My Yorkshire: Mark Pavis, managing director at Wetheralds

Mark Pavis is the managing director of Wetheralds Conservatory Roof Systems in Sherburn in Elmet. The firm was founded by Pavis  in 2008.

Where do you live/where are you from?

I am originally from York, and having never lived outside of Yorkshire, I have no intention of ever doing so.  I now live in Blaxton, near Doncaster, which is perfect for great walks and means I can be on site when I want with easy access to the rest of the country.

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

The city of York definitely pulls at the heart strings, just because it’s where I started life and enjoyed my formative years.  It’s also the place where I still enjoy the company of some good old friends, who have absolutely no interest in conservatory roofs.  The Yorkshire Sculpture Park is also a favourite day out, and with the opening of its new visitor centre, The Weston, I like to visit and admire its glazing over tea and cake.

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

My international dream is to tour various countries, particularly the US, in a campervan, but it would be a good idea to start here in Yorkshire.  It’s pretty well connected by road and the accessibility to various mobile home or camper parks isn’t bad at all.  So, a tour around the hot spots, and some overnighting somewhere like the Moors near Whitby, or the east coast at Scarborough, would be ideal.  A location with morning views to walk our two border terriers, Noodle and Pickle, is definitely on my list.

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

There is a great Chinese in Bawtry, the China Rose, where the food service, people and atmosphere always meet expectations.  I eat out a lot in York in particular, but to be honest, China Rose always comes up with the goods and I leave a happy man.

What is your most Yorkshire trait?

I consider myself sociable and approachable, and hope that is how I am perceived as an MD.  I never like to think of myself as a boss, I just happen to have a view on every element of the business.

Favourite piece of trivia about the region.

The debut album of the Arctic Monkeys, ‘Whatever People Say I am, That’s What I’m Not’ is the fastest ever selling debut album in British music history. Read on – I can only admit my bias.

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

I’m a fan of the band Arctic Monkeys, and I enjoyed seeing them in concert last year.  I had such a feeling of Yorkshire pride at that time, so I now consider them a cultural icon for our region.

Worst experience or thing about Yorkshire?

We tend to be stereotyped.  We’re getting good at bucking this trend ourselves, but I still hear it when I’m out and about in the country. I just laugh and take it in good humour, knowing that deep down they will eventually eat their words.

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

Nothing at all, we have everything here we’d ever want.

What is the most overrated thing about Yorkshire?

We are if anything too modest about our county.