About Peter Roper

“My mission is simple: to help people and businesses achieve their goals—filling the fridge, sleeping soundly at night, and cultivating relationships built on trust.”
Peter Roper - The Family Business Man & The Natural Presenter

About Peter

I’m Peter Roper — often known as The Family Business Man.

For more than 30 years, I have worked alongside family-owned businesses, helping them navigate growth, succession and the difficult moments that arise when family and business overlap.

Family businesses are different. Decisions are rarely just commercial. Roles are personal. History matters. And pressure inside the business often shows up first in relationships.

My work focuses on helping families slow things down enough to think clearly, speak honestly and make decisions they can live with — now and in the future.

I also work in an inter-generational family business myself, so I understand these challenges not just professionally, but personally.

“Over the years, I saw a recurring theme: family firms who waited too long paid a hidden cost. That insight is why I developed structured pathways like the Pressure Check, the Understanding Programme and the Survival Project — to help families think before stress becomes crisis.”

Peter's journey began in the corporate realm, where he remarkably transitioned from being self-described as the world's worst salesperson to a pinnacle of success within the motor and finance industries.
 
His corporate tenure was marked by extraordinary achievements, including the creation of a division that, from inception, soared to a turnover of £38 million in just over two years, garnished with numerous industry awards.
 
Beyond his corporate success, Peter's entrepreneurial ventures include the stewardship of six family businesses, with an equal share of triumphs and tribulations. His candid acknowledgment that his failures taught him more than his successes provides a humbling insight into his philosophy.

In 2015 he formed the Family Business Practice which by 2026 has held over one hundred face-to-face events, and three hundred online events and helped hundreds of family businesses, particularly through the challenging time of lockdown. 
 

Over time, a pattern became clear.

Family businesses rarely struggle because they lack ability or commitment.

They struggle when pressure builds and thinking space disappears.

The Family Business Practice grew out of that observation — a way to offer families calm, structured space to think clearly before decisions are made under strain.

 

Peter is known as "The Natural Speaker" 

Peter is an eloquent and charismatic speaker and has shared his insights with over 750,000 attendees in various countries.

His distinguished membership in the Professional Speaking Association for well over two decades including roles as a Fellow, National President in 2009, and board member is a reflection of his dedication to the craft of speaking.
 
Peter's contributions to the PSA were recognized with the prestigious PSAE "Hall of Fame" in 2019, honoring his impact and reputation as a keynote speaker. Less than forty speakers hold this accolade in the UK.

In 2024 he was honoured with the PSA Founders Award for his twenty five years service to the PSA only six individuals have been given this highest accolade.

Peter is currently a Director of the PSA Foundation for those speakers in need of support, a Director of The Cleobury Country Centre, a non for profit organisation serving the local community and a Certified CPD Speaker and Trainer. 
Peter is available to speak at your event
Peter is available to speak at your event
Book Peter to Speak
Dubbed "The Natural Presenter," Peter's authenticity both on and off the stage is celebrated as the ultimate accolade. His innate talent for presenting is not only showcased in his own speeches, but also in his ability to coach others to excel in their presentations, ensuring they remain genuine and engaging communicators.

Peter Roper's legacy is not just in the businesses he's developed or the books he's written; it's in the countless individuals he's inspired to embrace their authentic selves in business and in life.

 

“Powerful, practical and timely advice on both cultivating great networking relationships and speaking with confidence: two skills of vital importance in today’s successful business person”.
Bob Burg

“A must-read for anyone who wants to get on in business!”
Lord Digby Jones

 

“Searingly honest and truly a man of our times” 
Julian Powell

Peter Roper has written a range of books
Peter Roper has written a range of books
Learn more about Peter Roper's books here
More Information and Where to Buy

Peter is an inspirational speaker who is passionate about helping businesses to represent themselves at their best. Peter's presentations are motivating and inspiring with practical tips to use when presenting.
 

Claire Wozencroft

Peter is as genuine as he is enterprising and capable. He is one of life's natural communicators and, from a professional and personal point of view, is utterly trustworthy. He always puts himself out for clients and others.
 

