Here at Edinburgh Instruments, we are proud of all our employees for all they do behind the scenes, so we thought it was time to put them in the spotlight. This series does exactly that; you get a sneak peek into what drives, excites and enamours our team. We hope you enjoy it!
Meet Matthew, Group Head of IT here at Edinburgh Instruments. Matt’s work is all about ensuring our global digital backbone doesn’t just run – it thrives! He leads the IT strategy for EI and our sister companies across the Techcomp group, overseeing everything from cybersecurity and infrastructure to policy and user training. This means he’s constantly balancing proactive system improvements with reactive problem-solving, all while serving as the team’s go-to expert, empowering our colleagues across Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas with the tech they need to succeed.
What does a typical day/ week in your role look like?
We are a small team, and our remit is vast, so the truth is two days are seldom alike! A lot of my time is spent implementing new or improving existing systems. A lot of IT is naturally reactive, responding to and resolving problems, but a massive part of the job is also proactive. I want to help our colleagues work more efficiently, with fewer headaches – ultimately using technology to empower them in their day-to-day. Cybersecurity is a huge focus, and much of my time is spent ensuring we keep our colleagues, our customers and partners safe.
What made you choose Edinburgh Instruments? And how long have you been here?
This summer will be 4 years since I started at EI. I came on initially as the IT Manager for Edinburgh Instruments before my role grew to encompass our sister companies. EI sits in a really interesting space both in its industry but also the size of business. It’s a kind of Goldilocks, just right business where you can still know everyone and feel like a small business with many perks of working for a bigger company.
What do you do in your spare time? / Where would we find you on the weekend?
I kind of collect hobbies… Finding a new interest every other week. But, consistently, I am involved in local amateur theatre, play a lot of Dungeons & Dragons, and love to cook. So likely you’ll find me in a theatre, a kitchen, or at a dining table. But you may also find me running, reading, watching rugby – the list goes on! I sit on the board of a few charities and community interest companies, so I’m also often found in meetings even outside of my day job!
What was your first ever job?
Technically, my first job was as a Paper Boy. But my first full-time job was as a Salon Junior. Sweeping the floors, making tea, and washing hair for the most part. It was a really interesting and social job that I did on Saturdays whilst at school, and then full-time for a few months before I got my first IT job in 2011.
What is your favourite food?
Depends on the day you ask me… Right now, maybe Fajitas?
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?
I’ve got a bad case of wanderlust, and travel as much as I can – so just anywhere new really. My wife and I have been to Japan a couple of times, but never made it as far north as Hokkaido. I think perhaps that’s next on the list! Otherwise, maybe Colombia or Egypt.
Top 5 movies
This is another answer that will change massively depending on my mood that day… As of right now, I’d probably say (in no particular order):
If you enjoyed getting to know Matt, check out the rest of our People of EI series!
