A NORTH Yorkshire hairdresser who was franchisee of a national salon for more than 20 years has created his own brand.

SHINE Hair and Beauty has opened in the former premises of Saks in both Northallerton and Stokesley, with all 33 staff moving to the new brand.

Former Saks franchisee Wilson Derbyshire has opened SHINE in Northallerton following the successful arrival of the brand in Stokesley, which is run by Stephen MacVean.

Mr Derbyshire, 44, who was the youngest franchisee when he bought the Northallerton business aged 21, said: "I think the reason for our success is the team is very well trained and very loyal; many have been with me for a long time, some for as long as 20 years.

"That stability has also brought loyalty from clients, who say great things about us and regularly recommend us to their friends."

Siobhan Caffery, who is franchisee of the beauty business within SHINE Northallerton, added: "After 11 years in the beauty industry, and having built up the business at Northallerton alongside Wilson, I know I have a great team going forward who can provide a service that's even better than before."

Mr Derbyshire, who was a regional business development manager within SAKS, added: "After 23 years as a franchisee, the time was right for me, Stephen and Siobhan to move away from a national brand and create something new that's less corporate and more local and individual."