Matthew Croston
He joined Social Finance in January 2022, transitioning from a career in corporate insurance, via a Masters in Regenerative Economics at Schumacher College and a stint volunteering at St Ethelburga’s Centre for Reconciliation and Peace. The main driver of this change was the need to bring his day-to-day actions and career more in line with his values, and a desire to have a positive impact in the world.
Matt believes that working with Social Finance is the ideal place to channel this energy at a time when the converging social, climate and ecological crises are creating ever increasingly perilous challenges for society.
Away from work, in rural Devon where he lives, Matt is engaged with initiatives focused on creating regenerative culture and communities. He is a director of a small social enterprise, Resilient Lives, which supports people in recovery through meaningful occupation and food based workshops and support groups.
Your ideal dinner party guest(s)?
Bob Dylan and Steve Coogan — not sure how well they’d go with each other though!
If you could instantly become an expert in something, what would it be?
Playing the guitar — I still hold dreams of playing Glastonbury!
What are your hobbies and interests?
Hiking, cooking, going to gigs and festivals, learning from nature, helping out in the community.
If time travel were possible, which era would you go to?
Mid-sixties California ☮
What do you do to unwind?
Cook something new, usually with a glass of wine and some nice tunes.
What’s your favourite board game?
Chess.
What’s your speciality in the kitchen?
Anything local and seasonal :)
What technology has changed the world the most?
The steam engine, the catalyst of the Industrial Revolution and Anthropocene.