Matt Rowden

My skills

I have worked within forestry and tree care for twelve years, from which I’ve gained a set of skills specifically based around problem solving, risk management, logistics, an in-depth knowledge of health and safety procedures, people management and public relations. There are few other jobs with so many different challenges. There are only calculated guesses, where a poor decision can result in serious injury to one or more of the operators, which has made it an interesting career. As a result, I am experienced in spotting problems, and taking remedial measures before they develop.

I have honed these skills within hospitality - a vocation with long hours and high stress, where good delegation skills are crucial.

These core skills can be adapted to work in construction management.

I’ve always tried to be the best at anything I do: I played Rugby at a regional level, only stopping as injuries began to interfere with my arboricultural career; when I qualified, I represented my college at a national level in the UK tree climbing competition. I went to a position of responsibility at a young age in my first job, soon outgrowing it and forming a business at the age of 22. This business excelled, but as I began to consult on arboriculture, it became time to move on, and I formed my second company at the age of 28.

Alongside this, I began a property portfolio at the age of 22 with my first flat. I grew this to three by the age of 25, before investing overseas in Germany in two more. Managing these flats necessitated an understanding of German, the sub culture and the marketplace in that area.

In hospitality, I’ve worked part time since the age of 15, initially at commis level, gravitating towards site manager as I progressed, running weddings and corporate events with over 20 staff beneath me. I’m from a family of chefs, so I’m passionate about food and drink, having had distillation, beer making and cider making as hobbies.