Press Release
Article date: 07/02/2007
Award for Export
Colourstart, a Bedfordshire business with a global market
The company responsible for the revolutionary Colourstart hair dye patch test has been recognised with a prestigious DTI award for the management and growth of its export business. The prize from the UK Trade and Investment (UKTI), a government organisation that helps UK companies to trade internationally, was awarded to Trichocare on Tuesday night at an event held at Newmarket Racecourse.
Martin Keepfer, International Trade Advisor to the company explains the award, \"UKTI\'s flagship Passport Programme offers new-to-export and novice exporters a valuable package including a Diagnostic, Training, Specialist Advice, Support and matched funding. It has been a particular pleasure for the Bedfordshire UKTI Trade Team to work with Trichocare and see their successes on the Passport Programme, and through other UKTI initiatives over the last two years.\"
40% of Trichocare\'s 2007 market will be in export, owing to the fact that tackling allergy to hair dye is a global issue. Nick Plunkett, Commercial Director of Trichocare knows this is the thin end of the wedge and of the enormous growth opportunities in the international export market, \"15 years ago, 6% of Japanese females over 20 dyed their hair. 10 years later it\'s 85%! This isn\'t just a female phenomenon, in the US the number of men dying their hair has increased 25% in the five years to 2003 - an increase is partly explained as colour is part of fashion and isn\'t just there to cover grey hair. Hair is a 24hr fashion statement\".
But to be part of this growth and to make it sustainable, Trichocare has learnt the importance of finding the right partner. Due diligence is the key, finding companies with motivations that are aligned to Trichocare\'s makes these markets successful, \"Our UK model is for Trichocare to provide a new level of professionalism to the Hairdressing Industry. Our company mission is improve standards, making Colourstart available in the market whilst recognising our corporate responsibility to the professional intermediaries using the product. Customers receive critical information on all aspects of hair colour not always available through other channels (including hair colour manufacturers themselves). We have a direct relationship with our customers and they have access to relevant and unencumbered technical advice and education. The combined result of innovation with education gives a breadth of tools good enough to tackle the growing incidence of allergy to PPD found in hair dye. This is the only business model we look for to look for with our export partners.\"
www.colourstart.com
Background Colourstart, developed in conjunction with Cranfield\'s University of Bioscience and Technology was launched in the UK in August 2004. It has forged ahead despite having very little support from the hair colour manufacturers. Abroad the case is different, manufacturers in Australia have embraced the product and one of the largest is about to launch it within their range. In the UK Trichocare has direct business ranging from the iconic names of Lisa Shepherd and Nicky Clarke and big businesses like Toni & Guy and Saks as well as the small professional chains and independents have adopted the product. Lisa Shepherd epitomises the groundswell of motivation to use the product, \"We want to stay ahead of the game and look after our clients. The advanced and simple to use technology helps protect our clients, and takes the hassle out of patch testing before every colour. I can say with confidence that I do everything I can to make sure my clients have the perfect salon experience\".
Brian\'s company Trichocare run a support and monitoring service for those with an allergy to hair dye through their allergy watch portal www.colourstart.com.
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EDITORS NOTES
Brian Plunkett MIT is a registered Trichologist and industry expert. Brian is currently on tour with the Health & Safety Executive, lecturing on sensitivity issues in the Salon. Brian is available for interview. 07808 775 492 email: brian.plunkett@trichocare.co.uk
Hair colour doctor, Lisa Shepherd, has slots regularly on TV and is available for interview. Contact Sophie Knight, Babel Fish PR M: 07989 962341 Sophie@BabelFishPR.co.uk