More than 85 women from across the south east Wales attended Torfaen's annual celebration of women in business and the contribution they make to the economy.

Attendees, either established in their career or having started a new business, represented a diverse range of sectors including finance, service, legal, retail, creative, IT/digital and the food and drinks industry.

Organised by the Economy and Business Development team at Torfaen council and opened by Alison Ward, chief executive of Torfaen council, the event, now in its seventh year, featured networking, opportunities to showcase local businesses, high tea plus time for shopping at a number of trade stands.

Speakers included farmer and mother of three Hayley Hanson, who runs a mid-Wales luxury leather accessories business.

This inspirational and entertaining entrepreneur was interviewed by Lee Morgan, Business Growth Enabler at NatWest Bank, about how she developed her business, the challenges along the way, the ethos of sustainability within the business and her future focus.

In addition, attendees heard from experienced local business woman, Kelly Davies.

Kelly, who was a weapons engineer for 12 years in the Royal Navy whilst running her own beautician business and currently lectures in engineering at Crosskeys College, talked about her own life journey and how she has adapted and succeeded within these diverse cultures.

This year, the event supported the new specialist centre of excellence for breast care service at Ystrad Mynach Hospital, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board.

Gaynor Wakeling, Business Development Manager at Torfaen Economy & Business Development, said: "This has been another highly successful evening and I’d like to thank everyone who has attended and supported this annual event. Networking events like this are just one of a wide range of business support services that we offer.”

“Our next Torfaen Business Voice networking event will on December 5. Members and non members of this popular business club are welcome to book and attend.”

Gaynor said: “I would urge anyone doing business or looking to set up an enterprise in Torfaen to get in touch to discuss the range of support we can provide.”