We’re excited to introduce our new Client Success Team. Between them, Ant, Dean, Matthew, Richard, Tony and Jack have a combined 80 years’ experience in composites, and they’ll be helping us to make sure that all of your infrastructure challenges benefit from our award-winning d² product range.
This interview is with Matthew Swash, the 3D scanning extraordinaire of the Client Success Team (CST)!
Beginning his career with Dura in fabrication, Matthew worked his way into new business, joining the CST around nine months ago.
How has your background led to your position in the CST?
I haven’t always worked in composites, in fact, I spent 15 years working as a carpenter before joining Dura in the fabrications team in 2009. As much as I enjoyed working in fabrication, I’ve always been a people person, so transitioning into a role where I can spend more time meeting new and existing customers face to face made sense.
Having earlier experience with some other more traditional materials, coupled with my extensive knowledge of GRP, means I’m well equipped to give customers a true and clear comparison, which is especially important when they may not quite have the confidence yet to make the change to GRP. I also have to give some credit to my wife, who is an incredible saleswoman of 20 years. She’s definitely taught me a lot about what clients really need versus what you might think they need!
How have you developed your skills whilst being with Dura?
I really love to challenge myself and learn new things, and working at Dura has provided me with so many opportunities to do so. I’ve had the chance to work across all of the sectors we service, broadening my knowledge and giving me a better understanding of what each sector requires.
Health and safety has always been really important to me and is always part of my scoping requirements with the clients I talk to. I hold a Level 6 NVQ in Health and Safety, and have led the company to three RosPA Health and Safety Awards. I also have a big interest in 3D laser and drone scanning, and have enjoyed developing my skills in this area in the past 18 months.
Tell us more about 3D scanning
We recently had a project where 25 rail stations needed surveying. We managed to 3D scan all 25 in just one week, reducing the required line possessions when compared to other surveying types. Not only did this reduce disruption, but we also managed to save the customer 75% versus the cost of other methods, which had a brilliant benefit on his tight budget.
I’ve just completed my certificate to be a commercial drone pilot, so I’m looking forward to utilising these skills to provide more of our clients with quick, cost-effective, and accurate site surveys.
In what other ways do you aim to improve the CST’s offerings?
My primary goal for the CST is to ensure we deliver exceptional service to our customers and support the other exceptional internal teams that keep Dura at the forefront of our industry.
I aim to be the customer’s go-to contact for any and all needs. My focus is always on enhancing the customer experience in every aspect of their project.
Outside of work I…
Just before Covid hit I took up golfing, and that has become a mainstay of my personal life. I play every Saturday and Sunday morning at my club, and I’m currently building a golf simulator in my back garden just to keep the hobby even closer to home!
Speaking of my home, I bought a house a few years ago which I’ve just finished doing up. Now that it’s perfect for my family and I, I can spend my spare time enjoying the kitchen – I make a mean yorkshire pudding (bigger than a dinner plate!), but I also love cooking Italian food.
