Matthew Norman
Foodservice Controller
mattnorman@confex.ltd.uk

1. What is your role at Confex and how long have you worked here?
   I look after all the foodservice branded suppliers and CORE Own Label for the buying group across frozen, chilled, ambient and non-food lines.
2. What did you do before joining Confex?
   Before Confex, I worked on the supplier side for Tate & Lyle Sugars in various contracting roles, primarily selling to partners in commodities in both branded and own label formats. I would trade with partners in the major multiples, wholesale & foodservice national buying groups and larger independent businesses.
3. What do you do when you’re not at Confex?
   Outside of work I enjoy spending time with the family and socialising with friends. I love to travel and try new cuisines when I get the chance, “I’m a big foodie at heart!” I’ve recently fallen back in love with cycling, so most weeks I’ll try and get out on the road bike.
4. If you were able to retire tomorrow, how would you spend your time?
   I’d spend that time travelling the world seeing new places.
5. Who inspires you?
   Coming from a sporting background, I’d have to say sports men and women who have given everything to their sports and made a difference. People like, Jonny Wilkinson, Muhammad Ali, Michael Jordan, and Serena Williams.
6. What type of business would you go into, if it wasn’t wholesale?
   Property development, buying run down properties, bringing them back to life and selling them.
7. What is the most interesting place you have visited and why?
   Robben Island in Cape Town South Africa where Nelson Mandela was held in prison for 27 years. Learning about what happened to him back then, what he went through and how his release came about was really inspiring and motivating.
8. What do you like about working at Confex?
   The culture of the group and the people stand out for me. The flexibility of the role is another plus. The everyday challenges we face together prevents it from being a mundane place to work. I love working closely with all the suppliers & members, developing the relationships which then leads to seeing the business flourish. That’s what motivates me and why I love about working for Confex.