Covid changed many people’s professional lives. Arlene Scott, a career hairdresser, suddenly experienced anxious clients frightened about entering a busy salon. She decided to look for her own private rental space in smart but relaxed modern surroundings, moving into Skene Business Centres' Queen’s Gardens in April 2021.

“I’d always rented a chair in a salon, so I’d never handled additional business bills, from heating to electricity and cleaning, so I didn’t want that to change’, says Arlene. ‘SBC’s all-inclusive package really appealed to me. I heard about Skene through word of mouth, as a friend of mine worked with them, so she took me onsite and showed me a lower ground room, which didn’t really grab me.’

‘Unlike office workers I need my room to be near a water supply so I was limited about which office I could rent. When you’re looking for the right space you really want what you’re offered to work, but it’s got to feel right. When a second space became free it was just right, full of natural light and on the ground floor. Skene was understanding of my business needs. Their plumbers carried out the works to fit my sinks, and their electrician plugged sockets next to the mirrors for the hairdryers and straighteners. The room originally came with great lighting and blue tile carpets. My husband fitted contemporary flooring, mirrors, units, hanging baskets and shelving to create the brand look I desired.”

As a Skene client, Arlene uses many of the Queen’s Gardens facilities and appreciates the working relationships here.

“I have little to complain about but any small detail I mention is fixed immediately. My clients appreciate the easy parking, the ‘meet and greet’ service at reception, and it’s a great address in a lovely area. I feel I give customers a calm, happy feeling just walking along the green, leafy street, through the doors into the smart reception. It all feels very professional.’

‘Like many of my clients, I can walk here. I use the kitchen, the Business Lounge to eat in (or just to get out of my room for a break) and many of the Skene staff have become clients, which is an added bonus. I appreciate that the team take in my deliveries. I receive a lot of large boxes, and Max, the Business Centre Concierge, carries them to my room, which I love! Occasionally, I’ve phoned reception from home as I’ve forgotten my appointment schedule or need to check supplies and the staff go above and beyond to nip into my office and send me the info I need.’

‘But the biggest improvement for me is flexibility. When I rented a salon chair for three days I could only work those allocated days, during salon hours. Here, it’s my room, 24/7. I can offer more to my clients, on my terms. I also enjoy having my own space. Lastly, I now make money from selling product lines, rather than the salon receiving that income. It works really well for me.”

I: @arlenescotthair

T: 07739711983

Author and Photography: Janice Hopper

"Skene was understanding of my business needs."