A BEAUTY salon owner has said that even though the pandemic has cost her her business - but is glad as women “now know who they really are without makeup”.

Sam Parsons, who ran Defined Beauty Clinic in Evesham, said: “I’ve dissolved the business during the November lockdown.

“There’s not much call for beauty as everyone is doing their own treatments and haircuts at home - I’m cutting and colouring my hair at home too.

“I’m gutted about my business of course, but, refreshingly, it’s great to see woman find out who they are without needing cosmetic treatment - beauty comes from within.

“We are becoming more ‘mental health matters’ rather than ‘beauty matters’, and that’s so important with what we’re all going through right now.

“I want my story to be one of empowerment - I’ll be alright as I’ve got my health and my family when many people are losing theirs.”

Sam said she is using the time at home to plan for her next career change.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said at the start of the week that an easing of measures during the third lockdown would be possible but a one-way street only.

Business owner is Nigel Smith, landlord of both The Fleece Inn at Bretforton and The Cardinal’s Hat in Friar Street, Worcester, said he was keen to re-open, saying he and his staff had worked tirelessly to be covid-safe during the previous lockdowns.

He said: “Like a lot of businesses, it has been a difficult time, so we are looking forward to being back trading again.

“We are ready to respond quickly to any lockdown changes. Back during the first lockdown we obviously invested in safety measures and training, so we know we can open safely.”

READ MORE: Worcestershire village residents raise money for British Heart Foundation

READ MORE: Loveable Evesham hound finds his forever home in time for Valentine's Day

Mr Smith also said he hopes a similar package of support to the first lockdown is given by the Chancellor Rishi Sunak, adding: “The five per cent VAT cut has been absolutely vital for us with the extra costs of staffing and running costs in a covid-hit economy."

Martha Newbury who runs Exclusive Gym in Broughton Hackett alongside her husband Phil, who is the gym’s founder, said she feels they can re-open safely, having invested in covid safety measures during the first lockdown.

She said: “We have a really unique facility in that we can hold classes outside."