A HOST OF Penarth businesses will be sharing the limelight at the Cardiff Life Awards.

The awards, organised by Cardiff Life magazine, aim to support and recognise the achievements of independent businesses from Cardiff, Penarth and the Vale.

Hamptons, Dear Doris, Bar 44, The Pilot, Rachel Burgess Bridal Boutique, Waterloo Tea and Skin Deep Beauty and Laser Clinic have all been nominated for awards in a range of categories.

An independent panel of judges will choose the winners, based on the nomination, supporting material, indications of success and what that company brings to the city of Cardiff.

The businesses will find out if they’ve been successful during a glittering awards ceremony at Cardiff City Hall on March 6.

Only Men Aloud are set to perform at the ceremony, with a special co-host due to present the awards.

The Blue Pelican Café at Hamptons on Ludlow Lane has been nominated in the café/coffee bar category.

Peter Knowles, of Hamptons, said "The competition was immense so obviously we're thrilled to be finalists. With such a wealth of great innovative indie businesses in Penarth it's not a surprise that we'll be bumping into many of them at the awards ceremony. Our very best wishes to all finalists"

Rachel Burgess, owner of Rachel Burgess Bridal Boutique, said it was a “huge surprise” to be nominated in the new business category.

The boutique, which specialises in handmade dresses from Welsh designers, was first launched in October 2012.

“I was completely and utterly overwhelmed when I found out we had been nominated,” she said.

“For such a small boutique it’s an honour and we are really proud to have the support of the local community.”

She added that it was a boost to see so many Penarth businesses on the shortlist.

“Cardiff is such a huge radius with so many amazing businesses, but we have so many wonderful businesses in Penarth

“It’s so nice to see our small independent town standing up with bigger businesses in Cardiff city centre.

Debbie Sweet, owner of Dear Doris on Albert Road, said it was an honour to be nominated in both the new business and retailer categories.

The shop specialises in gifts, accessories, homeware and vintage goods.

“It’s nice to be recognised as an independent retailer,” she said.

“It’s so great to actually get there and to have a chance of winning is fantastic.”

She added: “It’s great that so many businesses from Penarth have been nominated.”

Bar 44, which celebrated its first birthday in December last year, was nominated in the new business, restaurant and cocktail bar categories.

Owner Owen Morgan, who recently achieved a rare sherry qualification, said: “We are really pleased and when the finalists came out last week we couldn’t believe it.”

Skin Deep Beauty and Laser Clinic was nominated in the beauty category.

Penarth’s Katie Reid said:

“We are so excited to be announced as a finalist,” she said.

“It’s such an honour and we couldn't be more pleased.”

Ffotogallery was also nominated in the event category, The Pilot was nominated in the gastropub category and Waterloo Tea was nominated in the café/coffee bar category.