07 July 2026 Winner of the SME of the Year Award at the Constructing Excellence North East Awards 2026: True North Construction Several member companies of Northern Counties Builders Federation (NCBF) were celebrated at the North East’s premier awards for the construction sector. The Constructing Excellence North East (CENE) Awards 2026, were held at the Grand Hotel Gosforth Park. True North Construction won SME of the Year and BRIMS construction was part of the delivery team

29 June 2026 Angela Carney Trade association, Northern Counties Builders Federation (NCBF), has re-elected Angela Carney as president to July 2027. Managing director at Carney Consultancy, Angela has been president since 2024. In the construction industry for more than 35 years, Angela sits on several industry boards and is highly respected for her commitment to bridging the skills gap and promoting the sector to females. As president, she is supported by Chris Morris, senior

Gary Brannighan, business development manager at Hodgson Sayers. Can you tell us about Hodgson Sayers? Hodgson Sayers started its journey as a roofing contractor, then developed and diversified into construction and civils, metal fabrication, building/estate maintenance and security products and services. As a principal contractor, we are proud to work on all aspects of construction from specialist heritage sites to utility sites and new build. Our award-winning business is u

Angela Carney, president, Northern Counties Builders Federation Angela Carney, president, Northern Counties Builders Federation The publication of Skills England's latest workforce projections should serve as a defining moment for the construction sector. The report's forecast that the industry will require more than one million additional workers by 2035 – made up of almost 500,000 new roles and close to 600,000 replacement workers – highlights a challenge that can no longe

Tim Bishop, Commercial Director at McCarrick Construction Tell us about McCarrick Construction and what your role is there. Well, this is one of the few family-run construction contractors in the North East that can genuinely say they're still managed by the original family. Matthew is the third generation at the helm – his father Michael retired in 2014 although he still comes into the office now and then. Matthew has a strictly commercial background, as have I, and it's no

Michael Parkin, senior quantity surveyor at Able Construction Can you tell us about Able Construction and your role? I’m a senior quantity surveyor, involved in the commercial day-to-day running of projects from the point they start on site through to completion. My role focuses on ensuring projects are delivered efficiently while maintaining strong commercial performance. When was the company established? Able Construction was established in 1987 and has built up a strong re

Foreground. Shirley Airey, business executive at Education Partnership North East, Angela Carney, president, Northern Counties Builders Federation and Chris Morris, senior vice-president of Northern Counties Builders Federation with college staff and members of the construction sector. With industry forecasts highlighting the need for 6,850 new construction recruits in the North East by 2028, the latest Building Your Future construction careers event has taken place at Northu

Graeme Southward, carpentry and joinery lecturer at Hartlepool College, Steven Henderson, construction director, True North Construction, Graeme Fallowfield, carpentry and joiner lecturer at Hartlepool College with Les Wharton, contracts manager at Able Construction. A panel of experienced construction professionals is to judge the inaugural Golden Hammer Awards to identify the region’s top joiner. Taking place at Hartlepool College on 30 May 2026, the judging panel will incl

Can you tell us about Carney Consultancy and your role? Carney Consultancy is a specialist health, safety, environmental, and quality consultancy and training provider for the construction sector, offering services like fire safety, IOSH/CITB training, and ISO compliance. Based in North Shields and established in 2002, we help firms work safely and grow confidently. As managing director, I lead strategy, expansion, and client delivery, drawing on 35+ years in construction; I'

Foreground: David Roberts, managing director at True North Construction and NCBF board member. Back row (left-right) Tayler Mitchell, operations director at True North Construction, John Cartwright, head of business growth and skills at Hartlepool College, Angela Carney, president of NCBF and managing director of Carney Consultancy, Ken Parkin, NCBF board member and managing director of Able Construction. Trade association, Northern Counties Builders Federation (NCBF), is to

28 January 2026 Left: Shirley Airey, business development executive at Education Partnership North East. Centre: Judith Quinn, Ashington Campus principal, Northumberland College with Chris Morris, senior vice president at Northern Counties Builders Federation. Northern Counties Builders Federation (NCBF), in collaboration with the faculty of construction at Northumberland College, is to host the latest ‘Building Your Future’ event, on March 31, 2026. The Building Your Future

05 December 2025 Foreground: David Roberts, managing director at True North Construction and NCBF board member. Back row (left-right) Tayler Mitchell, operations director at True North Construction, John Cartwright, head of business growth and skills at Hartlepool College, Angela Carney, president of NCBF and managing director of Carney Consultancy, Ken Parkin, NCBF board member and managing director of Able Construction. The search is on for the region’s top joiner, as North

06 November 2025 Northern Counties Builders Federation (NCBF) and Constructing Excellence North East (CENE), has launched its annual Built Environment Wonder Challenge. Year 8 pupils will work to a series of submission dates, as they form mini construction companies and compete to win the contract to prepare a bid for the development of a sustainable school. They will also have access to industry professionals, offering advice and support. The new school must be functional a

Can you tell us about Classic Masonry and your role? Classic Masonry is one of the country's leading specialist stonemasonry...

Lee Bishop Can you tell us about White Knight Maintenance and your role ? White Knight Maintenance is a building and property services...

In recognition of his outstanding contribution to the industry over nearly 40 years, a special tribute was made to Neil Ramsey at the...

Stephen Bilclough, chairman, John N Dunn Group Established in 1893, John N Dunn Group is a prominent UK-based construction firm with...

Wharton Construction is a Darlington-based building contractor working throughout the North East and North Yorkshire. We specialise in...

North East construction firms, John N Dunn Group and White Knight Maintenance, have joined a growing regional network of contractors and...

Northern Counties Builders Federation (NCBF) is hosting a collaborative event with the School of Construction and Built Environment at...