My Yorkshire: Tim Mercer, CEO of Vapour Cloud

Ex-soldier Tim Mercer is now the CEO of Elland-headquartered Vapour Cloud. Here, he talks about how his career may have seen him work throughout the UK, and overseas, but his fondness for Yorkshire has brought him back to the county where he was born.

Where do you live/where are you from?

I now live in South Yorkshire just outside Doncaster, in a little village called Tickhill. I am originally from sunny Halifax.

What is your favourite place to visit in Yorkshire and why?

It changes regularly when I find somewhere new, hilly and green. You can’t beat any of the Yorkshire moors – I’m not one for the seaside. I’ve completed several tours in the Army, and worked away in London, and the countryside is definitely a pulling memory of home.

What is still on your “to do” list in the region?

I have completed lots of sporting/activity challenges over the years, but I haven’t ticked off the Pennine Way yet – those 268 miles are certainly on my list!

What is the most memorable meal you’ve ever had in Yorkshire?

Wow that’s tough. Yorkshire currently boasts five Michelin starred restaurants, so it’s hard to not give them a shout out, but I genuinely don’t think you can beat dinner at my my Auntie Winny’s – her boiled pigs ears, mashed potato and cabbage takes me right back to being a child when she serves this up!

What is your most Yorkshire trait?

I’m straight talking and to some people, far too dry.

Favourite piece of trivia about the region.

Guy Fawkes was from York!!

What is your favourite cultural icon to come out of Yorkshire?

For me, it’s a place not a person. I’m a sucker for the Piece Hall – I grew up there as my mum worked in one of the shops for years. It’s great to finally see it being brought back to its former glory.

Worst experience or thing about Yorkshire?

We are known as tight – it’s a myth, honest!

What is one thing you’d steal from Lancashire (or other UK regions) if you could?

Is this a joke question? We are not called God’s Country for nothing!!

What is the most overrated thing about Yorkshire?

Yorkshire Pudding – no one eats it as it should be eaten.