2025
APMP Best
Newcomer
finalist
Nominated by
Cathy Day (Shipley)
former APMP Chief Examiner
Best Newcomer awards 2025
The setting: The International Convention Centre, Newport, part of the Celtic Manor Resort which hosted the 2010 Ryder Cup.
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Before the APMP's Annual awards dinner, my only previous visit to the resort had been for that golf tournament, reporting on Graeme McDowell getting mobbed after clinching the trophy for Europe against USA by a single point.
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Five questions, rather than three gruelling days around the TwentyTen Course, were to decide the winner - with the judges' cards offering plenty of highlights:​
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"Matt’s commitment is outstanding—earning APMP Foundation and two micro-certificates before his first bid, attending Shipley training, conventions, and engaging with industry leaders
Matt’s bid work includes clear, quantifiable improvements, winning bids for major companies. He demonstrates high impact. The numbers and narrative are convincing​
Matt receives glowing feedback from clients, colleagues, and industry peers, with specific praise for his writing, perspective, and influence
Matt has skill in energizing teams, challenging established practices, and driving innovation, both technically and culturally​​
Matt’s innovative approach—using journalistic techniques, industry presentations, and practical improvements to bid writing—sets him apart
I have scored Matt very highly for measurable achievements, thought leadership, and a dynamic approach to raising the bar in bid writing
Great evidence of challenging the status quo and bringing forward fresh ideas​
Ultimately, it was not to be enough to win the award. However, in a the video presentation I had been asked to provide by the APMP to acknowledge my selection as a finalist, I was at least able to express my thanks for those that have supported me and outline my ambitions going forward (thanks greatly to The FA, who kindly lent me Wembley Stadium for the afternoon!)