I established MATL in 1993 to supplement turnkey process contractors with automation and electrical design skills. I then started to take on turnkey design projects myself, working in collaboration with other subcontractors and my own associate skillbase.Clients almost always wanted to use us for their concept stages and troubleshooting. Here’s why:• My team’s ability to convert their ideas into clear specifications and requirements makes purchasing or manufacturing much easier. • We capture and design industrial processes and sequence controls in ways that enable other parties to understand them simply and accurately.• We plan each stage and module to be aligned with regulation, construction, commissioning and documentation ensure a smooth project build that everyone appreciates.I now focus on SMEs in manufacturing and engineering, bringing the best of methods from across multiple industries with a willingness to embrace newer techniques with a practical purpose.I understand how people work with equipment and industrial processes and have gained experience of making processes predictable and efficient. As a small business owner, I can relate to the pressures and concerns on other small business owners to improve their operations, but I have the skills to make that happen.I always look out for ways to improve what people do in their daily workload – not just from an efficiency perspective, but to help them feel more involved and part of their work. On a practical side I will always analyse a problem first before trying to fix it and am always open about where I’m at with it. Clear communication is a key to overcoming many problems.I'm a co-presenter of the Practical Process Engineering CPD course set up by Aston University and prefer to share my knowledge and information through discussion and interaction rather than lecturing.I’m also an enthusiastic winemaker and, allegedly, produce very drinkable beverages. Why not? It's a process!