NEWS
Head people – from left , Eric Lovemore , Becky Norman and Mike Racz .
AHEAD OF THE REST
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A fresh barbering concept is already proving a big hit in Teesside and County Durham and aims to continue being a cut above the rest .
he first three Head Quarters – the latest brainchild of the ever-growing Racz Group – launched simultaneously in Middlesbrough , Darlington and Bishop Auckland , back on April 12 this year .
All three sites have picked up speed with a flurry of satisfied clients , so expansion is already on the cards , with confirmation that four additional sites have been secured to increase their North-East footprint .
“ This isn ’ t just one barber shop ,” confirms HQ ’ s brand ambassador and artistic manager Eric Lovemore . “ This is a portfolio . There has to be continuity , so the interiors will have the same look and feel , with the same ethos running through each .”
Becky Norman has been appointed operations manager for Racz Group – the success story spearheaded by Mike Racz – and is working alongside Eric to help ensure the success of this exciting concept .
WORDS : PAUL FRASER PICTURES : CHRIS BOOTH
Racz Group is now one of the UK ’ s largest owners of franchised businesses , including Domino ’ s pizza and Costa Coffee , so the HQ idea already had a head start in its unique approach .
Having joined the journey in August , Eric is drawing on his vast experience to assist in the development of the brand . Eric ’ s stories and memories are worth a book of their own . Originally from Cape Town , he now lives in Yarm , which he describes as “ an incredible place ”.
“ I designed the world ’ s most expensive diamond jacket and had to do things my way to stand out , to be noticed ,” he says . “ Mike is doing it his way and this concept is exciting .
“ I love being associated with HQ . I can see the bigger picture and being part of that journey excites me . There are no limits – if the vision is worldwide , then why not ?
“ In essence , HQ is a barber shop with a difference . It is
116 | Tees Business