Member Article

Pinetree helps young Durham entrepreneur expand beauty empire

A young Durham entrepreneur has expanded his beauty empire at the age of only 21, thanks to the help of a local enterprise organisation Pinetree.

Arran Fordham, of Sacriston, opened tanning salon Look Lush in Durham last year, after he spotted a gap in the market in his local village Framwell Gate Moor.

Following a successful year, Arran has expanded his tanning salon into a beauty business, offering new treatments and stocking a range of bags and accessories.

Arran’s enlarged salon was opened with the help of local radio presenter and comedienne Sue Sweeney. She said: “I think it’s brilliant that Arran had the courage to open his own business. It’s refreshing to see a young man living his dream, thanks to his hard work and with support from Pinetree.”

Arran said: “Pinetree gave me the push I needed to go on to bigger and better things. After their guidance and support, I managed to expand my business and offer new treatments and new products.”

The salon now offers an extended list of treatments including body wraps, Shellac manicures, and massages, using the deluxe Germaine to Capuccini range.

Arran also decided to stock a range of handbags and accessories within the salon, including purses, handbags, and jewellery to meet demand in the area. Arran said “After doing some research into what my customers wanted, I decided to branch out and begin stocking bags and accessories as well as offering some of the best beauty treatments in the area. I wanted to provide a range of items that gives a new dimension to local beauty salons, a one stop shop for my customers.”

Arran worked with Pinetree business adviser Carole Aitken, who provided him with a business plan and helped him secure a £500 grant and a loan for the original salon. The original funding helped Arran invest in equipment to get his business up and running. She said: “Arran has worked very hard and we are delighted to see him doing so well. Look Lush has gone from strength to strength, and we are so pleased to see the business expand and grow.

“Arran took his original funding and managed to make a profit within his first year, which meant he could support the Look Lush expansion independently, which is a great achievement for any business owner.”

Plans for further expansion are already in motion. Arran has recently taken on a full time apprentice, and has plans to stock a range of clothing and shoes. Arran is also taking steps towards offering Botox treatments by a fully qualified nurse.

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →