Academy known in Otago and beyond

The Academy is just a street from the Octagon . . . entertainment and accommodation are in easy reach. Photo / Supplied

Harrington\Vaughan Academy of Hairdressing is up for sale having delivered high-quality training for more than 20 years.

ABC business broker Ricky Cockerill says owners of the well-known Dunedin business are ready to move on, having successfully executed a 10-year development plan and secured funding for the 2018 academic year.

"This vibrant education provider is famous within its industry; it has long been established in the Dunedin CBD and trained scores of successful stylists," says Cockerill.

"Somebody with a passion now has an opportunity to take over this well-organised, fully accredited and profitable operation," he adds.

"There are truly few comparable educational providers to compare it to. This academy is known in Otago — and right around the country — for producing highly skilled, work-prepared graduates; they are folk actively sought after both locally and nationally."

Cockerill says business is housed in an impressive, large purpose-built building. It is fitted out with designer stations, classroom, salon areas (a professional salon and student salon open to the public) and areas for the students and staff to relax in.

Cockerill says being located in of Dunedin central — just one street from the Octagon — means that cafes, restaurants, malls, entertainment and accommodation are all within easy walking distance.

"In my view, the high quality fit-out is impressive and among the best in the industry, not to mentioned super-stylish."

Cockerill points out that the academy is the only private provider of such hairdressing qualifications south of Christchurch.

"In surrounding areas, some salon's having entire teams made up of Harrington\Vaughan graduates.

The building has designer stations, a classroom, salon facilities and student plus staff relaxation areas. Photo / Supplied

"With 26 to 32 full time students, 10 youth students, up to 30 apprentices and on average three under-16s, this place is a constant buzz of activity."

He says the current owners have recognised the booming popularity of barbering and have been working with local barbering employers and analysing the best fit for their industry.

The Academy is working on programme submissions for Barbering at level 3 and 4 and will be submitting these to NZQA by the end of this year.

"With the rising popularity in barbering this is seen as a much needed qualification to learners in the Southern and Otago region. Currently there are no barbering qualifications being delivered in the South Island and no PTE providers in the South Island hold programme approval for barbering. Harrington\Vaughan already holds Domain accreditation for Barbering to level 5."

Cockerill says the beauty scene also presents a real opportunity to open up evenings for a basic beauty/make up program for unit standards.

"With small design alterations, the existing premises could accommodate this."