When it comes to precision engineering, innovation doesn’t happen in isolation; it thrives when paired with visionary leadership, a commitment to education and a drive to make a positive impact. At The Engineering Quest, we’ve always prided ourselves on setting high standards, and nothing exemplifies this more than the recent recognition bestowed upon our Director, Nicky Matheron.
Nicky has been awarded the Inspirational Women in Business Award for services in Development & Process Design, presented by Innervision Media. The certificate honours her “remarkable leadership, vision, and outstanding contributions to Development & Process Design, exemplifying innovation, excellence, and inspiration within the engineering industry”. This accolade not only recognises her technical expertise but also her broader influence on our company and community.
A Visionary Leader in Precision Engineering
Nicky’s journey, boosted by her husband and co-director Steve, have forged a great team at The Engineering Quest, which has been marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence. Under their stewardship, the company has embraced new technologies and refined its processes to deliver solutions across sectors as diverse as aerospace, automotive, medical, oil & gas and space exploration. Their ability to balance the technical demands of precision engineering with a strategic vision for growth has set the business apart. In 2024, Nicky’s leadership was recognised when she reached the finals of the National Business Women’s Awards in three categories: Business Woman of the Year (Medium‑Sized Business), Influential Business Woman of the Year and STEM Business Woman of the Year.
These nominations underscore Nicky’s multifaceted contributions. Her inclusion in the “Business Woman of the Year” category celebrates her role in expanding our market presence and setting new benchmarks in quality and innovation. The “Influential Business Woman of the Year” nomination recognises her dedication to empowering women in business and her leadership within industry forums. Perhaps most telling, the “STEM Business Woman of the Year” nomination highlights her passion for science, technology, engineering and mathematics education—a passion that has become a core part of our corporate identity.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Engineers
Nicky’s impact isn’t limited to corporate achievements; she has been a tireless advocate for STEM education. As our STEM Business Woman of the Year nomination notes, she has spearheaded numerous initiatives aimed at inspiring the next generation of engineers and scientists. By partnering with local schools, she has championed programmes that introduce young learners to the wonders of engineering, encouraging them to consider careers in science and technology.
Our dedication to empowering women and young people in STEM is evidenced in our public commitments. In a 2023 International Women’s Day message, The Engineering Quest highlighted that we believe in empowering women in STEM fields and are committed to supporting STEM education in our local schools, with a particular focus on encouraging female students. This ethos is reflected in Nicky’s leadership.
Investing in Innovation and New Technology
While Nicky’s passion for education is well known, she is equally committed to staying at the forefront of technological advancement. The Inspirational Women in Business Award was awarded for her services in Development & Process Design, an area where she has led by example. Under her guidance, The Engineering Quest has adopted cutting‑edge micro‑machining, state‑of‑the‑art CNC milling and advanced metrology systems. These investments allow us to maintain precision and efficiency while meeting the evolving needs of industries that demand exacting standards.
Our culture of continuous improvement is reflected in our broader corporate strategy. Articles on our website detail investments in new equipment—such as surface grinders and wire EDM machines—that enhance our ability to produce complex components. Coupled with internal training programmes designed to upskill our staff, these investments underscore our belief that innovation and education go hand in hand.
A Beacon for the Community
Recognition such as the Inspirational Women in Business Award is not just about titles; it’s about the message it sends. Nicky’s award speaks to the importance of leadership that combines technical excellence with social responsibility. Her ability to motivate colleagues, develop new processes and give back to the community makes her a role model for aspiring engineers and business leaders alike.
Beyond her official roles, Nicky remains approachable and deeply involved in community outreach. She regularly engages with local school pupils, mentors young professionals and shares her knowledge at industry events. Her dedication proves that engineering success is not solely about machinery and metrics—it’s about people, possibility and a passion for progress.
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate this remarkable achievement, we remain grounded in the values that have brought us here. Innovation, education and inclusion will continue to guide The Engineering Quest’s journey. With Nicky and Steve Matheron at the helm, we will not only invest in new technologies but also ensure that young minds—especially girls and under‑represented groups—have pathways into the exciting world of precision engineering.
We invite our partners, clients and community to join us in recognising Nicky’s inspirational leadership. Together, we can build a future where cutting‑edge technology and compassionate education work hand in hand to drive the engineering industry forward. To learn more about our STEM initiatives or to explore partnership opportunities, please get in touch via our contact page. Let’s continue to innovate, educate and inspire