Catherine Sinclair, of Space Architects, has been named G4C Future Leader at the prestigious Generation4Change (G4C) North East Awards 2025, which recognise outstanding leadership and talent in the industry.
Having received the award, sponsored by Caddick Construction, the evening’s headline sponsor, Catherine, will now represent the North East in the Constructing Excellence national final later this year.
Judges praised Catherine’s commitment to inclusive leadership and her determination to inspire the next generation of construction professionals. Her work championing equality and innovation across the industry, delivering lectures at Northumbria University, combined with her efforts to create opportunities for young people through mentoring and outreach, stood out as exceptional. The panel recognised her as a standout future leader with the drive and vision to shape a more progressive and collaborative future for the sector.
Catherine, said: “Winning this award is incredibly meaningful. I’m passionate about leading with purpose and creating spaces that positively impact people and communities. I’ve had the privilege of learning from inspiring mentors and working with a forward-thinking team and I aim to pass on the knowledge that I have been so fortunate to receive. It’s an honour to represent the region on the national stage and I’m excited for what lies ahead.”
G4C is part of Constructing Excellence, harnessing the young professional voice and helping to drive continuous improvement in the UK built environment industry.
Celebrating its tenth anniversary, the awards, held at the NewcastleGateshead Hilton Hotel, honoured excellence across a wide range of categories.
Harvey Futter, of John N Dunn Group, was named Trade Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by Northern Counties Builders Federation (NCBF). Technical Apprentice of the Year, also sponsored by NCBF, went to Alex Philpott of AtkinsRealis.
Amelia Bewick, a rising talent at Turner & Townsend, was named Student of the Year, with the award sponsored by Bowmer+Kirkland. Lewis Johnson, SES Engineering Services, was recognised as Trainee of the Year. Matthew Huxtable, Bowmer & Kirkland, was highly commended in the same category. The sponsor was Tilbury Douglas.
New Professional of the Year, sponsored by RED Engineering, was awarded to Tom Smith from Turner & Townsend. The Mentor of the Year accolade, sponsored by Sir Robert McAlpine, went to Tanja Smith of Bowmer+Kirkland.
The Commitment to Employee and Training Development Award went to DPP Planning in the small organisation category, while Turner & Townsend took the honour in the large organisation category. Both awards were sponsored by Northumbrian Water Group.
Drinks reception sponsor for the night was Kier Construction.
Paul Dodsworth, Construction Group Managing Director at Caddick Construction, said: “We were very proud to sponsor the G4C Awards for a second year running and to join everyone in the industry at another fantastic event that celebrates the exceptional talent we have coming through the ranks. The energy, ambition and passion we saw from this year’s candidates was inspiring. I’d like to congratulate Catherine on becoming a very deserving winner of the G4C Future Leader Award amongst a group of very strong runners up. They all have promising careers ahead of them and they will be fundamental in shaping an innovative, forward-thinking and dynamic future for our region’s construction industry.”
Catriona Lingwood, Chief Executive of Constructing Excellence North East, said: “The G4C Future Leader Award reflects the qualities we need in tomorrow’s industry: passion, integrity and vision. Catherine embodies the very best of what the North East and Tees Valley have to offer and we are proud to see her carry that forward to the national stage.
“I want to thank all of our sponsors who make this event possible and support the development of emerging talent year after year. The turnout on the night was fantastic and it was a pleasure to be surrounded by so many incredible people from across the industry. The calibre of nominees in every category was outstanding and they all have a bright future ahead.”