At Cardiff Blues we are incredibly fortunate to work with an abundance of brilliant companies from the likes of our Principal Partner The MSS Group, to FTSE100 companies like Jaguar Land Rover and LexisNexis Risk Solutions to local SMEs.
But why do these companies join the Cardiff Blues family and who are the people we deal with on a daily basis?
In the latest edition of our new Meet the Partners series, we speak to The Indigo Group's Sales Director, Matthew Bennett.
Can you explain who Indigo Group are and the products /services you provide?
The Indigo Group provides commercial contracting and risk management connected services across several industry sectors. I specialise in our CIS commercial contracting solution; where we help ensure construction companies can work with subcontractors on a continuous long-term basis, without risk of being subject to employment status investigations.
Indigo also provides a supply chain assurance solution through a dedicated platform offering businesses full transparency and confidence that their supply chain is legal, compliant and properly managed throughout. Some of these services include IR35 Assessments, VAT Risk Management, DBS Checks, Right to Work checks & Modern-Day Slavery checks.
What is your role in the company and how did you get involved in the industry?
My current role is Sales Director, based in in Penarth. I started working for Indigo a little over 4 years ago to drive growth in the Wales & the West of England. For the previous 10 years I had worked for Countrywide Plc, and it felt the right time for a fresh challenge. It has been an exciting journey from originally setting up the office to now helping and supporting over 100 construction clients manage their business risk.
What is the key to leadership and creating a good culture?
As cheesy as it sounds, I believe if you are paying someone for their skills and experience let them use them. I’ve seen many people over the years limited by the role and businesses quickly forgetting why they recruited that person. I believe in developing & supporting our people to achieve their goals by creating a more hands off approach whilst ensuring there is accountability, trust and of course results whilst having as much fun as we can along the way.
Are there any lessons or transferable skills you take from sport, which benefit your company?
Absolutely, having read a lot of brilliant man-management books from Alex Ferguson to Clive Woodward, I have taken a lot of sporting mantras into my leadership approach. I particularly agree and believe that doing the small basic tasks correctly day in day out, however laborious they maybe, is a big ingredient to successful performances. Training and continuous development is also key. At Indigo working with an ever-changing legislative landscape we must be one step ahead of the rest and pride ourselves in investing in the best training and updating/upskilling for our employees. In the same way sport is always looking for the small marginal gains, we are too.
Why did Indigo Group get involved with Cardiff Blues and how has the relationship developed?
We are big sporting fans and as well as the fun and excitement of being involved with Cardiff Blues matches, it also gives us a great opportunity to support our local community.
How does Indigo Group benefit from working with Cardiff Blues?
The business networking and introductions to other partners at Cardiff Blues is great but being able to share the experience and build relationships with current clients and prospects whilst watching a game over pie & a pint is invaluable. We also try to share this experience further by having fun competitions to give away tickets and prizes on our social media channels.
When did you first become involved in rugby?
I first started playing rugby at 8 years old for Llandaff RFC and following my first ‘tour’ to Italy at age 10 I was completely hooked, I finished playing at Canton RFC where I loved the playing side and enjoyed the trips and friendships made just as much…if not more!
What is your earliest or fondest memory of Cardiff Blues?
As a young teenager I spent most of my Saturdays at the Arms Park and actually still have my ‘Junior Blue & Black’ membership booklet from the 92/93 season. I was also ball boy for a couple of seasons, and a great memory was Jonathan Humphries telling me not to dry the wet ball for the Swansea hooker at their lineouts and then giving me his socks after the game as a reward!
What makes Cardiff Arms Park special to you?
The people, the atmosphere, the childhood memories and now making new ones in a more professional capacity. Walking into the stadium, the smell of hotdogs whilst the choir, band or music is playing is just brilliant.