My Yorkshire: Steve Manley, president of Sheffield Chamber of Commerce

Steve Manley, new Sheffield Chamber of Commerce President & joint managing director of Universal Office Products

Where do you live/where are you from?

I live in a village called Worrall in Sheffield. I was born and bred in Sheffield, but I have also spent a substantial proportion of my early working life living in London and various other cities across the UK.

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

Whitby – beautiful quaint seaside town with a harbour. The last six generations of the family have all visited and the current three generations still do. So many happy memories.

I also love Bradfield, it’s just so beautiful with so many different walks and very unspoilt. On a lovely weekend, it can get a little busy near the Cricket pitch, but if you know the area well or do your research, you can find some fabulous peaceful walks with amazing views.

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

I would like to visit an open top bus ceremony in the city centre to see Sheffield Wednesday bringing a trophy home. However, on a far more realistic note, I would like to spend more time exploring the Yorkshire Dales.

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

If I’m not allowed to say my Mum’s homemade 2inch high Yorkshire Puddings, then I would go for Casanovas in Crookes Sheffield. It’s a family run Italian restaurant and we have been regulars for over 20 years. The owner and head chef Salvo is such a great person and over the years has become a good friend.

What is your most Yorkshire trait?

Apart from the fact that I love Yorkshire Tea, Yorkshire puddings and Henderson’s Relish, I’d like to think it’s a friendly warm welcome to people who visit Sheffield. I think many Yorkshire folks don’t think this is one of our traits, but many people from outside of our region do mention the fact that we are very friendly city.

Favourite piece of trivia about the region.

I love my football and many people don’t realise that Gordon Banks was actually born in Sheffield in 1937. He is the only person ever to play for England in a World Cup winning final and that’s an achievement that has never been repeated. I have briefly met Gordon and he is such a lovely, humble man. Sadly we don’t have many of the 1966 left with us or in fit health, so we should cherish and respect these immense heroes.

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

From a child I have always loved the James Bond trilogy, therefore it would have to be Dame Judi Dench. She has achieved so much in a glittering career, but she has also led such an interesting life supporting so many worthy causes and I would love to hear a few stories about the film industry.

Worst experience or thing about Yorkshire?

Sheffield City Centre has changed at a far slower pace than Leeds or Manchester over the years and this is a negative, but I know that we now have some great people within the Council working to strategically develop a city centre for the future.

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

I do like Manchester city centre and the variety of shopping options, plus the choice of things you can do or go in the evening. Sheffield city centre is playing catch up, but we have a long way to go!

What is the most overrated thing about Yorkshire?

Liquorice Allsorts! I know Bassett’s was founded in Sheffield and the most famous sweet is arguably Liquorice Allsorts. But its one food that I really do not like – sorry and no offense intended!