Meet the team

Catherine Storer

Managing Director/ Owner

As a Founder of ESS, Catherine's role is to direct and control the Company’s operations in line with online, digital and marketing strategies, giving strategic guidance and direction to the Board to ensure that the Company achieves its mission and objectives. With 2020 reported to be the tipping point for digitisation in the UK Construction Industry, Catherine ensures as a company we strive to be at the forefront of digital technology through our own online platforms.

“Accidents are the biggest threat to workers and families within the UK, leaving devastation that is irreparable, that’s why I believe we can make a difference. It’s not always about ticking a box, it’s about ensuring each individual is aware of their duties, qualified in their job role and that every decision they make is well informed. Too many people are killed and seriously injured in accidents that could have been prevented. I am sincerely proud of each and every member of the ESS team and pleased to be a part of such a wonderful group of likeminded individuals, as we all share the same vision – to lead the way into accident prevention through quality training and assessment.”

Stuart Goodman

Operations Director/ Owner

As a Founder of ESS, Stuart’s role is supervise and coordinate work systems to ensure that products or services of the company are favourable and safe. As the leading provider of Temporary Works Training throughout the UK, Stuart is an ambassador for the delivery ensuring that the importance of this critical training is delivered to the highest standard, keeping the both the workers and the public safe.

“Having personally delivered training and assessment for the last 25 years in the construction industry, I have observed the fascinating change in peoples outlook in their personal safety. People are the most important resource we have in this room so don’t feel process or product is worth the gamble. Let’s “manage the process to avoid failure” so we can develop competency to enable everyone to go home safely.”

Darren O’Neill

Training & Consultancy Director

The Training and Consultancy Director is responsible for effectively managing projects, providing solutions design, and implementing and generating project results for the business. The role involves identifying, creating and delivering innovate service strategies and tools to generate revenue opportunities related to new and existing clients.

One of the main functions includes leading and coordinating team efforts to increase company profitability in the southern region. To collaborate in project planning and execution, as well as collecting feedback after project deployment and feeding this information back to the Senior Management Team.

Nick Yoxall

Learning & Development Director

The Learning and Development Director is responsible for the strategic direction and implementation of our training plan, managing all existing training programmes and introducing new programmes that will directly underpin the organisation's strategic direction for the next stage of our growth journey.

Working alongside the board to meet the training needs, shape curriculum solutions, and collaborate in the design of detailed training modules to meet overall programme goals and optimising performance across all functions including sales, customer service, procurement and marketing.

David Straw

Head of Finance

David is responsible for the Finance function, ensuring that the team manages its financial matters in a professional and timely manner for both its external and internal customers and stakeholders.

David is fully qualified through AAT and has an MBA in Business Administration. David has a wealth of experience in both the public and private sector and in businesses in the training and employability arenas and has a passion for skills development.

David has a supportive and inclusive management style and communicates well within the business, with customers and with business partners. The skills and experience David brings to the business are key to providing strong financial leadership and support to the Senior Management.

Emily Rycroft

Commercial Training Manager

Emily is responsible for the Commercial Training Team, ensuring all training and development processes are in line with the Company’s quality standards. Her strong personal and leadership skills encourage team excellence and optimum performance.

Emily has recently completed her L3 Award in Education and Training to provide a further understanding of the training delivery. By reinforcing learning within her own team and encouraging them to continually develop she has built a strong and quality driven team.

Emily has a friendly and supportive approach with outstanding communication and management skills, which embeds into her work and team strategy. With a strong eye for detail and extremely high standards, the Senior Management know that they have the backing of a strong team leader.

Amanda Warham

Sales Operations Manager

After 15 years’ experience in a variety of senior roles within the education sector, Amanda joined Essential Site Skills in 2021 as our Sales Operations Manager, with responsibility for our Business Development Team.

Highly qualified and experienced, Amanda has embedded new processes and quality systems within our Business Development Team to improve internal operational functions and quality of service to our clients. Passionate and experienced, Amanda is helping to improve the performance of our sales function and implement growth at Essential Site Skills.

