#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 Managing Director for the Rail Division (England) in 2019. 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.”

Jonny Fearon

Contracts Manager

Jonny joined Story Contracting in 2002 on a part time basis as a Trackman, before becoming a full-time employee in 2006. Jonny is now the Contracts Manager for the LNW Northern Region.

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.”

Kimberley Middleton

Project Agent

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.

Kimberley, is the first graduate to complete the company’s graduate scheme and is now a Project Agent.

In her new role she manages project planning for the geotechnical framework and other major projects.

“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.”

Dan Jones

Contracts Manager

Dan joined Story Contracting in 2014 and is now Contracts Manager for the Eastern region. In his role Dan focusses on growing his team’s capacity to capitalise on the opportunities within Control Period 6 and the wider industry. Dan will ensure that Story is continuously striving to improve and adding value for our clients.

“I’m privileged to lead a talented, cohesive and hungry team who all keep me on my toes! I’m most looking forward to supporting them to develop and flourish in their careers. I’m lucky to work for a company that recognises and rewards hard work and invests generously in its people.”

Lara Lightfoot

Graduate Engineer

Lara joined Story Contracting’s Graduate Programme in 2019 after finishing her studies in Architectural Engineering at Sheffield University.

Currently gaining experience as a Project Agent with Story’s Geo-Technical and Ground Investigation (GI) team, Lara’s first Story project is the stabilising and strengthening works at Hessle Foreshore, Hull.

Lara is responsible for reviewing monitoring results on track to assess movement, and how it may affect future works.

“My favourite thing so far has been going on site at Hessle to help determine how we will get plant and equipment on site, and the buildability of current designs.”

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.”