Q&A: Mat Llewellyn
26 March 2021
Mat Llewellyn is managing director of Port Talbot-based MHM Group which offers generators, lighting towers and fluid storage tanks on a nationwide re-hire basis, and sells new and used models. In recent years the company has developed machines and equipment to enable hirers and end users to reduce emissions and lower their carbon footprint.
How’s business?
Despite Covid-19, business has been fantastic and we’ve opened up numerous new accounts. As an industry we’ve all had to muck in together to fight the pandemic and, thank goodness, construction was deemed to be essential. At first it was a bit daunting as this is the first recession I’ve experienced as a company director, having gone through the difficulties of the 2008 downturn as an employee, but in a way it has been strangely exciting, with everyone rising to the challenge.
What products are in particular demand at the moment?
Power generation equipment. There’s been an unquenchable demand for power since the start of the pandemic, due in part to the numerous Covid testing centres going up all around the UK. We’ve been proud to be part of the efforts to fight the disease. There’s also an upturn in sales of eco-friendly products, which have been on our agenda here at MHM for a number of years now. But because of the pandemic and the government’s drive to eliminate the use of fossil fuels to become a carbon neutral, demand for machines like solar hybrid generators and solar lighting towers has accelerated tenfold. Indeed, demand for solar towers exceeded our stock levels last year, so we’ve made steps to ensure that won’t be the case again. Interest is really growing strongly now and so, when people want to re-hire or buy our equipment, we will have it available.
What is your standout memory from the past 12 months?
The impact of the lockdown is something that I will remember for a long time, as will everyone else. On a positive note, the way the industry was able to almost overnight adapt to a brand new way of working and communicating was amazing. We all kept trading even when people were not being able to go to their depots or, even, travel at all. Everyone made big changes and similarly, with the new regulations on carbon emissions and new technologies we can react accordingly and adopt solar and battery powered solutions.
What are the main challenges facing your business or the wider industry?
Digitalisation. This is something we’ve spent much time exploring, but certainly since the pandemic we’ve all been forced to look at this more closely, as part of our operation. We’ve been working closely with Syrinx [from Point of Rental Software], upgrading and improving our systems to go as paperless as we can. And even though we have had trackers on our re-hire fleet several years, we’re working closely with a Danish organisation in regard to fleet management and updated tracking systems.
Any other challenges?
We’ve had to adapt to new ways of communicating, using WhatsApp, Zoom, Teams and other conferencing solutions. Construction was deemed to be an essential industry and so we had to ensure we could keep providing support. It’s now very much part of everyday business.
And what are the biggest opportunities?
The development of new products to reduce or eliminate fossil fuels. Yes, historically our equipment has always used these energy sources but MHM is still a young supplier at 11 years of age. I think it’s an amazing opportunity, not only for us, but also for all suppliers to adopt new technologies and move forward in better, cleaner and more environmentally friendly ways.
What one thing would make business easier generally?
More hours in the day! But also embracing digital opportunities will bring huge benefits. From our own perspective, technology like telemetry systems enable us to manage our re-hire fleet more efficiently for our customers, and later this year we plan to launch an equipment monitoring service that we will manage and control completely in-house, giving greater efficiencies. We are also looking at ways of engaging with customers on-line, such as by using virtual showrooms to display equipment.
What annoys/frustrates you?
Unwillingness to adapt, when you hear comments like, “We’ve always done it this way”. Generally, I’m quite tough-skinned so nothing much annoys me, but what I don’t like is negativity - people stuck in their ways and clinging to tradition. I’m always excited to look for new and better ways to do things.
What’s the oddest or most challenging customer request you’ve ever received?
Back when we first started the company, a Scottish customer wanted a large amount of welders from our used equipment division. He wasn’t bothered how they looked as long as they had power. We only found out later that he was using them on his fleet of fishing boats, putting the welding cables in the water to stun the fish so he could catch more. I’m not sure we would have sold them if we’d known that. Ironically, we recently launched our MHM 360 Asset Finance Division and one of our first orders was for a 20kVA road-tow generator from a customer in Devon - to power a fish bar.
What was your favourite school subject?
