Matthew studied catering with us, even though he was always more interested in business management. Not having the correct O-Levels to pursue that course, he was drawn to catering because it opened doors for him. 

What appealed to me was it didn’t just cover catering. It also covered everything from law to sales, marketing and personnel issues. Catering wasn’t the foremost, but I liked the content of the course, and it was a great location.” 

Ealing was an especially great location because it allowed him to get the number 65 bus down to the London Welsh rugby club at weekends during the winter. He had a great time at UWL, but quickly discovered that cooking wasn’t his passion. 

I never understood why we had to use these massive great pots, hand stir things for hours on end, and get shouted at in French. I’d often try and convince other chefs to finish off filleting a fish or something so I didn’t have to.” 

Once he finished university, Matthew joined Mecca Leisure, working as a trainee manager at a venue called Hammersmith Palace – a big venue that hosted famous bands like The Pogues. Mecca provided an opportunity for Matthew to move around the country, experiencing all sorts of hospitality jobs. 

Matthew eventually returned to west London, where he became the night manager at an ice cream factory in Greenford. During this time, he met his wife of thirty-one years, and even did the catering for his own wedding. 

After working for a few more factories, Matthew realised he wasn’t happy working for other people, so moved back to south Wales and the town of Newport, where he grew up. Taking everything that he’d learned at both university and throughout his career so far, he started his own company. 

We started as a speciality sandwich business with some working lunches and buffets. We expanded, mainly just to buffets. We used to have about a hundred clients that we’d deal with. I didn’t do any of the cooking though.” 

Instead, Matthew was doing sales and marketing, knocking on doors and selling the business. But, as he was to discover, running your own company often means there is no time off. 

Well, you’re only as good as your last buffet. I went to a cousin’s wedding, and we had a break in on the Saturday night, and I realised that I just couldn’t ever relax.” 

Around 1998, Matthew sold the business and became primary carer for his two young children. During this time, his local council was closing the nursery his children attended. When Matthew looked into this, he came up against the local councillor, who challenged Matthew to run against him, if he thought he could do a better job. 

That was like a red rag to a bull. I took the seat from that councillor in 1999 and I’ve been a councillor ever since.” 

To top it all off, Matthew got an MBE for political and public service in 2021.  

That was a great experience, going off to Windsor Castle and being presented to by Princess Anne. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d be given that. When the email came through, I just couldn’t believe it. It was such a huge experience, and I still pinch myself sometimes.” 

Matthew has stood twelve times for his party, in both general and local elections, becoming a public figure in the community. 

There’s a lot of family history for me here in Newport. It’s a very industrial town, but it’s home. There’s family and friends here, so I came back to my roots basically. It’s the city I know, both my grown-up daughters live there too.” 

We asked Matthew what advice he had to share with anyone starting out after university. 

Whatever you’re doing, just do it to the best of your ability. People appreciate a good job, and they do notice when you’re working hard, so whatever it is, just do it as well as you can.”