My Yorkshire: Ian Hoad, Keepmoat

Ian Hoad is operations director and head of the new Leeds division of housebuilder Keepmoat

Where do you live/where are you from?

Originally I’m from Watford but very much Yorkshire bred as we moved to Doncaster when I was 10. I’m still living in Doncaster but I’m currently looking to re-locate to the Wakefield area. I’ve recently been promoted to head up our newly launched West Yorkshire division at Keepmoat which is ran out of Leeds so this will make the commute a lot easier – especially with the new improvements to the M1 smart motorway.

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

Definitely the Yorkshire Sculpture Park. I’ve been quite a few times and it’s a great place to clear your head; it also has lots of attractions and events for the whole family; so now I like taking my one year old daughter Matilda there too. It gives you a sense of pride taking in the work of iconic Yorkshire sculptors, like Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth.

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

I’ve still yet to go and see Leeds Rhino’s which has been on the ‘to do’ for too long.

From a professional point of view I have bigger ambitions with our Yorkshire West division at Keepmoat. I want make sure we continue those incredibly strong partnerships with the local authorities in the region to look at how we can transform key neighbourhoods and lives through the provision of much needed housing and community regeneration.

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

That’s easy – a proper Yorkshire Roast, with a pint of Black Sheep at The Three Acres in the shadow of the iconic Emley Moor Mast.

What is your most Yorkshire trait?

If you ask my colleagues they will inevitably say it’s that I’m straightforward! I’m very upfront and honest and this shows both personally and professionally.

Favourite piece of trivia about the region.

I was fascinated when I heard that Yorkshire has enough hotels/B&Bs to accommodate the entire population of France; and has the same number of visitors every year than the Walt Disney World theme parks. That’s pretty incredible and speaks volumes about the popularity of our great county. Now we just need to make sure we build enough homes to accommodate its existing residents.

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

Dame Judy Dench – only a Yorkshire woman could keep our National Security intact as well as keeping James Bond in check.

First experience of Yorkshire (for non-Yorkshire folk)

I genuinely believe Yorkshire folk have a different outlook on life, with a real sense of community and welcoming nature. Our Keepmoat HQ is in Yorkshire, so we get visitors from all over the country and that ‘family feel’, friendly demeanour is frequently commented on.

Worst experience or thing about Yorkshire?

Jeremy Clarkson? Although as a self-proclaimed petrol head myself he could also be a favourite! It’s a love/hate thing.

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

Yorkshire, ‘God’s Own County’ has it all – no need to steal anything from anywhere else.

What is the most overrated thing about Yorkshire?

Without sounding too political, nothing is overrated. If anything I’d argue that Yorkshire is frequently underrated. We are a dynamic and thriving region and key influencers in the continued growth of the Northern Powerhouse – not a flat cap or whippet in sight.