My Yorkshire: Tom Wheldon, Henry Boot Developments

Tom Wheldon is Regional Manager at Henry Boot Developments (HBD).

Headquartered in Sheffield, one of six regional offices, HBD is one of the UK’s most progressive property companies, currently delivering a development pipeline in excess of £1bn. Its diverse development portfolio comprises listed mills and prized heritage assets, through to logistics and business space solutions and game-changing regeneration projects. His colleagues will update the marketplace at a Property Lunch in the coming weeks – ticket/s are available to buy online.

Where do you live/where are you from? 

I live in Roundhay in Leeds, but I’m from Hull originally – having grown up in East Yorkshire and now working in South Yorkshire I feel I have the county pretty well-covered!

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

I’m a big fan of Helmsley – it’s a great base to visit the coast, the North Yorkshire Moors or to explore locally.

What is still on your ‘to do’ list in the region?

I have a young family with three under 7’s so we’re gradually working our way around the many great museums and attractions in Yorkshire – so far we’ve visited Eureka, The Science and Media Museum, Thackery Museum, The Royal Armouries and The Hepworth to name a few.  We still have loads to get through – I think the Jorvick Centre or maybe Eden camp should be next up.

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

I recently had some great locally sourced fish at the Star on the Harbour in Whitby, but I think my most memorable meals have been at Tommy Banks’ restaurant, The Black Swan, at Oldstead and Michael O’Hare’s Man Behind the Curtain for the pure theatre of the menu.

What is your most Yorkshire phrase?

‘Where there’s muck there’s brass’ – I think it sums up the Yorkshire approach to business to look for opportunities where others may not and to be prepared to roll your sleeves up and get your hands dirty.

Favourite piece of trivia about the region?

The tallest-ever Englishman was, naturally, a Yorkshireman. (Giant) William Bradley (1787-1820) lived in Market Weighton, one of 13 children. By the age of 20, he was 7ft 9. He now has a bypass named after him and my wife’s parents run a brilliant plant nursery nearby.

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

Dean Windass – his volley to put Hull City AFC in the Premiership for the first time was iconic.

Worst experience or thing about Yorkshire?

The transport infrastructure – Leeds is the largest city in Europe to not have a mass transit system and, although the local authority is working hard to make improvements, it’s just too difficult to move around the region. We desperately need HS2, HS3 and major infrastructure investment to help to remedy the problem.

What is the one thing you’d steal from Lancashire if you could?

A football team that can stay in the top flight long term!

What is the most overrated thing about Yorkshire?

Real Ale – it’s just not my cup of tea.  That’s Yorkshire (tea).

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