Matthew Scrimshaw is the commercial director at EnAppSys, a provider of energy market data and decision support tools. The firm helps energy traders, asset developers, generators and other energy market stakeholders make the best strategic decisions based on historic, live and forecast data from 32 European countries, at a time when the energy sector is undergoing a major transition away from carbon.
What was your first job (and how much did it pay)?
In the summer holiday after my A-levels, I worked on the night shift at a pork pie factory. My take home pay was around £100 a week which was a lot back then. I still like pork pies.
What is the best advice or support you’ve been given in business?
Every day is a school day – learning never stops.
What are the main changes you’ve seen in your business/sector, and what are the challenges you’re facing?
The energy sector today is facing its biggest challenge since the industrial revolution in how to decarbonise the global economy. Governments, companies and individuals will all have to play their part to achieve this goal.
How has the pandemic changed the way you work?
I think the widespread adoption of video calling apps during the pandemic has been a generally positive development for business, provided video calls are not done to excess. We can all now have a balance between all-important face-to-face meetings alongside the convenience of virtual meetings, avoiding unnecessary travel.
Who is your role model in business?
The late Sir John Harvey Jones was chairman of ICI when I started my career and he became well known through his BBC TV series Troubleshooter. I was fortunate to meet Sir John a couple of times early in my career, and he was very down to earth and full of common sense.
What would your dream job be?
Looking back in a few years’ time, it would be great to be able to say that I had contributed in some small way to the ongoing transition in the energy sector. If I am able to say that, then I will have had a dream job.
What advice would you give to someone starting out a career in your sector?
Start building your network of business contacts early and keep developing and maintaining it. It will be one of your most important resources in the future. People prefer to do business with people they know (and like).
What makes the North East a good place to do business?
The people. Throughout my career I have been fortunate to work and do business with many people across the North East region. We are fortunate to have so many determined, capable and friendly individuals in the north east business community.
How important is it for business to play a role in society?
It is essential. The North East has a long history of employers, large and small, who contribute to society through the products they make as well as caring for their employees and the local communities in which they operate.
Outside of work, what are you really good at?
I like road cycling, but wouldn’t say I was really good at it. Team GB won’t be calling me anytime soon.
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