Michael Harcourt

Training & Consultancy Manager

Michael is responsible for managing varied Training and Consultancy outputs to ensure our clients receive the very best possible training and learning experience. Assisting in the development of market leading training courses and materials who also routinely contributes to the progression of our more junior trainers across varying aspects of H&S training; Michael plays a key part in upholding our quality driven training standards.

A multi-skilled and experienced trainer himself, he delivers a vast array of technical safety courses, both non-accredited and accredited, with clarity, passion and a wealth of knowledge whilst accounting for the learners every need. He thrives on watching learners surpass and exceed their desired goals. His attention to detail and meticulous preparation before, during and post training is testament to his professionalism and conduct and one of the many reasons why his training acumen is sought after and requested across the breadth of the UK.

A conversant H&S industry contributor, you will often find Michael educating and speaking in support of UK wide events in Respiratory Protection and Management making a real difference and improving cultures surrounding Health and Safety.

Louise Houlden

Marketing Executive

Louise is responsible for maintaining the centres marketing content and publications in accordance with the business marketing strategies and centre compliance.

Already qualified with BA Honours Degree in Television Marketing and Promotion, Creative Writing and Media, Louise works closely with the Senior Management Team on branding, graphic design, website content, SEO strategy, events and so many more exciting projects and campaigns for us, and our clients.

With real passion and flair, and an understanding the importance of branding Louise understands the online world where brands have to be savvy to be seen. Our brand is the way you perceive us and what makes us stand out from other training providers, so we aim to keep it consistent yet distinct.

Luke Brailsford

Project Manager

Luke provides knowledgeable and supportive advice to clients, ensuring all elements have been covered for them to achieve the required level of competence.

He supports the delivery of NVQ qualifications to ensure all Assessor and Client needs are met to an exceptionally high standard, qualified with his Level 2 in Information Advice and Guidance. He is always friendly and supportive, organised with fantastic IT skills and willing to go that extra mile to ensure the client's needs are met.

Katy Baker

Head of Quality & Curriculum

After 15 years’ experience in a variety of management roles within the education sector, Katy joined Essential Site Skills in 2020 as our Head of Quality & Curriculum, heading up our compliance, curriculum, and quality operations across the business.

With a BSc (Hons) in Psychology and Biology as well as a Master of Education (MEd), Katy’s postgraduate specialism in pedagogical leadership has allowed for the development of high-quality resources and training solutions with particular focus on our Business & Management Trailblazer programmes. In devising and implementing robust sequential curriculums throughout our Apprenticeship provision, Katy has allowed Essential Site Skills to offer challenging yet inclusive educational experiences for all via an innovative and engaging delivery model.

As well as being a fully qualified Assessor and Internal Quality Assurer herself, Katy has embedded several new processes and quality systems already with the support and expertise of her team of Leadership & Management coaches. Katy brings passion and experience, helping to develop the quality, improve the performance, and implement growth at Essential Site Skills.

Matt Fletcher

Training & Consultancy Instructor

Matthew is one of our passionate and dedicated Health and Safety trainers supporting our clients across the breadth of the UK within the Construction Industry. A multi-skilled and qualified trainer, he ensures all courses, both non-accredited and accredited, are delivered in accordance with the standards and procedures required to deliver an informative, enjoyable and quality driven training session.

Matts ability to unlock and exceed the potential of those he teaches is second to none. He possesses an in-depth library of experience he can relate to when working with learners across a diverse and varied spectrum. His calm, detailed and active learning style to teaching enables his audience to receive the very best training experience catering for almost any learner need.

Travelling and delivering courses to a variety of trades and organisations daily, Matt will scrutinise, assist and feedback vital data enabling us to keep abreast of the evolving needs of the industry, and the learner, to ensure we are adapting and meeting our client’s wishes.

John Wright

Senior Training & Consultancy Manager

Within a Senior role John is qualified CMIOSH, PIEMA, assisting with internal and external quality audits, course development and internal verification.

John delivers a wide range of Health & Safety, Construction and Workplace training such as NEBOSH, IOSH and CITB Site Safety Plus courses in accordance with Awarding Body requirements, striving for Essential Site Skills exceptional standard of delivery at all times. He has responsibility for the guidance and support of learners to achieve their learning goals.

