Best New Business Award 2008

Award sees Hobson & Holmes take major trophies in Style

A Darlington business that has made astounding progress in its first 12 months has been named Tees Valley's Best New Business of 2008 and their owners also awarded Young Entrepreneurs Award 2008.

Hobson & Holmes was announced as winner of the Overall Award as well as the Young Entrepreneur Award at the Best New Business Awards 2008, which took place last night (10th February) at the Riverside Stadium, Middlesbrough.

Andrew Hobson & Nick Holmes set up their modern hair and beauty salon in West Park Village Darlington in November 2007. They employ 10 members of staff in a modern salon that has been designed and installed under their own project management. The salon has many original creative concepts such as Pre Appointment SMS messaging, massaging backwashes, an interactive website and an online product store. They have big plans to create more Hobson & Holmes salons within the North East within the next 3 years.

As well as establishing a popular hair and beauty salon, they have also set up another business, a print broker house. www.lifestyleprinting.co.uk

Andrew Hobson explained:
"When we were setting up the salon and needed print material it was difficult to source, I soon realised that prices fluctuated considerably and there was no common pricing structure. Due to this our sister company lifestyleprinting.co.uk was established and now has a network of print suppliers who are used to ensure our print clients receive the best value for money. On average we have saved approx 45% on our clients past printing costs."

The Best New Business Award judges including awards creator, Colin Brown and Jonathan Lamb, marketing director of Business & Enterprise North East, were particularly impressed by the rapid growth of the business and the use of a number of excellent marketing and PR techniques along with their innovative approach, potential for growth, and future employment prospects.

Jonathan Lamb of Business & Enterprise North East which administers the Business Link service in the region said:

"Hobson & Holmes thoroughly deserve their award for their modern and innovative approach to the hair and beauty industry."

The Best New Business Awards were held at the Riverside Stadium, Middlesbrough with BBC Look North's Wendy Gibson acting as compere for the evening.

Hobson & Holmes were awarded with 2 trophies as well as a cheque for £1,500