About Us

John Barnes

Serial Entrepreneur John Barnes worked for 17 years with large international corporations including Procter & Gamble and PepsiCo. He was MD of KFC (GB) and Group MD of Thorn-Emi Rental and Retail in the 1980's.

In 1988, with colleagues he bought the single fish and chip 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 then he has been Chairman or Non Executive Director of several Companies from La Tasca to Caffe Nero, Arena Leisure, Yates, Galaxy Radio 105, Hardy's and Hanson's and Novus Leisure Ltd. He is an NED of two quoted Companies Sportech plc (The Football Pools) and ISG Plc (Construction Services) and has two Family businesses in Leeds - The Orchard Therapy Centre in Horsforth and the Local Pantry Farm Shop and Café in Pool. 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.

Richard Richardson

Richard Richardson began his career in marketing with Rowntree Mackintosh before spending the next 12 years with multi-national advertising agencies such as BBDO and Young & Rubicam.

He joined John Barnes in the acquisition of Harry Ramsden's being responsible for Marketing and Franchise Development.

Following the sale of Harry Ramsden's he co- authored the best selling business book, Marketing Judo, with John Barnes and was a non executive director of La Tasca before its flotation and subsequent sale.

He is a frequent speaker at conferences and seminars sharing the Marketing Judo principles for success.