Mike Kirkham-Ingram

Training & Consultancy Instructor

Mike is one of our passionate and dedicated Health and Safety Trainers and Consultants, supporting our clients across the South Region of the UK. A passionate and qualified trainer, he ensures all courses, both non-accredited and accredited, are delivered in accordance with the standards and procedures required to deliver an informative, enjoyable and quality driven training session.

Mike can draw upon years of experience from previous careers within the Health and Safety sector, including the waste and environmental industry to better guide our clients when advising on consultancy services or delivering the many training courses he is accredited for.

Travelling and delivering courses to a variety of trades and organisations daily, Mike will scrutinise, assist and feedback vital data enabling us to keep abreast of the evolving needs of the industry, and the learner, to ensure we are adapting and meeting our client’s wishes.

Warren Mulford

Plant Training Instructor

Warren is our experienced and passionate plant training manager who is responsible for ensuring compliance and quality training is delivered across various aspects of CPCS/NPORS construction plant, RTITB logistics and transport.

A dedicated and professional trainer, Warren has the patience and expertise to coach any learner but with absolutely no comprise to the testing standards required by ourselves or our partnered Awarding bodies.

A multi-skilled trainer and tester himself, you will find him out on sites across the UK, teaching and testing a wide array of qualifications to the next generation of construction plant operators or reaffirming current competence from those already working in the sector.

Les Raine

Training & Consultancy Instructor

Highly experienced within the construction Health and Safety sector, Les is one of our passionate and knowledgeable Health and Safety Trainers supporting our clients across the UK. A highly qualified professional, Les delivers both accredited and non-accredited courses in accordance with the standards and procedures required to deliver an informative and quality driven training course.

Les’s main forte is delivering training to our clientele in courses such as NEBOSH, CITB and IOSH; considered as highly technical courses but very rewarding upon completion for those attending.

Travelling and delivering courses to a variety of trades and organisations daily, Les will scrutinise, assist and feedback vital data enabling us to keep abreast of the evolving needs of the industry, and the learner, to ensure we are adapting and meeting our client’s wishes.

Kris Witcombe

Training & Consultancy Instructor

Kris assists with client and learner management by ascertaining the employers training requirements through a Training Needs Analysis, carrying out profiling sessions with potential learners to establish the most suitable qualifications to enhance their skills. He will conduct enrolment sessions with learners to obtain all the relevant information to register them onto the relevant qualification.

Kris is working towards his IOSH Managing Safely and L3 Award in Education and Training which helps him provide a service to all clients and learners that meets the Company’s rigorous quality standards.

With a flexible and friendly approach to his team members, Kris provides a reliable and highly supportive role to a fundamental part of the NVQ team.

Liam Moore

Enrolment Officer

Liam assists with client and learner management by ascertaining the employers training requirements through a Training Needs Analysis, carrying out profiling sessions with potential learners to establish the most suitable qualifications to enhance their skills. He will conduct enrolment sessions with learners to obtain all the relevant information to register them onto the relevant qualification.

Liam is qualified as a minimum with IOSH Managing Safely and L3 Award in Education and Training which helps him provide a service to all clients and learners that meets the Company’s rigorous quality standards.

With a flexible and friendly approach to his team members, Liam provides a reliable and highly supportive role to a fundamental part of the NVQ team.

Laura Wagstaff

Enrolment Officer

Jenna Thorson

Leadership & Management Coach

Nigel Anker

Assessor / Tutor

Nigel delivers a combination of NVQ Assessments and Health & Safety Training courses in accordance with Awarding Body requirements, following industry standards and guidelines, striving for Essential Site Skills exceptional standard of delivery at all times.

He is passionate about delivering high quality training to develop the skills of individuals and assist them in achieving their goals. Using his vast experience as a tutor and assessor to assist learners to gather the evidence they need to obtain qualifications.

Simon Lidster

Assessor/ Tutor

As a member of the Chartered Institute of Building (MCIOB), Simon delivers higher level Construction NVQ’s in both Site Management and Contracting Management in accordance with Awarding Body requirements, following industry standards and guidelines, and striving for Essential Site Skills’ exceptional standards of delivery at all times.

