S03E04 | Matsource
Episode Summary:
In this episode, we’re joined by Mark McGregor and Nick Robbins, the team behind Matsource, to talk about the journey from start-up idea to becoming a multi-million-pound player in the UK metals market.
Founded with a clear vision and an eye for opportunity, Matsource has carved out a niche in supplying specialist steel products with speed, service, and an old-school focus on relationships. Mark and Nick share the highs, the challenges, and the pivotal moments that shaped their growth.
We explore:
- How Mat Source got off the ground and scaled fast
- The strategies that kept them competitive in a crowded market
- Balancing technology with a traditional, personal approach to sales
- Lessons learned from the early days — and what they’d do differently
- Why building trust with suppliers and customers is non-negotiable
“If you haven’t got your customers’ trust, you haven’t got anything.”
“We’re not reinventing the wheel, we’re just making it turn faster.”
“The key is to stay hungry, no matter your size.”
“We’re not reinventing the wheel, we’re just making it turn faster.”
“The key is to stay hungry, no matter your size.”
Whether you’re running an SME, managing sales, or thinking of starting your own venture, this episode offers insights from people who’ve done it, lived it, and kept growing.
Key Topics:
- The start-up story of Mat Source
- Growing a metals business in a competitive landscape
- Building strong supplier and customer relationships
- Mixing tech and tradition in sales
- Staying agile and adaptable as you grow
- The mindset needed for long-term success
Episode Quote:
"You’ve got to stay hungry, the moment you stop, someone else will take your place." – Mark McGregor
Sponsors:
SteelBuy is a digital marketplace built for the metals industry, helping buyers and sellers connect with speed, transparency, and simplicity.
NERO Pipeline Connections is a trusted UK stockholder of stainless steel valves, fittings, and pipeline products, supporting industries from process to precision.
Comton Group Ltd. is a specialist recruiter for the metal, engineering, and manufacturing sectors, helping businesses hire the right people from shop floor to senior leadership.
NERO Pipeline Connections is a trusted UK stockholder of stainless steel valves, fittings, and pipeline products, supporting industries from process to precision.
Comton Group Ltd. is a specialist recruiter for the metal, engineering, and manufacturing sectors, helping businesses hire the right people from shop floor to senior leadership.
About The Metal Guys Talk Business:
Hosted by Peter Comerford and Mike Bolton, The Metal Guys Talk Business is the go-to podcast for professionals in the metals, engineering, and manufacturing sectors. Each episode explores the challenges, changes, and big ideas shaping the industry from the shop floor to the boardroom.
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