STAFF from Sienna X self tanning business in Sherriff Street, Worcester, attended the finals of the trade’s Oscars, the Professional Beauty Awards, in London.

Steve Matthews, Sienna’s operations director and husband of the company’s owner Nicky Matthews, joined the all-female business, which had been nominated a finalist in tanning product/equipment supplier of 2008 category.

With companies from all over the UK vying for recognition of their efforts, dedication and innovation in their sector, the tanning product and equipment category is always one of the most competitive and sought-after awards, so nomination is a huge achievement in itself.

Sienna was pipped at the post for the award, but received great plaudits from all the judges.

Mr Matthews said: “This was the first time we have entered the awards and it is unusual to get shortlisted as a finalist at your first attempt, so we were overjoyed to just be there and included with such well known brands.

“Having now been recognised for all that we do, we hope to enter in the future with a real eye on winning and it will be down to having a great local team that works really hard on helping me develop and run this ever- expanding business.”