Tell us about yourself...
The first 18 years of my life were spent in West Lancashire, living in a village a few miles outside Wigan and going to school in Bolton, so I have a pretty good knowledge of how industrial towns like Scunthorpe function.
I’ve lived in northern Lincolnshire since 2013, after I suggested to my wife Louise, who grew up on a farm between Brigg and Caistor, that we should move up here after spending 14 years in London. We’re both much more aligned with country life and felt that our time in London had run its course and that northern Lincs presented us with a much better opportunity to raise our family in a way that suited our values.
In 2014, Louise and I set up a marketing agency, Knapton Wright, which works with brands that put the planet first. We spotted an opportunity to create a business that not only enables businesses to present the best version of themselves, but also gives young people in the area a route into the creative industry.
Over the past seven years, I’ve also been a volunteer director at Caistor Arts & Heritage Centre, which provides a hub for people in Caistor to connect with each other, the town’s past and to enjoy coffee and cake in an historical environment!
What brought you to Scunthorpe Tomorrow?
My mother-in-law grew up on Scotter Road and her parents ran retail businesses in and around Scunthorpe. Shortly after we moved up here, she showed me a Scunthorpe Telegraph front page from the late 60s which was full of positivity for the town. My experience of it up to that point hadn’t been quite so positive but, having seen various parts of the North West develop in the late 90s and 2000s, I was convinced the ingredients were there for growth in Scunthorpe and North Lincs again.
It also helps that my business partner, Rob Jefferson, is North Lincs born and bred and, having spent 16 years in the public sector here, knows the place inside and out. Working alongside him for the past five years has deepened my understanding of the area and my belief that there is a really bright future.
After meeting Rob and Ty I immediately bought into their vision for Scunthorpe Tomorrow. Scunthorpe has the opportunity to be the showcase town for North Lincolnshire and to connect with Grimsby, Hull, Lincoln, Doncaster and other local towns and cities that are on the front foot.
It needs people who grew up, live, work and invest here to lead the charge, and that’s one of the things I see Scunthorpe Tomorrow doing exceptionally well. Lincolnshire as a whole is largely undiscovered by the rest of the country; Scunthorpe Tomorrow can become a real advocate for our great people and places.
What are you looking to achieve from your involvement?
This area is where I’m raising my family, running my business and spending time with friends and family, so, if there’s anything I can do to bring my experience of working for Facebook and running my own business, coupled with an ‘external’ perspective, to bear on a group of people who are passionate about the town, its people and the future, I’ll gladly do so.
As an ‘outsider’ to the area, I’m always looking for interesting ways to extend my network and knowledge, and Scunthorpe Tomorrow provides the opportunity to do just that, whilst giving back to the community in ways that stretch and engage me.
What do you see as the main opportunities for our area in the next few years?
From my perspective, finding and developing sectors that will grow our economy and create well paid, skilled job opportunities for our local talent is key. The investment that’s going into local education facilities such as the University Campus and University Technical College will support growth in industries that need a home and that don’t have to be in city hubs such as London, Manchester or Leeds.
My marketing agency has focused on a client base that puts the planet first and a major factor in that is our proximity to the ‘energy estuary’. The M180/A180 corridor between Scunthorpe and Grimsby enables the movement of goods and people with valuable skills, both of which should help North Lincolnshire grow quickly and sustainably – providing the investment goes into areas and projects that have long-term plans.
What’s your top recommendation to any visitor to North Lincolnshire?
There are so many places to enjoy being outside cycling, running, walking, swimming, kayaking…
My advice is to check out the Visit North Lincolnshire website as a starting point, then follow your nose! It’s also well worth heading up to Normanby Hall and its parkland for a wander, a bite to eat and even some GoApe action if you’re feeling adventurous (in a controlled environment!).
Areas of Expertise
The creative sector, marketing, starting your own business, working in start-ups.
Scunthorpe Tomorrow is a network of people who are passionate about Scunthorpe and North Lincolnshire. Through building on our strengths, we are committed to helping deliver a better future for our community.