An Altrincham jewellers has claimed a prestigious regional award, with its head piercer being named the best in the North of England.
Bethy Highton, store manager and head piercer at Hill & Hill The Jewellers, has won Piercing Specialist of the Year at the North England Hair & Beauty Awards 2025, beating dozens of competitors from across the region.
The awards, which celebrate exceptional talent in the beauty industry, recognised Highton for her personal styling expertise and outstanding aftercare at the George Street jewellers.
"I am so, so proud to have won this award," she said. "I love my job and I care deeply that my customers feel confident they are in safe hands, and I will make their ears look beautiful."
Hill & Hill The Jewellers opened in Altrincham in 2019, with a unique concept combining traditional jewellery retail with a high-end piercing boutique on the first floor.
The business offers personalised styling for customers seeking the increasingly popular "curated ear" look with multiple piercings.
Business owner Jo Hill said: "When we opened Hill & Hill The Jewellers, Bethy was insistent that we establish ourselves as leaders in piercing.
"Her relentless focus on being the best and bringing new ideas to the business is very infectious. She totally deserves to win in our eyes."
The pair made a strategic decision to move piercing away from its traditional tattoo parlour setting into a more luxurious environment, completely refurbishing the store's first floor into what is now described as a "stunning piercing boutique".
A spokesperson for the North England Hair and Beauty Awards said: "We are incredibly proud to showcase the immense talent working in England's beauty industry today. Their contributions not only elevate standards but also inspire others to pursue excellence in their craft."
