Member Article

Newcastle entrepreneur to expand grooming business following Barclays funding

Newcastle grooming business Alpha Male Grooming today announced expansion plans with the purchase of their premises, following funding from Barclays.

Run by entrepreneur Lee Hetherington and his wife Claire, the salon has become a recognized establishment locally for the modern contemporary male and provides a wide variety of services varying form a shampoo and cut right through to waxing and massages.

Lee recently introduced an online booking system for the salon and as well as saving time it’s meant more choice for his customers.

The business employs 7 staff and turnover is expected to reach £220k this year.

Barclays Business Banking has more than 827,000 customers, including a mixture of start-ups, sole traders, partnerships and limited companies with a turnover up to £5 million.

They have helped 108,000 start-ups over a twelve month period by June 2014.

Owner and founder, Lee Hetherington, said: “We’ve rented the premises for over 8 years now but following a further rent increase we decided the time was right to secure the future of the business and purchase the premises.

“I contacted my broker Darren Baker of Peritus Private Finance and they put me in touch with Barclays.

“I’ve never invested in commercial premises before but I was determined to take the business to the next level and although this is a massive step for the business it allows us to plan for the future more confidently.”

Business development manager at Barclays, Matthew Heaton, said: “Lee and Claire operate a fantastic business that has a great clientele locally.

“They are always looking for innovative ways to expand their services and grow their business and we were able to move quickly to help Lee secure the deal.

“Being able to support both existing and new customers is very rewarding and can quite often lead to life changing opportunities – I’m looking forward to seeing Lee and Claire take their business to the next level.”

Alpha Male Grooming was established in 2008 and is located at Henry Street, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne.

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