My Yorkshire: Charles Fawcett, founder of Twisted Automotive

 Charles Fawcett is the founder and owner of Twisted Automotive.

Where do you live / where are you from?

I was born in Harrogate, but I actually grew up in a small hamlet near North Allerton.

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

That would be Sutton Bank and the Hambleton Range. I grew up looking at this from my bedroom, and whenever I come home after travelling, the sight of the Bank and the White Horse would remind me that I’m home.

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

There are so many places close to home that I haven’t seen yet. I just wish the sea was nearer…

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

I’m normally a bistro / country pub bar meal type but a recent trip to Swinton Castle, and a fully booked bistro, saw me taking a table in Samuel’s Restaurant. What an experience! The flavours were incredible – a real eye opener.

What is your most Yorkshire trait?

I can’t stop saying ‘ey up’ and I could eat roast beef and Yorkshire pudding every day.

Favourite piece of trivia about the region?

The Humber Bridge is the longest single-span suspension bridge in the UK, second longest in Europe, and the fifth longest in the world – that is incredible

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

It would have to be Ken Morrison; no greater success from such humble beginnings will likely ever be possible again, but he nailed it by showing great character and implementing an uncompromising strategy. When he was asked if Morrisons would hire management consultants to help integrate another business into his, he replied ‘if you don’t know how to run your own business, it’s time to give up, isn’t it?’. I really admire that sentiment.

What has been your worst experience, or what is the worst thing about Yorkshire?

I think this would have to be a worst ‘thing’ rather than experience. That thing is how Yorkshire people are portrayed on TV and in the media. It’s quite incredible how, no matter the programme, including Yorkshire Vet, the people who do the casting pick the ‘stars’ who they believe to be typically Yorkshire. At times, it’s somewhat degrading, because our county is full of some of the most intelligent, eloquent and entrepreneurial people. I think, sometimes, people south of Yorkshire think we’re just a bunch of carrot crunchers who wander round in wellies all day!

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

I’d have to steal Cumbria, particularly the Lake District. I’d put it just over the hill from Pateley Bridge and keep it there. 

What is the most overrated thing about Yorkshire?

I wouldn’t say it’s overrated, but my answer for this one would be Betty’s. It’s a celebrated Yorkshire icon and it’s a fabulous place for lunch, high tea or even just dessert, but it’s Swiss – how is such a memorable Yorkshire Icon Swiss? I actually love Switzerland, and I’d bring the Alps over if the Lakes were not available, and, of course, I love Betty’s, but it’s an anomaly.