Beauty business defies credit crunch » Communities » 24dash.com

The future looks picture perfect - even in this tough economic climate - for a young Dudley beautician who has taken the leap to become her own boss, in a former doctor's surgery.

Despite the credit crunch and a time of general despondency, Helen Noott, 25, this week opened Room 675 in Dudley when the opportunity to start up on her own proved too attractive to turn down.

After seven years of working for other people and also as a mobile beautician, Helen has taken on a small team and has spent the past few months converting the former doctors surgery into a pampering paradise.

With help from Business Link in the West Midlands Start-up team, Helen was given advice and support about the basics of working for herself and the challenges and thrills of being her own boss.

Ive always wanted my own business and after seven years of working for others and in a mobile unit, I knew it was something I enjoyed and wanted to do, she said.

I was a bit tentative about starting up on my own the way things are, economically, right now, but I knew I had to grasp the opportunity while I could. I was able to secure a bank loan and after speaking with Business Link, my mind was made up.

I was provided with an adviser who talked me through the practical side of things such as business rates, overheads, salaries and what to do to stay ahead of the game. I was given an honest appraisal including any worst case scenarios as well as the positive advantages of working for myself.

Its reassuring to know that my adviser will be there throughout the first year of training too, in case I need to turn to him. Im really looking forward to working for myself, having worked for others for so long.

The salon offers a range of services and products such as manicures and pedicures, spray tans to sun beds and permanent make-up - as well as a range of treatments for men.

Business adviser Bob Howard said: From the outset, it was immediately clear that Helen is a very capable person who was clearly not just jumping in, feet first.

Stories about the credit crunch are seldom far from the front pages of the newspapers. This does not mean that everything has to stand still though. Businesses, new and existing, can still do very well as long as theyre pragmatic and listen to advice.

Helen has the potential to do very well in the future.

Anyone wanting a free Start-up pack which includes help and advice and what to do next if you want to start your own business, can contact Business Link on 0845 113 1234.