Flintshire firms accommodate exponential growth with new property
The expansion of two Flintshire businesses shows no signs of stopping after crucial relocation plans and growth goals were accelerated.
Oasis Hair and Beauty salon and The Kings Academy, both founded and owned by Sara King, are set to move into a freshly renovated property just a few doors down from their current base on Station Road, Queensferry.
With the duo going from strength to strength, including forging partnerships with housing associations and the Department for Work and Pensions to help upskill unemployed Flintshire residents, the need for a larger premises was essential.
In addition, as The Kings Academy functions as both a training provider and an alternative school teaching pupils aged 14-16 across the county maths, English, and hair and beauty courses, remaining centrally located was vital.
The relocation comes 25 years after Oasis Hair and Beauty salon’s establishment, and the move will allow for the installation of a Japanese head spa alongside five additional stylist stations.
There are currently 17 employees operating across the two companies, including some of whom have been trained via the Kings Academy.
Sara said: “The new property has come at a crucial time for both businesses and, as the demand for our programmes has increased, will allow me to fulfil my vision of recruiting more staff and serving more clients, all within a freshly renovated space.
“With the Kings Academy providing private training to more than 60 learners a week from across the north west, staying in the heart of Queensferry has also been beneficial as it allows us to continue serving our community, as well as drawing people to the area, which helps boost the local economy.
“Overall, I’m very grateful to the Town Centre Property Improvement Grant which has enabled us to upgrade the building, as without the changes we would have been forced to move further from the town centre to find something suitable.”
As part of Flintshire County Council’s Town Centre Investment Programme (TCIP), the Flintshire Town Centre Property Improvement Grant (TCPIG) helped fund the renovations.
Activity to ensure customers and employees alike will benefit, included installing an improved heating system, new electrics, windows, flooring, and an inviting front door that has replaced the former shutter, as well as updating the décor.
Jonathan Bates, Flintshire County Council project development officer, said: “Helping Flintshire businesses achieve their goals is a priority for the Flintshire County Council Enterprise and Regeneration Service, so presenting Sara with the opportunity to let her companies flourish in larger, nearby premises has been fantastic.”
Councillor Chris Dolphin, cabinet member for economy, environment and climate, said: “Thanks to funding from the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), the TCPIG has helped the town centre premises and as a result boost business opportunities for several firms across the county.
Such grants are a reminder that, despite challenging economic times, we will take steps where possible to help Welsh firms undertake property enhancements to improve their productivity and appeal.”
The Town Centre Investment Programme has received £1,500,432 from the UK government through the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund.
Of this total, a £400,000 grant has been invested in 14 property improvement schemes across towns in Flintshire, with an additional £240,000 contributed by the owners toward improvements.