A CHAIN of hair and beauty salons is hoping to franchise its way to success.

Hairdresser Contemporary is looking to expand from its five salons in the North-East and is planning to franchise some outlets to its employees during the next 12 months.

Contemporary has three stand-alone outlets at sites in Middlesbrough, and Marske and Guisborough, in east Cleveland. It also has two salons within health clubs at Teesside Park, Stockton and Kingston Park in Newcastle. There is also a Contemporary training centre in Middlesbrough.

Owners Alan Simpson and his wife Karen Storr-Simpson, who first started the business 12 years ago in Guisborough, have already invested in a new salon at Whitby, which is due to open next month.

They are now poised to franchise some existing salons, and are looking to continue expanding throughout the region.

Contemporary intends to open two new salons over the next year, one in Newcastle city centre and one in Darlington.

The company employs 65 people across the region, and its estimated turnover for 2003 is £1.2m, with year-on-year growth at the four salons that have been open for more than 12 months increasing by 38 per cent.

Contemporary has been working with specialist Darlington consultancy The Franchise Company, which is handling the franchising process.

Mr Simpson said: "Contemporary has something new and different to offer. There is a lot of growth potential in the business."