RUSH: THE SUCCESS STORY

Huw James, RUSH Horsham & Southampton

It has been by investing in a RUSH Hair franchise that university graduate and former Lloyds TSB worker, Huw James, was able to realise his ambition of running his own business.

"Owning a RUSH salon is great. I like that I am in control of my own destiny and don't have to worry about the recession as people will always need their hair cut," says Huw.He discovered the RUSH Hair opportunity while helping set-up his friend's RUSH salon in Brighton.

"I quickly recognised the potential and great management opportunity being a RUSH franchise owner provided," explains Huw. "As a result, I decided to stay on and assist with the running and management of the salon to learn more about the business. Six months later I was made Manager of the second Brighton salon and six months after that, at the start of 2008, RUSH offered me the opportunity to invest in its new salon in Horsham which, of course I accepted."

With no previous hairdressing experience, Huw took on his new franchise in a managerial capacity. RUSH sent him on an intensive franchise owner course, where he learned about the business background, products, general accountancy and administrative duties.

"I wouldn't have been able to launch my Horsham salon without the help of RUSH," says Huw. "Its support team was great – they helped with, designing the salon, recruiting stylists, introducing contacts and, if you ever need help, there is always someone just a phone call away."

Some franchise owners may wish to step back from the day-to-day running of their businesses but Huw prefers a more hands-on approach. Working on the reception of his salon, he is able to keep the stylists organised and ensure service on the salon floor is consistently high and in keeping with RUSH standards.

Following the success of his Horsham salon, Huw expanded his business by opening his second RUSH franchise in Southampton with business partner and salon stylist Simon Barnard.

"When I first began at RUSH I was impressed by their dedication to customer service and the client experience," explains Huw. "The hairdressing training is second to none and I am delighted that we can now offer this to everyone in Southampton. Simon takes care of the day-to-day running of the salon but I make sure that I am there at least once a week. I am constantly on the phone and email to ensure that the salon is being run consistently and clients are getting the complete RUSH experience."

With two highly successful salons already established, Huw is eager to continue the development of his management portfolio.

"I would definitely like to open more salons, I just need to find the right people to work with as running a successful salon is all about teamwork," he adds.

"RUSH really is a great management opportunity, I would recommend it to anyone who is willing to work hard to succeed. It doesn't matter if you don't have any hairdressing knowledge, you just need to be organised, passionate and willing to put in the hours to build a profitable and successful business."