North Wales Leadership Programme launch
2026 01 08
f2n Business Network have developed the Visionary Men & Women Lead Change programmes, running over one calendar year (Jan - Dec 2026).

The 6th annual F2N National Business Awards took place on Friday 24 November at St George’s Hotel, Llandudno. The awards recognise business excellence, resilience and future growth.
Hosted and judged by Olympic downhill skier, Chemmy Alcott, the glittering event attracted a record number of entries from across the UK. The night was also an opportunity for the F2N network to continue to raise money for their charity of the year Ty Gobaith. The charity was selected by F2N members who pledged to raise £2,017 throughout the year and smashed their target by raising almost £3,000 (£2,926), the majority being raised during the awards.
Addressing the audience before announcing the award winners, Chemmy told the 140 strong audience that it was an honour to judge such inspirational business awards.
She said: “It’s an honour to judge these inspirational business awards. It was a tough task and the pressure to choose the winners was difficult. I went with my heart and chose the businesses that showed honesty and vulnerability. Those that had struggled and persevered to overcome their adversities to end in triumph.”
Chemmy, who is widely regarded at one of Britain’s greatest ever skiers, also shared her own personal stories including that of overcoming seemingly insurmountable hurdles to be selected to compete at the Winter Olympics. This was following her recovery from breaking her leg so badly the shattered bones broke through her hard plastic ski boot. She joked: “I don’t remember too much about it – ketamine is amazing!”
Chemmy also urged people to ‘push yourself every day to be a better version of yourself’, saying: “I spent 20 years chasing my dream to ski in the Olympics. It took passion, perseverance and a lot of heart. Your dreams make you who you are and every day you push yourself to be a better version of yourself. When on the road to following my dreams I never lost, I only won or learnt.”
Nina Sardar, founder of F2N Business Network who organised the awards said:
“Once again we’ve had a lot of nominations from all over the UK which has been demonstrated by the winners of many of the categories. One of the main difference of these awards is that the winner is selected by the host which in many ways makes them unique. Chemmy is an uplifting and motivating person who has overcome so many difficulties on her Olympic journey, so to be chosen by her to be an F2N business award winner really is a massive achievement.”
The winners are:
Winner of the Green Business of the Year partnered by Swayne Johnson is Hydro Veg Kits, a simple way to grow vegetable created by Sue Tonks.
Chemmy Alcott chose Hydro Veg Kits as the winner as it was ‘an exciting project with huge growth potential and a fun vision’.
Sue Tonks of Hydro Veg Kits, based in Coventry, said it felt ‘incredible’ to win. Her kits are a brand new initiative and are a simple way to grow vegetables 365 days a year.
Sue says “We’ve been working on these kits for just over two years and to win this award is incredible. The kits grow vegetables with no digging, weeding, slugs or snails – or even water. They’re organic, easy to use and are great fun. Our aim is to get it working over in India and Africa.”
Winner of the Network Marketing Person of the Year partnered by Handy Office, is Bridgette Handley, Brand Ambassador of Tropic Skincare based in Rhos on Sea, Colwyn Bay.
Chemmy recognised the passion Bridgette showed for the business and the growth she had achieved across the UK in just three years.
Bridgette Handley said: “While I’m thrilled to win this award – it’s all thanks to Tropic Skincare that I’ve achieved so much. Their business ethos is all about enabling people, especially women to become successful. Sir Alan Sugar and Susie Ma [who are behind Tropic Skincare] are both inspirational and extremely supportive.”
Winner of the Rachel Elnaugh Enterprise Award partnered by 20twenty Business Growth, is Marina Kogan of Kogan Coaching an international life and business coach, based in Colwyn Bay.
Chosen for her development of a brand new coaching and mentoring qualification based on a new coaching model co-authored by Marina and published internationally, Chemmy said it was the growth potential of Kogan Coaching that had selected her as the winner as well as the challenges Marina had overcome.
Marina Kogan of Kogan Coaching said:
“I’m very happy to receive recognition of my achievements both in my part of developing a new coaching model [Salutogenic Coaching Model] and especially for the development of my coaching qualification which helps bring the Salutogenic model alive. To be selected by Chemmy as a winner from among so many other amazing enterprises is just incredible.”
