How do you spend most of your time at work?
I have active projects myself which I am coding, and I manage a growing team of developers that adhere to Agile software development principles. We are constantly improving our existing solutions, while creating bespoke or new products for our customers.
What’s the one gadget that you can’t live without?
My phone – I would be lost without it.
Describe your most unforgettable project.
I flew first-class to the Caribbean to help a yacht client. I spotted a simple settings issue which took around five minutes to fix. Due to flight timings, I spent the rest of the week at the beach.
How does producing software that integrates with two-way radio differ from the other projects you’ve worked on?
We are much more end-user-focused in our software design. I have designed robots, tracking systems and electronic solutions. The challenge of developing end-user value is an interesting one.
Where do you see room for more integration between two-way radios and IT systems?
We have a three-year plan that we are mid-way through. Integration to two-way radio is a major part of this, but so too are PoC, multi-mode and smartphones.
What’s the most challenging aspect of developing new software for alarm handling?
Keeping it simple and ensuring the installers have the tools they need to succeed.
What do you do in your free time to relax?
I have two energetic boys and a daughter who is growing up fast. I am restoring a classic car (slowly), I play badly for a local pool team and I am a cub leader for the local troop.
Matthew graduated from the University of Hull with a degree in electronic engineering. He joined GVS as a junior design engineer, creating the Watchkeeper dead man alarm for yachts. Following his promotion to lead designer (electronics), he developed the VesselWatch alarm handler. In his current role, he led the production of the award-winning Retain firefighter application.
