Duncan Bowman, director at Falcon Fox Construction, is the latest regional business professional in the hot seat as we give him just 10 minutes to answer our 10 burning questions.

What does a typical working day for you involve?

My day starts with a coffee and I check through emails before heading to various meetings with contractors and clients. I also visit our sites to catch up with our operational teams. In between that I will be assessing opportunities for new projects.

What makes your company special?

At Falcon Fox, we collaborate with investors to achieve profitable outcomes and have experience in all types of developments, from major city centre projects and large mixed-use schemes, through to small one-off jobs. The combination of our property development experience and construction capabilities, provides a clear point of differentiation for us in the market.

We are very much an extension of a client’s team. From land acquisition to design development, planning, construction and sales, we handle the entire process seamlessly. Clients can trust in our expertise to navigate every stage of a project with diligence and efficiency.

Do you have any business rules that you swear by?

We have three core values which underpin everything that we do. They are honesty, openness and integrity.

Do you dress up or down for work?

I have only just stopped wearing a tie! When we have business meetings I’m always in a suit. When I’m on-site I am less formal and it’s the staple uniform of hard hats and high-vis – with Falcon Fox branding proudly on display.

What piece of advice would you give your 18-year-old self?

To start a business 10 years earlier. My Dad, from Benwell, was a real key figure in my life and urged me to go into construction and to start a business. He ran a successful building services engineering company in Leicester, was a professor of the Built Environment at DeMonfort University and also advised central government around climate initiatives.

He spotted the same work ethic in me and really encouraged and supported me on my way.

How do you prefer to travel for business?

Metro. I enjoy checking through emails or listening to music. If we are working on projects outside of the region, then train is my preferred option for the same reasons. However, it’s not always possible to commute via public transport but when I can, I do.

What’s your favourite place in the North East to relax?

Druridge Bay. I get up early at the weekend and enjoy a stroll on an often-deserted beach with the dog.

Where is your favourite place to eat in the North East, and what dish do you recommend?

There are lots – French Quarter is excellent as is Thai House Café, both of which are in Newcastle – I usually go for a spicy lime and seafood dish.

What’s your favourite North East venue for an event or team away day?

St James’ Park. The corporate events which I have attended there have always been great. I’m also a big Newcastle fan so that could always be the pull.

What do you miss most about the North East when you’re away?

The people and the fact that you can be in a city centre and still be only 15 minutes from one of our fantastic beaches. We are very lucky.



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