Matt Topman

BREWER AND OWNER Stinky Bay Brewing Co

What does a typical working day involve for you?

There is no typical day. Some days I may be brewing all day or packaging all day. Others I may be doing my accounts, or making deliveries, or meeting with other businesses to discuss opportunities. Some days if I have achieved what I need, I leave and go do what I want! The variation of the role is huge, and I enjoy this aspect as much as anything else. I can work at 11pm or 5am and that’s my choice.

How did you get your job?

I started the company myself back in later 2017 and have continued to run it ever since. As the director of a small business, I get to see everything involved in running a company.

What motivates you in this role?

I enjoy the variation, being able to put your name to something that you have created, and the flexibility it allows me to lead the lifestyle I would like.

Are there any future skills you will need to learn for your role?

The only skills needed is an ability to adapt and learn. A more specifically useful skill that I would like is graphic design/digital design. As marketing and communication is so visual, this would be a useful skill.

What are the three most important skills required for your role?

An ability to manage pressure, solve problems in a measured way, and good organisation

What advice would you give someone interested in a career in your profession?

See whether you like it. It may be hard to volunteer at a brewery, but if you are able to take responsibility for your role, then the boring aspects you get with any job are not so dreaded. You can brew at home, and there are plenty of courses you could take.

Tell us a fun fact

Beer dates back to around 4000BC