Story Start Up

Story Contracting Rail Division

Story Contracting’s Rail Division actually started as an SME, when Story Construction bought a company called Point on Track, who were about to go into receivership with 16 people at risk of redundancy.  The management approached Story and asked them to step in and save the company, we agreed and Story’s Rail division was born.  22 years later the rail business at Story generates over £200,000,000 and employs over 900 people.

Kirkaldy & Roe Ltd

Kirkaldy and Roe started off as a micro business employing 2 people, and owner, Malcolm Kirkaldy wanted to grow, take on larger contracts, and expand the capabilities of his business but didn’t really know where to start.  Story Contracting Owner and Chairman Fred Story, supported Malcolm, ensure he had good visibility of future contracts and workflow, advised him commercially and financially, and ensured he secured contracts to allow him to take on additional employees. 30 years later, Story Contracting still support Kirkaldy and Roe and in that time the team has grown to 40 people.

Malcolm told us: “Without the support of Fred and Story Contracting my business wouldn’t be the size it is today thriving and still expanding, employing lots of local people”.

Dean H

Dean was employed as a Groundworker at Story Contracting, and had ambitions to go self employed but needed support, particularly in building his commercial experience and understanding where to pitch his rates and how to get onto approved lists. Story supported him with advice and shared very sensitive commercial data with him to ensure he succeeded.  Dean still regularly works on Story Contracting sites and we will continue to support him in the future.

Aptus Utilities

In 2009, Aptus Utilities were formed when an ex employee approached Fred Story with a business opportunity that needed financial and professional support to start up a utilities provider business in a sector he had been working in and who had spotted a gap in the market for the installation of utility solutions.  Due to the nature of their business model, they needed specialist insurance and guarantees,  and these were more easily secured by businesses with longevity, secure financial standing and a strong track record.

To achieve this, In 2010, Aptus Utilities Limited was set up as a wholly owned subsidiary of Story Contracting who were able to ensure Aptus could secure critical suppliers for example Lloyds of London Insurance.

Story Contracting also helped Aptus minimise their overheads to make them commercially competitive, and access to central services functions including IT, HR and Finance as well as providing £175,000 seed capital and over a 2 year period, Story supported Aptus whilst they gradually transitioned to a self-sufficient business model operating from Bolton.

In 2012, Aptus Utilities were sold to Aptus Group Limited and Fred Story (Story Contracting’s owner and Chairman) remained Chairman and part owner of the business.

As the company grew, Story reduced the support, and in 2019 Fred and the original 2 directors sold their share in the company to an external investor. The company was thriving and the turnover at that point exceeded £42,000,000 per annum.

Base Aura – Videography Business

After being made redundant from a FTSE 50 company, videographer Phil Amuzu decided to take the leap into self-employment—but didn’t know where to start. Having previously worked with Story Contracting, he reached out and was quickly welcomed as a contractor. Through the Story Start-Up programme, he received tailored support including funding for his Personal Track Safety qualification, enabling him to work safely in rail environments – a niche and valuable skill in his industry.

He also benefited from business development and marketing mentoring, which helped him refine his brand and separate his corporate and events offerings; “The mentoring completely transformed the marketing of Base Aura,” he said. “Story Contracting were the first company to back me on my journey, and they continue to be a central influence.”

Now, just 16 months later, Base Aura is thriving – delivering high-quality video content across the rail sector, including for contractors like Roberts and Sale. This case study highlights how targeted investment and belief in potential can unlock new career paths and support sustainable business growth.