Vaughan Gething [Minister for Economy, Wales] Visits My Salah Mat!

Written by Kamal Ali, Founder of My Salah Mat

A proud moment for My Salah Mat as we had our first official ministerial visit! We had the pleasure of hosting Vaughan Gething, the Economy Minister for Wales.

The whole experience was surreal so I’m not sure what we are going to do when King Charles or the Prince of Wales visits us!
On a serious note, it was all very surreal. I had to forward that names of everyone who would be present at the visit to Vaughan Gething’s office. We spent a few days preparing our office, organising the products and the warehouse.

As it was a daytime visit, we decided to prepare simple lunch food that can be eaten easily, rather than a traditional Bengali feast!

Vaughan Gething and I spoke about the business, how it started, it’s current position and my future vision. He was genuinely intrigued and asked many questions about the business.

I explained to him about the Muslim industry in the UK, halal food, modest wear and the economic benefit of Ramadan to any business in the U.K. I highlighted how charity is a pillar of faith and that during the month of Ramadan, Muslims from the UK donate hundreds of millions of pounds.

Newport's @MySalahMat’s interactive prayer mats are a global hit, trading worldwide 🌍 @vaughangething visited them to congratulate them on their success, and highlight the support that Welsh Government can offer businesses looking to start their exporting journey! pic.twitter.com/GCkIpHaWNY
— Welsh Government Economy (@WGEconomy) October 3, 2022

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Vaughan was previously the councillor of Butetown in Cardiff, which is an extremely multicultural ward. He was already very knowledgeable about Ramadan and he had visited many mosques during Ramadan to break fasts with the community.

The highlight of the day was the selfie that I took with the Minister! He was really approachable and friendly and I was surprised when he agreed to a selfie.

I personally believe that we have an excellent Economy Minister. He took time to speak to each staff members individually and the whole My Salah Mat team spoke very highly of him! He was generous with his time and gave me some good business strategy advice. He suggested many ideas and contacts that I hope he will pursue on our behalf.

The Welsh football team being at the World Cup in Qatar for the first time in 64 years is something that was discussed many times. I am now pursuing the idea of the Welsh football team presenting a My Salah Mat, designed and invented in Wales, as a gift to the Qatar football team!

Thank you Hayley Vincent and Ruth Stockley for supporting us on the day of the Ministerial Visit, your continued support is overwhelming and much appreciated!