AN IRISH cosmetic chain is to open its first clinic in the north next month, creating 15 jobs.
The Irish News can reveal that Sisu Aesthetic Clinic will open on Ann Street in Belfast as part of a multi-million pound global expansion programme.
The clinic, which specialises in non-surgical injectable treatments such as Botox, lip and dermal fillers, is investing £250,000 in its new Belfast premises, which adds to existing locations in Dublin (2), Cork and Killarney.
Co-founded by tech entrepreneur Pat Phelan, along with brothers Brian and James Cotter, the business is one year into an ambitious five-year expansion programme.
Along with Belfast, Sisu is set to open a further four UK clinics in Manchester, Leeds, Newcastle and Manchester by the end of this year, in addition to a third Dublin outlet.
Beyond 2019 the company has ambitions to become the top global brand in aesthetics and is pressing ahead with further expansion in the UK, Germany and the US, with the total investment in 100 clinics set to surpass £25m.
Mr Phelan explained that there is a strong demand for cosmetic treatments in the city.
"Belfast is number one in Google Trends in Europe for lip fillers, dermal fillers and Botox. Statistically it's the number one per capita in Europe, which is very surprising for us. Interestingly the Republic is up there, but nothing like Belfast," he said.
The entrepreneur, who sold his anti-fraud firm Trustev to TransUnion for $44 million three years ago, also revealed there is scope for further expansion in the city through the clinic's in-house teeth whitening service, Sisu Smile.
"We're going to offer that here in Belfast, but we do see the opportunity, especially in the UK, to roll out Sisu Smile as a standalone. We probably wouldn't see another clinic here, but we could definitely see a Sisu Smile," he continued.
Dr Brian Cotter, who along with his brother are the joint clinical directors, believe the fact that Sisu is doctor-led gives it a key point of difference.
"It's standardised, its protocolised, it's safe; you're never a client, you're never a customer, you're always a patient," he said.
Dr Cotter also revealed that it is not just women who are availing of the clinic's services, with men now making up 30 per cent of the clientèle.
"We call it 'Mantox' or 'Brotox'," he said.
"We're seeing a massive surge in men getting these treatments. I suppose for a certain demographic it is a bit foreign, but it is something that is being embraced. You go the gym to stay in shape, but there is no gym for your face."
Matthew McNutt from O'Connor Kennedy Turtle (OKT) added: "We are delighted to have secured the letting to Sisu Clinic on behalf of the landlord and to be able to facilitate their continued expansion through their first outlet in Northern Ireland. We're excited to see them grow and wish them every success."
