My Yorkshire: James Taylor, managing director of Texfelt
James Taylor is managing director of Texfelt, a Bradford-based textiles manufacturer.
Where do you live/where are you from?
I live in the Huddersfield area and was born in Huddersfield.
What is your favourite place to visit in Yorkshire and why?
Filey – it’s where our family has always enjoyed holidays and short breaks even from my own childhood. I guess it’s the fresh air, long walks on the beach, and now an even greater choice of pubs, wine/gin bars and coffee shops to enjoy.
What is still on your “to do” list in the region?
To walk the East Yorkshire Wolds way from Hull to Filey and try to raise more money for our KACCL foundation which supports disadvantaged children’s charities in Kirklees and Calderdale. I’m hoping to do this in 2020 when I’m fully recovered from a recent back operation. I may even try and rope in some work colleagues and friends to join me.
What is the most memorable meal you’ve ever had in Yorkshire?
I’ve enjoyed many meals in Yorkshire over the years. I guess the most memorable was a romantic night away with my wife at The Yorebridge House Hotel in North Yorkshire for my 40th, where she had arranged for some very close friends to join us for a very special celebratory dinner.
What is your most Yorkshire trait?
I’d say I was probably considered more stubborn than tight and definitely quite principled. I’ve been brought up to believe if a job’s worth doing, it’s worth doing well.
Favourite piece of trivia about the region?
There were more Rolls Royce cars in Huddersfield than in any other part of the UK by the late 1940s, due to the wealthy mill owners serving the wool industry.
What is your favourite cultural icon to come out of Yorkshire?
Most definitely Taylor’s Yorkshire Tea. I travel overseas extensively in my job and I still haven’t find a cuppa to rival our famous brand!
Worst experience or thing about Yorkshire?
The M62, I’ve lost months sat in traffic on my daily commute.
What is one thing you’d steal from Lancashire (or other UK regions) if you could?
I’d probably steal the warmer climate they generally enjoy in the South West.
What is the most overrated thing about Yorkshire?
Nothing, it is after all ‘God’s own county’!
