AN entrepreneurial hair styling boss in Bury managed to get ahead - even during lockdown.

Nicola Wood, who runs Hair Made Easi in Walmersley Road, has been named as a finalist in the HJ British Hairdressing Business Awards 2020.

The outfit, which specialises in hair extension tools, is in the running for the Innovation of the Year prize at the prestigious gathering.

Nicola, who only launched her venture this past year, said: "“It’s been a strange year.

"But reaching the finals of these awards just confirms that all my hard work has been totally worth it.

"I never lost hope in my idea, and to now see my dream come to life and recognised by the industry has been the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done.”

Awards director Jayne Lewis-Orr added: "To be named as a finalist in the Innovation of the Year category confirms just how exceptional Hair Made Easi Ltd is.

"This has been a tough year for all businesses, yet Nicola has remained resilient, crafting an amazing business concept that fills a need in the market.

“To launch a new product from scratch takes huge amounts of passion and unrelenting commitment

" It’s no wonder that Nicola attracted so much attention with her entry because it was full of individuality, founded on brilliant business structure and marketing ideas. We wish her the best of luck.”

Judges were impressed by Nicola and Hair Made Easi's business plan, and how planned aims and objectives translated into evidenced success after the product’s inception.

The panel also factored in marketing prowess, with judges also wanting to see strong promotional skills to deliver the innovation successfully to market.

Nicola and her fellow competitiors will find out if they have been successful when the awards take place next Januart at the London Hilton on Park Lane.

The awards are now in their 22nd year and feature the cream of the industry's talent.