Royal Aeronautical Society Interview with Becky Veal

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Becky began her engineering career in 1998 as a Technical Administrator at a Bath-based Engineering Consultancy. Over the next decade, as the organisation expanded, she advanced through various roles, including Recruitment Consultant, HR & Technical Recruitment Manager, Project Manager, and eventually Programmes Director. During this period, Becky led significant projects, contributing to the company’s growth and success.

Following the birth of her son in 2010, Becky sought a new challenge and transitioned her career in 2012. After extensive research and networking, she collaborated with industry experts to launch a recruitment and consultancy venture in the Aerospace and Defence sector.

In its first year, the business secured a contract with Leonardo Helicopters, supporting the Technical Publications Department. Becky found the experience of building a business from scratch to be exhilarating, exposing her to entrepreneurship aspects like branding, marketing, payroll, recruitment, and client relationships, providing valuable insights into boardroom dynamics and business operations.

The business was acquired by Morson Projects in 2015, where Becky took on the role of Business Unit Manager and continued to have the freedom to expand the business. In 2023, she transitioned into the role of Associate Director – Engineering Delivery for the Aerospace Sector. In this capacity, Becky supports engineering teams across Morson Projects’ UK offices on critical defence programs.

Reflecting on her journey, Becky expressed pride in being recognised as one of the first women to hold such a position within the organisation’s aerospace division, and how she wholeheartedly cherishes her career choices and profession over the years.

Hi Becky! Thank you for speaking with us today. What initally drew you to Engineering?

Although I never initially harboured aspirations of becoming an engineer, my journey into the field was shaped by the passionate individuals I encountered and the innovative ideas they were bringing to life. From the outset, I found myself surrounded by a team whose enthusiasm for problem-solving and ingenuity was contagious. Their dedication to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible inspired me daily.

One pivotal experience that shaped my appreciation for engineering was the opportunity to visit client sites, seeing first-hand the intricate processes and meticulous attention to detail that go into designing and creating products. These visits allowed me to witness the tangible impact of engineering on everyday life, turning abstract concepts into functional, ground-breaking products.

It was through these experiences that I developed a genuine admiration for the industry. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have been exposed to such a dynamic and creative environment early in my career. This exposure not only broadened my understanding of engineering but also ignited a passion within me to contribute to a field that is constantly evolving and improving the world around us.

What led to you starting your own recruitment and consultancy business, which now forms part of Morsons?

After the arrival of my son, I took the opportunity to reassess and redefine my career goals. As a mother, I became acutely aware of the value of time and the importance of making it truly meaningful, both personally and professionally. It was during this time that I realised my ambition to establish my own recruitment and consultancy business.

As a mother, I became acutely aware of the need for flexibility and the desire to create a venture that could provide not only for my family but also contribute positively to the industry. I understood that while the dream was mine, the journey to success would require collaboration with industry experts. Recognising the necessity of building a strong foundation, I sought out partnerships and mentorships to gain insights and knowledge from professionals within the industry.

Despite the demanding learning curve, my unwavering determination and dedication propelled me to new heights in my professional journey. My pursuit of excellence allowed me to develop a business that stood out in the competitive landscape.

Eventually, this journey led to the integration of my business with Morsons, a move that not only expanded our capabilities but also aligned with my original goal of meaningful collaboration. Together, we have been able to achieve so much, combining our strengths to deliver exceptional value to our clients and candidates alike.

Tell us about an achievement that you’re most proud of during your career?

One of the achievements I’m most proud of during my career is being invited to join the panel session at this year’s AeroWomen event. This opportunity was particularly meaningful because AeroWomen is a renowned annual conference dedicated to celebrating and empowering women in the aerospace industry through a series of workshops, speakers, and panel discussions.

During the event, I had the privilege of sharing my personal experiences and career journey spanning over 20 years in the aerospace sector. It was a powerful moment to reflect on the challenges I’ve overcome and to offer insights and encouragement to other women in the field. Being able to engage with and inspire a room full of talented and passionate women was incredibly rewarding. Moreover, I had the chance to collaborate with other influential women in the industry, such as Charlea Boucher, Shanice Woodman, and Mavis Rowland, under the moderation of Helen Haxell. Their stories and achievements were truly inspiring and reinforced the importance of fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for women in aerospace.

