TWO Barry businesses are in contention for honours at the forthcoming Welsh Independent Retail Awards.

Aspirations UK and Beautiful Lily, both in High Street, were shortlisted as finalists when nominations opened in December last year.

The second event will see both businesses, in different categories, compete for a trophy and certificate this spring.

The awards are a thank you to those suppliers who provide amazing service and customers select who they would like nominated.

The businesses with the highest number of nominations are shortlisted into the finals.

Aspirations UK, owned by Debbie Burton-Slocombe and her husband Glyn, 47, is an official stockist of Frenchic Furniture Paint and the shop sells furniture which has been up-cycled to a professional finish.

They also commission work and have been approached by the BBC Money For Nothing programme which take items heading for a council refuse collection site, and turns them into a desirable item to be sold.

Florist Beautiful Lily’s owner Helen Huggins was crowned Welsh Florist of the Year in 2018.

Both traders now have to explain why customers have deemed them worthy of their nominations.

Mum-of-three, Mrs Burton-Slocombe, 49, of Barry, said: “At first I thought it was a scam and called Helen to ask if she had heard.

“It’s hard being a business. We have up our jobs to do this and we don’t want to give up on our dream

Mum-of-three, Mrs Huggins, 41, of Barry, said: ”For us it’s the recognition.

“We’ve got to follow this up with a portfolio of anything that will make us stand out.

“I feel excited and has lifted our spirits massively coming after Christmas.

“It feels good at it’s come at the right time.”

The awards ceremony will take place in the Mount Stuart Square, in Cardiff, on Monday, April 15.