My Yorkshire: Paul Fleming, managing partner at TS Grale

Paul Fleming is managing partner at TS Grale, an executive search and selection recruitment firm established in April 2016. Based in Leeds, TS Grale employs a team of 14 and works for clients operating within the built environment, consumer, manufacturing and industrial markets in the UK, Europe and North America.

Where do you live/where are you from?

I was born and raised in London and first moved to Yorkshire to study at the University of Leeds. I loved the city, the region and the people and soon realised it was where I wanted to live long term. I now live in Ilkley with my wife and two children.

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

The Cow and Calf in Ilkley. I love walking up there with my children, scrambling up the rocks and exploring the moor. It’s a beautiful place with fantastic views and luckily I can walk there in just 10 minutes from home.

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

The Yorkshire Three Peaks. I have done Ingleborough with friends, but we managed to get lost and cover four miles more than we should have. I need to go back and do the others and not get lost next time!

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

My most memorable meal was at a place called Chez la Vie, which used to be in Harrogate town centre. It was the day I proposed to my wife. We went straight out for dinner with her parents to celebrate. It was a fantastic night and I remember the chocolate fondant being amazing.

What is your most Yorkshire trait?

Positivity.

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

It has to be Jane Tomlinson CBE. She was a truly courageous Yorkshire lady who conquered an incredible series of challenges that would have tested even the fittest of people, whilst dealing with incurable cancer.

She raised an enormous amount of money for charity. She founded what became her lasting legacy, The Jane Tomlinson Appeal, which helps children to be happier and healthier and improves the lives of people living with cancer. She was, and still is, inspirational.

First experience of Yorkshire (for non-Yorkshire folk)

Arriving at Leeds train station struggling to carry two suitcases and my beloved HiFi on route to my halls of residence. I had not been to Leeds before, so did not have a clue where to go. I was so nervous, but got in a taxi to Headingley with a driver who recognised my nerves, so went out of his way to let me know about the fun I was going to have. He was so right.

Worst experience or thing about Yorkshire?

The weather!

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

Nothing from Lancashire! Having been born and bred in London, I never really went outside the M25 until I was 18. I genuinely didn’t realise that most places don’t have an underground train system until I moved to Leeds to study.

I would love Yorkshire to have the transport infrastructure that London has, with the fantastic talent we have in the region, I strongly feel it would make the local economy even stronger.