We’ve been delivering complex drilling projects for over 20 years at Stockton Group, with an expert team who live and breathe trenchless solutions and pipeline installations. In our latest blog, we’re speaking to Specialist Projects Director, Stuart Stephens, from our Drilling division about how he's built up his expertise from the age of 18, and how he balances the complexity of our projects.
Stuart’s role at Stockton Group
Stuart is the Specialist Projects Director at Stockton Group, overseeing the delivery of complex specialist drilling and trenchless projects, making sure they’re completed safely, efficiently, and to the highest technical standards.
His responsibilities include project strategy, client engagement, commercial oversight, risk management, business development, and supporting our operational teams from tender stage through to successful project completion. He also works closely with clients and stakeholders to identify innovative solutions to challenging ground engineering and utility installation projects.
Below, he talks about his past experience, achievements, and life outside of work.
What past industry experience have you carried into your role at Stockton?
I started at 18 years of age in the construction industry, allowing me to obtain my experience from the coal phase and earn respect from my peers. I now have several grey hairs earned from working within the specialist drilling, trenchless technology and ground engineering sectors!
Throughout my career I have been involved in a wide range of projects across HDD, Direct Pipe®, marine works, utility infrastructure, energy, environmental and major civil engineering schemes.
Prior to joining Stockton, I worked primarily in the onshore cross country pipelines sector. My experience spans project delivery, operations management, commercial management and strategic leadership across both the UK and international markets.
Having worked on complex infrastructure projects involving utilities, energy, marine environments and challenging ground conditions, I bring a combination of technical knowledge, commercial awareness and practical delivery experience.
What I enjoy most is finding solutions to difficult engineering challenges and helping clients achieve successful outcomes where conventional construction methods are not always feasible.
I’ve developed my career through a combination of industry-specific training, operational experience and project leadership across a wide variety of specialist engineering projects. Alongside formal qualifications, I believe some of the most valuable learning comes from successfully delivering challenging projects, managing diverse teams and continually adapting to new technologies and industry developments.
What are the biggest challenges you face in your role, and how do you overcome them?
The biggest challenge is balancing technical complexity, programme requirements, commercial objectives and stakeholder expectations, while never compromising on safety.
No two projects are the same. Ground conditions, environmental constraints, logistics and changing client requirements can create significant challenges.
The key to overcoming these challenges is early planning, open communication, experienced teams and maintaining a proactive rather than reactive approach. I strongly believe that investing time in planning and risk identification at the beginning of a project significantly improves the likelihood of success later on.
How is technology changing the industry?
Technology is transforming our industry at an incredible pace. Advances in drilling guidance systems, digital monitoring, data collection, machine control and project visualisation are allowing projects to be delivered more safely, efficiently and accurately than ever before.
We're also seeing increasing use of real-time data, remote monitoring and digital reporting, which enables faster decision-making and greater transparency for clients. The industry will continue to evolve, and companies that embrace technology while maintaining strong operational expertise will be best positioned for the future.
What do you think is the key to a successful project?
People. Technology, equipment and processes are all important, but successful projects are delivered by skilled people working together towards a common goal.
Strong relationships, clear communication, good planning and a culture of ownership are critical. When clients, engineers, project teams and supply chain partners are aligned, projects are far more likely to succeed.
What are your main aims for the next six months in your role at Stockton?
I want to continue developing our team and successfully delivering the projects we have currently, whilst securing future projects with new and current clients.
What’s been your proudest achievement, personally and professionally?
My proudest career achievements have been leading and delivering complex Direct Pipe® tunnelling infrastructure and specialist drilling projects that many would consider technically challenging or difficult to execute. I am particularly proud of helping build strong teams, mentoring people throughout their careers and seeing projects successfully delivered that leave a lasting positive impact for clients and communities.
Personally, I am proud of maintaining a healthy balance between a demanding career and pursuing adventure, travel and outdoor challenges. I believe personal growth often comes from stepping outside your comfort zone, whether that's through exploring new places, learning new skills or tackling difficult challenges.
What's the best piece of business advice you've ever been given?
"Do what you say you're going to do."
The construction and engineering industries are built on trust and reputation. Delivering on commitments, being honest when challenges arise and maintaining integrity in everything you do is invaluable.
In the long run, reputation is one of the most important assets any individual or business can have.
Do you have any hobbies outside of work?
Outside of work I am passionate about travel, surfing, hiking and exploring remote places.
I enjoy adventure travel and have been fortunate to experience everything from volcano treks in Central America to alpine mountaineering, diving and surf trips around the world.
I am also a keen photographer and enjoy documenting the places, people and experiences encountered along the way.
My favourite adventures are often the ones that combine the outdoors, great company and discovering somewhere completely new.
If you’d like to work with a team of drilling experts like Stuart on your next project, get in touch with us today.
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