The co-owner of a Whitefield hair and beauty salon has praised the hard work of her colleagues after winning a prestigious industry award.

YOU MCR on Bury New Road was named Best New Salon in the North West at the UK Hair and Beauty Awards, which recognise the achievements of businesses up and down the country.

This year’s awards were held at glittering ceremony in Birmingham and featured performances from pop band Blue’s Duncan James and X Factor contestant Jack Quickenden.

YOU MCR opened its doors in April last year and is co-owned by sisters Samantha Spencer, 29, and Ellie Spencer, 25. 

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Samantha said the award showed that the hard work she and her team have put in over the last year has paid off.

She said: “My sister was obviously delighted, it was an amazing feeling we have put so much effort into the salon and making it where it is today.

“We’re going to make changes where necessary and continuing evolving, it’s nice to feel that you’re on the right track.

“It’s hard to put into words, there’s a lot of competition in the Manchester area.”

Samantha describes the team as being "like a family" and has big plans for the business in the future.

Over the next two years, Samantha hopes to expand the business to provide training opportunities for those looking to get a start in the hair and beauty industry.

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“We want to encourage girls to come into the hair and beauty industry,” she added.

Since opening last year, Samantha and Ellie have already begun supporting the community with fundraising days, and they hope to continue raising money for causes close their hearts, including mental health charity Manchester Mind.

Samantha added: “We are just thrilled to bits, we want to continue this momentum.”