Celebrating Northern Leadership

We’re thrilled to announce that our President, Barry Leahey, has been named one of the leading figures on the prestigious 2024 Northern Leaders List. This accolade, presented by BusinessCloud, recognises Barry’s significant contributions to the business landscape, his dedication to driving growth and innovation within the industry, and his commitment to championing Cumbria and UK manufacturing.

The Northern Leaders List celebrates outstanding leaders who have demonstrated vision, resilience, and a strong commitment to their fields. Barry’s place alongside influential figures such as Dragons’ Den star Sara Davies and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham speaks to the impact of his leadership and dedication to fostering positive change in the North.

Since joining Playdale Playgrounds in 2004, Barry has transformed our business, guiding it to become a market-leading force in playground manufacturing. His leadership has not only driven Playdale’s success but also reflects his deep-rooted passion for Cumbria. As part of his commitment to local growth, Barry has joined the Cumbrian Economic Growth Board, which succeeds the Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership, underscoring his dedication to economic development and opportunity in the area.

“I am truly grateful to be acknowledged alongside such a distinguished group of leaders and feel privileged to represent Cumbria in this way,” Barry said. “This achievement reflects the hard work and dedication of the entire Playdale team.”

As we look to the future, Barry’s vision and leadership remain key to both Playdale’s growth and the prosperity of our region. We’re proud to have a leader who not only champions Playdale but also inspires positive change throughout the North.