Leadership Team

Fred Story

Owner & Chairman

Fred founded Story Construction in 1987 having worked in the industry for 8 years, after graduating with a degree in construction. Fred strongly believes that “doing it right” is the most effective and successful way to do business. Fred is committed to Contracting’s long-term growth and continuity and his children are involved in the Contracting business which ensures the core values remain strong. Fred is proud that Story Contracting retains a friendly, family approach with a professional, forward thinking and ambitious culture. His passion is making the Story businesses great places to work and great companies to do business with. Story Contracting focuses on quality and customer service in everything it does and aims to develop talented individuals with the same values.

Jason Butterworth

Vice Chairman

Jason works with all areas of the Contracting business, made up of four divisions; Rail, Plant, Construction, and Story Scotland. Working with Chairman Fred Story, Jason ensures that Story Contracting’s growth and success continues whilst maintaining brand reputation. Prior to joining Story Contracting, Jason worked for Balfour Beatty, McNicholas, WSP and Carillion where he worked at Board Director Level.

Andy Joy

CEO & Managing Director - Story England

Andy Joy joined Story Contracting in 2021 as Managing Director for Story England, and in April 2023 took over as Chief Executive with responsibility for the rail, civils, construction and energy divisions across the UK.

Andy previously managed Amey’s £400m rail business, and before that was Managing Director at Carillion.

Andy is passionate about developing people, and did not take the traditional academic route in his career but started as an apprentice in 1984. Once he made the links between theory and practical, and recognised the potential and variety of the infrastructure industry, he went on to attain an ONC and HNC and then his degree with Open University whilst working full-time, moving through both technical and management roles. This plays a big part in the way Andy develops and manages his team and is actively involved in Story’s people development programme.

In addition to his role at Story, Andy is currently also a Director for National Skills Academy for Rail (NSAR) and on the Board of Directors for the Chartered Institute of Railway Operators (CIRO).

Emma Porter

Managing Director - Story Plant Limited

Emma returned to Story Contracting as Construction Managing Director in April 2019 after a successful stretch at Arup. Emma led the Construction division to deliver a growing portfolio of multi-discipled civil engineering, infrastructure, bridges and industrial building projects, before taking on the role of Managing Director of Story Plant Limited in February 2022.

Having worked in the industry for 15 years and becoming the first Cumbrian woman to study at Europe’s leading business school, INSEAD, Emma upholds a strong reputation for her industry knowledge, ability to deliver and understanding of the local economy.

John MacArthur

Managing Director - Story Scotland

John joined Story Contracting in February 2015 after spending 18 years working for Balfour Beatty. He has 30 years’ experience within the Civil Engineering and Rail sector.

John joined Story Contracting following the successful award of the SCOT004 Framework for Buildings and Civils Renewals in September 2014 under the CP5 Renewals Collaborative Delivery Programme (RCDP) by Network Rail.

“My favourite thing about working at Story is the support from across the business to deliver for our clients, regardless of the challenges that we need to overcome. And we do this in a professional, collaborative manner with pride and a smile – great place to work!”

Alan Boyle

Construction Director

Alan Boyle joined Story Contracting in February 2021, having fulfilled director and senior director roles for over 10 years previously.

Alan is a Chartered Civil Engineer and construction professional with over 25 years of diverse and practical industry experience. With an operational background, he has fulfilled a variety of roles and responsibilities with recognised Civil Engineering Contractors.

Neil Hair

Commercial Director

Helen Jameson

Group People Director

Helen joined Story Contracting in 2017 and is responsible for ensuring that our business remains an employer of choice by engaging, motivating and developing all colleagues. Prior to joining Story Contracting, Helen was HR Director for a national charity and before that held a number of senior HR roles in the motor industry. Helen is passionate about the involvement of people in a business and has specialised in this throughout her career.

Ed Baker

Group Finance Director