AN engineer from Northwich is set make a significant career change as he prepares to open a new tanning salon in the town.

Alex Butters has been working alongside his partner to open Northwich Sunbeds, in units 16 and 17 of the Winnington Business Park, off Winnington Avenue.

The 25-year-old, who has been a fan of sunbeds for years but has found some salons to be dirty and dingy, is hoping to fill what he believes is a gap in the market by providing a salon people can enjoy.

Originally a service engineer, Alex, from Weaverham, has always wanted to work for himself and has now taken the plunge with a new venture.

He said: “It’s a bit scary obviously, with it being quite a big commitment, but yeah its very exciting.

Inside Northwich SunbedsInside Northwich Sunbeds (Image: Alex Butters)

"I’m really excited to see what the future holds for Northwich Sunbeds, we’ve put a huge amount of time and effort into building something special.

The couple are planning to make their salon an enjoyable experience for guests by offering a range of amenities in their waiting room.

A coffee machine, a TV, and comfy chairs are some of the things Alex promises customers can expect.

Alex and his partner outside their new businessAlex and his partner outside their new business (Image: Alex Butters)

He also wanted to ensure they had the best tech too, boasting six Ergoline sun beds, which are considered a market leader for tanning enthusiasts. The salon will also have four stand up beds.

Alex added: "Being a builder the works haven’t been too hard but commissioning the beds was difficult. Specialists were needed for getting the Ergoline sunbeds."

Work progressing inside Northwich SunbedsWork progressing inside Northwich Sunbeds (Image: Alex Butters)

The project has kept Alex busy and he's already looking to the future.

He added: "I’m hoping it grows to maybe open more salons.

"I like doing different things, I may even open a different business where I spot another gap in a market somewhere.”

Staff are already lined up to fill some hours and the shop aims to be open every day of the week with space for walk in appointments.

Alex is hoping to open Northwich Sunbeds in mid-August and it is expected to operate from 10am to 8.30pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm on Saturdays and 10.30am to 3pm on Sundays.