Women in Engineering
Paula Reynolds’ journey to Standish Engineering
Engineering has not always been seen as a traditional career path for women. But for many, the interest and passion have always been there, sometimes waiting for the right moment to be pursued.
At Standish Engineering, we’re proud to have talented people from a range of backgrounds across our team. One of those people is Paula Reynolds, our Purchasing Manager, who joined the business in October 2025.
Paula’s journey into engineering is an inspiring example of following your passion, even if it means taking a different path to get there.
A passion that started early
Although Paula initially began her career in nursing after leaving school, engineering had always been something that fascinated her.
Growing up, she was regularly exposed to the world of engineering through her father, who worked for a large aerospace company. Paula often visited engineering companies and blacksmiths with him, experiences that sparked a real curiosity about how things were made and how engineering businesses operated.
However, at that time, careers in engineering were rarely encouraged for women.
“It just wasn’t the expectation back then,” Paula explains. “Even though I had an interest in engineering, nursing felt like the more obvious path.”
By 1987, Paula realised that her passion for engineering hadn’t gone away. Determined to pursue the career she had always been interested in, she made the decision to leave nursing and return to education. It was a bold move, but one that set the foundation for a successful career in engineering.
Over the years, Paula has gained a range of qualifications and built extensive experience across different roles within the industry. Her career has provided her with a strong understanding of engineering businesses and the importance of collaboration across teams.
Joining Standish Engineering
Paula joined Standish Engineering as Purchasing Manager in October 2025, bringing with her a wealth of knowledge and experience.
Her role is central to supporting the business, working closely with suppliers and the wider team to ensure materials and components are sourced efficiently while maintaining the high standards the company is known for.
For Paula, one of the biggest highlights of working at Standish Engineering is the culture of the business. Paula enjoys working for a family run company, where no two days are the same, and there’s a real sense of teamwork. Paula enjoys being able to support the team and help keep everything running smoothly.
A family business with strong values
Standish Engineering has been trading for 76 years and remains a proud family-run business. Managing Director Nick Kindon represents the third generation leading the company, continuing the values that have shaped the business since it was founded. For Paula, this environment makes a real difference.
Paula’s journey is a reminder that there isn’t always a single route into engineering. Careers evolve, interests grow, and sometimes the right path reveals itself later.
Today, the engineering industry continues to encourage greater diversity and more opportunities for women to pursue careers in the sector.
Stories like Paula’s highlight an important message that engineering is for anyone with the curiosity and determination to pursue it.
At Standish Engineering, we’re proud to support and celebrate the people who make our business what it is, and Paula’s journey is a great example of passion, perseverance and dedication to the industry.
