Runo Group confirmed as UK and Ireland master franchisor for Spanish hairdresser brand

Deal involves rolling out 100 salons in the next 10 years

The Runo Group has become the master franchisor for Spanish business Hairdressers Low Cost, after winning the right to sell its franchises.

The deal involves rolling out 100 salons in the UK and Ireland in the next 10 years.

Runo, which says it’s identified 250 potential locations for HLC, has also invested in its own salon.

Andy Hulbert, Runo operations director, says: “We have a vast knowledge of the franchise sector, so having been contacted by HLC, which already has 600 salons in Spain and others in Italy and Germany, we were happy to hear about their expansion plans.

“They wanted us to find them franchisees in the UK and Ireland on a one-by-one basis.

“But as a sister group to Franchise Resales, we knew we had a wealth of expertise, so we put forward our own proposal and were delighted to be able to persuade them to let us become their master franchisor for UK and Ireland.”

Julie Taylor, Runo’s training and skills director, and her son, Michael Bohan, the company’s sales and marketing director, believe the HLC opportunity will fire the imagination of people looking to invest in a “relatively low cost” franchise.

Julie says: “The HLC model is really interesting. It offers a working hairdresser, or someone who just wants to be a salon manager, a flexible option with added value.

“HLC salons operate on a ‘no appointments necessary’ system. They also have their own range of products, which can be sold to salon clients.”

Michael adds: “We passionately believe in the HLC brand, so much so that we are already in negotiations over premises in Newark for our own, and the first, UK HLC salon.

“Better still, we’re thrilled to be offering a would-be franchisee the chance to come on board as a joint salon owner and take their own steps towards a brighter future.”