About

John White

John is a director of Brick Fabrication Ltd., a manufacturing business supplying the UK house building industry.
He has several start-ups to his name as well as a parallel career in leadership development, having worked for The Leadership Trust, for over thirty years as a course director delivering leadership courses around the world. He helped to set up an environmental charity, Caplor Horizons as the Chair of Trustees. John lives on the Gower coast and enjoys the outdoors, especially sea swimming and long-distance walking.

Alison Williams

Alison’s career has spanned over 35 years in the textiles industry, managing several manufacturing and distribution businesses in Torfaen and neighbouring boroughs. Her business management experience covers Design , technical, manufacturing, distribution, and Sales. Alison’s hobbies are unsurprisingly textile related and enjoys teaching sewing in her free time.

Robert Lloyd Griffiths OBE

Robert Lloyd Griffiths OBE is ICAEW’s Director for Wales. He holds several non-executive and advisory positions and was previously the National Director for the IoD in Wales. He has a degree in banking and finance from Cardiff Business School and was awarded his OBE in the 2014 Queen’s Birthday Honours for services to the economy and voluntary services in Wales.

Lisa Mytton

Lisa is currently the Strategic Director for NTFW the National Training Federation for Wales, Lisa has worked in the Post 16 work-based learning apprenticeships industry for over 26 years in her role as Head of Quality, Lisa is also a qualified assessor and verifier, previously an Estyn Peer Inspector alongside a 16-year political career in Local Government, Lisa has previously been the Mayor, Cabinet member for Education and most recently Leader of Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council.

Lisa is also a Director of the following charitable companies The Cyfarthfa Foundation, Merthyr Tydfil Institute for the Blind and The Stephens and George Charitable Trust and is Vice Chair of the CCRSP Cardiff Capital Regional Skills Partnership.

Liz Brookes

Founder of  the Torfaen and Monmouthshire Business Awards and Director of Grapevine Event Management

Liz Brookes is the Owner and managing director of Grapevine Event Management Ltd. A graduate of Cardiff University in Social Policy, Liz went on to carve a career in the events industry, responsible for organising events throughout Europe and the UK for numerous corporations, most prominently the Society for Endocrinology and the Audit Commission.

Liz founded Grapevine Event Management in March 2011 and it is now one of the most well recognised corporate events companies in Wales delivering high quality creative and innovative events across the UK.

How many categories can I enter?

You can enter up to 2 categories.

Is my company eligible to enter the awards?

The business must be located within the local authority area of Torfaen or Monmouthshire and business rates must also be paid to Torfaen or Monmouthshire council. The business should have started to trade on or before 19th September 2023.

Can I save my application form and return later?

The application form is required to be completed in one go as you cannot save and return later. We suggest you make a note of the application questions and prepare offline before submitting your details.

What is the judging process?

The judging process can be found here.

How long is the interview?

The interview should take no longer than 15 minutes. A 5 minute presentation and 10 minutes of Q&A. We request no computer aids, as we would love to hear the passion come from you directly.

How many people can attend the interview?

We kindly request that only 2 representatives attend the interview.

Can someone attend in my absence?

Yes of course, we welcome any passionate member of your company/ team to attend to let us know why you are so great!

If I/my company is shortlisted, do I get any free tickets to the Awards night?

Everyone is asked to purchase tickets from the website in advance of the evening. Priority is given to shortlisted companies and sponsors but it is on a first come first served basis so you are advised to book early to guarantee the tickets you require.

How much are tickets for the Torfaen & Monmouthshire Business Awards?

Tables of 10 can be purchased for £930+vat, individual tickets are £93+vat. Payment must be made prior to the event.

What is included in the ticket price?

The ticket includes a drinks reception with entertainment and a 3 course meal with coffee, prior to the awards ceremony

How do I book tickets for the Awards?

You can purchase your tickets via the booking link, we will be in touch to confirm your order and request any dietary or access requirements.

Are tickets refundable?

Refunds are available as long as cancellation is received no later than 10 days prior to the event.  Read our full T&C’s here.

Are tickets transferable?

Yes, just let us know their full name contact details (including name, job title and organisation and if they have any dietary requirements.)

Charity

The Torfaen and Monmouthshire Business Awards 2024 are supporting Tenovus Cancer Care.

Included in the ticket price is a £3 donation to the charity, there will be more opportunity to donate on the night via the QR code within the programme book or via the charity envelopes on the tables. We appreciate everyones kind generosity and support for the incredible work of Tenovus Cancer Care.

What are the timings for the Awards?

The agenda for the evening is:

6:30pm Arrival drinks

7:15pm Guests seated

7:45pm Dinner served

9:30pm Awards

11pm Celebrating and Networking

Midnight Evening closes

Where are the awards held?

The awards are held at Parkway Hotel, Cwmbran Drive, Cwmbran, Torfaen, NP44 3UW. Directions can be found here.

Is there parking available?

There is limited parking available at the hotel.

What’s the dress code?

The dress code is Black Tie.

Can I pre-order wine?

Yes, a form will be sent to you once your ticket booking has been confirmed.

Do you need accomodation?

We have secured a limited number of bedrooms at the Parkway Hotel with a preferential rate for Awards Night (19th September). Please be advised you can book a room via calling the Parkway Hotel reservations team on 01633 871199 by quoting  the event name (Torfaen & Monmouthshire Business Awards). Upon making a reservation, you will need to guarantee the reservation by providing a credit/debit card. If for any unforeseen circumstances you need to cancel, please refer to the hotel reservation team for all terms and conditions.

The secured bedrooms and rate is in place for a limited time, after this time the rate may change and the rooms are subject to hotel availability.