My Salah Mat speaking at NatWest's Scale-Up Event

I had an absolutely fantastic time sharing my journey of exporting My Salah Mat at the "Exploring Export as a Scale-Up Opportunity" event, hosted by NatWest and the Department for Business and Trade! Masha’Allah, it was an incredible experience to be on the panel, diving deep into the highs, lows, and everything in between when it comes to taking a business global. I could have talked for hours—I truly love what I do, and there’s nothing more rewarding than helping others navigate the world of international trade!

What really made this event special for me was the energy in the room. The passion, creativity, and drive from the entrepreneurs in the audience were absolutely infectious. I found myself staying longer than I had planned because I was so inspired by everyone’s stories and ambitions. It’s always so exciting to see so much talent coming out of Wales, and Masha’Allah, the entrepreneurial spirit in that room was something else!

I want to extend a huge thanks to the amazing team that made the event so impactful. Blessing Mutamba, Sian Evans, Tom Taylor, Dan Walsh, Robin Hill, Claire Parfitt, Ruth Stockley, Sharon Jordan, and Lee Morgan—you all made this event an unforgettable experience. The insights from the UK Export Academy and the support offered by the Department for Business and Trade and the Welsh Government were invaluable. It’s these kinds of events that truly highlight the support available for businesses looking to scale internationally.

One of the most important things about this event was how it addressed the unique challenges that entrepreneurs from underrepresented backgrounds face. These are not just challenges in the domestic market, but also in the complex and sometimes daunting world of international trade. It was heartening to see so much focus on providing the right tools and support to help businesses like ours expand globally. Insha’Allah, I hope our discussions inspired others to take the leap into global markets and explore the incredible opportunities that await.

To everyone who attended, thank you for your engagement and brilliant ideas! I left the event feeling energised and excited about the future of international business for all of us. I can’t wait to see how each of your journeys unfolds. Let’s keep pushing boundaries and making our mark on the world stage!

It was also a pleasure meeting some truly inspiring entrepreneurs like Shoko Doherty, whose answers to the panel questions were enlightening—I learned so much from her insights and am deeply inspired by her business journey.

I also had the opportunity to meet IBYWORLD's Ibrahim, an incredibly talented designer who has collaborated with New Balance and Cardiff City Football team. What a creative mind!

And finally, Dr. Youmna Mouhamad, PhD, with her innovative business Nyfasi, has developed a patented hair detangler that’s truly unique. She’s definitely someone to keep an eye on!

Here’s to more collaborations, shared insights, and success stories. Masha’Allah, the future of Welsh entrepreneurs looks incredibly bright!