THE boss of a local brewing company has swept the board at a glitzy awards ceremony.

Connie Parry, chief executive officer of Hurns Brewing Company, was nominated in the manufacturing category of the Welsh Woman Mean Business Awards.

She scooped that title and walked away with the overall award for Woman of the Year at a ceremony held in Cardiff on Thursday night.

The awards have been established by entrepreneur Sarah Cornelios-Price, who created a charity which works with children who have terminal cancer called the Joshua Foundation, named after her son following his diagnosis with the disease.

Connie left school at 16 and has built up several successful businesses in the pub trade. She took over a brewing business after liquidation in 2002 and runs a chain of 17 pubs in South Wales.

Through six years of hard work and sheer determination, she has created an internationally recognisable, award-winning brand which produces the Tomos Watkins beer.

"I'm overwhelmed to have not only won my category but also the Woman of the Year accolade, especially against so many talented and inspiring women," she said.

"I'm hoping the next five years will see Hurns become the number one brewery in Wales.

"We are aiming to produce more products in our portfolio, hopefully ensuring more shelf space in bars, restaurants and supermarkets.

"I'm really proud of how far the company has come over the years, it has taken a lot of hard work and we have overcome a lot of obstacles, but it has definitely been worth it."

Jayne Davies, director of Gowerton-based financial, marketing and business support company Ciotek was also in the running for an award but lost out to Lucy Cohen, commercial director of accountancy firm Mazuma.

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The guest speaker at the ceremony was Debbie Moore OBE, founder of the famous Pineapple Dance Studios in London.

"It's been very inspirational to hear the stories of business women in Wales, the challenges they face and the achievements they have gained," she said.

"It is great that there is a platform like the Welsh Women Mean Business Awards to showcase their talents and inspire like-minded women.

"Women are a fantastic asset to the business community and highlighting their achievements in this way serves to emphasise this in people's minds."

All proceeds raised from the awards and the International Women's Day celebrations will go to designated charities — The Joshua Foundation and Cardiff Women's Aid.

emma.j.jones@swwmedia.co.uk