New salon rental concept launches in Scotland

A salon space has opened in Scotland with a new freelance concept.

Salon Studios houses six individual salons under one roof in Corstorphine, near Edinburgh, each available to be rented by independent salon owners under a scheme similar to chair rental. 

Founder Roz Colthart launched the concept after identifying a gap in the market for beauty, wellness and hair professionals who want to start their own businesses but are put off by high costs, both upfront and on going. 

Salon Studios operates a weekly flat fee payment structure for each salon, which come furnished. Rates start at £250 per week. 

The rate includes water and electricity costs, PPL music licence, health and safety assessment, fire management programme, rubbish collection, Wi-Fi, public area cleaning and CCTV. 

Salon owners can decide their own hours of operation, take their own bookings directly and can choose which brands they work with, keeping all profits from sales. 

There is also the option for part-time salon shares between professionals. 

Having researched similar concepts in the US, Colthart said of her decision to launch in the UK: “What I saw in the American version were happy salon owners able to focus on what they loved without getting caught up in day-to-day management issues like managing staff, paying bills or worrying about cash flow.

“This model works well for so many people. I met experienced and successful salon owners who wanted to retire but didn’t want to give up their loyal client base and just needed a smaller space. 

I also met people who wanted to start the next Toni & Guy but were just dipping their toe in the water and building confidence. And then there were people who were happy to have one salon and stick with it”.

Salon Studios has plans for more sites elsewhere in Edinburgh and across the UK. 

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