Our Team

Meet the Force Team

We are proud of our outstanding staff. Their expertise and commitment are key to the achievement of our goals. Find out more about the team behind FCS.

Chief Executive Officer

Ben Layden

In 2007, Ben left the military to establish FCS Ltd. as a sole trader. He has since led the growth of the business, culminating in its transition to a limited company in 2012 and the formation of the FCS Group in 2023. As Chief Executive Officer, Ben oversees the business at a group level, providing leadership across all operations and ensuring consistent performance across multiple teams and sectors nationwide

Finance Director

Gina Fairhurst

Gina joined Force Contracting in 2011, initially working across finance and administration before progressing to her current role as Finance Director. Over the years, she has played a key part in modernising the company’s financial processes, implementing new systems to ensure the business remains efficient, compliant, and well positioned for continued growth. In her leadership role, Gina oversees the Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable functions as well as supporting the HR department. Ensuring accurate, timely financial operations and strong supplier and client relationships.

Managing Director

Jack Searles

Jack has been with Force Contracting since its establishment in 2007 and has over 20 years’ experience in the construction industry, specialising in fencing and civil engineering. Jack has developed extensive practical and technical knowledge across a wide range of disciplines. As Managing Director, Jack is responsible for the overall leadership and strategic direction of the business, ensuring projects are delivered efficiently, safely, and within budget while maintaining high standards across all operations.

Group Business Development Director

Brett Perrodow

Brett has over 20 years of experience within the industry providing product, support and service delivery to a very diverse and demanding client base. Some of Brett's experience has been working with large Blue-Chip Organisations, Heritage, Secure Units, Critical National Infrastructure, Utilities, Nuclear, MOD & Rail applications. Utilising strong product knowledge and recognition of today’s challenging market, Brett specialises in the development of full turn-key solutions working very closely with our commercial and project teams to ensure that all client expectations are met.

Commercial Director

Chris Dutton

Chris joined the Force Contracting team in January 2015 starting in a sales role. This role soon diversified and expanded to include Commercial Management. Overseeing all aspects of the Force Group's commercial operations, Chris is responsible for estimating, contract negotiation, management & performance, supply chain management, procurement, and the groups’ HSQE and accreditation compliance.

HR Manager

Beth Holmes

Beth has been with the business for over 7 years and is an integral member to the Force team – overseeing all payrolling functions across each sector of the company. She also ensures that all our operatives training is up to date, and that the day to day running of the business runs as smoothly as possible!

Operations Manager

Ben lane

Ben has been with Force Contracting since November 2011, working his way through the ranks to gain extensive experience within the construction industry and a strong understanding of site operations and project delivery. As Operations Manager, Ben oversees the day-to-day running of projects, ensuring works are delivered safely, efficiently, and to programme and budget while maintaining high standards.

Project Manager

Stephen elkington

Stephen joined the Force Contracting team in June 2020. With over 10 years’ experience of management, planning and logistics experience. Stephen predominantly manages our Civil Engineering projects across our Data Centre, Nuclear, Utilities, and Rail sites. We operate across the UK, and often there are a range of projects being managed concurrently, this being where Stephen comes into his own, spinning multiple plates to high standards.

Business Development Manager

james hawley

James Hawley joined Force Contracting in December 2024 and brings valuable experience in developing client relationships and identifying new opportunities within the construction sector. As Business Development Manager, James is responsible for supporting the continued growth of the business, building strong partnerships, and securing work across a range of sectors while maintaining the company’s high standards.

Project Manager

Tom Rookes

Tom joined the Force Contracting team in 2021 as an Assistant Project Manager. He has swiftly shown how capable he is, tackling a range of projects, and really thriving. Tom is a local lad that has a huge interest in the Civil Engineering industry. Tom manages our Civils projects across a range of industries, predominantly within the Security realm, working on Perimeter Safety Solutions and Hostile Vehicle Mitigation projects.

Accounts Administrator

Michaela Whitehead

Michaela joined the business in 2019 as our Accounts Administrator. Michaela deals with all our accounts/invoicing/credit control - often multitasking and ensuring that multiple accounts are maintained, and invoices are issued properly & on time.

Accounts Assistant

Lucy Sims

Lucy joined the team in 2024 as our Accounts Assistant. Day to day, Lucy looks after our accounting and invoicing side of the business alongside Michaela.

Recruitment Director

Mike Wadey

Mike joined the business in 2021 as our Recruitment Director. He comes with over 10 years’ experience in the recruitment industry and oversees all contract and permanent hires within Force Contracting. As we seek to expand further, getting the recruitment right is an essential part of our growth plans.

Recruitment Consultant

Jaime Wade

Having studied Civil Engineering at University, Jaime was keen to get into a fast-paced environment, and so it was a natural move to join us in a recruitment role. Having joined Force in February 2023, Jaime is already an essential part of the team as the Force Recruitment division grows and diversifies. She enjoys the opportunities the role gives her to continue to professionally develop.

Get in touch

If you have a project that needs quoting, or you just want some straightforward advice, drop us a line…