Matt Norman is the senior business development manager at Confex
What was your first-ever job?
Believe or not it was a paper round, and I loved it. I was 13 years old and back then it was difficult to get up at 5.30am on the weekend, particularly as it was very cold and the bags were heavy.
Physically, it was tough, as the area we lived in was very hilly, and it took all the motivation I could muster to complete the round on those cold mornings.
How would your colleagues at Confex describe you?
A positive person, who is hard-working, approachable and always has a smile on his face. Someone who is passionate and focused in what they do, and who likes some healthy competition.
If you could turn any activity into an Olympic sport that would give you a chance of winning a medal, what would it be?
Well, I’ve been told I make a decent meatball, and I love food and experimenting in the kitchen, so I would have to say making the world’s best meatball.
If time and money were not an issue, what hobby would you most like to get into?
It would have to be racing F1 cars. Mainly for the speed and the craftsmanship of driving the cars around a track in the quickest time possible.
Read more: All Confex members to become shareholders in structural overhaul
What would your perfect day involve?
Making a cooked breakfast with the family, followed by watching a live rugby match, then drinks and a trip to a fabulous local curry house.
What is your song of choice at karaoke?
Tough one this, as I’d want something everyone can join in with to mask the fact I’m up there singing. It would probably be Don’t Stop Me Now by Queen.
Who would be your four ideal dinner party guests?
Jonny Wilkinson, David Attenborough, Peter Kay and Barack Obama.
What would you cook them?
That’s easy. It would have to be my Olympic gold medal-winning meatballs.
What fad or trend would you like to see make a comeback?
I have fond memories as a child going down to the local video rental store with my brother and choosing new films to rent for the weekend. Technology has moved on now, and sadly there are very few of these shops left.
If you were a superhero, what would you choose as your superpower?
It would be great to possess the power to read minds. Can you imagine if you had the ability to read the minds of your suppliers in a negotiation battle? The benefits would be endless.
What do you wish you knew more about?
I’d have to say learning more about history in general. It’s not an area I’ve really been drawn to, but I wish I had more basic knowledge of it.
When did you last change your belief or opinion about something major?
Last year, when I moved to Confex from Tate & Lyle. This changed my perspective on the wholesale market and how much wholesalers do on behalf of suppliers to champion their brands. I learned to appreciate how important smaller wholesalers are when it comes to servicing the independent sector.
Read more: Confex reveals members’ marketplace
