Catriona Lingwood, chief executive at Constructing Excellence North East , is the latest regional professional in the hot seat as the p.ublished group of newspapers gives her just 10 minutes to answer our 10 burning questions.

What does a typical working day for you involve?

I’m not sure I have what you’d call a “typical” working day, as no two days are ever quite the same! That said, I do like to start by checking emails and scanning my diary before I leave the house.

At Constructing Excellence North East, we run a wide range of events and meetings, everything from breakfast briefings to hands-on workshops, so staying on top of the schedule is a must. No two days are identical and that’s exactly how I like it.

What makes your company special?

Constructing Excellence is the only organisation solely focused on driving positive change across construction, housing and regeneration. Our mission is to improve industry performance and deliver a demonstrably better built environment. We collaborate across the entire supply chain and with regional partners to champion innovation, support government-led initiatives and promote collaborative working. It’s not just about bricks and mortar, it’s about building a better future.

Do you have any business rules that you swear by?

Always listen.

• It keeps us member and customer-focused
• It ensures our services stay relevant
• It invites feedback, supports innovation and builds trust
• It stops us from investing time and energy in things that don’t matter.

Listening isn’t just polite, it’s productive.

Do you dress up or down for work?

I dress for the day ahead, whether that’s being in the office, attending an event, or visiting a construction site (hi-vis and hard hat in tow!). That said, I do have a soft spot for awards dinners, those are the days I really get to dress up and enjoy a bit of glamour!

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

That’s a deep one.

At 18, it’s easy to feel like you need to have your life mapped out. My advice? Don’t rush. Growth often comes from the unexpected, from exploring, failing, learning and recalibrating. The plans that seem set in stone now will likely shift and that’s not only okay, it’s normal.

How do you prefer to travel for business?

It really depends on where I’m heading and who’s joining me. I’m not the biggest fan of driving but it's often necessary to cover the whole of the North East and Tees Valley. For longer journeys (like London), I prefer the train. It gives me a chance to catch up on emails or just stare meaningfully out of the window like in the movies. And, yes, I’ve been known to hop on the odd plane for events further afield, including memorable trips to Spain and Sweden!

What’s your favourite place in the North East to relax?

Aside from home (and a cuppa in my own kitchen), I’d have to say the Northumberland coastline. It’s just stunning, peaceful, unspoiled and the perfect place to reset.

Where is your favourite place to eat in the North East and what dish do you recommend?

Now, that’s a tough one as I’m a proper foodie and love discovering places that are unique to the region.

A few favourites:
• Blackfriars, a traditional British restaurant in Newcastle, set in the UK’s oldest dining room.
• Savoy by Le Raaj in Morpeth, contemporary Indian cuisine done beautifully.
• Babucho Gosforth, a New York-style brasserie in a converted church, brilliant atmosphere and even better food.
• Colmans South Shields, situated in the old bandstand known locally as Ghandi’s Temple, for award-winning and locally sourced fish & chips and seafood.

Dish recommendation? Go hungry and try something you’ve never had before!

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

Ooh, dangerous question! We work with so many amazing venues across the region, each with fantastic teams behind them. I’d be in trouble if I only picked one! If pushed, I’d have to say Durham Cathedral. It’s my favourite building in the North East. A UNESCO World Heritage Site that is a true masterpiece.

What do you miss most about the North East when you’re away?

Definitely the sense of community, the warmth, the humour and the way people will chat to you like they’ve known you for years. And, of course, nothing beats a bracing walk along the coast followed by proper fish & chips. Preferably in paper with a wooden fork!


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