By Matthew Legg Business editor

Last updated at 12:52, Wednesday, 06 June 2012

TWO heads are better than one – especially in a recession.

Growing together: Sue Lamb, left, and Diane Walker have merged their beauty and hair-dressing firms in a bid to prosper despite the recession

Friends Sue Lamb and Diane Walker have become business partners after merging their beauty and hairdressing companies.

Diane has moved her Hair Works salon from Carlisle’s Lowther Street to share a premises with Sue’s Beauty@Solo in Friars Court.

“We’ve known each for other 20 years and we both noticed last year that the recession was starting to bite,” said Sue.

“The council cuts and all the job losses really had an impact and the first thing people stop is beauty treatments. I think women feel guilty spending on themselves when money is tight.”

Diane added: “We decided at about Christmas time to join forces. It cuts down on overhead costs and we can offer customers a lot more.

“People like to get their hair done and have beauty treatments at the same place, it’s more convenient.

“We’ve been open for about five weeks and business has been really good so far. Friars Court has got much busier since the Thin White Duke pub opened and it will get even more so when John van Leirop’s new restaurant opens.”

Beauty@Solo can be contacted on 01228 597540. Hair Works can be contacted on 01228 590517.

First published at 11:27, Wednesday, 06 June 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk