A barber shop in Eccles has been awarded with the Entrepreneur of the Year award at The UK Hair and Beauty Awards.
McLaren & Co Barbering, Hair Replacements & Aesthetics’ were given the title at a Grand Final red-carpet event at the at ICC International Convention Centre in Birmingham.
Owner of the barbers, Ian Anthony McLaren, accepted the prestigious award celebrating the award with his husband, Jack, and amazing team.
Winning the award came as great surprise for Ian, who said: “Winning the Entrepreneur of the Year award at The UK Hair and Beauty Awards was honestly surreal.
“I almost choked on my prosecco, and my team thought they might have to give me CPR,” he joked.
Ian continued: “I honestly didn’t think I had a chance, especially with so many big names in the running, including people who’ve worked with celebrities and have been around for years.
“It’s the kind of award I’ve always wanted, but I never thought in a million years it would be me receiving it.
“It feels surreal and really special to be recognised among such talented individuals.”
And winning surrounded by his team and his husband, Jack, Ian shared how special the moment was, he said: “It felt really special to have my husband, Jack, and all my favourite people there cheering me on at ICC International Convention Centre in Birmingham, as it made the moment even more memorable.
“The first time I went up to get the award back in 2023 for Barber of the Year, I was really shy. But this time around, I thought, life is too short.
“When I got the chance to hit the stage and collect that award, I made sure to make the most of it.”
And despite winning, it seems that it hasn’t completely sunk in, as he said: “I know there will be time to celebrate properly once things settle down a bit.
“But honestly, I haven’t really celebrated in a big way yet. I don’t have the luxury of time because I’m straight back at work and fully booked for weeks, which I’m super grateful for.”
And with a strong and loving community relationship, Ian began his journey 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.
Opening in 2022, the success has been immediate for Ian, as he continued: “The journey as Entrepreneur of the Year has been absolutely overwhelming in the best way.
“The love, support, and respect I’ve received from all the people I look up to in the barbering, hair replacements, and aesthetics industry have made it so special.”
“I haven’t really faced any significant challenges aside from putting in long hours and sacrificing my days off. But honestly, it’s been worth every minute,” Ian added.
And since winning Barber of the Year in 2023, he couldn’t quite believe that he would win this time round amongst 21,348 entries in this year at The UK Hair and Beauty Awards.
Ian added: “It just shows that hard work really pays off, and I’m excited to keep pushing forward on this amazing journey.
“Being recognised across the whole UK out of 21,348 entries is just mind-blowing. It means I’m officially doing something right.”
Ian continued: “Winning Barber of the Year 2023 was incredible and definitely earned me a lot of respect from other barbers in the industry.
“But winning Entrepreneur of the Year 2025 feels even broader since it’s recognition from everyone across the board. The title encompasses everything I’ve been working hard for.”
And the hard work has clearly been noticed by his customers and clients, showcasing the strong community spirit he and his team have been able to build.
Ian said: “For my clients at our barber shop and salon, it’s a great reflection of the hard work we put in and the community we’ve built together.
“It shows that they’re part of something special, and we hope it inspires them too.
“It’s a nice reminder that we’re not just about haircuts and treatments; we’re creating an experience and a space where everyone feels valued.”
And with the strong community bond, Ian has seen a lot of positive and heartwarming responses from customers.
Ian said: “My customers have been amazing about the news. A bunch of them were watching the live stream on Netflix and even hosted their own watch parties, filming their TV screens and sending it to me, Jack, and the team.
“It’s been heartwarming to see how proud they are. I’ve had loads come into the barber shop and salon giving me pats on the back, hugs, cards, gifts, and all sorts.”
And amongst all the celebrations and praise it seems that the award will not slow Ian down, as he continues to strive to be at the best of his abilities.
Ian said: “I never sit back, I always strive to do more rather than just stay still.
“As for the future of McLaren & Co Barbering, Hair Replacements and Aesthetics, I’ve always got plans for the business to learn new skills and try new things.”
Adding: “I’ve got my eyes on a lot more courses, and I promise myself to keep educating myself, doing one or two things each year to invest in my growth.
“It’s all about evolving and making sure we’re offering the best to our clients.”
And Salford residents will also be able to experience this for themselves at McLaren & Co Barbering, Hair Replacements & Aesthetics is open from 9:30am-8pm Tuesday to Friday and 9:30am-2pm Saturday, and closed on both Sunday, Monday as well as Bank Holidays.
The salon also takes 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, and you can connect with them through both their Facebook and Instagram.
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