Sean Brickell

Peter is that rarest of speakers, someone who actually manages to combine education, entertainment and a commanding presence on stage. He speaks with consummate authority and adds real value to his audiences. Hire him with confidence.
 

Dave Thomas

We have spoken together at various events, written training programmes and co-authored a best selling book.
 
I'm not really going to have anything bad to say, am I?!
 
Seriously, Peter is a fantastic guy to work with and I have learnt so much from him. A fun and engaging speaking and genuine person.
 
One of life's 'good guys'.
 

Andy Lopata

Peter is not just an outstanding professional speaker, he constantly makes a huge commitment to helping others in the business to develop as professional speakers as a Past National President of the Professional Speakers Association. He is a speaker who walks his talk and I highly recommend him
 

Rikki Arundel

"I want to express my sincere thanks for the fantastic work you've done with our team. Your impact on their confidence has been remarkable. I look forward to the opportunity to work with you again in the future”.
 

Planet 81

I've seen Peter present on a number of occasions - both in a Corporate environment and as part of a Networking meet to a room full of SMEs & Family Businesses. Each time he's been tremendously well received and clearly has a wealth of business experience which he can put across extremely effectively - and at a range of levels.
 

Mark Tomlinson WPA

Over 80% of businesses in the UK are family owned or run, the knowledge that Peter has is huge and he is always sharing his messages and learning with clients and audiences alike. Proud to call him a friend, mentor and confident – great working with you as always Peter.
 

Mike Pagan

Peter shared his story with around 200 professional speakers at last weekend's annual conference of the PSA. His learnings, tips and insights touched a nerve and he really connected with us. His honesty, passion and commitment shone through. Thanks Peter.
 

Mark Lee

"Peter's ability to translate deep business concepts into relatable stories is remarkable."

Richard H

"Peter's keynote was more than just a talk; it was an experience that transformed how we see our business and ourselves."

Sarah G

“After attending Peter’s speaking masterclass I now have 4 speaking opportunities.  Previously I would have turned them down – now I’m just excited and keen to get talking! I fully recommend training with Peter for excellent coaching, a safe place to make mistakes, receive feedback and perfecting your technique before giving presentations.”
 

Claire Hill

“I've been privileged to attend Peter's Family Business Practice events over the last couple of years and they are amazing events. Peter's energy is stunning and his dedication to helping family businesses and their owners is without measure.

If you've not had the chance to speak to Peter or attend one of his events then I highly recommend it. Really appreciate everything you do and thank you.”
 

Dave James

“I don't think there's another speaker in the world that knows more about family businesses (in other words most businesses) than Peter Roper. He is a rare talent on stage, delivers great advice, and is the most charming and likeable man on and off stage. I recommend him unreservedly.”

Alan Stevens

I would strongly recommend any member to join this programme, I have learnt some really valuable tips and lessons across a number of different topics including networking, presenting and maximising client relationships…… I look forward to working with Peter more in the future developing me and my business.

Jamie Pratt Stockton Business Consulting

Peter provided a great course with positive interaction between the delegates to help one another. It really helped to focus the mind on how to develop my business further during the strange Covid times we find ourselves in. Highly recommended.

Simon Baldwin - High House Wealth Management Ltd
By clicking "Accept All" you agree to the use of analytical cookies that we use on our website to measure usage. These cookies provide information that will help us to improve our site and enhance user experience. By clicking "Manage Preferences", you can manage your consent and find out more about the cookies we use.
Manage your privacy preferences

These are functional cookies needed to keep our website working properly and give you the best experience when visiting our website.

We collect information about how visitors use our website. The information is in aggregate form and counts visitor numbers and other information to help us improve our website.

These cookies ensure that, if applicable, any adverts are properly displayed and targeted based on your browsing. They may also be used to integrate social media on our site.

We may use assets from 3rd parties on our website, for example, Google fonts, which enhance your viewing and visual experience.

Read our privacy policy