News > People

Celebrating Five Years of Matthew

by Russell Blunt / 24 July 2026
Portrait of a man in a light blue suit and patterned tie against a green background.

Today we’re celebrating Matthew Swift, our Marketing Manager, on reaching five years!

Over the last five years, Matthew has played an integral role in shaping how we present ourselves as a business. From leading our tender submissions and supporting customer presentations to developing our marketing and brand, his attention to detail and commitment to quality have helped us secure new partnerships and retain existing ones.

We sat down with Matthew to reflect on his five years so far, and what’s next.

What’s the moment over the last five years that you’re proudest of, and why?
“It’s hard to pinpoint just one moment, because it’s really the collective wins that stand out. Tenders are a great example, it’s never down to one person, and seeing the whole team come together to produce strong, cohesive bids is something I’m really proud of. There’s always a real buzz when we’re chosen as a supplier, and being part of that shared achievement makes it even more rewarding. I’m also proud that colleagues trust me to run with tenders and come to me directly with smaller projects. Being someone people rely on to deliver on time and to a high standard means a lot to me.”

What is it about City & Essex that has made you stay for five years?
“The team, without a doubt. I wouldn’t describe myself as the most outgoing person, but I’ve always felt comfortable and supported here. Everyone is genuinely passionate about what they do, and there’s a strong sense that we’re all aligned and working towards the same goals. We share the highs and the lows, and that’s what makes the team dynamic so strong. It’s a real sense of unity and support that’s made this an easy place to stay and grow.”

What are you most excited to be part of over the next five years?
“We’ve built a really strong foundation across the business, particularly our people and teams, and that makes the future really exciting. I’m looking forward to pushing forward with ESG and innovation, and evolving to become the best version of ourselves. There’s a real opportunity to build on what we’ve achieved and take things to the next level. I can’t wait to be part of it!”

Thank you, Matthew, for everything you’ve contributed over the last five years. We can’t wait to see what the next chapter brings!

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