A Trellech-based business woman was named 'entrepreneur of the year' at the South Wales business awards on 21st September.

24 year-old Emily Webb developed her unique invention which began her company, Oarsome Potential, whilst studying for her GCSEs at Habadasher's Monmouth School for Girls (HMSG).

She then left school and continued to work on her idea, studying a business management degree at Exeter University and visiting many invention shows around the country. It was at one of these shows that Emily was approached by a researcher for the well-known BBC show, Dragon's Den at the age of 19.

Despite not receiving any financial backing at the time, Emily was glad to have been given the chance to take part on the show as the youngest individual ever.

"Appearing on the show catapulted my business into a different league over night. I would absolutely recommend anyone given the opportunity to go on there.

"I was so nervous though and felt so sick. I still feel sick now when I hear the theme music".

She may not have been granted money from the Dragons, but the young entrepreneur was supported at the age of 16 by the Welsh Assembly. The youngest person ever at the time to have been backed by the government scheme.

Emily's simple but innovative hand grips were designed to fit around rowing oars to aid comfort and improve technique. They have now been given a new job by gaining a lot of interest in the medical world, fitting around crutches to prevent hand injuries. These have been given to a high profile military hospital and to Troop Aid, a charity working to help injured servicemen.

"This was a whole new world I had to jump into. But I was so pleased to have also secured a contract to supply grips to the London Paralympians in training. More and more athletes started to use them. The grip has a wide range of scope.

"In my little way I was able to leave my own Olympic legacy".

Emily has recently moved back from University to her parents' home in Trellech, were she spent much of her youth.

"I have always found Monmouth a good place to run a business. It is well connected with Wales, London and Birmingham. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else".

Emily's success has been recognised by her old school, having been invited to return as a Young Enterprise mentor this year.

The young business woman runs Oarsome Potential out of an office in Llanover where her mother also runs her own separate business. The grips themselves are produced in China and packaged in Ebbw Vale.

As well as her success in the 'Young Entrepreneur' category of the South Wales business awards, Emily was also short listed in the 'Innovation in Business' category.

She is up for the same award at Monmouth Business Awards, due to be held on Friday (5th October).