Leadership Team

Fred Story

Owner & Chair

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.

Andy Joy

CEO

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).

John MacArthur

Executive Director (Business Operations)

John MacArthur is Executive Director (Business Operations) at Story Contracting Limited, which includes accountability for HSE and Technical Services. A Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers, he has extensive experience leading civil engineering and infrastructure projects across Scotland, including rail, bridge, station, marine, and regeneration schemes.

Since joining Story in 2015, John has played a key role in developing and growing the Scottish civil engineering business, building strong teams and expanding the company’s delivery capability. Before joining Story, he spent over a decade with Balfour Beatty Civil Engineering, where he delivered major infrastructure works including bridge strengthening, station renewals, highways, nuclear and the Forth Bridge refurbishment. His leadership focuses on safety, technical excellence, collaboration, and developing people.

Neil Hair

Group 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

Ed is the Group Finance Director at Story Contracting, with responsibility for financial governance, business performance, strategic planning and cash management. He works closely with the Board and leadership teams to support sustainable growth and informed decision-making.

A CIMA-qualified finance professional, Ed has held senior finance leadership roles across the construction, infrastructure and engineering sectors, working within both listed PLCs and family-owned businesses. He is passionate about developing people, strengthening governance and using technology and innovation to support better business decision-making.

What Ed enjoys most about Story is its collaborative culture and the ability to take a long-term view, investing in people, relationships and the future of the business. He also values the ability to make decisions quickly and act on them while maintaining strong governance and accountability.