The winner of the Business Champion Award, partnered by White Blossom Wellness, is Kerry Evans of Mode Academy a beauty training business based in Prestatyn. Chemmy said of Kerry. “Her work / life balance, her success and growth and most of all her business work ethic shone through making Kerry a clear winner.”
Kerry said: “The f2n awards mean a lot to me and my business. They help boost business as potential students can see the pride and professional approach we take in being a multi-award winning academy. The business champion category was a tough one and a huge surprise to hear my name called out and the winner. I’m over the moon still and on cloud nine. Thank you so much”
Winner of Entrepreneur of the Year, partnered by NatWest Cymru, is Jamie Jackson of 2J Commerce, an eCommerce specialist, whose headquarters are in Sheffield and has offices in Manchester, London, Dublin and India. Chemmy was impressed with Jamie’s organic growth and expansion and also his growth vision.
Jamie said: “I’m over the moon. To be recognised for anything you do is a massive achievement and to be recognised in Wales is phenomenal.”
Jamie’s growth plans include further expansion by opening up in more locations and move the company into a PLC in 2018.
Winner of the Margaret Carter Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, partnered by ION Leadership, is Michael McDonnell of Michael McDonnell International, an international mindset coach based in Manchester.
Chemmy chose Michael for the award saying: “Michael has overcome his own challenges and is now coaching people from all around the world including Australia and America.”
Michael said: “It was a shock to be announced the winner but a pleasant shock! As I work on my own the award helps me realise I’m on the right track, doing the right things in the right way. It’s confirmation that I’m doing the right thing.”
Networking Person of the Year, partnered by F2N Business Network was won by Rachel Jones of A470 Training based in Trawsfynydd. A470 Training provides a range of training courses for the hospitality industry. Rachel is an F2N Networking host, hosting events in Porthmadog.
Chemmy said of Rachel: “Rachel stands out as a fabulous [networking] host. She is warm, welcoming and instils confidence in people.”
Rachel was ‘in shock’ to be announced the winner, she said: “It came as a complete surprise, I’m in shock I think. The most important thing about this award for me is that I was nominated by a fellow networker. That someone has taken their time to nominate me and think me worthy of being nominated has completed blown me away.”
The newly created Chemmy Alcott Leadership Award partnered by Supertemps, was picked up by Andrea Monteith of Bangor. Andrea created the successful Your Local Dragon, a printed directory featuring local businesses.
Chemmy selected Andrea the winner for her “Hard working, vibrant, creative mind who works tirelessly to promote local business. She applies her nurturing nature and supports businesses to succeed.”
Andrea said: “I’m really, really pleased to have been selected as the winner of the F2N Leadership Award. Its recognition and confirmation that our years of hard work have had a positive impact. We always try to go above and beyond for all our clients and it’s nice to have recognition for that.”
Winner of the Khizar Sardar Business Man of the Year award, partnered by Addysg Oedolion Cymru / Adlut Learning Wales, was Jonathan Quinn of Hygienic Innovations Ltd. Jonathon, who’s from the Wirral invented a device that hygienically cleans items using sound waves. Jonathon was spurred on after watching the milk steamer being wiped down with a cloth while at a coffee house. Jonathon also runs two other successful businesses - Blockwalls who produce interlocking ‘lego’ blocks used in construction and Bullion Tech, a metal recovery business.
Chemmy said of Jonathon: “From watching dirty cloths being used to clean milk steamers in September 2016 Jonathon was proactive in creating a solution. He now has four working prototypes and a business that has amazing potential. This is especially rewarding for me as I love coffee!”
Jonathon said: “Winning Business Man of the Year is just brilliant. We’ve won other awards which we’re obviously very proud of but this is a prestigious award that covers all that we do.”
The Saira Khan Business Woman of the Year Award, partnered by F2N Business Network was presented to Helen Swindley of Proactive Footcare. Helen runs a successful podiatry business in Llandudno Junction specialising in orthotics.
Chemmy was blown away by Helen, saying: “Helen’s positive attitude and focus have seen her managing her dreams to create a successful business. She deserves every accolade she receives.”
The New Business of the Year Award, partnered by Tudno TV, was picked up by Daniel Bridgewater of Buckt, based in Birmingham. Buckt (pronounced Bucked) is a ticket and activities subscription box where monthly subscribers receive five mystery activities every month. The activities could be anything from cinema tickets to mediation and yoga.
