The former Balfour Beatty engineering services Midlands and Northern director plans to recruit over 100 extra staff in the next 12 months as the group expands its four operations covering plant hire, construction, rail and house building by 30% this year.

Profits have grown by 73% in the last three years and Butterworth aims to raise turnover to more than £120m for 2016/2017

In November, Butterworth replaced Fred Story, the founder and owner of Story Contracting who now has taken the role of chairman.

Butterworth brings over 15 years’ experience in the rail industry having also worked in the past for Carillion, WSP, McNicholas and N G Bailey.

He said: “The business is at an exciting stage of its development and due to celebrate 30^th years in business this year. I am looking forward to working closely with Fred to make our shared ambitions for the business become a reality.”

The contracting business extended its Carlisle headquarters at the end of 2016 to accommodate the recruitment of 100 new people during the course of the next twelve months.

Story Contracting, which employs over 500 staff, is also planning on merging its two offices in Scotland’s Central Belt to provide a combined depot and office base for its rail and plant teams.

Fred Story, chairman said: “I am delighted to have found someone of Jason’s background to work with us to lead us through our next period of growth.

“The appointment marks another important step in our continued evolution at Story Contracting.  I am excited about what the future looks like at Story Contracting and working closely with Jason on the next stage of the company’s development.”