'I'm building an £18m facility in Sheffield because it's the best place in Britain to invest'

Being on Filey beach as a three-year-old. My parents had taken me on holiday and we were staying at the Royal Crescent Hotel. I distinctly remember the rock pools and trying to catch crabs.

What's your favourite part of the county?

The Dales. I spent a lot of time there in my teens walking and youth hosteling. I took A-level geography and so I understand the geology and history of the countryside.

What's your idea of a perfect day out in Yorkshire?

The perfect day to me is driving from Pickering to Whitby with the roof down on my Porsche, a 992 Carrera 4S, tuned to 530bhp. I love the stunning scenery, particularly on a warm and sunny summer’s day. It’s a winding road with beautiful, wild countryside.

Do you have a favourite walk?

Malham to Malham Cove, through the hidden gorge at Gordale Scar and by Malham Tarn. When I was studying for my A-levels I stayed at a field centre there and still visit as frequently as I can. The place fills me with inspiration.

Which Yorkshire stage or screen star, past or present, would you like to take for dinner?

The actor Sean Bean. Sheffield born and bred, incredibly down to earth, and yet highly successful in everything he does.

I'd like to ask him how an ordinary lad from Handsworth became so internationally accepted and acclaimed.

I’d also like to know how he manages to retain his local roots and keep his feet on the floor through fame and fortune.

If you had to name your Yorkshire hidden gem, what would it be?

Janet's Foss in North Yorkshire. It's a magical, secluded place in ancient woodland and it's where I proposed to my wife Patty.

If you could own one thing in Yorkshire for a day, what would it be?

Emley Moor Mast – I bet the views are absolutely stunning from the top on a clear summer’s day. At 1,047 ft high, it is Britain’s tallest freestanding structure.

What do you think gives Yorkshire its unique identity?

Undoubtedly our industrial heritage, going back more than 1,000 years. It has left a legacy of work, ambition and passing skills down from generation to generation through the centuries.

Also, the unique landscape of the countryside. The views can change dramatically within a very short distance.

Do you have a favourite restaurant or pub?

The Box Tree, Ilkley, which is simply exceptional in every way never lowering its Michelin star standards. I’ve enjoyed many memorable evenings there over the years. They deserve to win their star back.

Do you have a favourite food shop?

My favourite place to do a food shop is Barnsley market, getting all the fruit, vegetables and meat we need for our home-cooked meals. All the stalls sell the highest quality produce and there are some real characters amongst the stallholders.

How do you think that Yorkshire has changed, for better or for worse, in the time that you've known it?

For the better, with the removal of slag heaps and the building of motorway links. Yorkshire understands the significance of, and retains, its listed beautiful and important historical listed buildings – for example, Wentworth Woodhouse in Rotherham, which is undergoing an ambitious restoration project.

Who is the Yorkshire person that you most admire?

Richard Caborn, the former MP and minister. I remember meeting Richard’s father George, a leading trade unionist, at a seminar in Sheffield when I was 21.

He gave me some memorable advice: “If you’ve got nothing to say, keep your flipping mouth shut.”

I met Richard through George in 1988 and we became firm friends. I admire his tenacity, energy and unwavering enthusiasm for everything he is involved in, even into his 80s.

Richard was one of the best men at my wedding. I had left it to 20 of my pals to decide who the best man should be but they couldn’t decide so I ended up with five.

The others included Bill Eastwood, Graham Honeyman and Alan Lyons.

Has Yorkshire influenced your work?

Very much so. My father was the production director for an engineering company in Sheffield. From the age of five, I was walked around the factory every Saturday morning and I learned a huge amount from this experience.

I attended the Sheffield Central Technical School, which concentrated on STEM subjects. I worked all over the UK and in France on and off for 10 years but always seem to come back to my home town of Sheffield.

Yorkshire has a tradition of hard-working people, who communicate well, and aren't afraid to share ideas.

Becoming a Freeman of the Company of Cutlers in Hallamshire 15 years ago also helped influence and shape my work.

At Castings Technology, we are investing £18m in a new titanium and steel castings facility in Sheffield because we believe this is the best place in Britain for recruiting and retaining staff.

I find that Yorkshire folk have a can-do attitude and are willing to adopt the latest techniques... and the area is steeped in manufacturing history.

Name your favourite Yorkshire book/author/artist/CD/performer

Joe Scarborough, the Sheffield-born artist. Sitting back and looking at his paintings of everyday life in my home city provides interest and entertainment.

If a stranger to Yorkshire only had time to visit one place, what would you recommend?

Castle Hill, the ancient monument overlooking Huddersfield. I spent a great deal of time there when I was studying at Huddersfield University – it has unexpected views and is incredibly tranquil. Spending time there helped me mentally prepare for my exams.