The significant step forward for the business sees it recruiting an entire GI team from the former Aspin Group Foundations, headed by Lee Healey. The team comes with significant ground engineering and geotechnical experience and aligns with the portfolio of work and plant fleet that Story Contracting already has in place.

"We are absolutely delighted to bring this vastly experienced team into Story at a time of continued growth for the business and this aligns perfectly with a growing portfolio of design and development for key schemes," said Ian Purdham, managing director for Rail England. "Our aim is always to provide constructive challenge and value for money for our clients.

"We understand that cost and programme certainty will be a major thread through CP6 and it is fantastic that we can continue to invest in the business to bring resilience by getting projects right from their very inception."

Lee Healey, the new head of Technical Services, added: "Innovation and efficiencies begin with an early understanding of the site and assets. With more stakeholders encouraged and engaged earlier with members of Story's collaborative team, we will drive change and improve delivery, quality and safety. Every day I am overwhelmed by my team's commitment to our stakeholders and we are all excited to be part of Story which embraces all the values we share and has made us feel part of the family already."