A BEAUTY salon in the North-East is celebrating after winning a national business award.

The Finishing Touch Clinic in Consett, County Durham, was named Employer of the Year 2013 at a ceremony on Sunday hosted by Professional Beauty.

The award was presented by Strictly Come Dancing’s Claudia Winkleman in front of 900 people at the Park Lane Hilton in London.

Owner Susan Routledge, who employs a team of nine staff, said: “This shows that local businesses can do well in this climate and that businesses don't have to be in large cities to grow and make a mark for themselves.

“My business has been established 25 years this year and I have never lost a therapist to another salon and have exceptional staff retention.

“We are constantly re-inventing ways to be the best and I involve my team in all of our decisions.”

The awards were based around a two-day exhibition for beauty and spa salon owners attended by record numbers of over 40,000 people.