SKINHQ, an international chain of skin clinics specialising in laser hair removal, cool-sculpting, fillers, botox and skin treatments is setting up a base in Newry employing 13 staff .
The international franchise is planning a national expansion throughout the UK and Ireland and is also expanding its services to include the launch of a new e-commerce store, launch of an academy to train and retain beauty therapists, and launch of SkinHQ-branded products.
Invest NI has offered the company £84,500 of support towards the creation of the new roles, and SkinHQ is specifically looking for individuals with skills in disciplines including call handling, warehousing, e-commerce and content writing.
Founder and chief executive Haroon Danis said: “We've a very ambitious growth plan for the company. We currently have 23 GB 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.”
He added: “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 to service both jurisdictions and consider options in both locations. And after evaluating all these factors, we decided Newry was the best location for this new office.”
Anne Beggs, trade & investment director at Invest NI, said: “SkinHQ first contacted us last spring. 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 them 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 its operations in Northern Ireland. It is offering competitive salaries and aims to have all the roles in place by 2023.”
