SkinHQ is setting up in NI with 13 person Newry based team

Specialising in laser hair removal, CoolSculpting, fillers, Botox and skin treatments, the new team will be based in Newry

SkinHQ, an international franchise-based business, is planning a national expansion throughout the UK and Republic of Ireland.

In addition, it is expanding its services to include the launch of a new e-commerce store, launch of a SkinHQ Academy to train and retain beauty therapists, and launch of SkinHQ branded products.

Speaking about their growth plans and reasons for investing in Northern Ireland, founder and CEO Haroon Danis said: “We have a very ambitious growth plan for our company.

“We currently have 23 Great British locations and are expanding this with a further 25 opening in the coming months.

“In addition, we have secured locations in Dubai, United Arab Emirates and are looking at European locations.

“As well as widening our network of franchises, we are also adding new products and services and the new team in Newry will help ensure we deliver on these plans.

“When comparing options for the location of this centre we considered costs, staff attrition rates, government assistance, talent and cultural links.

“We were particularly keen to be located close to the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland to service both jurisdictions and consider options in both locations.

“After evaluating all these factors, we decided Newry was the best location for this new office.”

The new office in Newry will provide several functions.

The team will be involved in building an online training platform, hosting a new e-commerce website and creating an online e-learning SkinHQ training Academy.

The office will also provide a storage and distribution base for products and equipment for franchise locations. The company also plans to build a fully operational model clinic in Newry for live training.

Welcoming the company, Anne Beggs, Trade & Investment Director, Invest Northern Ireland added: “SkinHQ first contacted us in spring 2020.

“Since then, our team has worked with the company to understand its business needs and to demonstrate how Northern Ireland is the right location to meet these needs.

“Our Property Team also worked with the company to help them identify a suitable office space, and the company has now agreed on a location in Newry city centre.

“SkinHQ is seeking to recruit a cross-functional support team to service operations in NI and is specifically looking for individuals with skills in disciplines including call handling, warehousing, e-commerce and content writing.

“The company is offering competitive salaries and aims to have all the roles in place by 2023.

“The company is keen to recruit locally which will bring specific benefits to the Newry, Mourne & Down DC area, as well as to the wider Northern Ireland economy.”

In addition to the practical advice and support provided, Invest NI has offered the company £84,500 of support towards the creation of the new roles.