A Blackburn salon which is staying constantly ahead of the curve by introducing new technologies every year has been nominated for Best Salon 2024 award.

A total of 10 beauty salons are battling it out for your votes, with The Beauty Retreat being one of the nominees.

Based in Bolton Road, the team tailor their services to the specifics of each client, and they have become well-known for their dermatological facial treatments which focus on the exact needs of a person's skin.

Having set a precedent for always being on the front foot with the technology the salon recently launched a new microneedle treatment, which can remove scarring from acne, stretch marks or wrinkles.

Owner Emily Worswick said: “I am really honoured. I wasn’t expecting it at all.

"I think it makes it all worthwhile because you have been doing a good job and delivering good treatments to your clients and looking after them.

“It makes you feel proud that you have been doing your job correctly and we all enjoy working in this industry, it is a job you have got to enjoy doing and delivering treatments and keeping up to date with the technology.

“It is a nice feeling to feel appreciated, it is quite a friendly welcoming salon, and it makes you feel like you are doing everything correctly.”

After getting into the industry at age 15, Emily opened her salon six years later above a hairdresser where she worked alone for several years.

Her business has continued to grow, and she now employs five staff, who pride themselves on providing a high standard of customer service.

Striking a balance between relaxing and fun, the team provides treatments in more relaxed rooms and a bubblier atmosphere than in the archetypal nail salon.

Emily added: “We pride ourselves on how the staff get on and it is such a lovely atmosphere in the salon, and you become friends with your customers.”

Despite the challenges created by the pandemic the team took the time to professional development and develop their skills in different ways.

And taking on apprentices is a key part of Emily’s philosophy, and she believes it is critical to bring in the next generation of the industry.

She added: “It is nice to see my apprentices grow, my first apprentice is a full-time therapist, and she well loved by clients and she does an amazing job and it is nice to see you have done something to develop their skills and passion.

“It is a big team effort, and we support each other through the day and help out with our clients.”

Readers can vote for the ‘Best Beauty Salon 2024’ by picking up copies of the Lancashire Telegraph between Monday, September 30 to Saturday, October 12.