NEWS
HR deal will help leading hair extensions brand Additional Lengths grow business
Two of the Tees Valley ’ s leading businesswomen have formed a partnership to enhance talent management and build a highperforming team for a flourishing hair brand .
Additional Lengths ’ managing director Victoria Lynch decided to collaborate with HR Alchemy managing director Jo Davies because of Jo ’ s significant experience working at board level , managing people and forming people strategies , which she believes are crucial skills needed to grow the already hugely successful Stocktonbased company .
Under Jo ’ s leadership , HR Alchemy has established itself as one of the region ’ s most forward-thinking HR companies , directing employee provision and services for some of the Tees Valley ’ s fastest growing companies .
Jo ’ s HR career started in heavy industry and progressed to board level appointments at global brands such as Sahaviriya Steel ( SSI ).
Today , HR Alchemy is at the forefront of the modern HR industry thanks to its
“ Alchemy Culture ” offer .
The company work across a variety of sectors including tech , digital , education , health and hospitality , giving Jo the global perspective and exceptional expertise needed to take Additional Lengths to the next level .
Victoria said : “ Additional Lengths ’ collaboration with HR Alchemy will enhance our talent management with added experience and knowledge .
“ HR Alchemy will assist us in navigating the complexities of the contemporary workforce , with a focus on enhancing our employee development , recruitment and compliance .
“ We eagerly anticipate the positive impact this partnership will bring to both of our businesses , while assisting us with our growth plans by helping us build our highperforming team .”
Jo added : “ Additional Lengths are an incredible business operating out of
Growing partnership –
Victoria Lynch and Jo Davis aim to continue Additional Lengths ’ stunning success .
Teesside and Victoria has achieved a huge amount .
“ We will continue to build upon the company ethos , grow the culture and develop a people strategy to grow a high-performing team that aligns with the bigger vision and expansion plans Victoria has for the business . HR Alchemy will be on that journey to make it happen .”
Why family ’ s such an asset for business owner Steve
Within a year of starting up , Steve Southern ’ s structural testing firm , Southern Asset Management ( SAM ), had recorded a half-million pound turnover .
Since July 2022 , SAM has emerged as the go-to provider for structural NDT testing and asset management of lighting columns , masts , signs and structures .
It ’ s headquartered in Stockton but serves clients nationwide from a diverse range of sectors , including local authorities and Transport for London .
Testing time - Steve Southern .
It ’ s a double award winner too , having clinched the Best New Services Business and the Standout Achievement awards at the Best New Tees Business Awards .
But behind the impressive statistics is an even more impressive story because , by his own admission , Steve had been in a low place – a very low place .
A former Dene School pupil , England judo international and , for three years , a Green Howard , Steve got into structural testing through a friend and now has 24 years ’ experience .
However , problems stemming from a former role saw him spiral into depression , leading to a series of breakdowns .
In a dire mental and financial state , a business plan was his only material asset . Crucially , though , he had the support of family and friends – support that brought him back from the brink .
And even though he frankly admits he ’ s not fully out of the woods yet , he says that support network helped bring him through the worst times .
Not only that , he ’ s now on the brink of more business success .
He said : “ I had paranoia , depression , anxiety . But family and just talking about it was the key . I know the dangers now – I know what gives me good and bad days .
“ Things are going really well – growth , new customers , new revenues , new products . I ’ m trying to enjoy it now . I ’ ve got a smile back on my face too – that ’ s the main thing for me .”
Based in Stockton ’ s Durham Tees Valley Business Centre , SAM currently has 10 staff – including two of his three kids , Poppy and general manager Ryan - but there ’ s a desire for more employees .
And if you ’ d have told him a year ago where his business would be now ? He said : “ I ’ d have been over the moon – the growth has gone really quickly and it ’ s getting stronger .”
146 | Tees Business