Meet the female franchisees bolstering Just Cuts’ UK expansion

The Aussie-inspired hair salon franchise continues to take a firm hold of the British hair and beauty sector

In the 18 months since landing on British shores, Just Cuts has opened three of its modern, Aussie-inspired hair salons at locations in Surrey, Essex and, in the coming weeks, Hertfordshire. It is clear that entrepreneurs in the UK are keen to capitalise on the booming £4.1bn hair and beauty industry.

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Recent retail sector results from the first half of 2019 support Just Cuts’ theory that its timing to expand into the UK hair and beauty market was right. In spite of an apparent economic downturn, which has seen the impending closures of much-loved British restaurants and retail chains, the health and beauty sector continues to thrive. According to results from the latest GB Retail and Leisure Market Analysis, of the top 10 growing high street categories listed, six were occupied by businesses operating in the health and beauty sector – health clubs, barbers, beauty salons, nail salons, alternative & complementary medicines and hair and beauty salons.

Following a long career in strategic senior management for various national charities across the UK, mum-of-two Barbara Burnett found herself attracted to the idea of her running her own business. As well as more time to spend with her family, the appeal of running a Just Cuts franchise came down to its unique position in a competitive marketplace and an apparent demand for a convenient salon experience in her local area.

“I recognised early on that the first step in finding the right franchise for me and my family was to establish essential criteria – my first priority was a better work-life balance but I also wanted to run a business I felt passionate about,” said Burnett. “I was instantly drawn to the Just Cuts franchise model. What you get in terms of support is second-to-none and the brand is so innovative. The concept of walk-in appointments managed by a bespoke app, fixed pricing and a professional quality, affordable haircare range really differentiates the brand. I’m so excited for the future of my business – this is an amazing opportunity.”

Burnett’s new salon in Stevenage is Just Cuts’ third franchisee-operated launch since Magda Deaconescu opened her first and second salons earlier this year. The town is soon to benefit from a £1bn regeneration investment in its retail district, so the new salon will be located alongside popular retailers, bustling restaurants and corporate offices.

Amber Manning, CEO of Just Cuts UK said: “Barbara is going to make an excellent addition to our UK network, as she has made no secret of the fact that she is striving for financial freedom for her family. Bearing that in mind, she already has plans to open her second Hertfordshire-based salon as soon as possible and we fully support her in achieving this goal.”

Just Cuts UK franchise network continues to go from strength to strength. 25-year-old Holly Feltham has just signed to become the franchise owner of the same company-operated salon where she has been working as a senior stylist for two years. She took over operations of the kiosk, based in the intu Lakeside shopping centre in Essex this November.

“I always thought it was a pipe dream to have my own salon but Just Cuts’ franchise opportunity has made my dream a reality,” said Feltham. “I’m looking forward to experiencing my first Christmas as a business owner and I know how useful our app is for our clients - they can keep shopping until it’s time for them to get in the chair.”

Image: Holly Feltham at Lakeside Just Cuts kiosk

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