Can you tell us about True North Construction and your role?
I am one of the directors at True North Construction, alongside my business partner, Steven Henderson. We specialise in delivering high-end, contemporary extensions, refurbishments and bespoke, new builds, across Northumberland, Tyne & Wear and County Durham. Additionally, we are one of the few regional specialists and award-winning experts in the construction of certified Passivhaus homes, which highlights our commitment to energy-efficient, sustainable building practices.
What projects is the company currently undertaking?
We are currently engaged in several exciting projects across the North East. These include a new build Passivhaus in Tynemouth, a farmhouse refurbishment alongside a new build in Hexhamshire and a new stone-built house in Warkworth, Northumberland. We are proud to be collaborating with some fantastic architects on these projects, including MawsonKerr Architecture and Elliot Architecture.
What are the biggest challenges and opportunities facing the construction sector?
The construction industry is experiencing a shortage of skilled labour, which highlights the importance of investing in training and developing talent to ensure a strong and capable workforce. At the same time, there are significant opportunities on the horizon. The demand for sustainable, energy-efficient buildings, such as Passivhaus-certified homes, is growing rapidly, and we’re proud to be at the forefront of this trend.
What can be done to bridge the skills gap in the construction sector?
To bridge the skills gap in the construction sector in the North East, we need to focus on training and developing young people. Offering more apprenticeship programs and hands-on training will help them gain the qualifications and experience needed to enter the industry. It’s also important to make sure young people know about the different career paths available once they have the right skills, including roles in management, project coordination and even business development.
You are a member of Northern Counties Builders Federation. How does being aligned to a sector body support True North Construction?
Being a member of the Northern Counties Builders Federation (NCBF) provides True North Construction with valuable industry support, networking opportunities and access to the latest standards and best practices. It helps us stay up-to-date with regulations, connect with suppliers and contractors, and gain credibility within the industry, ensuring we can deliver high-quality projects with confidence.
What’s your proudest business achievement?
One of our proudest achievements is the completion of Godwit House, a Passivhaus project in Warkworth. This project has received several prestigious accolades, including the Constructing Excellence North East Residential Project of the Year 2022, a Green Apple Environment Award presented at the Houses of Parliament, and both a RIBA North East Regional Award and a RIBA North East Sustainability Award in 2023. Additionally, it has been shortlisted for the highly regarded RIBA House of the Year Award. These recognitions reflect the quality and sustainability we strive for in every project.
Is there a mantra you always aspire to do business by?
At True North Construction, our mantra is “Building Trust, Delivering Excellence.” We are committed to providing exceptional quality while maintaining strong, transparent relationships with our clients. Our focus is always on achieving the best possible results, ensuring that every project is completed to the highest standards.
