My Yorkshire: Lloyd Atkin, Bio-D
Lloyd Atkin is managing director at Bio-D, and independent producer of eco-friendly cleaning products, based in Hull, East Yorkshire. The company won Small Business of the Year award at the 2016 Business Masters.
Where do you live/where are you from?
I was born in Darlington but I have been resident in Hull in East Yorkshire since I was six weeks old.
What is your favourite place to visit in Yorkshire and why?
I love Dalby Forest; it is such a diverse location where I can enjoy time with the family riding our bikes and having picnics. There are some amazing views of the surrounding countryside and I have been to several music events there. I also love the Waterfalls Way at Ingleton on the edge of the Dales. Whitby and York are fantastic too….I’ll stop now, shall I?
What is still on your “to do” list in the region?
Too many things to mention. For many years I focused on travelling to far off places and other parts of the UK. Then around 15 years ago, a friend recommended taking our dogs for a walk along the River Derwent from a place called Kirkham Priory, just outside York, and I realised what amazing places we had on our doorstep. I enjoy canal boating; whenever I am in Leeds I think I would like to see the city from that perspective, so travelling the Leeds Liverpool Canal would definitely be on my list.
What is the most memorable meal you’ve ever had in Yorkshire?
I have had so many fabulous meals it is hard to say. I like seeking out little artisan producers of traditional fayre in the villages. And recently I had a fantastic meal at The Pipe & Glass in South Dalton. It is a really old rural country pub that serves amazing food.
What is your most Yorkshire trait?
I wear a flat cap in winter and I won’t entertain a Sunday lunch if it doesn’t come with Yorkshire pudding. I’ll also have a Yorkshire pud with treacle on for dessert.
Favourite piece of trivia about the region.
I love that William Wilberforce, responsible for the abolition of slavery, was born and resided right here in Hull.
What is your favourite cultural icon to come out of Yorkshire?
It would have to be Philip Larkin. I love the accessibility and dark humour of his poetry. Patties have to get a mention too; again, we’re talking food but I think this particular delicacy can be classed as a cultural icon. There are t-shirts and Twitter accounts dedicated to Hull’s famous pattie (a fried herb and potato cake).
Worst experience or thing about Yorkshire?
Leaving, especially when it involves the M1.
What is one thing you’d steal from Lancashire (or other UK regions) if you could?
They’ve got nothing worth having; they can keep it all!
What is the most overrated thing about Yorkshire?
I just asked someone in the office, a southerner, about this and even they couldn’t think of anything – so nothing.
