#TeamStory

Ian Purdham

Managing Director - Rail England

Ian joined Story Contracting’s Plant Division in 2005 after working for 10 years in Plant and Civil Engineering. Ian moved over to the Contracting division in 2006, initially in a Commercial role, and held various management roles before becoming Director for the Rail Division (England) in 2017. Ian’s role is to ensure successful delivery of Network Rail’s Framework contracts in the LNW and LNE regions, specialising in PWay, Earthworks Structures, Property, Drainage and Line Side Civils works, as well as delivering non-framework projects and business growth.

Martin Smith

Operations Director

Martin joined Story Contracting in 2018 as Regional Operations Manager. His role involves leading the delivery and development of the company’s portfolio of works for key clients along the London to North West Route. Martin started his career at British Rail before moving to Tarmac/Carillion where he worked for 22 years – working up through the ranks from Site Engineer to Project Director across the rail, highways, civils and utilities divisions.

“I have joined the business at a really exciting time, with lots of new work to deliver and win so it’s very busy, which is great when you’re new to an organisation.”

Matthew Percival

Rail Commercial Quantity Surveyor

After leaving Sixth Form in 2010, Matthew joined Story Contracting and during his first five years of employment, the company supported him through the completion of his Quantity Surveying Degree at Northumbria University.

Matthew’s role involves managing the commercial aspect of rail projects, from design to completion. Working alongside the project team, he is responsible for minimising the costs and maximising the value of the schemes he works on. Key aspects of the role involve measuring and valuing the works, managing client relationships and submitting financial reports.

“It’s great to be part of a team that successfully delivers a project to a high standard, safely and within budget.”

Kerri Hodson

Planner

Kerri joined Story Contracting in 2016 after previously working for Network Rail for two years. As a P6 Planner, Kerri develops and reviews programmes, manages the work bank programmes and also supports the Project Managers in producing project programmes.

“I enjoy working with the project teams on different types of schemes as it gives me a variety of work and helps me to understand how the programmes are built. I also enjoy getting out on site as there is so much to learn – from seeing the progress of projects, to taking learnings from any challenges that you might face.”

Jonny Fearon

Senior Project Manager

Jonny joined Story Contracting in 2002 on a part time basis as a Trackman, before becoming a full-time employee in 2006. Jonny has held the role of Senior Project Manager since 2017.

His responsibilities include the delivery of a large portfolio of work ranging between earthworks, structures and property renewals. He leads project teams and is accountable for projects being delivered safely, to a high quality, on time and to budget.

“I enjoy the variety of projects that Story delivers as this brings different challenges to every working day. Overcoming challenges through delivery provides a sense of satisfaction to the role.”

Stuart Ostridge

Site Manager

Stuart was appointed Site Manager in 2015 after working for Story Contracting for 10 years part-time as a Track Safety Critical Operative. Prior to joining Story Contracting, Stuart worked as a Lead Operative for Nestlé at Dalston in Carlisle and as a Printer for Stead McAlpin.

An essential element of Stuart’s role is to ensure that a project is completed to a high standard. He has just completed two platform extensions at Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, and is currently working on the Scunthorpe Access for All (AfA) Scheme installing lift shafts and a new bridge and stairways.

“The most rewarding thing about my role is engaging with the local residents in the areas in which we work. It’s great to build relationships within the local community and to know that we are making a difference in these areas.”

Scott McCleary

Site Engineer

Scott joined Story Contracting in 2005 as a Construction Operative and over the last 13 years has progressed to his current role of Site Engineer.

Scott is responsible for the day-to-day setting out and surveying on sites. He is also required to assist in ensuring that projects are delivered to a high standard and to design, in a cost effective manner.

“I enjoy many parts of my job but the biggest highlight is the variation in the contracts that I am asked to deliver. I can work on many different sites, with many different people, delivering very different projects. No two days are the same.”

Kimberley Middleton

Graduate Engineer

Kimberley joined Story Contracting in 2013 on a placement whilst studying for her Undergraduate Degree. Having gained a First Class Honours in MEng Civil & Structural Engineering from the University of Leeds, she then enrolled on the Story Contracting three year Graduate Programme, which involves spending time in various roles within our Rail Division such as Engineer and Project Agent. Kimberley is currently completing a Project Agent / Commercial placement on the Scunthorpe AfA (Access for All) scheme.

“I enjoy how dynamic the rail sector is, and I’ve found that no two days are the same. I take great satisfaction in seeing a project progress from infancy through to completion.”