Two successful entrepreneurs have joined this year’s Monmouthshire Business Awards as judges.

Andy Harrington, a public speaking expert, and David Jamilly, one of the stars of Channel 4’s Secret Millionaire, will join the panel on the annual Judges’ Choice Award, which is a special accolade awarded to one of the 12 individual category winners.

Harrington, who has shared the stage with the likes of Sir Richard Branson, Lord Alan Sugar, Donald Trump and Bill Clinton, said: "I’m delighted to be on the judging panel of this year’s MBAs. Monmouthshire is a hotbed of entrepreneurship and growth, fuelled by a wide variety of businesses with a shared passion for what they do."

Second judge Jamilly is the owner of Theme Traders, an events company and the author of ‘Party People’ and ‘The Creative Approach to Events’.

He said: “It is a great honour and privilege to be involved in such a prestigious awards scheme for a second year."

The winner of the Judges’ Choice Award goes to the best entrant overall and is presented to one of the shortlisted finalists.

Other awards at this year’s awards, which are backed by Monmouthshire County Council, include Innovation in Business, Young Entrepreneur, Company Demonstrating Sustained Growth and Company of the Year.

Businesses from across Monmouthshire have until the end of July to enter, with winners being announced at a gala dinner at the Celtic Manor Resort in on October 23.