Academically I wasn’t hugely enthusiastic. Practical subjects were more up my street. I really enjoyed Design and Technology. I’ve always had an interest in how things work and all the technical aspects. I’ve designed a lot of MHM equipment and I think this comes from my maternal grandfather, who did everything from manufacturing cast iron fireplaces to being one of the first people to offer a fitted kitchen installation service. He could see opportunities.
If things had been different, what other career might you have chosen?
I’ve always had a passion for motor sport, but soon learnt it doesn’t pay the bills. When my father [the renowned Josh Llewellyn] was running GenSet, I worked there from a very young age in the depots. I’ve always been fascinated by machinery, people and the fact that business can take you to anywhere in the world. It took me to Australia where I worked and lived for six years, which I very much enjoyed.
What did you do in Australia?
I qualified as an engineer with GenSet but I wanted to travel. I joined an independent hirer in Sydney called Active Tool Hire which had more than 20 depots. I started as a workshop engineer and then went on the hire desk. It was amazing. We even made our own components because it often took too long to import them.
What’s the best piece of advice that you’ve ever been given, or that you would pass on to others?
It’s the simplest things that apply to all situations and circumstances: be nice, kind and treat people the way you’d want to be treated yourself. As long as you’re an honourable, honest, and fair person I believe that will always work in your favour.
Tell me a surprising fact about yourself or your business.
MHM was originally formed as a family business, run by me, my sister and my brother, with the title coming from our first name initials. But it’s my Dad and I who run things now as my siblings took different paths.
Do you follow a particular sport and/or team?
I prefer to participate in sport rather than follow it. I’m very active and love anything that involves two wheels. Instead of spectating I’d rather compete and I’ll do anything from fun runs to ‘Tough Mudder’ events. I race motorbikes and I’ll enter any kind of extreme bike racing. Thankfully I’ve never had any serious accidents so I’ve been lucky. I just go to have fun, keep fit and make it home at the end! My 18-month-old son, Jacy, is following in my footsteps: he could ride a bike before he could walk and, when he’s older, if he wants to do events we’ll do some together.
What’s your favourite music?
I don’t get stuck in a genre or era anything like that. I just like anything that’s new, fresh and sounds exciting. I’m always open to anything new.
On what non-work topic could you give a 30-minute talk with no preparation?
When I was younger I travelled quite a bit and I’m very passionate about the benefits of travel and experiencing new cultures. I took time out one summer to work on a caravan park on the west coast of France and it was fascinating to meet others from many different regions and countries. In business you have to adapt and relate to people in various locations and situations, and travelling or studying abroad brings you more experiences and understanding.
What new skill would you like to learn?
After being involved with the company for 11 years now I plan to work towards a business degree at some point, to apply my practical experience to the theory and vice versa. Now I’m a bit older I think I’d have more focus and discipline, and can see benefits which I wasn’t really able to do when I was of school age.
What would you do if you won the lottery (after charitable acts)?
I’d take my partner, Laura, on a few trips to different countries around the world. I always seem to end up being too busy to go for a long holiday so we’d go to some the places where I’m always saying ‘Oh, one day, one day’.
What are you most looking forward to once life returns to normal?
In a sense, life during the pandemic hasn’t really changed that dramatically. I still work a lot and other than that I spend time with my family, riding bikes and walking the dogs. In fact, during lockdown I was able to take advantage of being home more and spending extra time with Laura and Jacy. It’s been amazing to watch him grow, discover things and to take him out on my bike. I do miss Enduro racing which is anything from 3 to 8 hours racing cross country and off-road courses, so I’m looking forward to doing that again.
What’s the secret of success?
You can’t beat hard work. There are no shortcuts. Hard work, honesty, and loyalty to everyone around you and a thirst to learn. If you’re not enthusiastic about what’s in front of you, you’ll never get there. You’ve got to dream have the ability to adapt. Keep your eyes wide open and be prepared to deal with whatever comes up in front of you.
Finally, is there anything you would like to add about the business, the current trading outlook, or future plans?
MHM are power, fluid storage and lighting specialists and we’re hugely enthusiastic and excited about the changes on the horizon. I certainly think the next five to ten years will be the most exciting period for our sector and for industry as whole. The changes will be immense as people seek innovative zero-carbon solutions, and they will bring great benefits to the industry, the environment and the future.
• I’ll upload my next Q&A interview with an industry professional the week after Easter.
