Barry Leahey MBE is President of Playdale Playgrounds, the Cumbrian manufacturer that has designed and installed more than 25,000 playgrounds around the world since 1978.
In May 2026 the company launched Fuse, a play system that brings climbing, balancing, crawling and exploration together in one connected structure. Leahey joined Playdale in 2004, was appointed MBE in 2017 for services to UK trade and exports, is Professor of Practice at the University of Cumbria and was named on BusinessCloud’s Northern Leaders list for the second year running in 2025. He tells Business Matters why honesty, inclusion and a habit of continual learning sit at the heart of the business.
What do you currently do at Playdale Playgrounds?
As President of Playdale, I provide strategic leadership across the business. I drive sustainable growth, innovation and operational excellence, while building strong relationships with customers, partners and employees in the UK and international markets.
I joined Playdale in 2004 as sales and marketing director. Today we design, manufacture and install our play equipment from Haverthwaite in Cumbria, and exports now account for around half of our business.
What was the inspiration behind your business?
Playdale was inspired by a simple belief: every child deserves a safe, exciting place to play.
Through our Play Forward approach, we create high-quality playgrounds that spark imagination, support children’s development and bring communities together. We are building on our family manufacturing heritage for generations to come.
What is new at Playdale this year?
In May we launched Fuse, a new play system that brings several play experiences together in one connected structure. It comes in 1.5m and 1.9m heights, with three options at each height, and combines climbing, balancing, crawling and exploration routes. Selected units include accessible entry points and integrated seating.
Fuse is a significant step forward in how we think about playground design. It is designed for schools, local authorities, housing developments and community spaces that want several kinds of play while making the most of their space and budget.
Who do you admire?
I admire leaders who truly represent their businesses, including Richard Branson, Jeff Bezos and, earlier in my career, Jack Welch. My childhood hero was Seb Coe.
I have always been inspired by what Sir Clive Woodward and Sir Dave Brailsford brought to sport through marginal gains. That mindset of continually improving the small things can make a powerful difference in business too.
Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently?
I would have learned to enjoy the journey more. The architect in me is always planning for the next challenge, but every success, setback and learning experience helps shape the future.
We cannot change the past. We can only use those lessons to build better, move forward and make the most of what comes next.
What defines your way of doing business?
Honesty defines the way I do business. It may not always be the easiest approach, but I believe being open, direct and fair is always the right one.
At Playdale, our values are brought together through #TEAM:
T is for trading globally, acting locally: pursuing global success while staying connected to, and responsible for, our local communities and customers.
E is for excellence: taking pride in getting things right, learning from mistakes and continually improving.
A is for all-inclusive: creating inclusive play spaces and fostering an inclusive culture for colleagues and customers alike.
M is for make smiles: because business should be enjoyable, and the work we do should make a positive difference.
Together, these values guide how we work as a team and how we move Playdale forward.
What advice would you give to someone starting out?
Never stop looking for ways to improve your knowledge. Read widely, listen to podcasts, learn from the people around you and stay open to new ideas.
A curious mind is a growing mind. That willingness to keep learning will help you spot opportunities, adapt to challenges and keep moving forward.
