Roo set leeds university a marketing challenge

Business entrepreneurs Kevin Nicholls & Ashley Howard of Roo Salon have put the talents of Marketing students at Leeds University to the test by setting them consultancy projects that form a critical part of their postgraduate Masters degree in International Marketing Management.

The pair tasked the students with looking into the traditional male grooming business abroad, as well as the pink and grey markets; they also asked them to research the different markets for; hairdressing scissors and pouches.

Kevin admits that he was delighted to have helped the university by being involved with the project, and said it has had enormous benefits for them and their brands roo pouches and roo blades.

"Both Ashley and I have found this exercise very useful and we are glad to have been asked to participate in this project," says Kevin. "From a client's perspective, the benefits are huge/ I not only get consultancy services but I can get different groups of students to look at different aspects of our businesses'

Ashley  adds "We have been extremely impressed with the students' efforts...many of their recommendations have real value in taking our brand forward...more importantly, I could really see how students have adapted and developed their ideas over time."

Students were thanked for their efforts at an award ceremony where Ashley presented prizes to the students who had created the best presentations and handed out participation certificates and 50% discount vouchers for use at Box Creative Hairdressing to everyone who had taken part.