Sykes Anderson is a cut above with Web services

A three-partner firm that brought in a glut of business from hairdressers with its Internet-based marketing strategy is now targeting the UK's top companies, it has revealed.

London firm Sykes Anderson saw the potential of providing a legal advice service on companies' Web sites following talks with international haircare giant Schwarzkopf six months ago.

The firm, known for its innovative use of IT, worked with Schwarzkopf and Web developers to create a 'seamless service', and now has a question-and-answer facility on the company's Web site.

This covers issues ranging from health and safety in the salon to how to deal with disgruntled customers.

Users can also e-mail queries directly from a link on the site, with the firm offering free preliminary advice.

Partner David Anderson said the idea had lived up to the firm's aim of developing business connections within the Internet community.

The site had generated 'loads' of new clients since the firm became involved with it, he added.

'This has given us exposure to literally thousands of salons,' Mr Anderson explained.

'It's not just about dealing with litigation, but with leases and employment disputes.

Hairdressing is a people business, where a lot of it is to do with word of mouth, and we see this as a new way of marketing legal services.' The firm is now in the process of approaching other FTSE 100 and 250 companies operating in various sectors to offer a similar service on their business-to-business sites, he said.

'How else would a small, three-partner firm like ours get to talk to the directors of large companies?' Mr Anderson asked.

'This doesn't just mean work and referrals for us, it can create goodwill between small firms and large companies.' Paula RohanLINKS: www.hairco.co.uk