Tim Bellhouse is a man with a mission – one which has led him to be named as a UK Construction Industry Role Model 2019 and to be shortlisted in the North East Employee of the year, Making a Difference Award.

Tim, who works for Newcastle based NBS, champions the business’ commitment to helping young people in the region to raise their aspirations, and be the best they can be. NBS believe that everyone – regardless of gender, background or education – has a role to play, and that there is an opportunity out there for them.

The 2019 Role Model initiative has uncovered a diverse range of talent in the construction industry. The Role Models’ aim is to inspire the next generation of construction professionals.

Regarding being nominated Tim said “Firstly I was delighted to be named as a UK Construction Week Role Model and then to receive a nomination and shortlisting for the NE Employee of the Year awards was the icing on the cake.

“The aim of the engagement activity we do at NBS has always been two-fold – to raise aspirations in the next generation and to spread the word about Digital Construction and the future of the industry and the opportunities available. To be recognised in such a way for this work was in no way expected and I am really honoured”

Helen Whitfield Chief Operating Officer for NBS has spearheaded NBS’ approach.

She said: “Tim is the catalyst for NBS’ outreach activities, inspiring schoolkids from all backgrounds and abilities, many who haven’t always had the best of starts or structure in life.  He dedicates significant thought and personal time, ensuring the students gain insight, have a wonderful fun experience, and leave feeling they can take on the world.

“Tim leads on pushing the boundaries of schools engagement including parents and support groups,” she continued. “NBS have opened our doors welcoming young people from all backgrounds and abilities. It is a truly inclusive approach.”

“I’m thrilled seeing Tim listed in the 2019 Construction Role Models for the UK, alongside numerous inspirational national leads. This is incredibly fitting for Tim, an achiever from the region listed alongside many influential names.”

One of the key relationships for NBS has been with North East Futures University Technical College (UTC), which began in September 2018. Many NBS colleagues have committed a significant amount of personal time – as a Core Partner with UTC.

Tim is an Industry Mentor for the UTC, an initiative which strives to place every UTC student with a professional from an industry where they have career aspirations to allow them insight into that industry.

Sarah Hughes, Business Liaison Manager, North East Futures UTC said: “Tim has been instrumental in giving clear direction and guidance to his students ensuring they feel comfortable talking about their aspirations to a professional, when they don’t feel they can talk to a teacher or parent.

“Their confidence levels have grown significantly, and this is a true measure of the impact Tim is having as a mentor. He is always looking for ways his team can get involved and not only raise the profile of NBS among our students but show them the opportunities they could access in digital/construction sector.

“One of our most engaging projects so far has been delivered by Tim and his team and is testimony to the dedication Tim gives to his outreach work. NBS delivered a project in a full day where students were presented with a real life problem that NBS were facing and they were asked to come up with a solution. They absolutely loved it and got a huge amount from it.”

NBS also works with Benfield School in Walker putting on informative presentations, assemblies and holding one to ones with students.

Tim has been able to deliver careers advice, give personal support and even helped students to be prepared for interview. NBS has also hosted pupils from Benfield for activity days at NBS to get a taste of working life.

Tim said: “We are totally committed to our approach to outreach work with young people in order to raise their aspirations and increase their experience of business, but we also get a real benefit for NBS

“Colleagues who work with young people in the business mentoring and supporting them gain a huge amount and we are able to spot talent early and let young people see the opportunities we can offer as a business, so this is a real win win for everyone ! “

NBS, which is based in The Old Post Office in Newcastle is a technology platform for the construction industry. Thousands of users around the world interact daily with NBS digital tools to create specifications, find products and develop their digital models.