Shelagh Johnston

Shelagh Johnson has years of experience which has provided her with insights into some of the world’s top leisure corporations and they are not only of great general interest but her advice and experience is applicable to small and medium business owners too.  Her formative years included working for Brian Epstein (The Beatles manager). She studied at The University of Liverpool and gained Diplomas in Local History and Public Speaking.

Shelagh was instrumental in Liverpool’s regeneration programme in the eighties, working alongside Michael Hestletine, then Minister for Merseyside, and Linda Chalker speaking in open forums to encourage new investment to the city through the government development agency The Merseyside Development Corporation. This vision has played an important role laying the foundations for Liverpool’s European ‘Capital of Culture’ title 2008.

She has travelled extensively throughout The United States, Japan and Europe, and has represented her city, government, and individuals in many exacting situations.
“The president of The Kawasaki Corporation spoke to me at length during a Government Trade mission to Japan, leaving many important people to wait, as he discussed with me his favourite Beatle Albums.”

Throughout her life Shelagh has remained interlinked with the subject of The Beatles and one of her most recent projects has been to represent Yoko Ono as an advisor to The National Trust on the restoration and refurbishment of ‘ Mendips ‘the childhood home of former Beatle John Lennon and his beloved Aunt Mimi (subject of a recent BBC television documentary.)

She has also worked on Radio and Television worldwide on the subjects of Management, particularly in the Tourism Industry, but also in association with Beatle related news items.  In recent years Shelagh has been studying the fascinating lifestyle of The Amish Community of Pennsylvania, which takes you on an intriguing journey into a world of simplicity which we could hardly imagine in the 21st century. It is world without electricity, cars, television or computers or any of the gadgets that we could not live without today. The subject gives rise to a wonderful stop and think exercise.

Shelagh has always advocated an open approach to management, believing that ownership and motivation are the cornerstones to a successful business. Married to David and mother of three (including identical twin daughters), now with three grandsons, Shelagh has achieved that ever sought after balance being a successful businesswoman with a career and family which she believes complement each other beautifully.