A Nantwich salon’s 25th anniversary year drew to a close with an employee award ceremony at Rookery Hall where staff had a surprise in store for its owner.
Steven Burgin, whose hair salon of the same name is on Hospital Street, found himself picking up an award for ‘Top Boss’ from his young team.
The award recognised his leadership, mentorship and commitment to building a supportive workplace culture.
A delighted Steve said: “I planned the event to celebrate my fabulous team and recognise the effort they put in all year round to make our clients feel like VIPs.
“There were 15 other salons when I opened 25 years ago and now there’s double that so competition is tough.
“I always say you can train a hairdresser but personality, creativity and flair is in the DNA and I’m blessed with a close-knit team more like family.
“I was so touched to receive an award from them.”
Picking up the Employee of the Year award was Katie McClellan, 19, after increasing her client base and taking over a former colleagues’ portfolio on her retirement.
Formula One fan Katie was thrilled to receive champagne, a Zara voucher and a Lando Norris British racing star calendar.
There was an award also for salon cleaner Dana Shackleton whose attention to detail includes gleaming mirrors and floors and even turning branded Steven Burgin cups to face the same way on the drinks station!
Also at the breakfast event were stylist Emma Gatenby, 22, new apprentice Phoebe Jones, 17, and representatives of Alan Howard hair dressing supplies.
Steve, who trained with Vidal Sassoon and worked in Cyprus, Portugal, France and Germany before opening his Nantwich business, added: “Last year was challenging after the retirement of my long-serving manager and another heading off on an Australian adventure.
“We pulled together, not only surviving but attracting many new customers from a wide area.
“I set out 40 years ago with a simple ethos to give clients the ‘Ritz’ experience and make them feel good about themselves. I’m delighted that has stood the test of time.”
The salon is planning another summer soiree for clients and business neighbours on Hospital Street.
It will be combined with its ongoing fundraising for Macmillan Cancer Support, WaterAid and The Little Princess Trust which provides free wigs to youngsters who have lost their hair through cancer treatment.
Richly deserved , great business and loyal to Nantwich