In February 2023 we saw the launch of the inaugural Torfaen and Monmouthshire Business Awards. We created the awards as we saw the opportunity to bring together the business communities of Torfaen and Monmouthshire to celebrate the achievements of the entrepreneurs and businesses operating across both counties.

We’re no stranger to a challenge at Grapevine, as such, with a clear vision in mind, we chose to host the first of these awards in none other than Abergavenny Market Hall. With a little imagination and a determined team, the fully functioning Market space was transformed into what we’re sure you’ll agree was a black-tie worthy venue. Bringing in a whole purpose-built kitchen, bar and stage, the scene was set.

After a warm welcome from Monmouth Male Voice Choir, The Torfaen & Monmouthshire Business Awards commenced, it saw over 50 businesses shortlisted, with upwards of 260 people from all over the counties gathering in Abergavenny Market Hall to recognise the outstanding entrepreneurial endeavours, where we crowned 14 winners and 7 Highly Commended across a broad range of sectors in the business community.

With the likes of Dragon’s Den success story, Kelli Aspland and Laura Waters from Solar Buddies taking home the Entrepreneur of the Year trophy and 88-year old, Martin Lewis of Homeglow Products, bagging the Innovation and Technology Business of the Year, it’s safe to say the event was a roaring success.

With the satisfaction of a job well done and the 2023 awards drawing to a close, the venue was transformed back overnight, ready for the traders and customers to arrive for Abergavenny’s Friday Morning Market.

Abergavenny Market Hall the morning after the awards

We were so pleased to see how well supported the awards were by finalists and sponsors alike, with a special mention to our headline sponsor, Johnsey Estates UK Ltd. We can’t wait for the return in 2024, with the second Torfaen and Monmouthshire Business Awards to take place in the county of Torfaen this time around.