Alumni Business Person of the Year
Category criteria
- Entrants for this category must be Staffordshire University alumni.
- Entrants could be employed or self-employed but should be directly responsible for the success of their enterprise.
- The judges will be looking for evidence of the entrants’ determination to make the most of new opportunities to help fuel their company’s success.

David Whitehouse
Alumni Business Person of the Year entrant
University of Staffordshire Computing Science alumni David Whitehouse wanted a sustainable working space for his seven employees – so he commissioned a net zero, eco-friendly office in the grounds of his own home in the Staffordshire countryside.
Once inLIFE Lodge, the new home for his business inLIFE Design, was up and running in early 2024 he commissioned a media cabin for video, photography and podcasting which is powered solely by the sun and wind, has a recycled water toilet and a rooftop wildflower garden.
The founder and managing director of inLIFE, David graduated from University of Staffordshire in 2004 and worked with various blue-chip companies before setting up his own business in 2011.
He has offered numerous work placements to University of Staffordshire students and inLIFE’s head developer, Laura Bucknall, is a University of Staffordshire alumna.
Initially based in a home office, the business moved to Burntwood Business Park in 2015 and is now located in Chasetown.
David said: “My vision was to set a precedent for the office of the future. The goal was to seamlessly blend sustainability with cutting-edge technology.
“The new space features AI-powered automation, including individual presence sensors that adjust lighting, automated water irrigation, plug wattage measurement for energy efficiency and personalised staff lighting.
“The office even includes chickens that provide fresh eggs for the team and a zip line, fostering a truly eco-friendly and innovative work environment.”
InLife specialises in web design and digital marketing with clients ranging from Twycross Zoo and the Red Dwarf actor Danny John-Jules to locally-based plumbers and electricians.
David said the company’s USP is its sustainability and that the team look at SEO alongside development.
He added: “Post-covid most businesses in our sector went to home working but we wanted to keep that human element.”
David Whitehouse has entered the Alumni Business Person of the Year category of the University of Staffordshire Business Awards and inLIFE Design has been entered into the Small Business of the Year category.