Salon scoops title at Best New Business Awards

Feb 17 2009 by Iain Laing, The Journal

A HAIR and beauty salon set up in late 2007 has scooped two awards, including the best new business of 2008 in the Tees Valley.

Darlington-based Hobson & Holmes took the overall title and won the Young Entrepreneur Award at the Best New Business Awards, presented at Middlesbrough’s Riverside Stadium.

The salon, which was set up by Andrew Hobson and Nick Holmes in November 2007 and now employs 10 people, is aiming to achieve a £250,000 turnover this year. The ambitious business is now looking to start franchising its idea.

It was chosen for its innovative approach, including online and text-message booking, which has allowed it to grow quickly. The potential for further expansion and employment prospects also helped it to win the overall title.

Independent financial adviser Colin Brown set up the awards in 2000 to recognise enterprising new businesses in the Tees Valley.

He said: “Hobson & Holmes represents what can be achieved by a new business in Tees Valley given the appropriate support at the right time, and with the right level of expertise.

“They follow in the footsteps of the other past winners of this award that are continuing to bring growth and employment prospects to Tees Valley and endorse the success of the ninth year of The Best New Business Awards.”

The awards, supported by Business Link and Tees Valley Unlimited, attracted 86 entries this year. Hobson & Holmes took home a trophy and a £1,000 cheque, while winners in each of the eight award categories received £500.