Grantham Journal Big Interview: 'Our clients make us who we are'

Scots Hair Design has been a thriving salon since it was established in Grantham 15 years ago under the careful management of owners
Jennifer Low and Simon Spray.

The salon was described as being being on a par with some of the best in the country at the Grantham Journal Business Awards in November, where they were also awarded with Independent Retailer of the Year.

Jennifer made sure her team were alongside her to collect the award on stage.

Speaking to the Journal afterwards, Jennifer said: “It’s deserved as a collective. It’s everybody who works here that makes it as it is. I’m very lucky to have the staff.”

We caught up with Jennifer to ask what’s next for the salon and why it is that staff never seem to want to leave ...

You’ve been running Scots for 15 years but how did you get started?

I have been in the hair salon industry since I left school in 1988. I worked briefly for Saxx Hair Design before opening Scots in Grantham the first time round in 1991 with my sister.

When we sold it in 1994, I moved to Bedford and worked for Tony & Guy for four years before they offered me a franchise in Mansfield, which I ran for five years.

I am a salon based person and always have been.

When I decided to return to Grantham and open Scots on my own with Simon, two staff from Tony & Guy came along with me.

What makes the salon a great place to work for your staff?

I still have four original staff members who have been here since we opened 15 years ago. I think this says a lot for the salon especially in our industry where its the ‘norm’ to move around.

We have staff of all levels including trainees and a Saturday girl.

I know what each of our staff members needs and requires to push them to the next level.

We plan their education at the beginning of the year and I monitor them throughout the year to ensure they hit their targets. I am in the process of organising a bespoke course in London for the entire team to further hone our skills.

All of my staff are up to date with the current trends and what’s happening within our industry. I like them to be one step ahead.

Why do you think your staff never want to leave?

We are a proper family and are a really tight group. We look out for each other and support one another. I am a mum to Olivia, 24, who also worked at the salon until last year and my son Keaton, 18. I also have two grandchildren. There is definitely a family feel in the salon.

After being in the industry for 30 years, do you still love what you do?

I love my job. You really don’t know what each day is going to be like. We have so many loyal customers. We support them through bad news and celebrate their good times. They know they can speak to us in a safe environment. Our clients are everything. They make us who were are.