A cut above

A HAIR and beauty salon staffed by apprentices is one of four local businesses nominated for a Northern Independent Retail Award.

Oldham College’s Salon 7 in Queen Street has been shortlisted in the North-West hair and beauty retailer of the year category.

It is up against six other salons — including Uppermill’s Hair and Beauty Lounge in Court Street.

Nisa Local, Ashton Road, Hathershaw, is in the running for the convenience store of the year title while family-run Mossley Organics and Fine Foods, Arundel Street, is shortlisted for the health and lifestyle retailer of the year.

Businesses have been nominated by the public with categories for everything from fishmongers to florists and cafes to off-licences.

The winners will be crowned at an event at Mecure Manchester Piccadilly Hotel, Manchester, on Sunday.

Salon 7 is a commercial training salon for the college’s recently-qualified hairdressers, beauty therapists and nail technicians.

Manager Michelle Bradley said: “We are delighted to be shortlisted for this award which acknowledges the significance of Oldham College’s ethos of preparing people to progress in life and work.”