A highly motivated individual with a keen eye for detail and an enthusiasm to teach, nurture and pass on knowledge from his vast experience and skills in construction and management, Simon prides himself on his professional standards borne from a successful and decorated military career.

Jamie Ringsell

Business Development Manager

Jamie supports SMEs and blue chip companies with their training requirements and contract demands, building long term relationships between clients and ESS.

Those that have had dealings with Jamie will have experienced his personable and professional approach, and his commitment has resulted in a loyal and trusting client base.

Jamie’s qualifications include IOSH Managing Safely and L3 Award in Education and Training, and he is consistently working towards other qualifications so his consultancy advice is well thought out, considered and up to date. His ethos is based on providing his clients with the learning & development platform to facilitate successful tenders and ultimately save lives.

Tom Marshall

Business Development Manager

Tom leads the UK Southern division, offering our high end accredited training services to clients and establishing excellent working relationships, developing growth opportunities for your organisation through the importance of qualified and competent employees.

Tom is enthusiastic in getting in front of employers to showcase what ESS is all about, frustrated by poor training and client’s struggling with day to day problems that can easily be solved. He wants the booking process to be simple for his clients, consistent and reliable, everything ESS stands for.

Tom has a number of construction related accreditations and is actively engaged in further professional development to compliment his experience in funding and commercial training to establish ESS products and services.

Ryan Cancellara

Business Development Manager

As Business Development Manager in the Adult Skills division, Ryan uses accredited courses to up-skill learners on benefits and low incomes in order to help them move into work or secure a higher paid role.

Having established excellent working relationships from his recruitment background, Ryan is passionate about the importance of qualified and competent employees, and is motivated by developing the skills of potential workforces. Utilising his past experience, Ryan supports learners through to interviews and potential job opportunities upon the completion of the adult skills courses.

Julie Oliver

Business Development Manager

Natalie Ball

Business Development Manager

Iain Ray

Telesales Consultant

Jemma Corbett

Key Account Executive

Ami Dawe

Internal Quality Assurer

Ami has worked within the health and social care sector for 17 years and within education for 9 years, delivering a combination of apprenticeships, diplomas and workplace training.

Ami is passionate about delivering high quality training to help develop the skills and confidence of individuals.

Emma Green

Training Co-ordinator (Team Leader)

Emma is responsible for the day to day running of our Commercial Bookings team. She supports the delivery of our training courses to ensure that all trainer, learner and client needs are met to a high standard and in line with our targeted KPIs.

Having first joined Essential Site Skills in October 2017 as a Business Administration Apprentice, Emma has since worked her way up and was promoted to team leader as a result of her consistent hard work and dedication. She has a wealth of knowledge of our Commercial Training Courses and the different awarding body/industry requirements.

With a friendly and supportive approach, and excellent communication skills, it's no wonder why she is often a key point of contact for advice or guidance. Emma is extremely organised, takes pride in her work and is always happy to help and willing to go that extra mile.

Emma is currently completing a Level 3 Apprenticeship in Team Leading/Supervising to further support her in her role and solidify her existing knowledge.

Jordan Wheatley

Training Co-ordinator (Team Leader)

Jordan is responsible for the daily running of the Adult Skills administration team. Jordan provides knowledgeable and supportive advice to his team, clients and other external partners. Jordan ensures that the daily workload of the team is manageable whilst hitting targets and deadline.

Jordan joined Essential Site Skills in November 2017 as a Business Administration Apprentice. Since then, Jordan has become a knowledgeable and trust worthy team member. Jordan was promoted to a team leader position as a result of his continued dedication and hard work. Boasting extensive knowledge of NVQ’s and funding compliance requirements Jordan is often a point of contact for advice of guidance.

Jodie Bamforth

Training Co-ordinator

Jodie provides efficient and professional administrative support to Adult Skills Team by ensuring funding paperwork is compliant and meets the requirements of the ESFA and other funding bodies. Jodie registers funding training with awarding organisations to meet the requirements of each learner, she also takes responsibility for making sure that ESS MIS systems are updated with accurate information.

