Getting to know... Natalie Henderson

In the latest instalment of Bdaily’s Getting to know... feature, which looks at the person behind the business profile, Natalie Henderson, compliance director at Newcastle-based True North Construction, talks about swapping teeth for timber frames, the joy she takes from seeing an empty space transform into a home and her love of family adventures...

We know you as the compliance director at True North Construction, but who is the person behind the title? Tell us a little about what makes you tick…

I’m someone who thrives on structure and making things work better for the people around me.

Compliance might sound rigid, but for me it’s about creating an environment where the team feels supported and able to do their best.

I’m motivated by improving processes and knowing that what I put in place genuinely helps the business run smoothly. 

I’m also a people‑person at heart; I care about the wellbeing of the team and making sure everyone feels supported and informed.

Did you always want to work in construction?

Not at all.

After 17 years in dentistry, the closest I expected to get to construction was rebuilding someone’s smile.

I never imagined I’d swap crowns and fillings for concrete and compliance, but life clearly had other plans.

It turns out the skills – precision, problem‑solving and keeping people calm under pressure – transfer surprisingly well.

Whether it’s teeth or timber frames, I’ve always enjoyed fixing things and making sure everything is in good order.

What’s the best bit about your job? And the worst?

The best bit is helping the business run smoothly and supporting people through change.

I love seeing an empty space transform into someone’s home.

Watching the team do what they do best is genuinely amazing, and it’s a privilege to be part of the process behind the scenes, knowing that what I do has a real impact.

The worst bit is the occasional firefighting; those moments when everything becomes urgent at once, and there simply aren’t enough hours in the day.

What do you consider to be your greatest achievement?

My greatest achievement will always be my two children.

Nothing I’ve done professionally comes close.

They’re the toughest project I’ve ever managed and by far the most rewarding, and watching them grow into their own people is something I’m endlessly proud of.

How do you relax outside of work?

Relaxing usually means escaping on holiday, getting out for a walk with the dog or just enjoying some downtime.

When I’m not doing that, I’m busy being the family taxi, ferrying the children from one place to the next.

What makes the North East such a great place to live and work?

I’m proud to be from the North East.

It is a brilliant place to live and work because it has the perfect mix of community, character and opportunity.

People here look out for each other, there’s a real sense of community, a work ethic you can feel and a pride that runs through everything, from local businesses to the people who call it home.

It’s a region that welcomes you in and makes you want to stay.

Tell us something about you we didn’t know…

I’m always planning our next family adventure.

I love holidays, especially anything outdoors – long walks, fresh air and time together.

It’s the perfect reset from the pace of everyday life.

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