Read more about Matthews' time at OGL Software
We caught up with Matthew to find out more about his time at OGL so far:
"30 years of excitement, hard work, laughs, some heart-stopping moments, some sad moments, good friendships, learning, happy customers and most of all - fun!
I took my A-level exams at Haybridge High School, then immediately starting work in the Workshop as an Apprentice during a very hot summer in 1996. My first responsibility was to make the tea for all the workshop staff at 8am, 10am, 12 noon, 2pm and 4pm, every day, on time. This prepared me well for the life of work – following instructions, punctuality and discipline.
My training in the Workshop took 18 months (with day release to college one day per week to gain my City & Guilds qualification). After this, I joined the Servicing team for two months and visited the grubbiest factories and offices in the country to clean their computers and printers. This team was eventually disbanded; it earned well for the company while active! I then went into Field Support and worked my way up and down, in and around the ranks in Technical, completing almost all of the roles available.
When I started at OGL, there was no Service Desk, and all calls were completed by a site visit. I was tasked with one other engineer to trial a basic service desk where we vetted every call over the phone, before allowing it to go to the field. This was difficult work as there was no such thing as remote support and many of the problems were mechanical issues on typewriters and word processors. However, that was the birth of our service desk!
In August 2022 OGL Computer Support was sold to Wavenet, and staying on for the transition, I then moved across to OGL Software in 2023.
OGL has always been something special. An outstanding company; but more importantly, a family. I have always felt immense pride not only to represent the company, but to be a part of that family. My time at OGL has been marked so much by the people I have been so privileged to work with, and I am incredibly grateful to the people who have invested so much of their time in making my career what it has been so far. Our directors truly care about the OGL family, and it is thanks to them that the company is held in such high regard by both staff and customers.
It is with particular pride that we welcome my daughter, Beatrix, to OGL for a week of work experience (pictured centre). Fifteen years ago, Beatrix visited the office as a newborn baby, and now as a young lady will complete her work experience in sales; the same office where my colleagues met her for the first time.
Thank you to all of you at OGL for my time (so far), and to my wife (Harriett) and our daughter (Beatrix) for their forbearance and support!
Matthew's manager, Charlie Grant, added: "Thirty years of service is an incredible achievement, and if anyone deserves to be recognised for reaching that milestone, it's Matthew.
To many of us, Matthew is simply Mr OGL. He's been a constant throughout the company's journey and someone people instinctively turn to when they need help. Over the last 30 years, he has become someone that both customers and colleagues know they can rely on. He's dependable, approachable and one of the calmest people you'll ever work with.
Matthew has a real ability to break even the most complex technical issues down into manageable steps. Rather than rushing in, he takes the time to understand the problem, works through it methodically and focuses on finding the right solution. It's this thoughtful approach that has earned the trust of customers and colleagues alike.
Putting the customer first has always come naturally to Matthew. He genuinely enjoys visiting customers on site, getting to know their businesses and helping them resolve problems. Nothing is ever too much trouble. If a customer needs him, he'll do whatever he can to help, even if that means working late or giving up his own time. The web server outage last year was just one example, where Matthew worked late into the night to help restore services as quickly as possible.
Anyone who has worked alongside Matthew will know how meticulous he is. He never looks for the quickest fix, he looks for the right one. Even under pressure, he remains calm, keeps everyone updated and quietly gets on with the job.
Personally, one of my first memories of Matthew was him taking the time to explain how a server worked to a room full of us nearly 20 years ago. Looking back, it sums him up perfectly. Patient, knowledgeable and always willing to help others learn.
Matthew has always set the standard, not because he's loud or seeks recognition, but because he leads by example. Whether it's his professionalism, his technical knowledge or his commitment to customers, he's someone many of us have learned from over the years.
Of course, there is one thing that has to happen before any troubleshooting begins... Matthew needs a cup of tea! Between 11am and 1pm, though, tea makes way for coffee. Anyone who has worked with Matthew will know that's simply part of the routine.
Matthew, thank you for your 30 years of dedication to OGL. Your calm approach, technical expertise and commitment to doing the right thing for our customers have earned the respect of colleagues and customers alike. Congratulations on an incredible milestone, it's thoroughly deserved."
COO, Sharon Moreno added: "Matthew is the personification of professionalism, loyalty and discretion, an individual who can be called on in any situation, day or night. He regularly dons his "superhero cape," always ready to step in and resolve our customers' issues, no matter how big or small.
OGL runs through Matthew's veins, and he is held in the highest regard across the business. His commitment to his role is second to none, and he should be immensely proud of everything he's achieved over the last 30 years.
On behalf of the company, we would like to say a big thank you for everything Matthew does, and long may it continue."
