Ben Seruvatu became employee 100 for the Glasgow-based division of Story Contracting, joining the company as a skilled operative at the beginning of the year.

Originally from Fiji, Ben moved to the UK in 2002. Previously working in a brewery in his country’s capital, Suva, he travelled 9,830 miles leaving his family and home behind, in search of new skills and career opportunities.

Ben said: “When I first moved over to the UK I was working for agencies. The work would just suddenly stop without notice. I knew I needed to find a permanent, secure job and when I heard about Story Contracting I knew it would be a fantastic company to work for.”

Since joining Story Scotland, Ben has been working on the H2M project for Network Rail, extending the platform at Shotts Train Station in North Lanarkshire.

When he’s not at work, Ben is busy being a husband and a dad to three girls. 

Ben said: “The health and safety standards at Story Contracting are so high compared to other companies I’ve worked for; it really puts my mind at ease knowing I’m going to come home safely every night to my family.

“It’s fantastic to feel secure in my job and know I can provide for my family and pay the bills.”

Ben added: “I’m excited for the opportunities working for Story Scotland will present to me. It’s the best job I’ve ever had.”

Ben’s arrival comes shortly after it was announced the division has secured a five-year framework to deliver up to £135m of renewal and enhancement projects north of the border.

John MacArthur, Story Scotland director, said: “It has been both an honour and a privilege to establish and grow the Story Scotland business since I joined in 2014. This has seen us grow from six employees to 113 in four years, delivering major projects across Scotland.

“I am really proud of my whole team and believe that we have developed an incredibly professional and collaborative culture. Ben has joined us at an exciting time and we wish him the best of luck in his new role.”