My Yorkshire: Nigel Coates, Leeds Vacuum Formers
Nigel Coates is the managing director of Leeds Vacuum Formers. Based on Hunslet Business Park, the company designs and manufactures thermoformed plastic packaging solutions that are used in both food and non-food applications and can be found on the shelves of all the UK’s leading supermarket chains.
Where do you live/where are you from?
I’m Leeds born and bred.
What is your favourite place to visit in Yorkshire and why?
Yorkshire has so much to offer, but for me the Dales tops the list – wherever I go and whatever I do when I visit, I’m always blown away by the fantastic scenery and the breathtaking rugged landscapes.
What is still on your “to do” list in the region?
Admittedly it involves straying across the border for a few miles, but I’ve always wanted to take on the coast to coast walk.
What is the most memorable meal you’ve ever had in Yorkshire?
Dinner at the Ravenhall Hotel at Ravenscar, followed by a night’s stay and a fantastic breakfast enjoying the views over Robin Hood’s Bay.
What is your most Yorkshire trait?
I’m sure some would say it’s my stubbornness, but I stubbornly refuse to accept that. Therefore, I’d say it’s my resilience.
Favourite piece of trivia about the region.
It may be the Olympics before last now, but I still love the fact that at London 2012 Yorkshire won more gold medals than Australia.
What is your favourite cultural icon to come out of Yorkshire?
There can be only one – the great Yorkshire Pudding.
Worst experience or thing about Yorkshire?
The weather – when it’s glorious I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else, but for the other 350 days a year…
What is one thing you’d steal from Lancashire (or other UK regions) if you could?
I’d take the Lake District and find a spot for it somewhere between the Dales and the North Yorkshire Moors – it’d fit perfectly and any argument over us being God’s country would be finished once and for all.
What is the most overrated thing about Yorkshire?
This might get me banned from certain parts of the region, so whisper it – rhubarb. It’s barely edible unless smothered in sugar and that’s pretty much the end of its uses.
