Topic Awards, People, Fabrications
Date 29 Jan 2026
Pam McNeill, Business Assurance Manager at Galliford Try Fabrications, has won the category for Engineering Excellence at the Scottish Ex-Forces in Business’s Awards – part of the world’s largest celebration of ex-military in second careers, recognising the value veterans add to businesses.
Pam’s served 23 years as a metalsmith in the Royal Electrical Mechanical Engineers, which saw her repair and fabricate complex components for armoured vehicles in high-pressure environments, mentor junior tradesmen as a Platoon Sergeant, and earn commendations for courage and leadership. Those same qualities have underpinned her remarkable career progression at Galliford Try, where she was promoted to Business Assurance Manager just four months after joining, having become an invaluable part of Galliford Try Fabrications, driving improvements in operational efficiency, compliance, and quality assurance, and reflecting her technical capability and leadership impact.
In addition to Pam’s win, Galliford Try was Highly Commended for Employer of the Year, recognising the company’s exceptional commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community. The nomination follows Galliford Try’s rapid progression from Silver to Gold Award status under the Armed Forces Covenant in just one year, a testament to the business’s dedication to creating a workplace where veterans, reservists, and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers can thrive.
Pam’s win follows her success earlier this year at the British Ex-Forces in Business Awards, where she and Galliford Try achieved a Highly Commended recognition each.
Commenting, Pam said: “It was an absolute honour just to be nominated. These awards highlight the highly transferable skills that Forces personnel bring, and I hope they encourage more organisations to employ veterans and reservists, and like
Galliford Try, develop their own Military programmes, and engage with Career Transition Partnership events. By doing so, we can help open doors for Forces personnel and make the terrifying transition into civilian life a little less intimidating.”
Craig Smith, Operations Director at Galliford Try Fabrications, said: “Pam’s rise within our organisation has been nothing short of extraordinary. Her professionalism, technical expertise and resilience, particularly through personal challenges, make her an outstanding ambassador for veterans in business. She’s a true asset to Galliford Try and an inspiration to others making the transition from service life.”
“At the same time, being Highly Commended for Employer of the Year highlights our wider commitment to supporting veterans, reservists and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers across the business. These nominations reflect the strength of our culture and our shared belief in helping talented people from all backgrounds build successful civilian careers.”