Boundless energy seems to be the secret of success for businesswoman Lindsay Burr, who has entered the Gazette & Herald Business Awards.

She founded Goodys hair salon in 1978, and 25 years on she owns and manages four successful beauty salons in Malton, Norton, Pickering and Kirkbymoorside.

She also runs the Academy training centre in Malton, where she has so far helped more than 135 students gain NVQ level 3, and she is looking to open two new salons in Yorkshire this year.

"I'm always learning how to improve for next time. Despite being in business for all this time, I still aim to innovate and look to the future," said Lindsay.

"I'm very aware that I need to find ways of evolving the business in order for it to improve and survive in the current market."

This year she took on a major challenge when she bought a large commercial site in Commercial Street in Norton containing seven shops, six flats and a dance hall.

"It was incredibly neglected and in desperate need of repair," she said.

"I'm proud to say that, in the space of a year, we've managed to complete and open the shops and flats, and a new training centre at the dance floor site is due for completion in December."

She sees staff motivation as a key strength in leading the business.

"I try to offer incentives - whether it's training courses, hairdressing awards or individual rewards," she said. "I always try to encourage staff to develop new ideas and gain new skills whatever their age or ability."

Lindsay, who was made the youngest ever chairman of Ryedale District Council this year, is no stranger to the spotlight. She was a hairdresser of the year regional finalist in the British Hairdressing Awards 2005, and she was recently a finalist in Powergen's search for Britain's most energetic boss.

Lindsay has entered the Business Personality of the Year category.

Updated: 16:20 Wednesday, July 27, 2005