Chemmy selected Buckt for showing ambition and drive. She said: It’s evident that Daniel’s ambition and drive means that he works outside the box. This in turn has created a great business with massive growth potential.”
Daniel said: “I only started the business in January this year and I genuinely didn’t think I would win, especially as the other finalists were just fantastic. I’m planning on expanding the business north and down to London and with the connections I’ve already made through winning this award, North Wales is also now on the agenda.”
Business of the Year Award, partnered by Face for Business, is Swayne Johnson Solicitors, who have offices in North Wales and Cheshire. The award was collected by Sarah Noton, Managing Director of Swayne Johnson.
Chemmy said of Swayne Johnson: “This is an incredibly successful business with a fantastic internal ethos combined with ambitious growth. They have a positive impact on the local community and beyond.”
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Thank you to our PR Partner, Teresa Carnall TBC Marketing for this article and for all Press and Media articles throughout the lead up and after this year’s f2n National Business Awards. www.tbcmarketing.co.uk
f2n Business Network have developed the Visionary Men & Women Lead Change programmes, running over one calendar year (Jan - Dec 2026).
Nina Sardar, founder of f2n Business Network based in Llandudno, has been recognised as one of the UK’s 100 most inspiring female entrepreneurs.
Nina Sardar, who founded f2n Business Network in October 2010, will be featured alongside leading female founders from across the country as part of Small Business Britain’sf:Entrepreneur #IAlso100 campaign, which celebrates the multi-achievements of women running businesses in the UK.
Wishing you a very Happy New Year from Nina and all the team at f2n Business Network.
f2n Business Network have developed the Visionary Men Lead Change programme, running over one calendar year (Jan - Dec 2026).
Men in particular benefit from this type of support because, even in 2025, many still face structural, cultural, and practical barriers that can limit their professional growth, visibility, and influence — and those challenges are often compounded at leadership level.
It’s one of the most critical ingredients behind the success of f2n Business Network — and the reason our members genuinely win new business.
Imagine this:
You’re at a networking event.
Someone says, “I’d love an introduction to construction companies in Conwy.”
Your best friend owns a construction company in Abergele.
You know them well. You could connect them.
But you don’t.
Why?
Wow, wow, wow — what a wonderful evening we had last night!
The f2n Business Network members’ Christmas Party – “Black Tie and Bling” was absolutely incredible.
THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF OUR HEARTS!
f2n Business Network Quality Moments Matter appeal, supported through the “Buy Nina a Virtual Cappuccino” and “Donate to Join” mini-campaigns, has now raised an amazing £552 for Hope House and Tŷ Gobaith.
For many aspiring entrepreneurs, the idea of launching a business feels exciting… and terrifying at the same time. Yet, most of the barriers are mental rather than financial. Here’s what I see holding people back—and how to overcome it:
Delighted to have taken part in Hope House and Tŷ Gobaith “Let’s Do Dinner” – though in our case, it was lunch!
Ahead of the North Wales - Business Wales / Sell2Wales Meet the Buyer event next month..
What’s the real cost of tendering?
Multi-Award-Winning Business Network Reaches Capacity as Membership Demand Soars
f2n Business Network, the multi award-winning organisation at the heart of the local business community, has officially become oversubscribed as demand for membership reaches an all-time high.
Local businesswoman selected as Finalist for global Women’s Business Award.
This December businesswomen from across the globe are coming together for the annual Women’s Business Awards. The event features over 25 categories including Businesswoman of the Year, Employer of the Year, and Diversity & Inclusion Award.
“Networking with Nina” episode six
This is going to be a controversial topic…
“Networking with Nina”
Episode Five
This one is for those of us who’ve been networking for a while, years or even decades in my case….
The advantages of working in the private sector versus the need for collaboration… How can we work together?
One of the biggest barriers to parents returning to work is the lack of funded childcare. If you’re based in Wales, this could change everything for you…
“Networking with Nina” episode 4…
What obstacles stop you joining a business network?
f2n Business Network have developed the Visionary Women Lead Change programme, running over one calendar year (Jan - Dec 2026).
