SEVENTEEN Penarth businesses have reached the finals of the Welsh Independent Retail Awards.

The awards celebrate the best independent retailers in Wales and businesses are nominated by customers.

Angelina Hall and Cathy O’Doherty, co-owners of Glass By Design at Station Approach, were two of the business owners who were nominated.

“We are a one-off business,” said Angelina. “As well as having a retail gallery space for our own work, we promote over 30 Welsh-based artists who sell with us.

“We also have a working studio space where we can pass on our skills and knowledge by running a teaching programme in glass techniques.”

Angelina and Cathy designed and made a plaque to commemorate Prince Charles’ visit to the Marie Curie Hospice last month.

Umpa Lumpa Sweet shop in Windsor Arcade has also been nominated.

“We’ve never been nominated before and it is wonderful that people have taken the time to nominate us,” said owner Karen Dunlop, who is a member of the steering team for the Shop Penarth scheme.

“We have some fantastic independent shops in Penarth and we are proud to be part of such a vibrant and supportive community.”

Another local business which hopes to win is the Crepe Escape, a family-run coffee shop on Glebe Street.

The owner, Alison Jones, said: “We are always amazed and humbled when we get nominated for an award.

“To think that our customers have taken time out to vote for us really means a lot. As a team we work so hard to create the best and most welcoming environment in our shop.

“We found out we were shortlisted when we saw a congratulations post from the lovely Hamptons.

“I love Penarth and have lived here since I was a child. “We are so lucky to have so many amazing independent retailers in one town and so many wonderful customers who support and vote for us. We work really closely together as a group of traders in Penarth and I know how much all the nominees deserve to win.”

Other local businesses include Funky Monkey, Griffin Books, the Bike Shop and several others.

A spokesman for the Welsh Independent Retail Awards called independent retailers the ‘backbone’ of the Welsh economy.