Hairdressers make headlines in Andover.
An Andover couple have stuck to their roots by setting up a hair dressing business in their local town.
Jean and Gerald Kingsley have opened Ark Hair Design in ground floor premises in 7 High Street, Andover, in the heart of the town’s primary shopping area.
Andover St Mary’s ward member, Councillor Iris Andersen, presented the pair with the first instalment of Test Valley Borough Council’s £1,000 Independent Retailer Grant in October to acknowledge the company’s continued trading.
Councillor Andersen said” Jean was the HR Manager at the Co-op on Andover Business Park when it opened and Gerald worked at a hairdressers in the town.
“They are now pursuing their dream of owning their own business and have invested a lot of money in new equipment, fittings and re-decoration. I’m delighted to present this grant to them both and wish them every success.”
Gerald said “ I built up good connections with British Army customers when I lived in Sri Lanka and have continued to serve Armed Services customers in my shop here, with good feedback from them. We both felt that a business in Andover town centre would be a good investment.”
Recipients of the £1,000 grant receive £500 after three months of trading and a further £500 six months later. To be eligible for the grant, new or existing independent businesses must occupy a town centre ground floor unit which has been vacant for at least one month. Qualifying businesses include shops, restaurants and cafes.
Ark Hair Design can be found on Facebook @ARKHairDesign.