In this episode we’re going to focus on
“Why DO YOU Network”
Someone told me today…
“Your membership is too cheap,
it should be at least double the price!“
Our Mission
f2n Business Network exists to empower, connect, and support local businesses and professionals through meaningful relationship-building, inclusive networking, and shared learning opportunities. We are a business network with purpose — placing people and community at the heart of everything we do.
In this episode we’re going to focus on
Why DON’T you network ”?
The answer to this is going to be slightly different for everyone but there are some broad responses.
Before I start, I want you to think about…
* Why you network? (If you already do) - we’re going to cover this in episode 3!
* Why don’t you network (if you currently don’t)
Yes, f2n Business Network was the FIRST UK networking organisation to give every attendee a full 2 minutes to speak at every meeting.
Welcome to a new series of posts….
“Networking with Nina”
I’m going to be sharing some
insights, tips and helpful hints for you if….
* You’ve always wanted to join business network, but you don’t know what to expect
* You had a bad experience, you’ve never attended another network
* You enjoy networking, but you want to get more out of attending
* You love networking, something I read might inspire me!
Did you miss us? Well I missed you and I’m delighted to be relaunching the network this Autumn!
As a group, f2n Business Network is a business networking organisation which supports and hosts over 200 events each year for small and micro-businesses across North Wales & Cheshire. For the past five year’s our members have democratically elected a Charity of the Year for all members to support.
We would like to congratulate all this year’s f2n Business Awards finalists, UK’s elite businesses at the top of their game as chosen by this year’s Judge & Awards Host, four time Winter Olympian, Adventurer and Britain’s number one female Alpine Skier, Chemmy Allcott.
f2n Business Network is thrilled to announce that the 2017 business awards will take place on Friday 24th November 2017 from 7pm at The St George’s Hotel, Llandudno, North Wales. Limited tickets are now available: CLICK TO SECURE YOUR TICKETS
This glittering black tie gala event provides the ideal opportunity to recognise the success and reward the achievements of business men and women from across the United Kingdom. These are business people have succeeded and continue to succeed in their chosen field during such unpredictable economic times.
Being a Finalist in the f2n Business Awards is an incredible achievement, we received huge number of entries and our judge, Chemmy has only selected a handful of finalists per category.
In fact Chemmy was so impressed with your business stories that she told f2n Business Network, “the quality of nominations far exceeded anything I could have imagined. I feel I know all about you and your business and I can’t wait to meet you on November 24th. I can relate to many of your stories - you are truly at the top of your game!’
Finalists include:
10 Top Tips for Creating Award Winning f2n Business Award Nominations!
By multi award winner Teresa Carnall of TBC Marketing and Press and PR Award Partner
Click below to complete your nomination and enter this year’s f2n Business Awards, the 6th National Business Awards which takes place each year in the beautiful seaside town of Llandudno, North Wales on Friday 24th November 2017.
Entries close on 21st September 2017 and all finalists will be notified in advance. Each Finalist will receive a certificate and the winners will receive hand-crafted awards made from locally sourced materials. All Finalists will have the opportunity to meet and have a photograph with this year’s Judge & Host, Four Time Winter Olympian Chemmy Allcott.
Nominate a business or business person who you think deserves national recognition!
* Top Tip - complete your nomination in a word doc. and save it on file for future entries then copy and paste it into the nomination form.
The Conwy Business Awards 2016 took place at Venue Cymru, Llandudno last Friday evening. There were over 350 guests in attendance including representatives from the Conwy business community, councillors and dignitaries. There were over 110 entries and the ion Leadership award was awarded to Nina Sardar, Founder of f2n Business Network.
As a group, f2n Business Network is a business networking organisation which supports and hosts over 200 events each year for small and micro-businesses across North Wales & Cheshire. For the past three year’s our members have democratically elected a Charity of the Year for all members to support.
Over 150 businesses from all over the UK attended the recent Free2Network Business Awards held at the St George’s Hotel, Llandudno recently.
This is the fifth year of the awards and founder of Free2Network, Nina Sardar, said the support for the awards has never been higher.
“We received a staggering number of entries to the awards this year, each of them winners in their own right. I know that Margaret Carter, our judge and host for the evening had a mammoth task in choosing the overall winners.”
As well as winning a stunning award, hand crafted from Welsh slate embedded on a plinth of oak, each of the 12 award winners will receive a mentoring session from Margaret Carter herself. Margaret is a multi-award winner in her own right, business entrepreneur and self-proclaimed CEO – Chief Excitement Officer and founder of Patchwork Traditional Food Company.
