Story Start Up

What is Story Start Up?

Story Start Up is our new business support programme which provides you with an opportunity to request various types of support from Story Contracting. Whether you require direct investment, a loan/grant or business advice and mentoring, Story Start Up can help you to get up and running, expand your company, diversify or innovate.

As part of our mission to Do it Right we have supported SME’s in our industry and the communities in which we work for many years and Story Start Up is our latest initiative to support entrepreneurship and business growth throughout the UK.

How can we help?

Depending on where you are in your journey, Story Start Up could provide two different forms of support to you. The support we provide will be completely bespoke for each successful applicant, giving you the best possible chance of taking your idea/business to the next level.

Direct Financial Support

This could be in the form of a grant, an investment where Story would remain involved in the project, or a loan. This could be to start your company, expand your company, diversify or innovate.

Advice and Business Mentoring

Gain access to expert advice from members of Team Story who have a wealth of knowledge. This could include health and safety advice, marketing support, finance/accounting advice and much more.

Eligibility and how to apply

Anyone can apply to have their idea/business considered for support from Story Start Up, simply follow this flowchart to make sure you fit the criteria, then click below to apply today! We actively encourage applications from all ages and backgrounds, but may require proof of eligibility to work in the UK depending on the nature of the project.

If you have any queries, or require support completing the application, please email storystartup@storycontracting.com.

Case Studies

Financial Support

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.

Business Growth

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”.

New Business Creation

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.

Supporting Start Ups

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.