Bank boost means Norwich beauty salon ready to bounce back after lockdown
The entrepreneur behind a thriving Norwich hair and beauty salon says she is ‘full of optimism’ after being able to safeguard the jobs of her 10-strong team during the coronavirus crisis with the support of a Bounce Bank Loan from Lloyds Bank.
Carly Leveridge opened Leveridges Salon at The Norwich Lanes three years ago after retraining as a hairdresser following a number of years working in insurance. Her independent salon offers a range of hair and beauty services, from cuts and colours to nails and waxing, and provides a base for eight self-employed therapists and stylists to operate from.
Having been forced to close when the coronavirus lockdown was announced, the business was facing cashflow issues.
Turning to her personal and business banking partner of almost a decade, Lloyds Bank, Carly was able to secure a Bounce Back Loan – turned around in just 24 hours – to pay wages for those she employs directly and cover other overheads like rent and utilities.
She said: “I’m really proud of what I’ve been able to achieve with the salon. It’s a thriving business that’s built-up a loyal customer base, but it’s also host to a tight-knit community of other small business owners supporting each other and sharing in our successes. I’m really missing seeing everyone every day!
“Lloyds Bank has been instrumental in helping me make my salon what it is today. I opened my very first business bank account with them, and the team there has been by my side through every step of my ownership journey.
“To have been able to access these new funds so quickly is fantastic. The money will help to cover the team’s wages while we ride out this storm and secure my business’ long-term future, which has filled me with optimism.”
Maria Joyce, business banking manager at Lloyds Bank, said: “I know Carly and the Leveridges Salon well – and we were able to turn around the money it needed with speed after the initial application.
“We’re working round the clock to help small businesses deal with extremely difficult conditions during the pandemic. We will be by their side as they emerge on the other side.”