My Yorkshire: David Winterburn, founder of Burns Tempest
David Winterburn is founder of executive recruitment and selection firm Burns Tempest which specialises in business critical appointments throughout the UK. From its offices in Leeds and London, Burns Tempest fills roles that typically pay an annual salary of between £50,000 and £500,000.
Where do you live/where are you from?
I live in Wetherby and am Leeds born and bred.
What is your favourite place to visit in Yorkshire and why?
The National Coal Mining Museum is a real eye opener and makes you so humble for the creature comforts we all enjoy today – so many famous phrases such as “not worth a candle” originate from the poor children who practically lived down the pits.
What is still on your “to do” list in the region?
I only found out recently that my surname comes from a village in the Craven district of North Yorkshire, I would love to take my two children and my Partner there (she is a scouser who works in Harrogate AKA …..a Tourist destination) and see if we get any VIP treatment?
What is the most memorable meal you’ve ever had in Yorkshire?
When I was a child as a special treat we would all go to the World Famous Harry Ramsdens Fish & Chip restaurant in Guiseley, we had to queue for ages but it seemed to make them taste better.
What is your most Yorkshire trait?
Yorkshire people are often stereotyped as friendly but “bloody-minded”, stubborn (also known as “Yorkshire-stubborn”) and argumentative – guilty as charged!
Favourite piece of trivia about the region.
Yorkshire-born people have been the recipients of Nine Oscars and Seven Nobel Prizes
What is your favourite cultural icon to come out of Yorkshire?
It has to be the famous Yorkshire pudding!
First experience of Yorkshire (for non-Yorkshire folk)
The warmth of the people – imagine walking down a quiet street in London and everybody says “morning” – It would freak Londoners out but in most areas of Yorkshire the people are still engaging and friendly.
Worst experience or thing about Yorkshire?
In Leeds City Centre we have the city centre loop – and it does drive you loopy at times!
What is one thing you’d steal from Lancashire (or other UK regions) if you could?
Having just spent two years working in Northern Ireland if I could bring one thing I admired to Yorkshire then it would be their sense of humour – Northern Irish folk are always up for a bit of craic and they don’t take themselves too seriously. They have a dark self-deprecating sense of humour and great “wee” accents.
What is the most overrated thing about Yorkshire?
Nothing is overrated – if anything thanks to our tourism and cultural success, there is something for everybody – that’s why some years ago Yorkshire – God’s own country was voted as the best place in Europe in the prestigious World Travel Awards. It beat off competition from popular cities including Paris, Rome, Barcelona and Florence.
