Certainly if Barton were to become your home base then relying on an IMC to get you out and back would be a complete non-starter - no instrument approaches, need VFR minima to be in the Barton Low Flying Area at all!
When I was current with an IR (some years ago), I used occasionally to do an approach into Manchester, then once visual break off back to Barton. Have also diverted into Liverpool as well.
But the reality of using a light aircraft as a reliable means of business travel is IMHO a tad far-fetched.
All that said, I heartily endorse what others have said to you - learn to fly, it's challenging, intellectually rewarding and above all fun! I'd recommend Barton over Blackpool (but then I would, wouldn't I) as if you can master operating out of a bumpy grass field then big tarmac runways are a doddle - the reverse is not the case.