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Entrepreneurs told to act fast or miss out

ONE of the North East’s most successful young entrepreneurs issued a rallying call to small businesses yesterday after his business announced record results.

Darren Williams - the 28-year-old behind Sunderland-based Hair X-Tensions – said SMEs would be foolish to miss out on the opportunities presented by the current economic climate, after it enjoyed record sales in April.

The company - which was established in 2005 to produce hair extensions for a global market - has since flourished as a result of the online trading revolution and has now set its sites on global expansion.

Speaking at the seventh annual Entrepreneurs’ Forum, Mr. Williams yesterday told bdaily: “I’m genuinely inspired by the impact that I’ve had on the younger generation. I’ve come from nothing, and with the help of my fiancée I’ve managed to build an empire.

“I think it’s a great time to be an entrepreneur in the region. The recession has separated the good from the bad and I think it’s an ideal landscape for new companies to start because there’s so much help from the local government. Now is the time to take the bull by the horns and go for it.”

Despite the recession and the huge disruption the volcanic ash cloud caused the business, Mr. Williams said that April was Hair X-Tensions’ most profitable month, having sent out 1600 orders and 3500 products.

The company is now on the verge of landing a global brand license deal with one of the top ten brands in America.

Meanwhile, Edwin Booth, executive chairman of the North West supermarket chain, E.H. Booth, who also attended the conference, said he has no time for entrepreneurs who only see the negatives in the new coalition government.

He said: “All I’m bothered about is what the customers want tomorrow and what I can do to provide them that. It’s not rocket science and it involves a lot of common sense.

“I expanded my business to the point where I now employ over 3,00 staff and have 26 branches. I don’t understand why so many people in business constantly see the downside and have had worries about the recession and new coalition government.

“Most entrepreneurs will tell you the recession has provided opportunity for new growth. Interest rates are very low and there’s lots of chances now of getting off the deck. Darren Williams is a shining example of this, he’s a great communicator and loves what he does.”

Although the supermarket chain has plans for a further six stores, Mr. Booth said he has no immediate goals to expand into the North East.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .