When hairdresser Jason Horton found out his home and business were to be demolished, he saw it as an opportunity for a £93,000 overhaul of his little empire. The 39-year-old’s salon, Alias Quiff & Combs, and his adjoining home in Hanley is one of many buildings set for clearance under RENEW North Staffordshire’s regeneration scheme in Bucknall New Road. The hairdresser bought the property, a former gun shop, in 2003 after outgrowing his previous base in Shelton. Jason says won’t feel any sadness when the time comes to pass his keys over to RENEW, claiming the move is simply “onwards and upwards”. A chance conversation with customer Michael Birch led to Jason pinpointing new premises. Mr Birch, who owns Hanley motorcycle shop Norman & Birch Bikes, offered the smaller of the firm’s two showrooms. Jason has now bought the Marsh Street showroom and it has undergone a £93,000 transformation. Two separate shops have been created and space at the rear has been turned into two-floor living accommodation, where Jason intends to set up home. Harry Gardner, director of Norman & Birch Bikes, which can now be accessed through Clough Street, said: “Jason is a good guy, and it’s a good use for our old showroom.” This picture, showing Jason (left) and his business partner John Higginbotham outside their new premises, was taken in May 2010.