Start Up Loan supports Ilkley-based hair salon to fuel growth
Mark McKenzie Hair, an independent salon based in the historic Spa town of Ilkley, West Yorkshire, has grown with the support of a five-figure loan through the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme, delivered by Business Enterprise Fund (BEF). The funding has helped founder Mark McKenzie invest in his business, refurbish the salon, and create a new space for education and content creation.
Mark has been involved in the hairdressing industry since he was 13. Before starting his own business, he built his career with leading salon brands, becoming an educator, trainer, and brand ambassador.
The salon's foundations were built by Philip Dawson, who established the business more than 15 years ago. Philip invited Mark to become a business partner, recognising his talent, ambition and vision for the future. With Philip's ongoing guidance and mentorship, Mark started to shape the next chapter of the business, building on its strong reputation while creating a lasting legacy within the local community.
Despite the business performing well, Mark found it difficult to secure finance through traditional lenders due to his short trading history. Working with BEF and Investment Manager Amber Kershaw, Mark successfully secured a Start Up Loan and moved forward with his plans.
The funding was used alongside Mark’s own funds to transform the salon, creating a modern space that supports both clients and business growth. Mark has also established an in-house content studio, allowing him to create educational content, film brand collaborations, and launch a podcast.
Looking ahead, Mark plans to expand the business further, with ambitions to open a second salon, support more apprentices, and launch an incubation programme for aspiring self-employed hairdressers. The initiative would give young professionals access to training, mentorship, and resources while helping them build successful businesses of their own.
Mark McKenzie, Founder of Mark McKenzie Hair, said: “When I turned 30, I decided I wanted to work for myself. I rented a small space and almost all my clients came with me. We outgrew it in three months, which I never expected. Traditional lenders weren’t interested because I’d only been self-employed for a year. BEF took the time to understand my business and my plans, which gave me the confidence to move forward. The loan was a game changer. It gave us the cash injection we needed to move quickly, bring our ideas to life and create new opportunities for the future.”
Amber Kershaw, Investment Manager at BEF, said: “Mark’s passion for his profession was clear from the start. He had a strong vision for the business and a genuine commitment to supporting the next generation of hairdressers. It’s fantastic to see how much progress he has made and hear about his exciting plans for the future.”
Louise McCoy, Managing Director for Start Up Loans at the British Business Bank, added: “It’s inspiring to see Mark transform his passion into a business that will also help educate others. Mark McKenzie Hair is the sort of business the Start Up Loans programme is designed to support, giving ambitious entrepreneurs the finance and support they need to turn their ideas into successful ventures, ready to grow even further.” A Start Up Loan is a fixed rate personal loan for business purposes that can be repaid over 1-5 years and can include post loan support such as mentoring.