A new era has begun for a Welwyn Garden City salon after the business reopened with a change of owners and locations.

Academy Hair and Beauty "cease trading with immediate effect" back in June, after the owner took back the Fretherne Road unit they called home.

The salon is back under a new name, Academy Now, and in a different location, taking over a vacant Howardsgate unit.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: The Academy Now team were all smiles as the salon reopened.The Academy Now team were all smiles as the salon reopened. (Image: Academy Now)

There has also been a change of ownership, with Jayne Beecroft passing the business onto her daughter, Ashley Kissick, after 48 years in charge.

"My lease ended after 48 years and at 67, it was the end for me, and yet a new beginning for Academy Now, so I can still continue cutting hair and seeing my fabulous clients," said Jayne.

"I’m beyond proud my daughter Ashley has decided to open her own salon and reinvent the Academy name, blending the old Hair Now, and Academy Hair and Beauty."

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Academy Now's return was celebrated at a launch party in Howardsgate.Academy Now's return was celebrated at a launch party in Howardsgate. (Image: Academy Now)

The opening of Academy Now was celebrated at launch party last week, with Ashley adding: "I’m so excited for the future of Academy Now, and still being a resident in Welwyn Garden City.

"I’ve learnt so much from watching my mum and thought I wanted to try owning my own hair salon.

"Coming from working in London for 10 years at multiple West End salons, I wanted to bring some London flair but still keeping some Academy traditions."