FOUR businesses in Teignmouth have made the finals in the Muddy Stiletto Awards Devon.

The Laura Wall Gallery, Finley Brown’s Cafe, Daniella Pengelly Photography and Glasswing Jewellery have made it into the top five for their individual business categories which includes Best Devon Art Gallery, Best Cafe, Best Photographer and Best Jewellery Store.

More than 500,000 people nominated their favourite businesses in the Muddy Awards and the five businesses with the most nominations across 27 categories made it through to the finals.

Muddy says: ‘After a year of multiple lockdowns the awards are about showcasing the most awesome lifestyle business across Devon.’

Now the public have until 5pm on July 23 to vote for their favourite businesses via the Muddy Stilettos Devon website https://devon.muddystilettos.co.uk/vote/ You can also scan the QR code, insert right, to be taken directly to the website to cast your vote.

Peter Williams, Teignmouth Mayor, says: ‘We are very proud of our fantastic independent businesses in Teignmouth who have pulled out all the stops during this trying time.

‘We have few empty shops here and that’s a credit to the entrepreneurism and hard work of the business owners. Let’s get behind our finalists and support them by voting for them, what a boost for the town - another feather to Teignmouth’s cap”

Laura’s gallery is situated in the heart of Teignmouth’s Art Quarter where she sells her artworks and homewares.

Her artwork which is featured on the Welcome To Teignmouth Boundary signs. She has won the Muddy Awards for Best Devon Art Gallery twice before, but is aiming for the hat trick.

She said: ‘We are thrilled to be finalists. These awards mean such a great deal to small businesses as they give us such a huge boost.

‘We don’t take for granted a win, we have to work hard for it and hope that the community will get behind the amazing businesses in our fantastic town! We have worked harder than ever over the last 18 months so quite honestly it would simply be fantastic to see some wins.’

Martin and Faye from Finley Browns Cafe, situated on Bank Street said: ‘We pride ourselves on a laidback, fun atmosphere… it’s the most unprofessional professional place you’ll ever visit! We enjoy the idea that people can come and sit and relax and just enjoy their time as if they were in their own living room. Being voted into the finals of the Muddy Stiletto Awards has shown what a wonderful town we have in that they are so supportive of the little guys like us.

‘We were absolutely over the moon to have been nominated in the first place but getting through to the final five is mind blowing. We would like to say thank you again to our customers for all their support… we love you a latte!”

Daniella Pengelly Photography is a Devon, Cornwall & Somerset photographer specialising in weddings, couples and newborn photography. She said: ‘I am so humbled and excited that I have made it to the final five photographers. It is lovely to see so many Teignmouth businesses striving to be the best they can be.’

Kate from Glasswing Jewellery said: ‘It’s fantastic that the awards highlight and celebrate independent, local businesses. We’re an established ethical jewellery company specialising in sea glass jewellery. Our ranges are made in the UK and the materials we use are recycled, ethically sourced, and environmentally friendly. Reaching the finals will go towards raising awareness about the ethical choices increasingly available to customers when choosing jewellery.’