessLife.Style Philosophy I’ve Developed:

Through working with dozens of businesses, I’ve learned a fundamental truth: “Your Business Should Work for You – Not Consume You.” This isn’t just a nice saying – it’s a practical methodology I’ve developed based on what I call the BusinessLife.Style Triangle: Grow Yourself, Keep Your Habits Simple, and Design Your Business Intentionally.

I’ve seen too many business owners become prisoners of their own success, working longer hours and losing the passion that got them started. That’s why I focus on integration rather than balance – helping owners design businesses that enhance their lives while delivering sustainable growth.

Why I Do This Work:

Recently relocating to North Yorkshire has reinforced my belief in building collaborative business communities that lift the whole ecosystem. I work alongside local authorities, existing networks, and support providers because I believe in cooperation over competition.

My approach combines proven business development strategies with smart technology integration where it genuinely adds value. I’ve learned that the most successful businesses aren’t just profitable – they’re designed to scale intelligently while maintaining the human relationships and creativity that drive real success.

What Drives My Work Today:

Every day, I help business owners escape the trap of being consumed by their own success. Whether through strategic planning, systems implementation, or showing them where AI can genuinely support their goals, my focus remains the same: building businesses that work for their owners, not against them.

The technical expertise ensures my recommendations are practical and profitable. The business development experience ensures they’re strategically sound. But most importantly, the BusinessLife.Style methodology ensures they enhance rather than hijack your life.

I measure success not just by financial results, but by whether my clients have more energy, stronger relationships, increased creativity, and genuine satisfaction with their work. Because what’s the point of building a successful business if it destroys everything else that matters to you?

If you’re ready to design a business that truly works for you, I’d love to have that conversation.

LinkedIn Testimonials

Robert Willford

Sure 2 Door Ltd

“Peter has become an integral part of our business. Over past 12 months he has help us grow the business considerably from 11 part time employees making a small profit based out of a small serviced office. Into a business that has 3 full time members of staff, 75 delivery staff and making a very healthily profit. He helped me to negotiate a lease on a new unit which increase our capacity greatly and helped move the business to the next level. I would recommend Peters services to anyone who needs a clear plan on how to grow their business. Thanks a million Peter and I look forward to the next 12 months!!!”

Top qualities: Great Results, Expert, High Integrity

Lynda Buntin

WPA Healthcare

“Peter listens to your needs and comes up with a way to fulfill your requirements with a sensible, cohesive and effective plan. His expertise is gained from practical experience of applying his own theories and he is generous with his time and knowledge. His quiet manner belies a wealth of underlying knowledge he uses to great effect. With a free initial consultation much can be gained, so I would readily recommend an appointment with Peter as incredibly worthwhile.”

Top qualities: Personable, Expert, Creative

Ray Bray

CMC Communications

“Peter was instrumental in my appointment at CMC Communications and so I have worked with him for over a year now since that time. As I was coming from a Telecoms Engineering background with experience predominantly in Pre and Post Sales Technical Support, Peter’s expertise, advice and guidance in the Sales arena has proved invaluable, this along with his overall business acumen and experience has helped both me and CMC generally, he has a personable approach, is well connected and brings a great deal of additional experience and knowledge to the table, I wholly commend him to any company or anyone looking to grow their business and increase their sales, and marketing window.”

Ian Cockburn

MD – Rescue IT Ltd

“Peter has a considerable knowledge of modern marketing and promotional methods, which he has used creatively to help me develop my business. I would recommend him for his energy, enthusiasm and expertise.”

Top qualities: Personable, Expert, Good Value

Dale Adkins

Business owner – Dale Renovations Ltd

Peter has helped me with business planning and given me some great ideas for my business. I have been really impressed by Peters passion to helping other businesses grow and I would recommend him to anyone who is seeking help in their business. Thanks Peter!

Jay Ashley Sparks

Bartercard Ltd

Peter is a true master in Business development, I have seen him working with clients that I have referred and his true expertise shines through. I have recommended clients of mine to use Peter and will continue to do so. If you want a fresh set of eyes to look at your sales / business development strategies Peter is the man to talk to.