Owned by husband and wife, Stephen and Francine Davies, Wildabouthair was originally set up in 1989 in Paignton. The businesses expanded into Torquay in 2010 to premises that offers warm and welcoming atmosphere which is relaxing for their clients.
The Challenge
Wildabouthair has a training academy which is a great asset to the business, developing young talent into the business and hairdressing sector. Stephen and Francine wanted to develop their business further to be able to capitalise on their hairdressing experience, quality service and the opportunities they are providing.
To increase their customer base Wildabouthair were looking to become more IT savvy and increase their online presence, making the most of their online booking service.
Stephen said: “We are proud of the service and training we offer and we want to be able to continue to invest in our staff and ourselves to ensure the growth and development of our business.”
The Solution
As part of the ERDF Growth Support Programme, TDA Business supported Wildabouthair with their business plan and marketing strategy. Through the advice sessions a number of opportunities were identified, including how to get IT programme and digital marketing support.
Stephen said: “Kim at TDA was a brilliant source of information regarding contacts within the marketing sector and arranged for free marketing advice with a local company called Cosmic. Kim also put us in contact with Learn Direct to help with our IT skills. By improving our knowledge it would help speed up the processes and enable us more time to focus on other areas of the business.”
Results
Stephen continued: “Using TDA allowed us to look at our business in a different perspective and have an independent review of how our business is run. In Kim, we feel we now have a key contact in TDA who will continue to support Wildabouthair’s business journey.”
“We have been able to streamline our processes so that we can focus on the things that are important to us, our customers and staff.”
Since applying their new digital marketing skills, Wildabouthair has seen more people engage with them on social media and book through their website.
If you’d like to learn more about the ERDF Growth Support programme support visit www.tda-business.com
If you would like to learn more about Wildabouthair visit www.wildabouthair.co.uk
The Heart of the South West Growth Support Programme project is receiving up to £904,945 of funding from the England European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020. The Department for Communities and Local Government is the Managing Authority for ERDF. Established by the European Union ERDF funds help local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support innovation, businesses, create jobs and local community regenerations. For more information visit https://www.gov.uk/european-growth-funding The accountable body for this programme is Devon County Council, working with the following delivery partners: BIP, Cosmic, North Devon +, Somerset Business Agency, TDA and YTKO