My Yorkshire: Mark Davison, Callcredit Information Group
Mark Davison is the chief data officer at £133m turnover credit referencing agency and consumer data management specialist Callcredit Information Group, based in Leeds
Where do you live/where are you from?
I was born and bred in Sunderland on the North East coast, but I now live in the North Yorkshire dales. Having lived in Yorkshire for 27 years, which is the majority of my life, I think I can class myself as an “honorary Yorkshireman”. I first came to Yorkshire to study at the University of Leeds – I must admit to never having a plan to stay. However, after meeting my wife during my first degree we quickly fell in love with the region and put down our roots and brought our two sons up here. The North Yorkshire dales is a truly beautiful part of the country, and we have some of the most remarkable scenery and culture right on our doorstep, and we feel blessed to experience it on a daily basis.
What is your favourite place to visit in Yorkshire and why?
It has to be Malham Cove, its otherworldliness stuns me every time we walk round it. Plus there are so many great pubs nearby, that don’t mind walking boots and wet, tired dogs to finish the walk properly!
What is still on your “to do” list in the region?
Spend more time exploring the Yorkshire coastline – being born on the North East coast leaves a yearning for salt air and Yorkshire has some beautiful beaches. Sadly the weekends always seem to get filled with other stuff preventing those longer day trips.
What is the most memorable meal you’ve ever had in Yorkshire?
There’s been so many – from the simple walker’s sandwiches whilst sat on one of the many trig points, to top end excellence in some of the Michelin starred restaurants.
What is your most Yorkshire trait?
I must admit to always looking for “value for money” in everything I do!
Favourite piece of trivia about the region.
Yorkshire now boasts more Michelin Starred restaurants than any other county outside of London.
What is your favourite cultural icon to come out of Yorkshire?
It has to be Brian Blessed. Remarkable man from a salt of the earth mining background who now describes himself as more of an explorer than an actor. Who can forget that booming voice in Flash Gordon bellowing “Gordon’s alive!” to the rocking music backdrop by Queen.
First experience of Yorkshire (for non-Yorkshire folk)
Walking round fairly grim Leeds city centre in the mid-80’s – it’s safe to say there’s hardly anything recognisable now, what a transformation.
Worst experience or thing about Yorkshire?
It may be a boring answer – but transport infrastructure. It really is critical to enable us to build on the northern powerhouse stance, we need easier, quicker links to major cities in the UK and internationally.
What is one thing you’d steal from Lancashire (or other UK regions) if you could?
Bearing in mind what we’re currently experiencing – I’d steal a better summer from our southern brethren.
What is the most overrated thing about Yorkshire?
The stereotypes. Whippets and flat caps, I honestly can’t think of a regional stereotype that’s more inaccurate. Come on the rest of the UK – update yourselves!
