Meet the team: Karl Longstone, Estimator

Karl's role at Stockton Group 

Karl has been with us since 2023 and now works as an Estimator at our head office in Wakefield, with a responsibility to match the capabilities of our team and machinery equipment to the needs of every Civils project. In his role, he clarifies project requirements with our clients to accurately cost work and also compiles tender submissions to make sure bids are submitted ahead of deadlines.

Here, he talks about his experience, achievements, and life outside of work.

What past industry experience have you carried into your role at Stockton?

Over the last 25 years, I've gained extensive experience in all aspects of groundwork and civil engineering projects, working on a wide range of residential, commercial, industrial, and infrastructure developments.

This includes site preparation, excavation, drainage installation, foundations, concrete works, kerbing, paving, road construction, utility installation, and earthworks. Throughout my career, I have developed a strong understanding of health and safety, project planning, site supervision, and coordinating labour, plant, and materials to ensure projects are completed safely, efficiently, and to a high standard.

My hands-on experience, combined with my ability to solve site challenges and work effectively with clients, contractors, and engineers, has enabled me to deliver successful projects of varying size and complexity.

I’ve also gained multiple industry qualifications, covering site safety, works coordination, plant machinery operation, and project administration.  

What does a typical workday look like for you?

My typical day as an Estimator at Stockton Group involves reviewing project enquiries, analysing drawings and specifications, preparing cost estimates for groundwork, civil engineering, and construction projects. The role requires obtaining and assessing quotations from suppliers and subcontractors, carrying out site visits where necessary, and identifying potential risks and opportunities.

Throughout the day, I liaise with clients and commercial teams to clarify project requirements and ensure all aspects of the tender are fully understood and costed. I'm responsible for preparing a detailed bill of quantities, labour, plant, and material pricing, compiling tender submissions, and ensuring bids are submitted accurately and within deadlines.

Strong attention to detail, commercial awareness, and the ability to work under pressure are essential to producing competitive and profitable estimates while supporting the successful delivery of future projects. 

What’s the most challenging project you’ve worked on at Stockton, and what did you learn from it?

Every site has its own challenges, but moving from site to head office has been my biggest challenge to date. I now manage multiple project needs at the same time and communicate at a higher level with stakeholders. It’s made me think more about everything that affects a project, from weather, to site constraints, to environmental regulations, and how we cost up work as a result. 

Which project are you most proud of?

The Heart of the City regeneration project in Sheffield city centre.

I worked on successfully delivering a challenging package of groundwork and civil engineering works within a highly restricted and congested city-centre environment. This involved working past lots of logistical difficulties, including limited access for plant and deliveries, restricted working areas, and the need to maintain safe operations around neighbouring businesses, public footpaths, and ongoing city-centre activities.

Our team was appointed after taking over from a previous contractor who had failed to deliver the project requirements and maintain programme targets. Through strong leadership, detailed planning, and effective management of resources, we were able to regain control of the works, overcome the challenges associated with the tight site constraints, and drive the project forward safely and efficiently. This experience strengthened my ability to work under pressure, resolve complex site issues, and contribute to the successful delivery of a high-profile urban regeneration scheme. 

What would you say are the main reasons why clients choose Stockton Group over other firms?

Because we have never failed to deliver. 

What are your main aims for the next six months in your role at Stockton Group?

I want to continue developing my estimating knowledge and experience and improve the competitiveness of my tenders. 

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Give more than you take and you will be employed for life.

What’s been your biggest achievement, personally and professionally?  

Personally: Being a father.

Professionally: Making it this far with only experience on my side.

Do you have any hobbies outside of work? 

I love anything adrenaline related. I’m a fan of motorcross, enduro (off-road endurance races for bikes and motorcycles), and mountain biking.

If you’d like to work with a team of civil engineering experts like Karl on your next project, get in touch with us today.