SUCCESS
Full speed ahead !
How Head Quarters is the North-East ’ s quickestgrowing barber chain
A cut above – the Head Quarters Barbering Academy , located above the group ’ s Yarm barber ’ s shop , officially opened its doors in September , training barbers of the future .
Following the overwhelming success of its first three shops , Head Quarters , part of Wynyard-based Racz Group , officially opened its fourth barber shop just 15 months after its inception back in April 2021 .
Head Quarters Barbers & Beverages is now officially open at 149 High Street , in Yarm , with the group ’ s second Middlesbrough-based barber shop opening as this edition of Tees Business went to print . This brings the group ’ s total to five , with future planning already in place for barber shop number six in the North-East .
Open 8am-8pm seven days per week , Head Quarters makes it convenient for local residents and professionals to get their hair cut , while also making every visit memorable .
Clientele can enjoy the comfort of leather Chesterfield sofas , traditional personalised barber chairs and a self-serve bar where you can even pull yourself a chilled beer . Put simply , it ’ s a traditional barbershop with a modern twist .
Each of its barber shops are also childfriendly , providing free soft drinks for the younger generation during their hairstyling visits .
Owner Mike Racz said : “ We looked at all the frustrations customers face when going to the barbers , and how we could make Head Quarters different . Our mission is to bring one of the oldest professions into the 21st century by introducing new technology across the board from booking systems to the shop floor .
“ We have booking available via our app , with live waiting times so you know how long you ’ ll be waiting if you walk in , along with a freshly pulled beer or a coffee upon arrival . We want customers to feel at home - it ’ s our living room and you are always welcome .
“ The concept has been received with great enthusiasm , leading us to rapid growth .”
Matt Vickers , Conservative MP for Stockton South , recently visited the group ’ s new Yarm barber shop . He experienced the facilities for himself while fitting in a fresh trim and a catchup with Mike to discuss the future plans for the Yarm barber shop , which is housed within his constituency .
Not content with only cutting and styling hair , the group understands the importance of training , so Head Quarters Barbering Academy officially opened its doors in September , located above the group ’ s Yarm shop .
The training academy will be led by celebrity stylist Eric Lovemore , providing training for Head Quarters ’ barbers of the future , as well as aspiring barbers . Courses will cover a variety of levels - from absolute beginner to refresher courses and those for established barbers . The academy will not only use Eric ’ s skills and knowledge but will also provide brand awareness at the biggest barbering events in the industry , including ExCeL London ’ s Salon International in front of 30,000 people .
Taking the experience one step further , the Head Quarters team also created their own uniquely formulated HQRS styling product range , with its own exquisite signature scent . These products are used during each visit and are also available to purchase in-store plus online through the Head Quarters website .
The brand is certainly heading in the right direction , with further expansion already in progress . At present , Head Quarters employs just over 20 staff and is actively looking for more staff to further enhance the team . Interested to find out more ? Any potential applicants are invited to contact Matty Maxwell , Head Quarters ’ area manager , on email via matty . maxwell @ head-quarters . co . uk
Growing – Head Quarters Barbers has recently opened its fifth shop in the region .
Bishop Auckland Unit 22 , Abraham Retail Park , Bishop Auckland , DL14 9TT Tel : 01388 365333
Middlesbrough Unit 3 , Park Parade Ormesby Road , Middlesbrough , TS3 7PA Tel : 01642 039333
Middlesbrough 202-206 , Linthorpe Rd , Middlesbrough , TS1 3QW
Darlington 20-22 West Auckland Rd , Darlington , DL3 9EP Tel : 01325 647333
Yarm 149 High Street , Yarm , TS15 9AY Tel : 01642 039334
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