Case Study: Jacqui Miller

Originally from Gateshead, Jacqui describes herself as having been “probably quite a challenging child.” She didn’t complete many qualifications in school, but did learn the benefits of hard graft. That instinct has served her well as she’s helped drive the family business, now based in Cramlington, towards international success.

Miller Engineering supply parts for construction machinery, so Jacqui’s job involves a bunch of international travel. It doesn’t sound like she has much time for sightseeing, however:

“Usually, I travel alone. I believe I’m there to do a job, I have an awful lot of people depending on me to come back with real answers and real solutions, […] you have to be exceptionally focussed, and focussed on what it is you’ve set out to achieve.”

That single-minded determination and drive is clearly a trait that’s helped Jacqui succeed in international business.

“You are presented with a set of challenges, and it’s how you respond to those challenges which makes you the person you eventually become.”

Miller has firm opinions on women working in the STEM sector, too:

“It really frustrates me that we seem to stereotype girls and boys. Nonsense! We should do whatever it is we feel we should do. […] I would love, dearly love, lots more girls coming through into STEM subjects.”