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Successful Pembrokeshire entrepreneur Lucie Macleod stirs Up Dragons’ Den with viral hair syrup

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A Pembrokeshire-based haircare brand that has taken social media by storm recently appeared on BBC’s Dragons’ Den. Hair Syrup, founded by Lucie Macleod, has gone from a viral TikTok sensation to being stocked in major retailers such as Boots, BeautyBay, Lookfantastic, and ASOS—all within just four years.

The Dragons’ Den Experience
Lucie Macleod took to the Dragons’ Den stage hoping to secure investment to propel Hair Syrup even further. While she didn’t secure a deal with the Dragons, she received invaluable advice on how to elevate her brand to the next level. The expert insights and feedback from the Dragons have provided her with a roadmap for future growth, ensuring Hair Syrup continues to thrive in the competitive natural haircare market.

Before appearing on the show, Lucie shared her thoughts on the experience: “The split decision of agreeing to appear on the show pretty last minute has proven to be nothing short of life-changing – but perhaps not in the way you’d initially imagine… As you guys know, I never meant to start a business when I launched Hair Syrup – I started with no experience or any idea what I was getting myself into. The last four years of entrepreneurship have been indescribably crazy.”

She continued: “We all know what a fantastic opportunity it is for any brand to be featured on prime-time TV, but I was TERRIFIED nonetheless. The Dragons have been my idols since I was a kid (knowing I would one day go down the path of entrepreneurship) – I wasn’t quite prepared to be grilled by some of my favourite celebrities. Very grateful I had this opportunity to challenge myself, move out of a comfort zone & learn so much about business!”

However, Lucie’s pitch took an unexpected turn when Dragon Touker Suleyman made an unconventional offer. He was willing to invest the £190,000 she asked for in exchange for a 3% stake—on the condition that he recouped his investment within three months and retained his stake indefinitely as a mentor. The proposal caught the attention of the other Dragons, with Steven Bartlett reacting in disbelief and Deborah Meaden warning Lucie to consider the long-term implications.

Initially overwhelmed, Lucie accepted the offer, but the visible concern from the other Dragons made her reconsider. She admitted she felt “nervous” about the decision, leading to heated discussions among the panel. Viewers at home also reacted strongly, with many taking to social media to call the offer “shady” and “uncomfortable.”

As the tension grew, Touker ultimately withdrew his proposal, stating he did not want Lucie to feel as though he was taking advantage of her. Fellow Dragon Peter Jones later commended him for doing “the honourable thing.” The dramatic turn of events left both the Dragons and viewers relieved that Lucie had avoided what many perceived as an unfair deal.

Touker Suleyman (BBC)


The Rise of Hair Syrup
Hair Syrup was established in 2020 after Lucie Macleod posted a TikTok video showcasing her own hair transformation. The overwhelming response saw people clamouring to get their hands on what she dubbed her “magic syrup.” This led to the creation of a range of natural pre-wash hair and scalp oil treatments designed to nourish, gloss, and hydrate hair.

The company has since expanded its offerings to include pre-wash oils, leave-in oils, hair care sets, buttercream treatments, and accessories such as brushes, clips, scrunchies, and satin pillowcases. Their mission is clear: “To transform the natural haircare market, one syrup at a time.”

Lucie Macleods viral brand Hair Syrup



The TikTok Hair Oiling Trend
The popularity of hair oiling has surged on TikTok, with over 87,000 videos using the #hairoiling hashtag. Hair Syrup has played a key role in this growing trend, offering products specifically designed to enhance hair health. Unlike many other rosemary-based oils that require dilution before application, Hair Syrup’s products can be applied directly, setting them apart from competitors.

Hair Syrup’s pre-wash oils, the foundation of its success, are tailored to different hair types, from bleached and dry hair to oily or knot-prone locks. Their leave-in oils provide a glossy post-wash finish, while their buttercream treatment offers deep moisture restoration.

Customer Praise and Reviews
The brand’s success is bolstered by glowing customer feedback. One shopper who purchased the Rapunzel Hair Syrup shared their experience: “I’ve been using this for a few weeks now and to say I could not live without it is the understatement of the year. My hair feels and looks so healthy, I’ve had so many compliments and I’ve fallen back in love with my hair!”

Another customer, who bought the Lemon-Aid Syrup, credited the product with transforming their hair-wash routine: “I’ve used this for a few months now and I can’t recommend it enough. Smells great and helps cleanse the scalp. Gone from washing my hair four times a week to two.”

Meanwhile, a buyer of the Mint Condition Syrup hailed it as a “scalp saviour,” stating: “I had tried everything on the market and this is the only product that worked. You only need the smallest bit. This will last you such a long time and is so affordable. I would have paid anything for a soothed scalp.”



What’s Next for Hair Syrup?
With a rapidly growing fan base, an expanding retail presence, and valuable guidance from the Dragons, Hair Syrup is poised for even greater success. While Lucie Macleod may not have secured an investment on Dragons’ Den, the experience has provided her with the tools and direction needed to take her brand to the next level.

With its unique formulations and passionate customer base, Hair Syrup is set to continue making waves in the natural haircare industry—one syrup at a time.

Business

Major solar farm approved for Pembrokeshire

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A NEW solar farm set to generate green electricity for thousands of homes has been approved in Pembrokeshire.

The 8.6 MW project, featuring more than 14,000 solar panels, was originally developed by One Planet Developments Limited before being acquired by Shawton Energy Limited. Planning permission was granted last year, and construction is expected to commence soon, with energy production anticipated later this year.

Once operational, the solar farm will generate enough electricity to power approximately 2,500 homes annually, reducing carbon emissions by more than 2,000 tonnes each year.

Jamie Shaw, CEO of Shawton Energy, said: “Acquiring this ready-to-build asset marks a significant step for Shawton Energy as we continue to help UK businesses achieve their sustainability goals while lowering energy costs. This project strengthens our growing solar portfolio and reinforces our commitment to expanding renewable energy infrastructure.”

Robert Wall, director of Shawton Energy and head of sustainable private infrastructure at Lazard Asset Management, added: “We are pleased to support Shawton Energy’s expansion and investment in local renewable energy projects. The increasing demand for electricity requires diverse renewable solutions, and this solar farm will provide UK businesses with the low-cost energy they need.”

One Planet Developments’ business development director, James Stoney, welcomed the project’s progress, stating: “We are delighted to have worked with Shawton Energy on this development. Having taken it from concept to a ready-to-build stage, we look forward to seeing the project come to fruition.”

Shawton Energy, part of the Shawton Group, has been active in the renewable sector for nearly three decades, developing large-scale solar, battery storage, and renewable energy projects across the UK. The company partnered with Lazard Asset Management in 2023 to accelerate the deployment of fully funded commercial solar projects nationwide.

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Business

Council take legal action against 686 Pembrokeshire-based businesses

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Scores of firms listed in court for non-payment of business rates

HUNDREDS of businesses across Pembrokeshire are facing court action for unpaid non-domestic rates (business rates), with a staggering number of cases listed at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 17).

The court list reveals that Pembrokeshire County Council is seeking liability orders against an astonishing 686 defendants.

The hearings will determine whether the council can proceed with enforcement measures against those who have failed to pay their dues. The proceedings fall under Regulation 12 of the Non-Domestic Rating (Collection and Enforcement) (Local Lists) Regulations 1989.

These liability orders, if granted, could result in enforcement action, which may include bailiff visits, seizure of goods, or other legal consequences for businesses struggling to meet their financial obligations.

The scale of the action highlights the financial strain faced by many local businesses, with concerns growing over the economic pressures forcing traders into arrears. The Herald understands that businesses across multiple sectors, including hospitality, retail, and services, are among those affected.

A local business owner, who wished to remain anonymous, told The Herald: “The cost of running a business has skyrocketed, and many of us are struggling to keep up. We want to pay our rates, but when you’re dealing with soaring costs and reduced footfall, it becomes a real challenge.”

As the Welsh Government considers levying a Tourism Tax, the court action underscores the difficulties facing Pembrokeshire’s business community, as economic conditions continue to tighten.

The Herald will continue to monitor the outcome of these proceedings and report on any further developments.

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Business

Wales Tourism Alliance criticises Mark Drakeford’s visitor levy evidence

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THE WALES TOURISM ALLIANCE has strongly criticised comments made by Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Mark Drakeford, during his evidence session to the Welsh Government Finance Committee regarding the proposed Welsh Visitor Levy. The WTA argues that Drakeford’s remarks misrepresent the scale of the tourism industry and downplay the potential economic consequences of the levy.

What is the visitor levy?

The proposed Visitor Levy, commonly referred to as the “tourism tax,” would allow local authorities in Wales to introduce a charge on visitors staying in overnight accommodation. The Welsh Government argues that this levy would help support local infrastructure and services used by tourists. However, industry representatives and local businesses fear that it will deter visitors, particularly in key tourism-dependent areas such as Pembrokeshire.

Pembrokeshire, home to one of Wales’ most popular tourist destinations, Tenby, relies heavily on tourism revenue. Business owners, accommodation providers, and tourism operators in the county have expressed significant concerns that the levy could put off visitors, leading to reduced spending in local shops, restaurants, and attractions. Many have pointed out that, with the cost-of-living crisis already squeezing holiday budgets, an additional charge could push visitors to choose alternative destinations outside Wales.

