Member Article

Young entrepreneur launches unique shaving subscription service

An entrepreneur has demonstrated sharp business skills after launching a monthly subscription service for razors.

Mike Slade set-up the Sterling Shave Club because of the increasing cost of buying razors and individual blades each month.

The 24-year-old came up with the idea during a module on business start-ups, innovation and creativity during his degree in Enterprise and Entrepreneurship at Coventry University.

The plans for a cost-effective subscription service via his website, www.sterlingshaveclub.com, became a reality after he received funding from the SPEED Plus project, the Student Enterprise Fund, the Proof of Concept Fund and Touch Digital.

SPEED Plus, which gives students, graduates and alumni of Coventry University the opportunity to develop a business idea alongside their studies or after graduation, enabled Mike to design and create a logo, business cards, branded T-shirts and hoodies, a website and marketing video.

Mike’s company enables subscribers to select from a choice of three razors at better value for money than those sold in high street shops and supermarkets after he sourced a supplier in China.

“I tested plenty of samples of razor handles and blades from all over Europe but I wasn’t totally happy with their quality,” he said.

“Last April, I went on a Study China trip to Shandong University and during the visit, I was able to develop contacts and meet potential suppliers face-to-face and finally I found a Chinese supplier who was better value and higher quality.

“Three distinctive razor handles have been produced bearing the Sterling Shave Club logo in different price ranges – £3.95, £4.49 and £6.99 which includes blades, posting and packaging.

“I have also sourced the design of the boxes to send the products so I have been involved with every aspect of the business.

“Initially, I had a website created to show to potential funders but after receiving financial help from SPEED Plus it has now been totally re-built with a new design and fresher look as well as giving users the chance to order their products.

“SPEED Plus has been instrumental in getting the business off the ground because they started the ball rolling.

“The most challenging aspect has been how long everything takes. I sourced the products and boxes but then I was relying on others to manufacture and send the products which can be challenging and time consuming – but that’s the reality of running a business.

“I want to grow steadily and maybe in the future look at exporting and moving into associated razor products.”

Sue Heath, Project Manager at SPEED Plus which is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), said Mike is currently focused on targeting customers in the UK.

She said: “The Sterling Shave Club is a great idea for users of razors who want to buy the products at more competitive prices and have them delivered to their home or work.

“Mike has worked really hard on every single detail which is the case for every entrepreneur who wants to turn their business idea into reality.

“He already has plans to expand his product range to include women’s razors and blades and to consider exporting and it is good to see that he is already planning on how he can take his business to the next stage.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Matt Joyce .