A PROMINENT Carlisle housing developer and engineering company is celebrating its 35-year anniversary of delivering high quality homes and civil engineering solutions across the UK.

Story Homes and Story Contracting was founded by local businessman Fred Story in 1987, under the name of Story Construction, when the chairman gained industry experience by buying several small properties, renovating them during his evenings and weekends then selling them on.

The original Story Construction team consisted of just Fred and three colleagues working on a variety of projects in and around Carlisle, with their first contract win being a BP Filling Station in Barrow for £513.

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In 2012, the Story Construction group de-merged and Story Homes and Story Contracting became two separate businesses – with Homes focussing on delivering high quality housing developments across the North and Contracting earning its national reputation for providing rail, plant and construction solutions.

Fred Story, founder and chairman of Story Homes and Story Contracting said: "Over the 35 years we have built two fantastic companies through the hard work, determination and passion of our people. We’re seen as a trusted partner to clients, customers and landowners, and this has been key in helping us create successful and sustainable businesses for many years to come.

"From just a handful of people in the early days, to almost 1,300 staff employed at Homes and Contracting today, I am incredibly proud of the businesses we have created and everyone who has played a part in this,” he said.

Story Homes, which started with the development of just four houses in Thurstonfield,  is set to deliver over 900 new homes in 2022/23.

To date, Story Homes has delivered almost 10,000 homes spanning the North of England as well as South-West Scotland.

Colin Wood, CEO of Story Homes said: "Fred started our business on the foundations of quality, passion and teamwork and these remain our values today. The business will continue to grow while remaining focused on the quality and customer service which has built our reputation."

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