FORTY jobs are set to be created in York with the opening of a new regional office by a civil engineering and infrastructure company.

Story Contracting says it is looking to employ in the region of 40 additional staff over the coming year and has already started a recruitment drive for experienced estimators, quantity surveyors and engineers.

It says the office will help the company’s rail division deliver a Network Rail framework contract for the East Coast Mainline, with up to £50 million worth of ‘geotechnical’ projects covering renewals work on embankments, cuttings, drainage and tunnel portals.

Managing director for Rail England at Story Contracting, Ian Purdham, said the division’s expansion in Yorkshire was a major boost for the company and region.

“It’s an exciting time to be a part of Story Contracting with the opening of the new office and the growing bank of work across the region,” he said.

“It’s a testament to Story’s reputation in the rail industry for delivering quality projects safely, on time and to budget.

“Now we’ve got an office in York, it allows us to invest in the team and the region.

“We are looking forward to continuing our relationship with Network Rail and collaborating with them and the other successful framework contractors on the route.

“It’s a real opportunity for us and also an opportunity for people, both inside and outside of the business, to take the next steps in their career and help us develop the next generation of skilled professionals.”

Dan Jones, 33, who has been promoted to contracts manager for the Yorkshire region, said: “I’m proud to be given this opportunity and am extremely excited for the challenge ahead.”