A bridal business from Hendy has been shortlisted for a prestigious award.

Aria Bridal UK is a finalist in the Sustainable Business category in the new Sustainable Wales Awards, which celebrate excellence, innovation and leadership in the sustainability and green energy sectors in Wales.

Helen O Sullivan, owner of Aria Bridal UK, will now go up against Natural Weigh and Jaspels Angelseys Craft Cider in a public vote which closes on October 31, and the winner will be announced at an awards lunch on Thursday, November 29 in the Principality Stadium, Cardiff.

The Sustainable Academy Awards are organised by Cynnal Cymru and RenewableUK Cymru and recognise the work being done by individuals, community groups and the public sector, as well as small and large businesses.

Aria Bridal UK is an innovative, sustainable bridal label for brides who dare to be different.

Each one-off design is created in direct collaboration with the brides by designer maker Helen in her home-based studio in Hendy.

All of the designs are then made using sustainable materials such as hemp, organic cotton, organic silk, bamboo and upcycled/reclaimed materials.

Even the threads used are organic cotton.

The additional unique selling point of designs is colour: Each design can be dyed in a range of colours using azo-free dyes or 100 per cent natural plant-based dyes.

As Helen works as the designer she is able to control the sourcing of her materials and ensure they are from responsible and sustainable sources.

She sources from local businesses and works with small family owned factories to ensure fairness for workers.

Helen said: “I’m absolutely honoured to be a finalist in the awards for Sustainable Business.

“Aria Bridal UK is a new and small business which is run entirely by myself alongside my teaching job so it is fantastic to have the recognition of my business and the hard work to ensure my business can have a positive impact on the environment, the lives of people who are connected throughout my supply chain and also the likeminded brides I work with. It really is an honour.”

David Clubb, Director of RenewableUK Cymru and one of the judges, said: “We are delighted with the standard of entries for the first year of these awards.

“It is clear there is a lot going on in the sustainability and green energy sectors in Wales and it is fitting that these awards have been created to celebrate and recognise the achievements of so many. It was a hard job choosing the final three in each category and I hope people will get behind their local projects and show their support in the public vote.”

You can cast your vote for Aria Bridal UK at www.sustainableacademy.wales.