Four Gwent businessmen were among the great and the good of Welsh businesses to be acknowledged at IoD Wales’ Director of the Year Awards 2018.

Newport-based Acorn group marketing director Dan Langford was given the Director’s Award for establishing Wales Week in London.

Steve Jones, of Comparison Creator, Cwmbran, picked up the award for innovation.

The award for new/emerging director went to Daniel O'Toole, of Langstone-based Retail Merchandising Services.

The fourth award to go to a Gwent business person went to Philip Roberts, Catalyst Growth Partners and Biotec, of Newport, who was named non-executive director.

Former South Wales Argus marketing manager Lynsey Holley-Matthews, of the Jehu Group, Bridgend, won the award for Corporate Social Responsibility.

The awards, now in their seventh year, have become an established highlight on the Welsh business calendar and celebrate business achievements and inspirational leaders across Wales while bringing all sectors of the business community together, irrespective of size, geography and longevity.

Robert Lloyd Griffiths, director of IoD Wales said: “This is my absolute favourite day of the year. I wish every finalist could win, but those who have been acknowledged with an award are those who have demonstrated the huge contribution they have made to their businesses and organisations.

“This year we have more than 300 guests gathered together to celebrate with winners from all parts of Wales and from a wealth of sectors; but who share one common feature in that they have made massive contributions to their own businesses and organisations throughout this last year and importantly, have contributed significantly to the local economy in which they are based, and of course the wider Welsh economy.”