Meet the team
Catherine Storer
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
Stuart Goodman
Executive 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.”
Nick Yoxall
Nick Yoxall
Operations Director
The Operations 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
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.
Amanda Warham
Amanda Warham
Head of Operations
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.
Katy Baker
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.