An award-winning Inverurie business is on its way to Wembley after booking its place at the final of a national awards ceremony for family-owned businesses.
Élan Hair Design, which can lay claim to being the UK’s most eco-friendly hair salon, has been chosen to represent Scotland as a regional finalist in both the Best Small Business and Innovation categories at the Red Ribbon Awards in recognition of its commitment to the environment.
The salon, which has overseen a long-term green project, will come up against firms including Mackie’s of Scotland at the event taking place in the Bobby Moore Suite at the London stadium on Friday, July 15 this year.
Lorna Milton, director at Élan Hair Design, said: “We’re delighted to reach such a prestigious awards final and hope that we can bring a trophy back home to Aberdeenshire.
“The hard work done by the team in the salon every day has made this possible and we’re so excited to be heading to Wembley as a reward.”
Élan won its 21st business award in four years last month with notable wins including the Chamber Award for Sustainability organised by the British Chambers of Commerce in 2012, and the Green prize at the Northern Star Awards in 2015.
The salon was also a finalist in the National Business Awards, the Scottish Business Awards and the Chamber Awards last year.
Élan’s green journey to success began with a £250,000 refurbishment of its premises four years ago aimed at reducing its carbon footprint. Features of the revamp included the installation of PV (photovoltaic) panels which generate electricity and solar-thermal panels to provide energy for hot water.
The business has continued to develop innovative methods of reducing its carbon footprint, including designing a system to send hair clippings and other biodegradable waste to be spread as compost on local farmers’ fields. Unique measures such as these have allowed the salon to divert 95 per cent of its waste from landfill.
The business has also introduced a carbon management plan, which has successfully led to the salon reducing its emissions by 94 per cent.