Lash specialist opens training academy in North East BIC

A North East entrepreneur has set up a new salon and training academy with the help of the region’s business and innovation centre.

Ellie Farrell, who trained herself in beauty treatments, ran her business from her mum’s house until she secured the new premises at the North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC) in Sunderland.

She has now launched Elle Lash Specialist and Training Academy in the BIC, which aims to help small businesses grow.

Ellie commented: “I still can’t quite believe this is all mine. I’ve worked really hard over the past five years to get to this point and it’s a brilliant feeling to look around and see what I’ve achieved.

“The BIC have played a big part in making this happen and I couldn’t be happier with the location and the support I’ve had.

“I’d looked at various other places around the city but I knew as soon as I walked in here and felt the friendly community vibe that this was the place I wanted to be.

“The staff, space and facilities are spot-on and it’s very reassuring to know that there is a whole team to help with business support when I need it.”

Donna Surtees, centre manager at the BIC, said: “It’s great to welcome Ellie to the BIC’s thriving community and to further increase the diversity of companies on our busy business park.

“The BIC’s sole purpose is to help to support and grow businesses just like Ellie’s and we do everything we can to help make moving into your own premises as easy as possible.

“We’re looking forward to working with Ellie as she develops her training academy and continues to achieve her goals.”