On Friday 13th November Free2Network members came out in force to support Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Day.
Free2Network members dressed up for networking on a Friday 30th November.
This year’s Free2Network Business Awards finalists have been announced…
Alice shares her story with you which shows the power of winning a National business award.
Last year Rich Brady of Recruit Packs was crowned Free2Network Business Man of the Year, here’s why Rich would encourage you to nominate for this year’s Free2Network Business Awards.
Each of this year’s twelve Free2Network Business Awards will be produced with locally sourced Welsh slate and are handcrafted and engraved in North Wales.
Friday May 29th, Free2Network celebrated National Biscuit Day at the Afon Conwy, Llandudno Junction.
Last year Free2Network members voted for St David’s Hospice to be their chosen Charity of the Year and they raised an astonishing £3884.47, smashing their target of £2,014.
Businesses from all over the UK were honoured at the Free2Network Business Awards held at the St George’s Hotel, Llandudno on Friday 28th November.
TV Personality has selected the finalists for this year’s Free2Network Business Awards.
Would you like to be featured in the Free2Network Top 12 for one year?
Features end on January 31st 2016.
Featured with us for one year
Each “Top 12” feature includes click through to your own website
Free feature design included
Excellent and prolonged business exposure
Social media links to your feature throughout the year
Be one of only a dozen businesses each year in our “Top 12”!
Just £200 for one year’s exposure…
Businesses in our 2015 Top 12 include:
1. Cleaner Care Limited
2. Jacksons Accounting
3. Quality Acoustics Sound Services
4. Integral Life Centre
5. Tudno TV
6. Glasdir
...only six features remain!
See Free2Network Founder Nina Sardar taking the #ALSIceBucketChallenge!
Apprentice star, TV presenter and entrepreneur Saira Khan has been named as this year’s celebrity host and judge at this year’s Free2Network awards. The celebrity entrepreneur first came to our attention as a contestant in the hit TV show The Apprentice in 2005 and has rarely been off our screens since.
Each year Wales Business Insider magazine reveal the latest group of 25 enterprising people aged under 40 who think will shake up the Welsh business scene in years ahead.
Why would an organisation choose to partner our Free2Network Business Awards? We asked three time partner Gareth Jones, MD from Carbon Zero and this is what Gareth said…
Thanks to all the Free2Network members who came out to support our RNIB Dotty Days in April.
We raised £28.00 which will help to make a difference to the lives of blind and partically sighted people across the UK.
4th Annual Free2Network Business Conference
Friday March 21st at Glasdir Centre, Llanrwst
10am - 4pm.
Click to view the Order of Events
We asked our members to vote on our Annual Survey as to which Charity they would like us to support in 2014. The majority of votes came in for St David’s Hospice.
A local business networking organisation based in Llandudno was celebrating last week having smashed their target of raising £2,013 in 2013 for their chosen Charity of the Year for 2013.
ENTREPRENEUR and former Dragon’s Den star Rachel Elnaugh will judge the Free2Network Business Awards 2014 following the success of this year’s competition.
The announcement was made on the day twelve business leaders and organisations were announced winners and presented special trophies during a glittering gala dinner evening at St George’s Hotel in Llandudno.
Finalists from across North Wales gathered for the event hosted by Rachel who led the tributes to those named on the shortlists as well as winning awards.
Free2Network members and guests at the Quay Hotel, Deganwy had fun this morning raising much need funds for the BBC’s Children in Need appeal.
A former Dragon has selected the finalists for this year’s Free2Network Business Awards.
John Evans owner of Handy-Office based in Old Colwyn had only been a member of Free2Network for less than one year and last Friday he celebrated attending his 100th event!
When does a five-bedroom guesthouse run by a husband-and-wife team get to compete with the likes of Brains Brewery and the Principality Building Society?
In business awards, of course.
FORMER Dragon’s Den star Rachel Elnaugh has urged North Wales businesses to enter a business competition she will judge and present in the region later this year.
The celebrated businesswoman described winning awards as “the pinnacle of the entrepreneurial journey” and believes her own successes led the BBC to cast her as the first female Dragon in the hit show. She will judge and present the annual Free2Network Business Awards in Llandudno this November and says North Wales businesses stand much to gain by entering.
