Born Pamela Edwards on the 23rd December 1949, Pam graduated with a BSc in Mechanical Engineering from Aston University. After graduating she worked for GKN, and moved onto forging before making her mark on the electricity supply industry, eventually becoming Divisional Director of East Midlands Electricity. In 1993 she set up her own business to manufacture specialist metal powders, notably for medical engineering, and from 1999 was Managing Director of Quest Investments, a holding company for several engineering enterprises.

In 1997 she became the first female president of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, and in 1999 was awarded the OBE.

Pamela has received honorary degrees from Aston, Bradford and Sheffield Hallam Universities, and has been High Sheriff of South Yorkshire. She is a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, Fellow of the City and Guilds Institute, Freeman of the Company of Cutlers in Hallamshire, and Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Engineers. She and her husband Douglas were appointed Mistress and Master Cutler of the Company of Cutlers in Hallamshire in 1998.

From 4 October 2011 she is Master Cutler of the Company of Cutlers in Hallamshire, the first woman to hold this post.