I’m looking forward to now contributing to the Next Gen Mentoring programme. This initiative aligns perfectly with my commitment to supporting the next generation of women in STEM. By mentoring young professionals, I hope to be able to facilitate their personal and professional growth, helping them navigate their careers and reach their full potential. Perhaps, providing the support I wish I had had when starting out in the industry.

Tell us about the biggest challenge you have faced during your career?

The biggest challenge I have faced during my career came after twelve years in my initial role. When the business owners decided to sell the company, it marked a significant turning point and introduced uncertainty into my professional life for the first time. What had previously been a secure and familiar position within a close-knit, small company suddenly transformed into part of a dynamic American organisation with ambitious plans for extensive transformation.

This pivotal moment forced me to confront the unknown and evaluate my career path. Instead of retreating from the challenge, I saw it as an opportunity for growth and development. I chose to embrace the change and took proactive steps to secure a pivotal role in the new organisation. Recognising the potential for both personal and professional growth, I decided to put myself forward for the Programmes Director position.

This decision required me to step out of my comfort zone and adapt to a new corporate culture with different expectations and goals. It was a daunting process that demanded resilience, strategic thinking, and the ability to navigate through uncertainty. However, it also allowed me to showcase my leadership skills, adapt to a rapidly changing environment, and ultimately contribute to the successful integration and transformation of the company. This experience not only reinforced my ability to manage significant transitions but also solidified my confidence in embracing future challenges.

What is the aspect of your role that you most enjoy and why?

The aspect of my role that I most enjoy is the opportunity to build and nurture long-term client relationships. Over my career, I have developed and cherished relationships with clients like Leonardo Helicopters, working with them for over 20 years.

These relationships allow for collaborative teamwork and the successful delivery of complex engineering projects. This aspect is particularly fulfilling because it combines my passion for engineering with my ability to support and lead diverse teams towards common goals, ensuring both client satisfaction and team development.

What advice would you give to someone embarking on a career in the aerospace industry?

As I reflect on my career journey, I’ve come to understand the importance of staying informed, especially through social media platforms. I’ve also learned the importance of developing soft skills are just as crucial as technical skills, for personal and professional growth.

Real-world experience is invaluable, so look for opportunities to get experience in this industry. Find an organisation that wants to invest in you as an individual, giving you the opportunity to nurture your goals and aspirations.

You have spent time setting up your own business, as well as being part of Morson Projects. What are some of the key differences you have seen between running your own company and working for an already well-established company, such as Morson Projects?

In my experience of setting up my own business and working for Morson Projects, I’ve noticed several key differences that have significantly impacted my professional journey.

One of the major differences was the transition from overseeing every aspect of my own organisation to being able to concentrate on a specific job function within Morson Projects.

Running my own business provided the autonomy I cherished, but it also brought about sleepless nights due to concerns about timely client payments and ensuring adequate funds for staff salaries. I always found great enjoyment in the dynamic nature of each day, keeping the bigger picture in mind to overcome the challenges I faced.

Working for a well-established organisation like Morson Projects allowed me to delegate the financial responsibilities and benefit from dedicated support teams. Allowing me to concentrate on the areas I knew I was good at!

Overall, the shift from running my own business to working for a renowned company brought about a significant change in responsibilities, stress levels, and the support available for driving innovative ideas forward.

How do you relax?

I have a very energetic sprocker spaniel (as well as 2 children!), who I love taking on long walks especially at the beach. During these walks, I enjoy immersing myself in compelling podcasts such as the Diary of a CEO and Unstressable with Alice Law.

Additionally, I am a Bath Rugby fan and passionately supporting my home team. I also find joy in planning my next holiday, ensuring that there’s always something exciting on the horizon to anticipate!

If you could meet any person from the past or the present, who would it be and why?

If given the chance to meet anyone from the past or the present, I would undoubtedly choose Dr. Tess Morrison Patterson. I recently had the privilege of listening to her at the AeroWomen event in Yeovil, and I was truly captivated by her inspirational career journey and her unwavering “can do” approach to life.

One of the key takeaways for me was her mantra to live life courageously, a set of values that strongly resonate with my own career choices. Dr Tess Morrison-Patterson’s words deeply impacted me: “Be courageous when approaching something new, keep your values and associated behaviours as close to your heart as possible, making sure those are on show when it matters most.” I am eagerly looking forward to the opportunity to meet Tess in person at future events.