Beth Matthews Spotlight

Beth Matthews Spotlight

Let’s get to know Beth Matthews – Beth is our Tower Crane Administrator and has been with Radius for just under a year. Beth talks to us about having the confidence to enter into an industry which historically lacks female participation. Beth also talks to us about life outside of Radius, her love of books and her very famous relative! Over to you Beth…

What career path did you take to get to where you are now?
I undertook a BSc in Geography at Coventry University, where Geography was considered a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) subject and we were mixed in a school with Civil Engineering and Construction Management. After gaining the Women in STEM scholarship offered by the university it gave me the confidence to enter into industry which lacks in female participation. After taking some time at an unrelated job to give me time to do a Postgraduate Certificate, I eventually took the plunge and found my way here. 

What does your daily routine look like?
This all depends on the day. On a Monday (and usually spill over into Tuesday) I handle processing of the Operator timesheets so they can be handed to our finance department ready for payment. I, alongside my colleague Shauny, also keep the various spreadsheets we use for tracking progress up to date. I also liaise with clients and suppliers to ensure everything runs smoothly through the whole operation – from erection to dismantle and everything in between. There are always a lot of phone calls to be made and emails to be sent.  

What is your biggest accomplishment since working at Radius?
My biggest accomplishment, by far, since joining Radius is being part of a team that dismantled a crane at Hinkley Point C in December, and erected another one there in March. It has been a pleasure working with two of the Tier One companies their and building rapport with them. Hopefully the service we have provided them with will encourage them to undertake more work with ourselves. Whilst undertaking the work at Hinkley, I have learnt a lot, undertaking more tasks than we usually would to ensure vehicles and people are booked in to comply with our strict schedule to ensure the crane is erected/dismantled in a timely manner. Overall, whilst it has been one of the most stressful experiences of my life, it has also been one of the most rewarding.   

How have you grown professionally whilst working at Radius?
From being surrounded by industry specialists I have been able to broaden my knowledge of cranes expansively, allowing me to perform my job more quickly and accurately. I have spoken to increasingly more stakeholders, clients and suppliers which has boosted my confidence and allowed me to build strong business relationships with several of them. I have also been able to build rapport with our operators which helps support the ongoing operations on site.  

What are the favourite parts of your job?
My favourite parts of the job include liaising with clients and suppliers and broadening my own network as well as widening Radius’ compass. Most of all, however, I have enjoyed becoming part of the Radius family – where I feel comfortable and well looked after.  

What is the most difficult challenge you’ve experienced working for us?
Without a doubt, Hinkley Point. Although I call it my greatest achievement, it was also one of the most challenging scenarios I have ever been put in. There has been time pressure and several constraints we have worked under to get where we are but the best part of all is making it through the challenge with a positive outcome at the end.  

What motivates you at work.
Largely, the people I work with motivate me (and the free Yorkshire Tea). The small team we have within Tower Cranes are hard-working individuals who pull together to make magic happen. Knowing I have the support of at least five other people when I come into work every day, I always feel motivated to come in and continue with my works.  

What’s something most people don’t know about you?
I decided to give up getting a full Masters by Research and finish with a Postgraduate Certificate in Agriculture because I wanted to continue learning in a way that was self-controlled! I am now very much a self-professed bookworm on a mission to read – in 2023 alone I have currently read 19 books, averaging just over 6 books a month! I would say my favourite book on my journey so far is ‘To Kill a Mockingbird – Harper Lee’.  

Name your ultimate dinner party guests (dead or alive)!
Nelson Mandela , David Cameron, Queen Elizabeth II 

What kind of music do you like?
Indie/Alt Rock 

What’s the best concert you’ve been to?
The 1975, Birmingham on 15/01/23 

What’s the best place you’ve travelled to?
Budapest, Hungary 

 If you could change one thing about your life, what would it be?
My university degree. 

What show are you currently binge-watching?
9-1-1

Have you ever met anyone famous?
Yes. My dad’s cousin has two children with the lead singer of Stereophonics (Kelly Jones). We call him Uncle Kelly.  

Which historical figure would you most like to meet?
Queen Victoria