About Us - History

A little bit of History...

Jackie Sweeney and Liz Armstrong met in 1992 when they were studying theatrical make-up at The London College of Fashion. After graduation, they both went on to work within the fields of television and theatre, remaining good friends throughout.

Ten years later, during conversation, Jackie asked Liz if she fancied starting a Manchester based wig company. They were well aware of a gap in the theatrical wig-making market in the North of the country, so Wigs Up North! was created in June 2004.

The foundling business rented a basement workshop in 23 New Mount Street, set up a website and, with very little advertising but plenty of contacts, the business grew.

In April 2005 Vicky Holmes joined the company as a third partner. Her theatre experience with wigs and make-up, combined with her extensive list of contacts, took the business further forward. Wigs Up North! was moving up in the world in more ways than one - they were now out of the basement and on the second floor!

We were well aware of another gap in the market - professional make-up suppliers in the north. We wanted to create a place where make-up artists, performers and students could try products before buying them. It would also allow the public to sample product ranges not available on the high street. Offering clients a complete service in terms of their wig and make-up requirements was the motivating factor in creating The Make-up Space.

Expansion

We had very positive feedback from our existing clients and contacts. So, using cash from the business we began to build up a basic stock of products, including a range of professional brushes made locally. However, the initial stock of basic items was rapidly increased as we were asked to supply make-up to two shows with the biggest make-up requirements; Cats and Starlight Express.

It quickly became apparent that we would need to find bigger premises! We wanted a home for Wigs Up North! which could offer a workroom and retail space whilst affording privacy for our clients. We were also keen to invest in property. Eventually we discovered Royal Mills, a listed building in Ancoats, which was in the throes of restoration.

During our first site visit in October 2005, we had to don hard hats and boots but when we saw the stunning central atrium, we knew we had found the right place.

Such an ambitious redevelopment makes delays inevitable and many completion dates came and went before we finally got the keys to unit 8 on the company’s 3rd birthday in 2007.

The business is the first one to make its home in the beautifully restored Royal Mills. Located just off Great Ancoats, it is at the heart of Manchester’s regeneration of its industrial heritage.

Milestones

In 2006 we won an award; Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce Regional Winners:

» Most Promising New Business.

In 2008, we launched our catalogue and began planning an e-commerce website due to launch in 2010.

In 2009, we won another award:

» New East Manchester All Stars Business Award.

We also began short training courses ranging from individual make-up lessons to courses on wig-making and theatre skills.

“It would be fair to say that when we began Wigs Up North!, we never anticipated that the company would grow to what it is today. All of us consider customer care and professional standards to be core values of our company. By listening to our clients, the company has grown organically and gained our good reputation through word of mouth. It is something we are immensely proud of”.