Free2Network have been approached by television production Wall to Wall, one of the UK’s leading independent production companies with a reputation for making intelligent and sensitively made content. Wall to Wall are most well known for making programmes such as ‘Who Do You Think You Are’ and the hit family reunion series ‘Long Lost Family’.
Chris Russell is well-known in the sailing world. Based out of Strangford Lough, Northern Ireland, Chris began sailing at the age of 5 and hasn’t looked back since. He progressed quickly to an International level as a youth in the Optimist, 420, Laser Radial, and later 470 classes.
Following my last article I’m delighted to say we’ve hit the £400 mark which mean’t I wore my bright pink onesie at Free2Network in Deganwy this morning!
Free2Network aims to raise £2,013 in 2013 for Hope House Children’s hospices by organising a variety of fundraising events, activities and donations. Please support us!
Hope House Children’s Hospice provide specialist nursing care and support to life-limited children, young people and young adults from Shropshire, Cheshire, North and Mid Wales.
Free2Network Business Awards Black Tie Dinner…
Join us in honouring the 2013 Free2Network Business Award Winners and Finalists
At Free2Network we are keen to protect the environment for future generations so we encourage our Members to car share whenever possible. Other than the environmental benefits car sharing is a great way develop the relationships between members…. more time to network!
.... Free2Network Passionate about Car Sharing!
SHOW….BUSINESS SELLING!
Wednesday 16th May, 8.30 - 10.30am
St George’s Hotel, Promenade, Llandudno
Attend this lively breakfast event with self made multi-millionaires Nicky Pattinson.
You will not need to attend any other sales training course again!!!
You are most welcome to download and/or forward our Free2Network Spring Conference Flyer. Alternatively email nina@f2n.co.uk for a copy in PDF or jpeg formats.
The conference is taking place on Friday April 20th at The Interchange, Old Colwyn.
Over 250 business men and women are booked to attend, so this is set to be a superb day for networking, developing, empowering and motivating yourself and your great business future.
We asked some our our attendees and Free2Network Members to tell us why they attend Free2Network events.
Come and “show off” your businesses at the forthcoming Free2Network Spring Conference 2012
We’re delighted to be joined by Jo Beevers, Founder of Kokonoir Chocolates for this year’s Free2Network Pancake Day Business Lunch at the St Georges Hotel on the Promenade, Llandudno on Shorve Tuesday, 21st February 2012.
Would you like to have the opportunity to promote your business to Free2Network members at the first BIG event of 2012?
Here’s a look back at Free2Network Events which took place in 2010/11….
Thank you to Computer Solutions Cymru who are offering a prize draw to win the software “Sage ACT!” to all attendees of the Supertemps North Wales Autumn Conference this Friday!
I’m delighted to annouce that Everything Everwhere (T Mobile & Orange) will be taking a trade stand at next Friday’s Supertemps North Wales Autumn Conference 2011.
Last Friday I attended Spotlight North Wales, a conference held annually in North Wales. Tim Smit KBE, Chief Executive and Co-Founder of the Eden Project was the keynote speaker and I adored Tim’s honest and jargon free presentation. Thank you Tim, you made my Spotlight 2011!
Taking place on Friday 14th October was the inaugural Free2Network Awards. With over 120 Free2Network guests from businesses from across North Wales this gala black tie evening was set to recognise the most celebrated businesses and entrepreneurs in our region.
“We were inundated with nominations in all categories from across the region, judging was made difficult because of this, so to be announced as one of our finalists was an incredible achievement. The winners shone as the finest businesses and entrepreneurs from across North Wales.” Nina Sardar, Founder Free2Network
Nominations are coming in from across the region for this year’s Free2Network Awards.
The Free2Network Awards are designed to recognise, celebrate and promote the achievements of businesses and entrepreneurs from across North Wales.
The first [Your Business Name] North Wales Conference will take place at the Conwy Business Centre, Llandudno Junction on Friday 25th November 2011.
If you are interested in sponsoring this event and would like [Your Business Name] to be associated in helping to develop over 150 local business men and women then please email nina@free2network.co.uk for more information.
The Free2Network Awards & Website Launch took place in the Garden Room at the Royal Hotel, Llandudno on Thursday 28th July