A brand new mobile barber app for customers in need of a trim or hair professionals looking to expand their client base has recently launched in the Greater Manchester area, and it’s so convenient we can see it spreading across the country in no time.
While mobile hairdressers have, of course, been a thing for a long time now, we’re yet to come across an application that wraps the service all into one like some kind of Deliveroo/Uber-esque barber service — until we came across Appacut, that is.
Started by two local barbers, Michael Lawes and George Newbery, Appacut is the mobile haircut app that not only gives customers a convenient new way to book a trim, but also provides barbers and hairdressers with a new platform to source their own customers directly.
The best part of all is that neither party has to stick to the often frustrating opening times of regular barbers; both the customer and the person giving the haircut can book a visit at home, in their office or whatever other setting works best for them.
After trying it out for ourselves, we can confirm the whole thing was super easy.
You simply open the app and search for local hairdressers by location, availability and the specific services on offer, then once you’ve found a mobile barber or hairdresser you look like the look of, you select a time and location that works for you — all with the press of a button.
Once you’ve chosen your ‘Appacutter’, they must then confirm the booking to complete the process and your appointment will be booked. Simple as that.
As for barbers and hairdressers looking to join the app and find a new revenue stream of their own, hair professionals easily sign up, list their services and availability; share pictures from their portfolio and previous reviews, all while setting their own prices and workflow
At home……and in the office.
This ability to book haircuts virtually anywhere has the potential to truly revolutionise the way consumers use hairdressers and barbers, and the same goes for those in the trade looking to find more flexible ways to interact with their customers.
Rather than taking time out of their day to travel to a high street or a busy barbershop, people can now squeeze this essential service into a lunch hour, a relaxing day at home, or even at out-of-hour times. Trust us, these lot have already been flooded with plenty of late-night appointments.
The fact that customers can shop around for the best mobile barbers and hairdressers in their area with photo evidence and honest reviews right at their fingertips will also ensure a reliable and value-for-money service.
Appacut has just launched across the Greater Manchester area but the people behind this project are ambitious and don’t want to stop until this brilliant and highly convenient new service goes nationwide.
Speaking about their vision for the future, co-founder Michael said, “Appacut is all about convenience. A traditional visit to a barber shop or salon can take a huge chunk out of a person’s day.
“We’ve all fallen victim to needing that ‘last minute trim’ be it for an event, holiday or something you forgot about, so we’ve designed Appacut to take the time and stress out of this essential task”. They’re also striving for the same accessibility for people working in the industry too.
“Local barbers and hairdressers are finding it increasingly difficult to make a profit when energy costs and rents continue to soar”, says Michael. “By switching to a mobile working model that requires no permanent premises, our Appacutters are enjoying an unprecedented level of economic freedom and being their own boss”.
“A big thanks goes to our all-star team of app and web developers on hand and working directly with barbers, hairdressers and customers, listening to feedback and ideas to make sure we provide as good-a-service as possible.”
You can download Appacut for iOS or on Google Play now. New users can even get a 10% discount on their first haircut by using the code ‘CHEEKYSIGNUP‘ and, so long as you’re fast enough, you can even get a completely free haircut by quoting ‘CHEEKYMANCTRIM‘. How’s that for convenient?
Nike and go-to online running shoe suppliers confirmed as new sponsors for Altrincham 10k
Danny Jones
The annual Altrincham 10k just got a whole lot bigger and better ahead of this year’s run, as the annual race has just notched Nike as one of their new lead sponsors – and that’s not all.
Alty’s annual race is also being backed by SportsShoes.com, a.k.a. the go-to trainers supplier for so many runners, who will be presenting the 2025 edition in partnership with RunThroughUK.
Now part of RunThrough North‘s regular programme, Altrincham 10k continues to grow in size with each passing year, as demonstrated by getting such prestigious sponsors on board.
Taking place this weekend, the 2025 Alty 10k could just be the biggest yet.