Jodie first joined ESS in October 2018 as a Business Administration Apprentice, since then Jodie has achieve her Level 2 in Business Administration and has progress into a Training Coordinator role. This development and progress is a result of Jodie’s continued commitment and drive to learn. Jodie plays a vital role in the Adult Skills team by offering her knowledge and expertise in developing the knowledge of other team members.

Tim Brudenell-Straw

Marketing Assistant

As part of the marketing team, Tim looks after ESS's social media channels in order to help promote upcoming course content and to keep internal and external partners up to-speed with the latest developments in training and construction.

A primary focus of Tim, as Marketing Assistant, is to create weekly blog posts for the website, which aim to shed some light on specific topics and issues in the industry in an easy-to-understand manner.

Qualified with a BA Hons Degree in Broadcast Journalism, Tim is always looking for new ways to develop his skills and improve the ways in which ESS can communicate their vision.

Heather Clarke

Commercial Administrator

Heather provides efficient and professional administrative support to the Commercial Training team. She ensures that all course paperwork and certificates are processed in a timely manner so that our learner and client needs are consistently met to a high standard.

She has strong organisation skills and great attention to detail which she embeds into her work to ensure that the output is of the highest standard.

Shanaiya Branson

Adult Skills Administrator

Shanaiya provides efficient and professional administrative support to Adult Skills Team by ensuring funding paperwork is compliant and meets the requirements of the ESFA and other funding bodies. Shanaiya registers funding training with awarding organisations to meet the requirements of each learner, she also takes responsibility for making sure that ESS MIS systems are updated with accurate information.

Shanaiya joined the ESS team in November 2020 with a wealth of experience with funded training and has been able to use it to support her in this role. Shanaiya brings a confident and helpful attitude to the team and has fast become a key part of the team.

Ellie-May Soar

Accounts Administrator

Ellie provides efficient and professional administrative support to managers and employees, assisting in daily office needs and managing the companies’ general administrative activities with the Finance Department.

With the support of the Finance Manager she provides knowledgeable and supportive advice, undertaking a wide range of financial reporting and administrative tasks. Ellie is currently working towards her Level 2 in Business Administration.

Shannon Wrenn

Training Co-ordinator

Shannon is responsible for organising and coordinating Commercial Training Courses in line with awarding body/industry standards. She supports the delivery of our training courses to ensure that all trainer, learner and client needs are met to a high standard.

She has a friendly and helpful approach with strong communication skills and is always happy to help.

Shannon is currently working towards her Level 2 in Business Administration.

Nicole Sharpe

Training Co-ordinator

Nicole provides efficient and professional administrative support to Adult Skills Team by ensuring funding paperwork is compliant and meets the requirements of the ESFA and other funding bodies. Nicole registers funding training with awarding organisations to meet the requirements of each learner, she also takes responsibility for making sure that ESS MIS systems are updated with accurate information.

Nicole is currently working towards her Level 2 in Business Administration with a view to progressing in the company. Nicole has a confident and professional attitude that helps her to thrive within the Adult Skills team. Nicole has a key eye for details and strives to meet targets and deadlines. Nicole has been a key part in the Adult Skills team since joining in February 2019.

Molly Strickland

Adult Skills Administrator

Molly provides efficient and professional administrative support to Adult Skills Team by ensuring funding paperwork is compliant and meets the requirements of the ESFA and other funding bodies. Molly registers funding training with awarding organisations to meet the requirements of each learner, she also takes responsibility for making sure that ESS MIS systems are updated with accurate information.

Molly joined the ESS team in June 2020 as a Business Administration Apprentice with a view to progress in the company. Molly has a polite and friendly attitude and brings a warmth to the team atmosphere. Molly is committed to support the adult skills team and strives to learner more about the functions of funded training and NVQ’s.

Lucy Lloyd

Finance Team Apprentice

Lucy provides efficient and professional administrative support to managers and employees within ESS, assisting in daily office needs and managing the companies’ general administrative activities with the Finance Department.

Lucy supports the Accounts Administrator and Head of Finance in providing supportive advice within the business and undertaking a variety of financial reporting and administrative tasks.