Wellington Place is more than just bricks and mortar, it’s a thriving community powered by people. This series of interviews aims to highlight some of the people of Wellington Place, share their inspirational stories and find out why Wellington Place is much more than just a place to work…
Interview with David Knaggs and Richard Larking, duo of Yorkshire professionals taking on the trans-Atlantic row
At Wellington Place, we’re lucky to have an amazing community full of people who go above and beyond for charity. From swimming the English Channel to climbing Kilimanjaro, our community isn’t afraid to take on big challenges. And now, two of them are gearing up for one of the trickiest yet – the World’s Toughest Row.
Meet David and Richard, two legal professionals who are aiming to raise an incredible £100,000 for two Yorkshire charities by rowing across the Atlantic. Sponsored by Begbies Traynor, a Wellington Place-based business, we caught up with the duo to hear about their preparations and find out how you can support them on their adventure.
Can you tell us a bit about your backgrounds?
R: I was born in Sheffield and joined the Royal Navy right after school and later pivoted to law in 1996. I now work as Client Legal Director at The Legal Director.
D: I’m originally from London but moved to Yorkshire in 1989. I eventually became a Regional Managing Partner at Irwin Mitchell, based in the Wellington Place office here in Leeds.
When does the challenge officially kick off, and how can people support your journey?
The World’s Toughest Row – Atlantic is a race which will see us cover 3,000 miles of the Atlantic Ocean in a rowing boat. We’ll set sail from La Gomera in the Canary Islands around December 12th, 2025.
You can follow our adventure on Instagram at @greens2blue or check out our website at www.greens2blue.co.uk where you can find out more about our journey, sponsors and even make a donation.
Tell us about your connection with Begbies Traynor?
R: Begbies Traynor is our incredible headline sponsors for the World’s Toughest Row – Atlantic. After working for major legal firms in Yorkshire for more than 50 years between us, we’ve become well-known within the Leeds legal community and secured backing from Begbies in our bid to become one of the oldest teams to compete in the race! Their support has been fantastic in helping us prepare for this monumental challenge.
Why are you taking part in the World’s Toughest Row? And, which charities are you supporting?
R: We wanted to be one of the oldest teams to compete in the race. By the time we take on the row, we’ll have a combined age of 119 years. Plus, it’s all about raising significant funds for causes close to our hearts.
D: We’re supporting Maggie’s, a charity that helps people with cancer and their loved ones, and Friends of Alfie Martin, which raises vital funds to purchase state of the art life altering and life saving medical equipment for the Leeds Centre for the sickest babies across Yorkshire.
What’s been the biggest challenge in your training so far? And did either of you have any prior rowing experience?
D: The biggest challenge for me is trying to follow orders. I’m not used to taking them since Richard’s the Captain!
R: My challenge? Training a total novice, myself included! Neither of us have ever rowed before, so it’s been a steep learning curve.
The boat’s name is ‘Brizo’. Can you explain the significance behind it?
D: Begbies Traynor chose the name in honour of Brizo, the Greek goddess who protects mariners and sailors… fitting for a journey like ours that’s all about venturing into the unknown!
What’s your proudest achievement to date?
D: We’d both say raising our kids. We each have two, and we’re proud that they still don’t mind being seen in public with their dads.
What’s something fun and unexpected that people might not know about you?
R: I was an extra in a James Bond film and made it to the finals of MasterChef!
D: Well, I’m told I could make a pretty convincing double for Liam Neeson…
What three words sum up Wellington Place to you, and why?
R: Leeds’ Commercial Heart. It’s the city’s vibrant pulse where business, community, and culture seamlessly connect.
Thank you to David and Richard for taking part in People of Wellington Place! If you would like to tell your story, or wish to nominate someone to take part in the People of Wellington Place series please email info@wellingtonplace.co.uk
