Getting to know… Catherine Hibbert

In the latest instalment of Bdaily’s Getting to know... feature, which looks at the person behind the business profile, Catherine Hibbert, client success team leader at Hebburn-based ITC Service, talks about switching from theatre to technology, the joy she takes from building strong relationships and her appearance in an early 2000s music video...

We know you as a client success team leader at ITC Service, but who is the person behind the title? Tell us a little about what makes you tick…

I’m motivated by making people happy, helping others and seeing them succeed. 

I get a real sense of satisfaction from supporting people, building strong relationships and helping them reach their goals.

I have fairly traditional values and strongly believe in treating others the way you’d like to be treated. 

That principle guides both how I live and work. 

I also hold high standards for myself and those around me, something that’s been true since my school days as a head girl, and it’s a mindset I still carry in my career.

That balance of care, commitment and a people‑first approach makes customer relations and customer service a natural fit for me.

Did you always want to work in technology? 

I originally wanted to be a theatre lighting director.

However, while studying theatre arts, I discovered I was colourblind, which quickly ruled that out.

I tried teaching, inspired by my experience as a student, but realised it wasn’t the right fit and found myself at a bit of a crossroads.

I’d worked as a first‑line IT support engineer at a vehicle company during university, and I really enjoyed it.

I’d always had an interest in IT – my dad was a bit of an IT boffin – and I was the first at school to have a home computer, which I absolutely loved.

I distinctly remember a teacher asking me what kind of computer it was – I said, ‘it’s called a PC’.

In 2004, I joined Knowledge IT on a six‑month temporary contract, and I’ve been working in IT ever since.

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

The best part is the people I get to meet.

It’s a customer‑facing role, but it’s never just transactional. 

I enjoy building strong relationships, understanding how organisations work and using that insight to shape the support we provide.

I especially enjoy service review meetings, where you hear the good and the bad, and can see the impact of true collaboration as a business grows. 

Of course, IT doesn’t always go to plan, and bad days happen.

But, when they do, I think it’s how you put things right that really matters – that’s what makes the difference and shows your true colours.

What do you consider to be your greatest achievement?

Cliché or not, my greatest achievement is my family. 

I have a wonderful husband, who also works in IT as a senior consultant, so our conversations can be a bit dull.

But I picked a good one, and we have a fantastic relationship.

Ten years ago, we made the decision to adopt our son.

From a very difficult start in life to the kind, well‑rounded young man he’s becoming, I couldn’t be prouder of him.

How do you relax outside of work?

I’m quite a simple person and easily pleased. 

Outside of work, I love spending time with my family, but I also really value a bit of quiet time to myself. 

I’m an avid reader, and I’m happy with a cup of tea and a good book.

While I’m not the strongest swimmer, I also enjoy that as a way to clear my head.

These days, much of my spare time is taken up by two very energetic Labrador puppies.

They keep me busy, but long walks and watching them bound about brings me a lot of joy.

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

I was born in Middlesbrough but grew up in Essex, moving around the country from a young age.

I’ve lived in the South East, the Midlands and the North West, but the North East stands out as the best place to live – not just in the UK, but anywhere.

With its friendly, down‑to‑earth people, coastline, countryside and great pubs, it has everything you could want. 

I love it so much that my whole family has now moved back here. 

Hand on heart, the North East is home.

Tell us something about you we didn’t know…

I’ve been in a music video. 

Back in 2002, I spent a full day filming with David Gray for 'The Other Side'.

You mostly just see people waving torches, and I’ll admit I’m not exactly centre stage.

But if you squint hard enough, I’m in there somewhere!

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