Employment figures disputed

Drakeford claimed that the tourism and hospitality sector in Wales employs “a million” people and would not struggle to absorb the loss of several hundred jobs due to the levy. He also suggested that many tourism jobs are seasonal, have flexible hours, and are high-churn, implying that job losses would be manageable.

However, the WTA strongly disputes these figures, citing Welsh Government data that places the number of people employed in the sector at approximately 159,000. Given this significantly lower number, the loss of even a few hundred jobs would be far more impactful than Drakeford suggests. Furthermore, the WTA argues that seasonal and part-time jobs play a crucial role in providing employment opportunities, particularly for young people and those with caregiving responsibilities, such as parents and carers—groups that may struggle to find work in other sectors.

Concerns over data reliability

Drakeford also accused industry representatives, including the WTA, of selectively using worst-case scenario data in their evidence to the committee. The WTA rejects this claim, arguing that the data underpinning the Visitor Levy’s economic impact assessment is flawed and unreliable.

This concern was echoed by Professor Calvin Jones, the author of the Welsh Government’s own Visitor Levy Economic Impact Assessment. In his evidence to the Finance Committee, Jones stated: “We know very little about how the tourism economy in Wales works… we know very little about what drives visitors to come to Wales; we know almost nothing about how much they’re spending when they’re here… there isn’t even any data anymore on… how much is spent on accommodation… it should be a very uncomfortable place for Senedd Members to be when they’re trying to make policy or audit policy on tourism.”

Impact on families and educational visits

Drakeford defended the inclusion of children in the Visitor Levy by comparing it to VAT on sweets, arguing that children are not generally exempt from taxation. However, the WTA points out that this analogy is flawed, as children’s clothing, shoes, and books are zero-rated for VAT in the UK. The WTA also highlights that many other countries with tourism taxes exclude under-18s from such charges.

The per-person nature of the levy means that families will be disproportionately affected. For instance, two adults staying in accommodation for a week would pay a levy of £21, whereas a family of six would pay £63 for the same stay. Moreover, the WTA raises concerns that the levy will also apply to children on school trips and educational visits, adding an extra financial burden on families and schools.

Impact on Pembrokeshire’s tourism sector

Pembrokeshire businesses, particularly those in coastal tourist hotspots like Tenby, Saundersfoot, and St Davids, are among those voicing the strongest opposition to the levy. Many fear that it will discourage visitors from choosing Welsh destinations, instead opting for other parts of the UK or even holidaying abroad.

Tourism plays a vital role in Pembrokeshire’s economy, providing employment for thousands and sustaining local businesses. According to industry figures, over 4 million visitors come to Pembrokeshire each year, contributing hundreds of millions to the local economy. Hospitality providers in the region have warned that the levy could have serious repercussions, particularly for independent hotels, B&Bs, and campsites that rely on high occupancy levels during peak season to remain viable year-round.

A local B&B owner in Tenby, speaking to The Herald, said: “We are already seeing the effects of rising costs on bookings. If people are being asked to pay extra on top of accommodation prices, they will simply look elsewhere. We rely on repeat visitors and families who come year after year—this levy could drive them away.”

Wider economic impact

Drakeford dismissed the idea that the Visitor Levy would contribute to the cumulative challenges faced by the tourism and hospitality sector, stating that these issues “do not collide on all of the sector.”

The WTA strongly disagrees, asserting that tourism is a holistic industry where changes in one area inevitably impact others. They highlight several pressures already affecting tourism businesses, including:

  • The 182-day rule for self-catering properties.
  • National Insurance increases.
  • The removal of furnished holiday let tax relief.

According to the WTA, these combined factors are already forcing many small, locally-run self-catering businesses to close, further weakening the sector and putting more jobs at risk.

WTA’s final response

Rowland Rees-Evans, Chair of the WTA, criticised Drakeford’s approach, stating: “We are disappointed that Mr Drakeford is dismissing the valid concerns raised by industry experts and academics and making claims that are factually incorrect.

Many people in Wales are unaware that the Visitor Levy will apply to anyone staying in ‘Visitor Accommodation’—including children on educational visits and people working away from home, even if they already live in Wales.

The bottom line is that the Visitor Levy will cost people in Wales money and jobs—even in the best-case scenario presented by the Welsh Government. Mr Drakeford seems content to push through a policy that is poorly conceived, offers no guaranteed financial benefit to Wales, and threatens hundreds of jobs in an industry that employs over 20% of the workforce in some parts of the country.

Given the current economic climate, it is difficult to understand why the person responsible for managing the Welsh budget would consider imposing such a levy at this time.”

The debate over the proposed Visitor Levy continues, with industry representatives calling for more robust data, a clearer assessment of economic consequences, and a reconsideration of its implementation before the policy is finalised.

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