We are thrilled to announce that we are teaming up with @Nike & @sportsshoes_com to bring the town an unforgettable race day 🤝
📅 Sunday 7th September 🏃 3,500 runners 👟 Closed roads ⚡️ Electric atmosphere
Set to welcome approximately 3,500 runners to the Trafford market town’s central streets, the Altrincham 10k is one of the final large-scale running events on the local calendar.
Aligning both famous brands with the heart of Altrincham’s running community and, indeed, giving Greater Manchester’s wider sports culture, it’s yet more prestige for 0161.
The 2025 race will also see Nike showcase its latest road running line-up, including the newest max cushioning shoe: the ‘Vomero Plus’; the responsive ‘Pegasus’ everyday trainer, as well as supportive ‘Structure’ model, meaning runners will get a chance to sample their latest styles.
As well as support from SportsShoes.com and official Nike ambassadors, North West native and GB triathlete Katie Halligan, Hits Radio presenter and ultra runner Hattie Pearson, as well as local Manc artist Emma Evans will all be there too.
These equally inspiring women have also been chosen to help represent Nike and RunThrough’s shared mission of attracting more female runners, as shown with events such asthe recent 2025 Women’s Run Series back in April.
Co-Founder of RunThrough, Matt Wood, said of the new partnership: “Welcoming Nike as title sponsor of the Altrincham 10K, alongside our long-standing partner SportsShoes.com, is a huge milestone for the event.
“This partnership highlights the growth of our community and the strength of our brand. We can’t wait to support the thousands of runners taking part in the Nike Altrincham 10K, Presented by SportsShoes.com.”
As for SportShoes, brand manager Gavin Bannister added: “The energy around this year’s 10K will be electric, and we can’t wait to see everyone out there chasing their goals and celebrating the power of running.
“From our own athletes to first-time runners, this event is all about showing up, pushing limits, and being part of something truly special, and that is what Nike and Sportsshoes.com are all about.”
Entries are still open for any of those interested in a last-minute place in the race on Sunday, 7 September – you can sign up HERE.
Manchester’s largest outdoor ice rink is returning to the city centre this festive season
Emily Sergeant
Manchester’s massive outdoor ice rink has been confirmed for a return to Cathedral Gardens once again this festive season.
Skate Manchester has always been a festive staple of our city centre, and there’s also a flurry of other frozen events and activities planned for 2025 too – including the return of the Scare Skate for Halloween.
Following success in previous years, Scare Skate returns this spooky season, and families, friends, and festive fun seekers visiting the rink this season can expect Halloween-themed music, lighting, and themed props to ignite the fright factor.
After Halloween, the magic continues as the rink transforms into a festive wonderland.
Manchester’s largest outdoor ice rink is returning to the city centre this festive season / Credit: Supplied
Skaters can expect to glide across a gleaming ice path and spin around a dazzling seven-metre Christmas tree taking centre stage in the middle of the rink.
You’ll be able to enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas whatever the weather has in store for our city this year too, as although the rink will be outdoors in the heart of Cathedral Gardens, the ice is fully covered.
The rink will also offer a variety of skate sessions tailored to meet the needs of all visitors, which includes dedicated quiet and toddler sessions designed for a more relaxed environment, along with discounted tickets and weekly events for students.
New this year is the Skate on and Skate off ‘Pit Lane’ available during skating for those needing a break and a hot chocolate or mulled wine, plus a VIP ticket option allowing for a fast-track entry into the rink.
Super early bird tickets are now available to buy / Credit: Supplied
Skate Manchester is also one of the most sustainable events in the UK, thanks to being partially powered by the grid.
“We’re proud to bring one of the top five largest ice rinks in the UK to Manchester once more, as part of our mission to create magical and sustainable winter events that will set the standard for winter attractions globally,” commented Rob Derry, who is the Director at Tamarisk Events, the company that coordinates the event.
“By being partially powered by the grid, Skate Manchester is one of the more environmentally responsible attractions of its kind, allowing visitors to enjoy the magic of skating with a lighter footprint.”
Skate Manchester will be returning to the city on Saturday 25 October and running right up until Sunday 4 January 2026, with super early bird tickets now available to get your hands on, and discounted family tickets and student night tickets also available.
You can find more information and to book tickets here.