John Barnett MBE, a successful businessman from Blackpool, officially started his role as the new High Sheriff of Lancashire on Wednesday 13 April 2016. At the installation ceremony at County Hall in Preston, he promised to do everything he could for the people of Blackpool and Lancashire over the next year. In the Fylde Coast community, he’s well known for founding Radio Wave and serving as Chairman for many years after he retired. Even though many of the High Sheriff’s powers have been reduced over time, the role still carries out important duties. It’s a voluntary position with no salary or expenses covered, so John has to fund it personally.
John said, “Whether it is helping individuals to find work or boosting tourism, attracting more visitors to Lancashire, or supporting the many unpaid carers; it is important to me that the role of High Sheriff has a relevance and importance in the 21st Century. I can only achieve this through the help and support of the business sector, working closely with the voluntary and public sector.”
Danielle Barnett, John Barnett MBE’s wife, has been appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours, being recognised for her tireless “services to people with disabilities and their carers in Lancashire”. The award takes on added significance as it arrives exactly 25 years to the day since her husband was similarly honoured in 2000.
John is also well known for his involvement with several other community groups, including Social Enterprise Solutions and Blackpool Carers Centre. He is pictured below with his wife Danielle.
John Barnett MBE and Danielle Barnett MBE
Text source: Blackpool Gazette’swebsite
