Photo of Matt Coulling

Matt Coulling

Operations Director

Based:

Yorkshire

Key skills:

  • Systems & workflow process
  • IT & information management
  • Technical applications delivery
  • Compliance & data protection
  • Operational support & team management

Hello, I'm

Matt

Matt is a Board Director and Operations Director at DJS Research, with a keen eye for systems and process management to ensure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes.

With deep-rooted expertise in compliance, data protection, and information security, Matt ensures operations meet the highest standards, keeping both clients and data safe. His role also extends into IT and information management, where he helps drive technical innovation, streamline workflows, and support the team in delivering high-quality research.

Matt particularly enjoys the problem-solving aspect of his work, whether that is optimising operational processes, navigating complex compliance challenges, or implementing technical applications that make life easier for the team.

Outside of work, Matt has a fascination with all things gold digging, gold diving, off-grid building, and Alaskan living. When he is not watching programmes about people braving the wilderness in search of fortune, he is usually chasing after his Spaniel, Autumn, or attempting to look after his garden.

 

 

A few fun facts about me...

If I wasn't a Partner I'd love to be...

A farmer

The best thing about my job is...

Getting stuff done

My favourite place to be is...

in a pub or the garden - ideally a pub garden!

Not many people know that...

I once shared a sausage roll with Johnny Vegas in a London cafe

A few fun facts about me...

'This' or 'That' questions...

Chocolate or cheese?

Chocolate or cheese answer: cheese

Sunny or snowy?

Sunny or snowy answer: sunny

Country or town?

Country or town answer: country

Coffee or tea?

Coffee or tea answer: coffee

Cats or dogs?

Cats or dogs answer: dogs

Early bird or night owl?

Early bird or night owl answer: night owl

'This' or 'That' questions...

Explore the teams...

The Operational Board is responsible for the day-to-day running of the business and developing the company’s business strategy. They are also fully hands-on, winning and delivering research projects.

Our Managing Director, Alastair Gleed, and several of our board members are founding figures of DJS Research, having joined in the early post-shed era of the company (intrigued... read about ‘the shed’) and have been in research since the previous millennium! In Spring 2024 we introduced a new scheme to bring fresh thinking and new energy into our boardroom, welcoming three new board members on a rotational basis. Both the initiative and the new members of the team were warmly received, and it's already paid dividends as the trio have had a hugely positive impact company-wide.

The role of the Trust Board is to ensure DJS Research is run in the best interests of all Partners and meets its legal responsibilities. It works closely with the Operational Board, offering strategic challenge and oversight.

Our company founder, and former Managing Director, Danny Sims, sits on the Trust Board, continuing to share his knowledge and experience garnered from over 30 years in market research. Financial oversight is provided by Finance Director, Rich Slater, while HR Manager, Lucy Pawson, champions the voice of our people through EO Voice – our employee council which represents the views and interests of everyone across the company and provides a direct route to both company boards. Our external Independent Trustee Director, John-Paul Simpson, provides an important and entirely neutral perspective on company matters and brings invaluable employee ownership expertise from his own business. His role is to protect employee interests, uphold company values, and ensure accountability across leadership.

 

Chairman

Finance Director

Employee Trustee
Director (HR Manager)

Independent Trustee
Director