A LANDMARK business in Cradley Heath is under new management after nearly half a century in the same family.

The Clare Martyn salon, which was owned and run by Derek and Sylvia Johnson since 1968, has a new boss following its sale to stylist Clare Merriman.

The new chief has come full circle at the salon; she began her career as a trainee at the shop and, after working at a number of prestigious premises, has returned to buy the shop following Mr Johnson’s decision to retire.

Mr Johnson travelled the UK working as a make-up artist on high-profile shoots for famous photographers including Patrick Litchfield while his late wife Sylvia built the salon into a successful business.

Clare Merriman, 25, who took over on August 1, said: “Cradley Heath people are great, they have all been really complimentary, people have been very good to us over the years and stayed with us. We have customers who have been with us for 40 years or more.”

The new boss, who has added a nail bar to the range of services on offer, says she believes the business is set for a bright future and she is looking forward to carrying on the legacy of her former mentor.

The salon is based on Lower High Street in a building which dates back to the 1850s when it was the Salutation pub before becoming Deeley’s Electrical and, later, the premises was also home to the Music Box record shop.

Derek Johnson said: “I would like to wish Clare all the best for the future, Sylvia would have really loved to see the business carry on and continue to thrive.”