Gareth Barker
Rotherham-born Gareth Barker started his career as an apprentice machinist, joining Sheffield Forgemasters in 1996 aged 19. Working his way up the ladder, he was appointed to the board of directors in 2021. Gareth is now CEO.
What’s your first Yorkshire memory?
At weekends, my grandparents would host all six grandchildren at their home in Hackenthorpe and we would catch the bus out to Fox House, where we’d spend the day picking bilberries and blackberries on the moors. My nan would then make a crumble from the fruit when we got home.
What’s your favourite part of the county – and why?
It has to be Sheffield, a great city of friendly people. It has incredible heritage from its manufacturing roots, which continues to this day. It’s next to the Peak District, with many green parks, so it doesn’t feel too urban. It’s also home to Bramall Lane football ground – the scene of some powerful emotions!
What’s your idea of a perfect day, or a perfect weekend, out in Yorkshire?
I like heading out to the coast. Hornsea golf course is really tranquil and a good course to play, with mature trees and that sharp sea air. I also enjoy course fishing on the ponds at Aston Park or Kiveton Waters.
Do you have a favourite walk or view?
I would choose Sheffield’s fiveweirs walk alongside the River Don from the city centre out to Meadowhall. It passes through Sheffield’s industrial heartland, much of which has been converted into characterful living and leisure space, but also passes natural features and has a surprising abundance of wildlife, including otters and kingfishers.
Which Yorkshire sportsman, past or present, would you like to take for lunch?
It would be PGA golfer Matt Fitzpatrick – a Sheffield lad through and through. His achievements are inspiring and he stays true to his roots. He’s also a devout Sheffield United fan so we’d have plenty of Blades chatter over a bag of chips.
Which Yorkshire stage or screen
star, past or present, would you like to take for dinner? He’s controversial in many people’s eyes, but Jeremy Clarkson fits the bill because of his big, outspoken personality. He helped to create some highly entertaining TV and has done more to champion British farming than the BBC’s Countryfile ever has.
If you had to name your ‘hidden gem’, what would it be?
The Yorkshire Wildlife Park. It’s home to the only polar bears in England and an important world centre for conservation. There are parkland walks and a wide range of exotic animals to see. Plus they do a good afternoon tea.
If you could choose somewhere, or some object, from or in Yorkshire to own for a day, what would it be?
I’d own the River Don Engine at Kelham Island Museum in Sheffield. It’s the most powerful working steam engine in Europe and was used to power rolling mills which made plate steel for the WW1 dreadnought warships. When the plate was rolled, pulped wood was thrown onto the hot steel to remove the scale.
What do you think gives Yorkshire its unique identity?
It’s the people. Yorkshire folk are friendly, and down to earth but also incredibly adaptive and determined. They make things happen and are why the UK’s manufacturing powerhouse is still based here.
Do you have a favourite restaurant or pub?
I have a fondness for the Parish Oven pub in Thorpe Salvin. I remember afternoons playing in the pub garden with my family when we were kids and I also fell off the slide there and broke my ankle!
Do you have a favourite food shop?
The Little Sausage Shop at Greenhead House Farm in Oughtibridge is my top choice. The produce is all locally reared and its Jaw Bone Company produces the best scotch eggs that I’ve ever tasted. It also
does great sausage patties and perfect pork chops.
How do you think that Yorkshire has changed, for better or worse, in the time that you’ve known it?
I think that the county has been left behind regarding much central government investment. There is a real need for levelling up in that regard, compared to southern counties. That said, the people have made
Yorkshire such a great place. Great pubs, Henderson’s Relish, industrial technology par excellence – so better, but room for improvement.
If you had to change one thing in, or about Yorkshire, what would it be?
I would protect and grow its extraordinary manufacturing capabilities. It would be nurtured through better and greater “buy UK” government policies and fairer energy costs compared with our European competitors.
Who is the Yorkshire person that you most admire?
I admire the way that the artist Joe Scarborough has managed to live his off-grid canalboat lifestyle while chasing his passion. He remains true to his artistic style and operates in a tough industry. He’s made a name for himself in the art world and that’s not easy.
Has Yorkshire influenced your work?
Completely. I have always been in awe of what Yorkshire people have achieved through industry – we are world famous for quality. It inspires me even more today as I see apprentices, fresh from school and often from poor backgrounds, transform to become world-class talents. That’s Yorkshire grit.
Who is your favourite Yorkshire performer?
I’m giving this to the Everly Pregnant Brothers, no question. A group that can belt out such classics as No Oven No Pie, Stuck in the Lidl With You and Losing My Best Pigeon, to a really devout fan-base, deserve all of the adulation they get.
If a stranger to Yorkshire only had time to visit one place, it would be?
I’d take them to York, the Roman capital of Britain. It’s a bustling city, with history all around you. The shopping is great, the pubs are great and the architecture is great. If you look at it’s incredible past, you get a sense of what makes Yorkshire so special.