TWO Saffron Walden mums have been chosen from nearly 300 nominations as finalists in a national business awards scheme.

Helen Neale, 39, owner of www.kiddycharts.com, and friend Kelly Compton, whose business is Saffron Crafts, have been nominated for gongs in The Business Mums Awards 2012, organised by www.mumsclub.co.uk.

However, Kelly and Helen are not fighting head to head. Kelly is vying for the title of Mums of Notable Recognition – hoping to show she is a lady with the business X-factor – while Helen is nominated for the Super Blogger category.

Helen was inspired to write to help other parents who were going through the same challenges as her.

“The KiddyCharts website and blog is really just about life as a parent. Providing tools to help other parents to get through it all; and having a bit of a laugh along the way,” she explained.

“I didn’t actually think that people would enjoy reading my stuff, and keep coming back for more.”

The former business analyst also narrowly missed out an another award this year, when she reached the finals of a parent blogging award which recognised her writing talents.

Kelly has been offering her personalised crafts, including bunting, party bags and cushions, in Saffron Walden for the last year.

She said: “The loss of my parents made me realise i needed to follow my dreams and Saffron Crafts was born. What started out as a hobby has now turned into my life and business, making personalised/quality goods at affordable prices.

“I have always loved sewing. It wasn’t until a friend suggested a few years ago that I had a real talent for this that I decided I would start up the business. And the business really has gone from strength to strength,” Kelly added.

Voting for the awards closes on Saturday (October 6) at 12pm. Visit http://www.mumsclub.co.uk/awards/html/vote_here.html to lend your support.