A director of a Newport-based business has been named as a winner at the national Institute of Directors Awards.

Daniel, CEO of Retail Merchandising Services, which has its headquarters at Langstone Business Park, was named New Director of the Year.

He won the same title at the IoD Wales awards in May.

Winners from each region were considered for the UK-wide shortlist, with seven Welsh winners being shortlisted for the final at The Royal Horticultural Halls, London, which was hosted by Strictly presenter Claudia Winkleman.

Daniel took over the helm of RMS following the death of his father Peter O’Toole in 2015, 10 years after he established RMS and became one of Wales’ most respected entrepreneurs with the aim of making shopping more attractive.

Peter, founder and chief executive of RMS, was posthumously recognised at the same awards in 2015 when he was highly commended in the Director in an SME category following his triumph in the Medium / Large category at the Wales awards earlier that year.

Dan attended the awards with his brother Connah, who also works for RMS.

Judge James Morris, managing director of JF Marquees said he is ‘impressive, building and growing on a solid legacy. This director has continued to drive the business and its business forward in a challenging retail environment'.

Daniel, whose father lost his battle with mesothelioma, a rare form of asbestos-related lung cancer at his home in Llanwern, said: “It was strange being back at the same awards, three years after collecting an award on behalf of my late father.

“It was an incredibly proud and emotional moment. I would like to thank all our amazing ‘RMS family’ who have stood by my brother and I through a difficult three years as the business has transformed and grown.”

Robert Lloyd Griffiths, Director, IoD Wales said: “I am thrilled and delighted at the Welsh success at the IoD national awards.

“We have previously acknowledged the level of leadership demonstrated by both these directors, but for Welsh companies to be recognised on a wider, UK-wide stage is a great accolade."