#TeamStory

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.

Craig Lafferty

Managing Director – Transportation Division, Story Scotland

Craig joined Story Contracting in 2016 from Balfour Beatty, where he had worked for 18 years after graduating from the University of West Scotland.

Cultivating a collaborative relationship with clients, he ensures that the business plan is delivered safely and efficiently and that compliance standards are adhered to throughout construction operations.

“My favourite thing about the role is working with my colleagues – they are all amazing at their jobs and very focused and hard-working. I genuinely don’t ever have a day when I don’t look forward to coming to work.”

Serge Gomez

Planning Controls & Quality Manager

Serge joined the business in 2015 after working for Balfour Beatty for 12 years, and for Morrison Construction for two years prior to that.

As the Planning Controls & Quality Manager, Serge provides tender bid management support for programme and quality submission documents. Project control is also a significant part of his role including the compilation and monitoring of design and construction programmes, as well as providing technical design support for permanent and temporary works.

“I enjoy the variety of my role as it allows me the opportunity to work with and support different parts of our business – such as winning contracts, planning, project delivery and client relations.”

David Kellighan

Senior Project Manager

David joined Story Contracting in 2015. Before joining the business he worked for Balfour Beatty for 8 years, starting as a Graduate and progressing to Sub-Agent level working on high-profile projects such as the construction of The Kelpies.

David is responsible for growing the non-rail civils business in Scotland. He oversees any schemes that are on the ground and also meets regularly with clients and designers to introduce Story Scotland and find out about future schemes. He also works on quality submissions and provides programme and resource input for tenders.

“My job gives me the chance to engage with people from all levels and backgrounds, and I really enjoy getting to know people and forming good working relationships.”

Victoria Lindsay

Project Manager

Victoria joined Story Contracting in 2017 after graduating from Abertay University. She was attracted to the business because of the opportunities for career progression and development.

Victoria’s role essentially involves taking a project from the design stage through to completion. This includes liaising with the client, designers, site team and various subcontractors in order to achieve the finished product. She produces project documentation to support the works taking place and carries out checks throughout to ensure works are carried out as per design.

“My favourite thing about the graduate programme is the flexibility and variety. It is great to be able to experience working in different areas of the business whilst still maintaining a job role.”

Darren Pennycuick

Construction Manager

Darren joined Story Contracting in 2015 when the Scottish division consisted of only six employees. He was keen to be part of building the division’s success. Fast forward four years and Story Scotland has had record growth and expanded to 125 employees.

As part of Darren’s role, he oversees the delivery of the Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) construction depot, on behalf of Ansaldo STS, in Glasgow. The team are delivering the design/construction of a new test track facility for the testing and commissioning of a new fleet of driverless trains, to support SPT with their plans to upgrade the Glasgow Subway Network.

“It’s the best feeling waking up every day knowing I am working with great people who I can always trust.”