He is best known for the success of transforming Leicester City Football Club as Chief Executive from a loss-making club to a profitable Premiership business during his 9 years. He was responsible for the turnover growth from £1m turnover, losing £2m, to £24m with a profit of £3m. He oversaw its stock market flotation, raised £12m and developed new subsidiary companies, capitalising on business mainstream activities. 

Barrie has also been Chief Executive of Portsmouth FC, Bradford City FC and other football clubs, as well as business and management consultant to a wide range of sports clubs, including rugby, cricket, basketball and ice skating.

In 2002 he purchased a small loss-making advertising, marketing and PR business in Leicester, and developed that from a £1m to a £5m turnover profitably within 3 years. He came out of that company in 2007 to set up his own consultancy to provide professional business services and boardroom support which includes acting as Chairman, Non-Executive Director and interim CEO. He also provides coaching, mentoring, and training to a range of clients - including Managing Directors, Chief Executives and Owner-Managers - who need advice, guidance, direction and want to overcome the challenges they face as their business grows, using all his skills, expertise, knowledge, successes and ‘been there, worn the t-shirt’ experiences.

He has coached 80 staff each month on a one-to-one basis over a six-year period for a Nottingham brand agency, helping them to develop their turnover from £20m to £40m in that period.