10 In 10: Simon Atkinson

Simon Atkinson is corporate fundraiser for Barnsley Hospice. Previously, he worked in commercial sales for a media company and managed the Little George Pub in Wombwell. Simon is passionate about CSR and businesses being part of their community.

Simon is the latest regional business professional in the hot seat as The Yorkshire, Lancashire & Cumbria Times gives him just 10 minutes to answer our 10 burning questions.


What does a typical working day for you involve?

Talking! And I love it! I like to talk to business people about the specialist care the hospice provides - and I want to know all about them and their business too. Beyond that I’m creating team events for a bit of fun and to raise funds. I`m working on our 'Accumulator Challenge’ for May in which local business teams compete in a BBC Apprentice-style task. I play Lord Sweetener!

What makes your company special?

Over the last 26 years, Barnsley Hospice has provided care and support for thousands of patients and families when they need it most. Not everyone realises hospices are charities relying on donations to fund core services. Like many Yorkshire hospices, we have a fantastic relationship with our local business community who support us with money and ‘gifts in kind’ to keep us going.

Do you have any business rules that you swear by?

Make one more call or send one more email, connect with one more person today.

Do you dress up or down for work?

I get suited `n` booted including my Barnsley Hospice orange tie. I want to make a good impression.


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

Go see your Mother more!

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

Headingley - I don`t like cricket, I LOVE IT! (Yorkshire Answer). Oakwell - to see the mighty Reds (Barnsley Answer).

How do you prefer to travel for business?

My car - my music, my Talksport, my space. Wherever I’m heading for a meeting, I’m in control to get me there in one piece and ON TIME!

What’s your favourite place in Yorkshire to relax?

Langsett Resevoir, walking with my Jack Russell. I prefer it in the sunshine but have walked around the reservoir and up on the heath in all weathers.

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

Tandoori Hut, Barnsley. For starters you must have the greatest onion bhajis in the world and for mains, their simple classic - chicken balti, rice and chapatis. All washed down with a couple of pints of Cobra.

What do you miss most about Yorkshire when you’re away?

I know it`s cliché, but it is the people! I have friends in Kent who come up to visit and are blown away when people/strangers actually talk to them in a pub. As I said at the beginning, I love to talk as Yorkshire folk do!