NEWS
“ With three HQ sites already established and open for business , four brand new sites , all within the North-East , are due to follow .”
an environment with a range of grooming packages . We have everything , whether a client wants a haircut , a hot towel shave , a nose wax or a colour to hide the grey .
“ We have also developed our own HQRS . brand of products to enhance the experience further , allowing clients to purchase for home maintenance and styling in between visits .
“ You can help yourself to a cold drink on the house in a very relaxed environment , sit down on a Chesterfield sofa or work on your computer until a barber is available .
“ We also have an app booking system , with an electronic display in the window showing when the next barber is available . You don ’ t have to wait around . Our customers are quite blown away by it .”
“ Everything is moving more to male grooming now ,” adds Becky . “ For example , my brother works on a power plant site , something you could consider a more masculine occupation , yet he still takes a lot of pride in the way he looks and spends an hour every two weeks at a barber shop . Times have certainly changed .”
“ Barber shops have grown globally ,” Eric agrees . “ Male grooming is huge . Now there are entire aisles selling male products . It ’ s more about the overall experience for a gent , a proper grooming
session . Male grooming has become a big thing .”
Eric will also look to create a training academy , providing training for HQ ’ s barbers of the future . The academy will not only use his skills and knowledge but will also provide brand awareness at the biggest barbering events in the industry , including EXPO ’ s London ’ s Salon International in front of 30,000 people .
Hartlepool-born Becky has been with Racz for the last four years . She didn ’ t hesitate when she was asked to step into this new role and has provided the key link to support and develop the brand further .
Becky has played a crucial role in HQ becoming a reality and the future is certainly limitless for the brand . Her Racz Group knowledge allows her to support the sites and staff with their specific requirements , while she continues to search for further locations to enhance the portfolio further .
Racz Group ’ s family ethos is underlined by Becky ’ s progression from PA to operations manager . That same ethos can be seen in all of the brands under the Racz Group umbrella , where many staff have progressed from ground-level roles to secure managerial positions within the group .
“ We currently have 22 HQ staff in total and we are looking at a number of new locations ,” Becky says . “ There is no limit . Mike made this himself . It has been his vision and we have all made it happen .
“ Putting into practice the lessons we have learned from our other brands will only help HQ expand even further .”
Mike adds : “ With three HQ sites already established and open for business , four brand new sites , all within the North-East , are due to follow .
“ It ’ s too early to reveal exact locations – but let ’ s just say , they ’ re coming soon ! Alongside this is the future development of a training academy , which will provide both practical and vocational instruction for existing and potential new staff , as well as offering external training opportunities .
“ The personal services sector provided the ideal area of expansion for Racz Group , taking our total to 11 sectors across over 80 sites . Internally , Becky has stepped up to operations manager . Internal progression is something that we as a business are passionate about and pride ourselves on .
“ Eric will provide the professional expertise needed as both brand ambassador and artistic manager , as well as company lead in the development of our very own training academy .
“ If you are a landlord reading this and believe you might have a suitable property for HQ , please get in touch !”
head-quarters . co . uk
The voice of business in the Tees region | 117