The Yorkshire Mafia

Q: If you could improve anything in the region what would it be?

A: I think Leeds Bradford Airport transport links need to be improved, if we are to attract more international interest in the region we need a more professional looking and feeling air hub. Leeds Bradford I have to say is absolutely charming with a nice feel to it, but it still does have a Yeadon Aerodrome feel about it somehow.

Q: Who or what has most influenced you in your career?

A:? I think without doubt my biggest influence has been my travels throughout the Middle East and the USA, it has given me a real understanding of what people at either end of the economic scale want and need, and this has allowed me to deal with everyone better.

Q: What are the best and worst pieces of advice you’ve ever been given?

A: Best advice, “You can’t work hard enough for a good company” given by my brother who worked his way from the HR department to the board of Airbus as Head of Organisation, having dropped out of University first! Worst advice, “These shares are a dead cert”………don’t ask!

Q: What do you most enjoy about your work?

A: What I enjoy most is travelling to the USA and meeting clients and developing business relationships.

Q: What’s been your biggest achievement/biggest business mistake?

A: Biggest achievement thus far has been forging a relationship with the US Government, which was difficult at first but once that initial meeting went well has gone from strength to strength.

Q: How do you relax?

A: I relax by going for daily walks early in the morning before I start work, I find it clears my head and I think through the days negotiations, so if you see someone walking around the hills of Huddersfield talking to himself it is probably me!

Q: What’s on your iPod?

A: I have a big selection of talking books which help me unwind, mostly thrillers.

I think the benefit of YM is that it is an informal and friendly forum to get to know people from the region, its members are vetted so it is less likely to attract random and unwanted invitations. I like the fact that there is an emphasis on “no selling” which is good, otherwise it would become a series of endless pitches, of course there are opportunities to develop relationships which may lead to business, but I think that to start with a no pressure meeting at one of the drinks evenings in a convivial atmosphere is always a good start.

Bob Cooper, 1-2-4 Services Ltd