Tell us a bit about yourself

I was born in Hexham and grew up in the pub trade thanks to my parents working for Scottish and Newcastle Breweries.

At 18 I shuffled off to university in Liverpool to study Psychology and Sociology, drink the occasional beer and eat kebabs – which I did really well!

On returning to Newcastle I worked in IT for five years on a government contract before meeting my husband-to-be, Gareth, and moving to Belfast where I worked in event and project co-ordination.

I have just recently returned to the region, with a Northern Irish lilt which makes it hard for people to believe I am from here originally!
 
What is your role at the North East Regional Portal (TNERP)?

My role is Project Manager for the Catalyst project – a project that aims to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) improve their use of IT.

I love organising and planning projects and then seeing the hard work pay off as they come to fruition.

My position at the Regional Portal gives me an opportunity to put this passion to good use, helping the region grow and show the world what we’re made of up here!

What does your average day comprise?

My days start at about 6am and begin with either walking the dog or kicking my husband to get out of bed to do it.

I live at the coast so it takes a while to drive into work in the morning but that gives me time to wake up properly before I start checking emails and ‘to-do’ lists as well as planning, planning, planning!

Why do you enjoy working and living in the North East?

Although my husband is from Belfast, a move back to the region was always on our minds.

The North East has such a relaxed attitude to life, but we still manage to keep moving forward and growing.

It’s hard not to fall in love with the place given that it not only has amazing cities and stunning countryside but it also, and more importantly for me, has a beautiful coastline to escape from it all.

A while back some friends from Northern Ireland visited the region and asked why I left in the first place!

That sums it up for me.

What is your dream or ambition?

Until recently, my ambition was to drive a Formula One car but I have now realised that dream thanks to a very thoughtful present from Gareth! I was no Michael Schumacher (more ‘Driving Miss Daisy’) but I am proud to say that I was one of only a few people who managed not to stall when leaving the pits!

Now my ambition is to find a new dream!

I’ve always thought I’d be quite a good Big Brother housemate…

What is your greatest achievement?

I am always setting new personal goals and over the last few years this has included qualifications in reflexology (I love feet!), a certificate in training practice and Prince2, as well training for the Great North Run.

In the end though, my greatest achievement to date has to be my marriage.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at work?

When not hard at work you’ll probably find me either walking the dog or running down by the sea at Tynemouth.

However, as we’ve just bought a house, it is more likely that I’ll be at home decorating with glass of wine in my hand.

Away from home, I love travel and have been lucky enough to recently visit New York and Dubai.

Closer to home, if I’m not watching Match of the Day or Top Gear at the weekend, then I’m probably throwing myself around at a gig – so mind your drinks!

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