This is Manchester: We've Been Nominated!

Manchester is a city renowned for its creativity, resilience, and innovation. From its industrial roots to its influence in music, sport, and the arts, Manchester stands as a cultural powerhouse. At the forefront of this celebration is This is Manchester, an organisation dedicated to highlighting the city’s unique talents and uniting businesses, creatives, and communities. The This is Manchester Awards have been honouring the individuals and organisations shaping Manchester’s future since 2018. From business and fashion to hospitality and philanthropy, the awards recognise those making a significant impact on the city.

The 2024 awards will shine a spotlight on local heroes, businesses, and cultural icons, celebrating excellence across categories such as Business of the Year, Best Hospitality Venue, and Cultural Contribution. This year, new categories like Tech Innovation and Sustainability Champion highlight Manchester’s forward-thinking spirit, ensuring both established and emerging talents are acknowledged.

This year, UNDERFOUND is proud to announce that we’ve been nominated for four awards:

Outstanding Business of the Year
Achieving over 200 five-star Google reviews and becoming the highest-rated barbers in Altrincham within just two years is no small feat. UNDERFOUND’s success is a testament to the hard work and determination of Andy and Rhiannah. From nominations at the I Love Manchester Awards and the British Business Hairdressing Awards to winning the RHS Best Dressed Window, UNDERFOUND is clearly being noticed, and deservedly so. I couldn't be more proud of everything Andy and Rhiannah have accomplished, and to be a part of this business is an honour.

Force of Fashion
We are proud to champion sustainable and independent global fashion brands that are hard to find elsewhere in the UK. In addition, our in-house labels, including Incarnate, En Masse, and Strange Fascination, allow us to innovate based directly on customer feedback. We also offer bespoke services from both our brands and third-party affiliates, so there’s always something unique to discover—and if not, we’ll make it happen!

Leading Arts and Culture Venue
Recently, UNDERFOUND celebrated its second anniversary with an event open to the wider community, where customers, friends, and anyone who wanted to join were welcomed to celebrate with us. Our store is more than just a retail space; it's a place where customers often drop in for a chat and a brew, with no pressure to buy. Many of our customers have become dear friends. We also support live music and promote local talent both online and in-store performances.

Woman of the Year
Rhiannah has been personally nominated for this award. With 17 years in the hair industry, her talent shines not only in the awards she’s won but in the loyal customer base she’s built, regardless of where she’s been based. Every member of the UNDERFOUND team is neurodivergent, and Rhiannah continually challenges the societal expectations of dyslexia. In addition to running the business, she has written scripts, including one for a TV show currently on Amazon Prime. As a model featured in numerous publications and a supporting actor in Hollywood films and TV shows, she gives her all to everything she does. Any recognition Rhiannah receives is truly well deserved.

The judging panel for the 2024 awards is made up of influential figures with deep ties to Manchester, including Scott Thomas, Jenny Powell, Tracey Neville MBE, Sarah Collins, John Robb, Neha Navekar among others, all with a a combined expertise that will no doubt ensure the awards will reflect Manchester’s rich and diverse identity.

Being nominated is a huge honour, and to say we’re excited for the big event on 14th November would be an understatement. The fact that we're even among some of the biggest names in our field and beyond is nothing short of incredible, and no matter who wins on the day, we know we're in good company. The awards ceremony is more than just about recognition though—it’s a true celebration of the entire city. With live performances, networking opportunities, and inspiring speeches, the event will no doubt be one of the highlights of an unbelievable year for UNDERFOUND. 

The judging panel for the 2024 awards is made up of influential figures with deep ties to Manchester, including Scott Thomas, Jenny Powell, Tracey Neville MBE, Sarah Collins, John Robb, Neha Navekar among others, all with a a combined expertise that will no doubt ensure the awards will reflect Manchester’s rich and diverse identity.

The 'This is Manchester Awards' are not just about acknowledging success—they reflect the city’s future. As new industries like tech and sustainability rise, the awards celebrate those who are shaping Manchester’s progress. In a city where tradition meets innovation, the 2024 awards will not only celebrate Manchester’s unique identity but also push it forward into the future. UNDERFOUND couldn't be more privileged to be a part of this.