Wigs Up North
Wigs Up North was the brainchild of three friends Vicky Holmes, Liz Armstrong and Jackie Sweeney. In just four years they have accomplished their dream of opening a shop supplying stage make up and wigs to both the trade and ordinary members of the public.
The shop is located in the Royal Mills development in the historic Ancoats area close to Manchester city centre.
The company started in 2004 to make and hire wigs to stage and screen productions. A year later, the business was growing well and the ladies decided to expand into supplying professional make-up.
The firm has supplied wigs and make up to most of the local theatres including Bolton Octagon and the Royal Exchange Theatre, as well as film and television productions. Recent projects have included the BBC's Royle Family and Peter Kay's upcoming show Britain's got Pop Factor.
The company has been a member of the Chamber of Commerce from very early on making the most of the business support and publicity opportunities offered through Chamber's membership package. Wigs Up North were also the regional winners of the Most Promising New Business Award in the National Chamber Awards in 2006.
As director, Jackie Sweeney explains:
"When we first started Wigs Up North our plan was to make and hire theatrical wigs. Never did we dream that our business would be what it is today.
"Greater Manchester Chamber has played a key role in supporting us through our growth with training, press coverage, advice, networking and new contacts to develop our e-commerce site.
"There is also the small issue of an award - winning the Most Promising Business Award in the North West in 2006 boosted our confidence in our ability to develop our business and with the Chamber on our side, it's not just the wigs that are looking good!"
Never ones to rest on their laurels future plans include the launch of their catalogue, online sales and training courses. These range from individual make-up lessons to courses on wig making.
Jackie explained : "What we are really keen to do is run short courses to teach people the practical skills needed for a career as wig assistants in the theatre. No courses teach you how to do quick changes or deal with tricky actors, but we will!"
"The future is exciting as we have more ideas for our business. It has already gone way beyond our original idea of just making wigs."
For further information visit www.wigsupnorth.co.uk or call 0161 236 5483.