Getting to know... Ritchie Wharton, director at Falcon Fox Construction
Ritchie Wharton, a director at Falcon Fox Developments, based in Bedlington, Northumberland, talks about his route into the construction sector, helping people progress in their careers and his love of cycling...
We know you as a director at Falcon Fox Developments, but who is the person behind the title? Tell us a little about what makes you tick…
Getting the job done from start through to completion, alongside the ups and downs of working in construction. It always gives me great pleasure to see the end result – a building that will last for generations to come.
Did you always want to work in construction?
To a degree. I started my career as an engineer and progressed into the construction sector. I have worked on many amazing projects over the years, including the Docklands Light Railway in London, and a blue chip manufacturing plant in the Netherlands.
What’s the best bit about your job? And the worst?
Helping people progress in their careers, and helping them get to where they want to be, always brings a strong sense of satisfaction.
So too does seeing a project move forward and making an impact, particularly when it comes to the regeneration of a city or the redevelopment of an area, knowing it will leave a lasting impact for generations to come.
We are seeing this in Sunderland, where Falcon Fox Developments is delivering on its commitment to hire local people as a direct result of winning two major contracts.
Nile Villiers is a key part of Sunderland City Council’s Sunniside Place Strategy - a ten-year plan to bring new life, activity and investment to the area.
The project is a flagship scheme at the heart of the city centre, which will deliver 91 sustainable homes.
We are also principal contractor for the Vaux Housing site, which is based on the footprint of the city’s former brewery.
What do you consider to be your greatest achievement?
Getting to where I am now, although I am still learning and progressing. You learn something new every day and construction is always evolving.
How do you relax outside of work?
I’m a keen cyclist. I live in Northumberland and enjoy nothing better than cycling along the coastline – Amble, Craster, Seahouses and so on. When I’m out cycling, I’m off the grid, and I find this the best way to wind down.
What makes the North East such a great place to live and work?
The people. I have lived in many places, and the North East is by far the friendliest. It also offers a great quality of life. I can work in the city during the week, yet enjoy home life in the Northumberland countryside.
Tell us something about you we didn’t know...
I played rugby to a decent standard for 28 years.