Award-winning salon plans expansion with support from Business Incentive Grant
An award-winning hair salon near Stockbridge is expanding its services and creating local employment opportunities following support from Test Valley Borough Council's Business Incentive Grant.
Founded by Yasmin Saunders, The Copper Barn Hair & Wellness Ltd has quickly established a strong reputation among customers, offering a premium salon experience from a beautifully restored former agricultural building in a peaceful rural setting near Stockbridge.
Since launching the business, Yasmin has built a loyal client base through social media, word of mouth recommendations, and exceptional customer service. The salon's attractive surroundings, high-quality décor and free parking have proved popular with customers, helping the business grow rapidly.
The success of the salon was recently recognised when The Copper Barn Hair & Wellness was named Best Hair Salon for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight in the Muddy Stilettos Awards, voted for by members of the public.
The business now employs two members of staff, including a new full-time employee who recently joined the team. Yasmin is also introducing complementary services with a facial alchemist and reflexologist opening in one of the beauty rooms in October and is currently recruiting other beauty professionals to create a one-stop wellness destination for clients.
To support these future plans, Yasmin Saunders has been awarded a £750 Business Incentive Grant from Test Valley Borough Council. The funding has contributed towards the development of first-floor space within the salon, including the installation of air conditioning.
Yasmin Saunders, owner of The Copper Barn Hair & Wellness Ltd, said: "I can't believe how far the business has come in such a short time and I'm delighted to be expanding, taking on a new member of staff in my salon and planning for nail and aesthetic services."
Mid Test Ward Councillor Ian Jeffrey said: "It is fantastic to see a new business achieving such success in a relatively short period of time. Yasmin has created a salon that is clearly proving popular with customers and contributing to the local economy by creating employment opportunities. The Business Incentive Grant is designed to help ambitious entrepreneurs take the next step in their journey, and I am delighted that this funding will support The Copper Barn Hair & Wellness as it continues to grow and diversify its services."
Test Valley Borough Council is committed to supporting local businesses through various initiatives and grants. The Business Incentive Grant is designed to help new businesses located in Test Valley achieve their goals and contribute to the local economy. Businesses must apply for the grant within eight weeks of starting to trade, and the council awards the funding once they have been operating for a minimum of six months.