KAYLEIGH Daniels is an inspiring role model.
A business development manager and a leading consultant in the nuclear decommissioning
sector, Kayleigh works at REACT Engineering where 35-year-old managing director Phil
Redfern makes it his business to give young people the best possible career opportunities.
Kayleigh, 31, has grabbed those opportunities with both hands.
After studying A-level maths, physics and electronic engineering at St Benedict’s Sixth Form in Whitehaven, balancing her studies with working at the Co-Op in hometown Cleator Moor,
Kayleigh chose a Year In Industry at REACT Engineering.
“I loved it. As an 18-year-old, I found the world of work, and the things you can do at REACT
fascinating,” she said.
After going to university, and a subsequent range of jobs in different parts of the country, she returned to REACT five years ago as a senior consultant.
Now promoted to REACT’s leadership team, Kayleigh gets involved in all aspects of the
business.
“At REACT, you are encouraged to have ideas, encouraged to have a go. Those qualities and attributes are valued,” said Kayleigh.
Still only 30 years old, Kayleigh is already focused on giving back - so that young people in
Cumbria get to enjoy amazing learning opportunities and experiences.
Later this year, 50 pupils from across Cumbria, with potential in computer programming and
engineering, will be given the opportunity to present their skills at Jesus College, one of the best computer science colleges in the world, thanks to Kayleigh being a STEM ambassador for REACT and attending an Oxford University private dinner in the Royal Society.
Kayleigh’s drive to help young people in the area has also made her a natural fit as a trustee of the REACT Foundation, created to raise the aspirations of young people from the area and to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.
As well as inspiring 7,500 schoolchildren in Cumbria every year through its annual Science
Shows, the Foundation is a key component in the county’s success in the FIRST Lego League.
The 2020 tournament started in January when 80 teams in Cumbria took part in tournaments in West Cumbria, Barrow and Carlisle with five finalists from the county going through to the
national finals in Bristol.
Kayleigh is also a senior member of the Framework Management team at Cumbria Nuclear
Solutions Limited - a partnership of six leading supply-chain companies, including REACT,
where she plays a key role in integrating the organisations, from boardroom to shop floor.
Phil said: “We create roles and responsibilities around individuals, rather than recruit individuals for specific roles. It makes for a better, more rewarding career, and a more successful business.
“The sky’s the limit here. There are no barriers to achieving whatever you want to achieve.”