My Yorkshire: Dave Capper, CEO at Westfield Health
Dave Capper is CEO at Sheffield-based Westfield Health, which specialises in health insurance and wellbeing solutions.
Where do you live/where are you from?
I was born in Stoke on Trent but have called Yorkshire home for 33 years. Playing for Sheffield United when I started my career as a professional footballer instantly made Sheffield home, and I now live in Loxley, right on the edge of the Peaks.
What is your favourite place to visit in Yorkshire and why?
Bramall Lane has to be number one — getting to pursue my dream of playing football professionally means I’ll always have a soft spot for it. Now I’ve got two daughters though, it’s got to be closely followed by Yorkshire Wildlife Park — they absolutely love seeing all the different animals.
What is still on your “to do” list in the region?
For a long time my Yorkshire bucket list item was to watch an Ashes Test match at Headingley, but I was lucky enough to catch the England vs Australia match at the end of August. It’ll take something special to beat that experience, so I’ll have to get my thinking cap on what’s next.
What is the most memorable meal you’ve ever had in Yorkshire?
There could only be one answer to this: my mum’s Sunday dinner. I may be a bit biased, but it has never been beaten. Sitting round the table with family, talking, eating — can’t think of a better way to round off a weekend.
What is your most Yorkshire trait?
My wife would definitely say it’s being tight — hence why my mum’s Sunday dinner always wins!
Favourite piece of trivia about the region?
Sheffield has an incredible sporting history: not only is it home to the world’s oldest football club, we’re the only city that has an Olympic Legacy Park but hasn’t hosted the Games. I always find those two stats interesting — we don’t make enough of them, but as a region we should be so proud of that legacy.
What is your favourite cultural icon to come out of Yorkshire?
It’s hard to pick just one, but I’d have to say Michael Palin. Born in Ranmoor, Sheffield, he’s managed to have such an impact not just in comedy but also travel. From destination guides to novels, bedtime stories to naval histories, he’s authored an impressive 22 books — that adaptability, in talents and all his different outputs, is what makes him a true icon for me.
Worst experience or thing about Yorkshire?
Rewind to the beginning of the year and I’d have said the worst thing was that we don’t have a football team in the Premier League, but that’s all changed now. So, I’ll have to up the stakes and say the worst thing is that we don’t have a club in the Champions League… and cross my fingers that changes soon too.
What is one thing you’d steal from Lancashire (or other UK regions) if you could?
It would have to be a large international airport. Family holidays are my favourite way to spend my time, so having an international airport on the doorstep would be great.
What is the most overrated thing about Yorkshire?
Nothing. From stunning landscape with the Peaks right on the doorstep to a strong cultural history, Yorkshire has so much to offer. If anything, I don’t think we shout about how good it is enough — very Yorkshire of us!
