Jon Arrowsmith, founder of Cocker Hoop Creative Ltd, is the latest regional professional in the hot seat as the p.ublished group of newspapers gives him just 10 minutes to answer our 10 burning questions.

What does a typical working day for you involve?

No two days are the same, but most start early with a strong coffee and if it’s Friday we have a team breakfast, a little tradition we’ve built to celebrate the week's wins. My days are usually a mixture of meetings with local partners, site visits, creative planning and plenty of troubleshooting. Whether it's fine-tuning a line-up or sorting logistics with traders, there’s always something to juggle but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

What makes your company special?

Cocker Hoop Creative was built on passion and people - we care deeply about our people, our events and the visitors that come along. We don’t just organise events, we build them around communities - from helping traders bounce back to giving schools and local organisations a platform, it’s always about more than just ticket sales. That, and the fact that we know how to throw one hell of a celebration!

Do you dress up or down for work?

Definitely down. Trainers, jeans, and a hoodie if I can get away with it, because when you’re running around a festival site or lifting gear, comfort definitely beats style. That said, I can be tempted into a shirt and blazer for a press launch, just don’t expect it to last all day!

What piece of advice would you give your 18-year-old self?

Back yourself. You’ll make mistakes, but that’s part of the process. Just make sure that you learn from them, trust your instincts and don’t be afraid to do things differently, even if others don’t get it at first.

What’s your favourite Yorkshire venue for an event or team away day?

Aireville Park in Skipton is hard to beat. It’s the new home of The Yorkshire Dales Food & Drink festival and, with its history dating back to the 1830s, it’s the perfect backdrop for a weekend of celebration, community, and culinary creativity.

The Park offers everything in a central location, including open space in beautiful green surroundings, character, easy access by road, rail and bus, is family-friendly and boasts that unbeatable Yorkshire charm.

But for a team away day? A good Yorkshire food hall or countryside pub, like The Craven Arms in Appletreewick, where we can eat, chat and reset works wonders.

How do you prefer to travel for business?

Car, mostly - especially with kit to haul and site visits in rural areas. I do love a train journey when there’s time to sit back, plan or write - the Leeds to Skipton route is a personal favourite as it offers beautiful views.

What’s your favourite place in Yorkshire to relax?

A quiet countryside stroll with the dogs or a cosy pub with a good pint and a roaring fire. If I’m in Skipton, I love the vibe at The Woolly or The Black Horse, as they’re proper Yorkshire places with wonderful Yorkshire people.

Where is your favourite place to eat in Yorkshire, and what dish do you recommend?

That’s like asking me to choose a favourite child! But I’m a big fan of Skipton Farmhouse Fare - the pork pies are out of this world. I also love browsing farm shops like Fodder or Robertshaw’s as Yorkshire’s food scene is next-level and you just can’t beat the local produce. That’s why we’re committed to supporting local producers for the festival - we’ve even been working closely with Skipton BID to find as many regional suppliers as possible to provide them with the opportunity to showcase their expert skills and delicious produce.

|What do you miss most about Yorkshire when you’re away?
The food, obviously! But also the people as there’s a warmth, grit and humour in Yorkshire that’s hard to find elsewhere. And the scenery - coming back always feels like a deep breath in.

Do you have any business rules that you swear by?
Be honest. Be decent. Treat everyone with the same respect, from headliners to traders. Make sure you celebrate your team whenever you can, as they’re your best and strongest asset, and always say thank you, especially when the pressure’s on.

Tickets for The Yorkshire Dales Food & Drink Festival start from £20, head to www.ydfadfw.com to secure yours.



Want to feature in our 10 in 10 column? Then contact our business editor business@p.ublished.com