My Yorkshire: Kelly Burton, Wilson Field

Kelly Burton is a director and licensed insolvency practitioner at Wilson Field in Leeds, specialising in corporate appointments.

She joined Sheffield-headquartered Wilson Field after a move from a big four accountancy background and has grown the Leeds office, which now has an annual turnover in excess of £1.2m, over the last five years, accompanied by corporate associate Richard Froggatt.

Where do you live/where are you from?

I was born in Leeds but lived on the Wirral for the majority of my early life. I then returned to Leeds to go to university and never left. My parents were born and raised in Horsforth, Leeds.

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

Malham Tarn. It is a glacial lake near the village of Malham in the Yorkshire Dales. It’s 377 metres above sea level, making it the highest lake in England and one of only eight upland alkaline lakes in Europe. It’s really good to climb to the top on a sunny day, and reward yourself with a fair few beers afterwards in the local pubs.

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

I’d love to do the hawk walks at the Yorkshire Bird of Prey Centre. You can see how Harris hawks’ work and fly together as you follow them through the fields. The birds fly free and you can really experience their natural behaviour at first hand, and also have them fly to and from your gloved hand. Perhaps on my next free weekend I’ll go.

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

Whenever I have something to celebrate, be it a milestone year for the business or just the fact it’s a Friday, I always go to the Foundry Restaurant in Leeds. Sean and Phil, the owners, always make me feel really welcome and the food and service are second to none.

What is your most Yorkshire trait?

I have been told I am very outspoken and straight talking.

Favourite piece of trivia about the region?

A Yorkshireman came up with the most brilliant invention ever produced in the interests of road safety – the cat’s eye. In 1933, Halifax-born Percy Shaw’s usual journey home was made hazardous when tramline repairs meant there were no lights to guide him. He later recalled that out of the gloom he had noticed two points of light as his headlights caught the eyes of a cat on a fence. After many trials Percy had his invention patented in 1934 and started production in 1935. The rest is history.

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

It’s got to be Dame Judi Dench. She’s a fantastic actress and she more than held her own against Daniel Craig as M. She was born in Heworth, part of the city of York.

First experience of Yorkshire (for non-Yorkies)

My first memories are holidays at Appletreewick and Malham when I was four or five.

Appletreewick is a small village in the Craven district of North Yorkshire about 12 miles north-east of Skipton. As it’s in the Yorkshire Dales, it’s a popular place for visitors especially in the summer months with many people choosing to spend time relaxing on the banks of the River Wharfe.

Worst experience or thing about Yorkshire?

It’s not big enough!

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

I’d steal the coastline and beaches of Cornwall and Devon in the South West and perhaps some their sunshine and higher temperatures in the summer!

What is the most overrated thing about Yorkshire?

Nothing is overrated, they don’t call it God’s own county for nothing!

See also:

David Brennan, Nexus Vehicle Rental

Martin Holden, Saffery Champness