Construction stalwart honoured at CENE awards

A North East construction sector leader has been recognised for nearly 40 years of outstanding service.

Neil Ramsey received a special tribute at the Constructing Excellence North East (CENE) Awards 2025, as he prepares to step down this summer from his role as secretary of the Northern Counties Builders Federation (NCBF).

Having been actively involved with the NCBF for 35 years, including serving as president from 2005 to 2007, Neil will remain on the board and will hand over the secretary role to former president Tony Kay.

Neil said: “It was a huge surprise to be recognised by CENE at its annual awards. 

“It was very humbling.”

Over a distinguished career, Neil completed his training with Wimpey Construction before moving into senior leadership roles at some of the region’s most respected firms, including Kendall Cross, Galliford Try Partnerships North and Turney Wylde Construction.

He was also a founding board member of CENE in 2003 and served as its secretary for over a decade between 2007 and 2019.

Neil has also held prominent positions within the National Federation of Builders, including as its regional president and as national chair in 2007.

Neil added: “A standout moment was cementing the NCBF’s relationship with CENE. 

“The NCBF has become the voice for championing regional SMEs in the North East engaged in construction. 

“Its focus is very much on bridging the skills gap and its collaboration with CENE to relaunch the North East Schools Wonder Challenge has brought construction to the forefront of students’ minds.

“In 2023, the NCBF also successfully launched its Building Your Future campaign aimed at connecting regional construction companies with final year trade apprentices at North East colleges and it is continuing to challenge the image that construction is hard hats and muddy fields.”

Catriona Lingwood, chief executive of CENE, added: “I have known Neil for many years and he is, first and foremost, a wonderful person who has dedicated a huge amount of time to the industry.

“He deserves special recognition for his contribution to CENE and the various membership organisations he has been involved in. 

“Neil has played a key role in developing the partnership between CENE and NCBF and we would like to thank him for his unwavering commitment to raising the profile of our sector.”

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