A FAMILY hairdressers is celebrating three decades in business.
Andrew Lyon Hair Salon was opened in Horley High Street by Janice and Carl Roberts in 1983.
Now the couple own three salons in the town – one named Roberts and Co – and are passing on the business to their daughter Jo and son-in-law Steve.
Celebrating the anniversary of their initial launch, Mrs Roberts reflected on what had made the firm a success.
"It is such a family business," she said. "Our staff are not just a number. A couple have been here since the beginning and others for 10 or 15 years."
After working for a hairdressing chain in London, the Roberts struck out on their own and took over an existing salon after moving to Horley when their son was born.
The salons are now a family business in the purest sense.
With her husband retired, Mrs Roberts is heading into retirement too as the next generation take on the business's daily running. "We are leaving plans for the future to them now. It's a young people's business."
Apart from bringing their own stylist from the salon where they had worked in London, the couple took on the existing staff at the hairdressers.
Today there are 15 people in the first salon – many of whom were trained by the company.
"We think it's important to train them here and it is attractive to young people," Mrs Roberts said.
The first store was founded with a partner, but before long the Roberts were running it by themselves. But the last 30 years have not been plain sailing – the salon is weathering its third recession.
But a dedicated client base has helped them through and the family are confident about their future.
Mrs Roberts added: "There is not the walk-by trade there used to be. But we are doing well."
