Six months ago, Matt Booth took on a new role as Sales Manager for Pyroban in the UK taking over from Rob Vesty who’d been in the role for more than 20 years. Here, we catch up with Matt, to find out how he’s settled into the company, and what he’s learnt and experienced so far.
How have you found your time at Pyroban so far?
So far, what can I say…I have enjoyed every minute of my time at Pyroban. Everyone has given me such a warm welcome and been very patient whilst I’ve been learning the ropes, which I’m still learning every day.
I already had loads of experience in the materials handling sector in my previous role which was focused on providing safety solutions for lift trucks, so I sort of knew what to expect. I also already knew many of Pyroban’s customers, for different reasons of course.
But nothing prepares you for the reality of what Pyroban does at the factory. I have been stunned by the amount of work and the extent that the Pyroban team in the workshop actually has to go to in order to meet the standards set to allow a forklift to work in a potential explosive atmosphere.
What are your current key focuses / goals / ambitions? Do they differ from what you originally planned?
The plan is very much the same as when I started. To build the current sales levels and find new business where I can in the UK. There are many companies who are still unaware of what we offer or stay away from clients with explosive atmospheres. I’m here to let them know that we can assist them and take the fear factor away. They can also be reassured by the fact we have a UK-based team of over 100 people to support our products with on-the-road- and office-based engineers to answer any technical queries.
What does a typical day look like in your role?
My general responsibilities include consultancy for businesses seeking explosion protection solutions, as well as supporting with presentations, site surveys, training, and customer support. That means that my day varies depending on what the customers need.
I am often working from my base in Leicestershire, which is ideally situated to cover the whole of the UK. From here I can liaise with colleagues and clients through video/phone calls and make video presentations. I can also follow up on previous meetings and get quotations raised for clients. Other days can be filled with site visits to assess what level of explosion protection businesses require, with companies ranging from chemical plants to food factories, and to the Ministry of Defence.
What are you most looking forward to or excited about in your role / working at Pyroban?
I’m really looking forward to meeting more potential new customers and seeing some existing ones that I haven’t yet met in my new role. The lockdown restrictions haven’t made things easy but as they start lifting, I am able to arrange more face-to-face meetings, which helps to build relationships – an important part of the business. I’m also looking forward to learning more about all aspects of the conversion process.
What’s your favourite thing about working at Pyroban? Have you had any memorable experiences yet?
I really enjoy visiting different sites and meeting new and existing clients. It’s very satisfying when we are able to think outside the box and give the customer a different perspective on their operation to help save them money and enhance site safety. One of my favourite site visits so far was to an RAF base to see the process of them handling missiles. Another interesting visit was to one of the biggest laboratories in Europe, where all the Covid PCR tests are sent.
I have also visited a site to see where static had caused an explosion. The forklift, which had not been converted to operate in an explosive atmosphere was still in place where the accident had occurred. It is truly incredible to see how dangerous static can be when not controlled and makes my role extremely rewarding to think about the safety that our systems give to employees every day.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I can’t thank the Pyroban team enough for supporting me while I continue to grow in my new role. It is a passionate and professional team of amazing individuals who work so hard in their jobs to support customers. Without them I would be lost!
Matt and the Pyroban team provide explosion protection solutions covering a whole range of industries including food, drink and distilleries, waste management, military, cosmetics and pharma, chemicals, coatings and inks, logistics, and oil and gas.
To contact the Pyroban team, email: sales@pyroban.com, or call +44 (0) 1273 456800. Visit www.pyroban.com for more information.
