🎉 From University Placement to Commercial Director
This year marks a significant milestone at Henry Colbeck — Matthew Worsnop celebrates 10 years with the company.
Matt first joined Henry Colbeck on a two-year university placement in the Sales & Business Development team, working on a variety of sales and marketing projects.
“One of my earliest assignments was to increase the number of customers using our Used Cooking Oil collection service – back when UCO was worth about 4p per litre! How times have changed since then,” says Matt.
He also carried out a customer survey across Colbeck’s regions to learn more about customer experiences.
“The genuine praise and loyalty from customers was eye-opening. It made it very clear that I had joined a business that genuinely puts the customer at the heart of everything it does.”
Matt first discovered Henry Colbeck during a Northumbria University placement presentation.
“A number of companies presented placement opportunities, but Colbeck’s stood out immediately. The role offered real variety across the business, which aligned perfectly with my degree in Business Leadership & Corporate Management. I also remember the enthusiasm from Paul and Duncan during the presentation – their passion for the business and the industry was infectious, and I could tell it was a place where I’d be able to get involved, make a difference, and grow.”
💼 Matt’s Journey and Impact at Henry Colbeck
In his early years, Matt worked across a wide range of sales and marketing activities before discovering a passion for data and systems — and how good information can drive better business decisions.
“This interest led me to support the sales teams with more insightful reporting, and in 2017/18 I was asked to project manage the replacement of our legacy business system with Microsoft Dynamics NAV. Delivering that project was a major turning point in my career.”
After successfully managing that implementation, Matt’s contributions were widely recognised. He was appointed Commercial Manager in 2018 and promoted to Commercial Director in 2021.
“Since then, my role has focused heavily on systems development, digital improvement, and technology strategy, while also supporting telesales, purchasing, and the company’s overall IT direction. It’s been a journey of evolving responsibilities, continuous learning, and stepping up to new challenges — which is exactly what I enjoy.”
In his current role, Matt works closely with our Sales Teams, driving continuous improvements in business systems and overall company strategy. His innovative approach and deep understanding of data help Henry Colbeck deliver outstanding service and stay ahead in the competitive fish and chip and foodservice market.
🌱 The Power of Support and Development
Matt credits much of his development to the support and mentorship he’s received throughout his career.
“I’ve been fortunate to work with some fantastic colleagues who have each helped me in different ways. In particular, Duncan McLean was a huge influence in my early career – his mentorship and support gave me the confidence and grounding I needed, and I’ll always be grateful for that.”
He also values the freedom and opportunity that come with being part of a family business.
“Decisions can be made quickly, opportunities can be explored, and there’s room to learn by doing — and sometimes by getting it wrong and improving from there!”
Matt has completed several development programmes, including the Leadership Trust’s ‘Leadership in Management’ course.
“It pushed me out of my comfort zone and taught me a great deal about leading people and leading myself,” he says. “And, of course, in the modern world you can learn almost anything online — so yes, YouTube and ChatGPT deserve a passing mention for keeping me sharp when I’ve needed just-in-time knowledge!”
🚀 What Keeps Matt Motivated
“I like the variety in the role that I do because it covers a breadth of departments — every day is different and presents new challenges and opportunities.”
When asked what’s kept him at Henry Colbeck for a decade, Matt highlights the trust, collaboration, and freedom he’s been given.
“I’ve always felt I’ve had the freedom to act in the company’s best interests, and that’s incredibly motivating. And it certainly helps having a great boss to work with – someone I can challenge, learn from, and collaborate with.”
One of his proudest achievements has been leading the development and launch of Colbeck’s new online ordering system.
“It was a long and sometimes lonely road to get it over the line, but seeing it now being used and valued by customers makes the journey worthwhile. It’s a solution that supports the way modern customers want to order, and it feels good to have played a part in moving the business forward in that way.”
💙 Celebrating Our People — The Heart of Henry Colbeck
At Henry Colbeck, our colleagues are the backbone of our success. Matt’s 10-year journey embodies the dedication, skill, and leadership that make Henry Colbeck a trusted partner for customers and suppliers alike.
“What makes Colbeck special is the people,” says Matt. “There’s a real sense of teamwork and shared purpose — everyone genuinely wants to see each other succeed.”
We thank Matt for his hard work, vision, and commitment to excellence. His story is a shining example of how, at Henry Colbeck, great things happen when people are supported, challenged, and given room to grow.
