Tracey Budd - Buddieguard Ltd
 An innovative idea for hairdressers has proved a Sutton Coldfield entrepreneur is a cut above the rest. Tracey Budd has been presented with the Best Business Innovation Award (2006) after developing a finger protection device to prevent hairdressers hurting their fingers while cutting customers’ hair.
She sold her hairdressers, TCs in Sutton Coldfield, in November 2004 to turn her plan into reality to form Buddieguard. Managing Director Tracey and her husband, Steve, have spent the last two years researching manufacturers to get their idea off the ground and they have also gained advice from the Coventry-based Women’s Business Development Agency.
But all their hard work and belief paid off when the company was presented with a trophy at the Best Business Innovation Awards – sponsored by commercialisation specialists the Rowan Group – which were held at the University of Warwick Science Park.
Tracey, aged 42, said: “I had my own salon for seven years but I sold it to fund this business. It was quite brave but I really do believe in this product. During the last two years we have been finding the right material to use and the right manufacturer. It is made from a combination of stainless steel and elastomer and it fits over your index and middle fingers and it doesn’t matter if you are right or left handed.
“There are ten different colours because when you are working in a busy salon hairdressers like to use their own equipment – I never liked anyone using my scissors! – so by producing the Buddieguards in a range of colours everyone can identify which belongs to them. We are now selling the product and our house resembles a warehouse! It has been two years in the planning but I wanted everything to be just right and I am pleased with the response.
“We received a funding grant from Innovation West Midlands, and the Women’s Business Development Agency offered plenty of advice, contacts and networking opportunities which are all really important when you are looking to spread the word about a new business.”
Business adviser Jane Hill, from the Women’s Business Development Agency in Puma Way, said this was a simple but effective product which was sure to be a success.
“Our free service is here to help women set up their own business by offering specific support and advice every step of the way,” she said. We are delighted to have played a part in helping Tracey win the Best Business Innovation Award and we wish her every success in the future.”
Tracey has also attended the WBDA’s High Growth Start-Up Programme for women who need help to accelerate their growing businesses.
The Women’s Business Development Agency is part of the Regional Women’s Enterprise Unit (RWEU). The RWEU, which is part funded by Advantage West Midlands, the European Social Fund and the DTI’s Small Business Service, is a pilot scheme aimed at increasing the number of women starting up, and considering starting up, a business. It is the first scheme of its kind in the UK and is modelled on a pioneering project based in the United States.
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