Then and now... Steven Henderson

In the latest instalment of Bdaily's Then and now series, Steven Henderson, managing director at Newcastle-based True North Construction, reflects on his career, from his first role to the present day, highlighting the lessons he has learned from his personal and professional evolution.

You’re managing director at True North Construction. What does your role entail?

My role is pretty hands-on and covers a bit of everything. 

I’m not the kind of managing director who sits behind a desk all day; I’m still very involved with the day-to-day running of the business. 

That means everything from planning jobs, checking on-site progress, working with clients and architects, sorting suppliers and making sure the standard of work stays high.

I like to stay close to the details, whether it’s getting materials right, dealing with delivery issues or making sure the finish on a build is spot on.

I also help lead the team – making decisions on who we need where, how we schedule jobs and supporting the lads when problems crop up.

I want to make sure the jobs we deliver reflect the care and quality True North has built its name on.

I’ve recently attained my MCIOB accreditation, which means I hold chartered construction manager status.

I believe it is important to always keep learning and upskilling, whether entering the workplace for the first time or as a veteran.

Did you always want to work in construction? Or did you have other ambitions when you were growing up?

Not at first. At school, I was set on being a mechanical engineer. 

I was always interested in how things worked. 

But, like a lot of people, my path changed once I got out into the real world.

What was your first job – and did you enjoy it?

My first proper full-time job was as an apprentice mechanic at Citroën. 

It taught me a lot, including how to work with my hands and how to solve problems under pressure.

After about a year, though, I realised it wasn’t for me in the long term. 

The experience did help steer me, however. 

I eventually found my way into joinery and straight away felt more at home. 

I knew I was on the right track.

Were there any mentors or individuals that helped shape your career? And are you still applying lessons you learned then to your workforce of today?

Definitely. 

My first job in construction was with AMEC, a big firm with a lot of experience across different types of jobs. 

I was lucky to be around some highly skilled tradesmen early on, and I learned a lot just by watching and listening. 

One of the blokes who taught me the ropes when I was an apprentice joiner – more than 25 years ago – works at True North today. 

That kind of thing means a lot. 

The respect we had back then has lasted, and those early lessons about doing things properly, working hard and looking after your team still guide me now.

What first attracted you to the construction sector?

It started early; my dad and uncle both worked in the industry.

I remember being taken to big sites when I was young and just being fascinated by the scale of it all. 

Now and then, I’d get to help out or just be around the tools. That stuck with me.

I’ve always loved the feeling of building something real from the ground upwards.

How do you feel you’ve changed as a person over the years? Have career roles brought new dimensions to your personality?

Starting as a joiner, I was focused on the job in front of me. 

As I’ve stepped up into different roles, including site foreman, project manager and now managing director, it’s changed how I think. 

I’ve had to become more strategic, more switched on to people and more comfortable making big decisions. 

You develop a thicker skin but also a bit more patience and empathy. 

I’ve learned the importance of listening, planning and thinking ahead.

I still care deeply about the craft, but it’s now also about building a business that lasts and creating a team and culture that people want to be part of.

You’ve seen many changes to the employment world across your career – how do you see the workplace evolving in years to come?

The industry has come a long way since I started. 

Site safety has improved massively with better training, better kit and better systems. 

I think we’ll keep seeing improvements with technology, including smarter tools, better software and more efficient ways of working.

What I’m most pleased to see, though, is how we’re starting to take things like mental health, diversity and proper training more seriously. 

Construction has always been a tough industry, but we’re seeing a real shift in how people are supported. 

If we can keep that going while still pushing quality and innovation, I think the future looks strong.

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →