Pam Bailey, Manufacturing Manager at GDS Instruments, has been shortlisted in two categories at this year's CN & NCE Inspiring Women in Construction and Engineering Awards: Unsung Hero and Inspirational Leader – Supplier.
Pam joined GDS, a Hook-based manufacturer of geotechnical testing equipment used by engineers and researchers worldwide, almost 20 years ago. She had no engineering background at the time, having previously trained as a chef. Everything she has learned about precision manufacturing, quality control and production management since has come from the job itself.
As Manufacturing Manager, Pam has reshaped how the production floor operates, moving the team away from departmental silos with a multi-skill rota and a peer review system that has reduced non-conformance rates. She also rebuilt GDS's apprenticeship programme from scratch, and currently has four apprentices coming through it, attending college meetings and staying closely involved in their progress.
Ian Ayling, Managing Director at GDS Instruments, said: "GDS helps build the foundation to the construction industry, and so Pam, being the foundation of GDS, she's basically holding up the whole industry."
Mike Bulley, Head of Manufacturing & Technical Support, said: "Give her a task and it's done. Sometimes I have to stop myself mentioning things too early because I know she'll already be on it."
Pam Bailey said: "It's an honour to be recognised alongside such worthy women. I don't do any of this for recognition, I just want to see the people on my team succeed, but it means a lot to have that work acknowledged like this."
The CN & NCE Inspiring Women in Construction and Engineering Awards recognise individuals and organisations working to build a more diverse and inclusive industry. Winners will be announced at the Inspiring Women in Construction and Engineering Awards ceremony on Wednesday 16 September 2026 at the London Hilton on Park Lane.
