A barber shop in Eccles has been awarded with the overall National UK Barber of the Year at The UK Hair and Beauty Awards.
McLaren & Co Barbering, Hair Replacements & Aesthetics’ were given the title at a Grand Final red-carpet event in Birmingham on the 21st and 22nd of April 2023 at The Eastside Rooms, hosted by Duncan James and Jake Quickenden.
Owners of the barbers, Ian Anthony McLaren, was presented with the award alongside his husband, Jack.
Ian said: “I didn’t think I would win any of it, and thought it’s just an excuse for a weekend away, get dressed up, and go for nice food and drinks, yet alone getting first place overall for the North West region and winning the official HBA National UK Barber of the Year award overall, as there’s so much amazing talent out there that work so hard.”
He began as an apprentice in the Hairdressing and Barbering industry at just 16-years-old and after twenty years in the industry created McLaren & Co Barbering, Hair Replacements & Aesthetics in April 2022. Building his business from scratch, he renovated the store completely and decorated it for nine weeks before opening.
Ian has developed a strong passion of constantly learning and developing his salon even further, by undertaking additional training and several courses to gain more and grow in the industry. Now a favourite with the people in Eccles, Greater Manchester, working alone to provide all services, six days a week.
He said: “I’m so glad I dove in and got my own shop 12 months ago, because if I didn’t do it then, I probably wouldn’t have done it. After renting chairs and working for other barber shops and salons, I decided during lockdown, that instead of paying for other people’s businesses, it’s about time I set up my own and do it for myself.”
The UK Hair and Beauty Awards celebrate the hair and beauty industry and aim to support businesses both large and small and expose all candidates to new opportunities via social media, no matter their financial and social status.
The judges for the awards said: “We thoroughly enjoyed seeing what you’ve been up to this year and are excited to see what the future holds for you and your business. You have done absolutely amazing to get this far and we wish you best of luck.”
Ian is also a Professional CPD Certified, Fully Insured and Qualified Advanced Practitioner, specialised in all forms of Gents Grooming, Traditional Barbering, Great Classic Contemporary Styling and Funky Cuts, Hair Replacement Systems, and Aesthetics Treatments
He is extremely proud of himself and bringing an award home to Eccles as he said: “Overall I’m a happy boy, shocked, but proper buzzing. I suppose in a way it’s not really sunk in yet, but I just want to thank all my customers for their support, and everyone in Greater Manchester and the North West who have been popping in saying congratulations and well done. Thank you for loving my work and being truly valued and respected clients. It’s nice to bring it back home to Eccles.”
To learn more about The UK Hair and Beauty Awards, visit www.hairandbeautyawards.co.uk.
McLaren & Co Barbering, Hair Replacements & Aesthetics is open 9am-8pm Monday to Friday and 9am-6pm Saturday, taking bookings for consultations and appointments, with walk-ins welcome too. It is located near Eccles Shopping Centre on 26 Church Street, Eccles, Greater Manchester, M30 0DF. Connect with McLaren & Co Barbering, Hair Replacements & Aesthetics through Facebook and Instagram.
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