WHEN a city centre business says the secret behind its success is old-fashioned good manners, you know it's a sign of the times.

But that is exactly how James Moore, who takes over his father's hairdressing company this week, intends to keep his customers loyal.

Both James and his father Martyn's salon are 26 years old, but as fashions change - and come back again - it is the old values which keep the customers returning.

Inspirations, in College Street, with an annual turnover of £300,000 and 12 staff, is one of Worcester's independent success stories.

"Taking over the business is pretty daunting," says James.

"There is so much competition in Worcester and we don't really do much advertising, but we succeed because customer service is top priority.

"If you go out for a meal and the food is good but the waiter's horrible, the chances are you won't go back and you'll tell your friends.

"It's the same in the salon and that's why we tell our younger stylists not to have their backs to the door, to offer customers a coffee, to pull their seat out for them and talk to them professionally."

James admits the step up to boss is difficult and says he intends to delegate.

"Things like wages and the way you treat people - it's a very fine line to tread, particularly as some of the staff have known me since I was five years old," he says.

He will have to keep a sharper eye on the salon's economic situation: "Everywhere in the service industry is quiet at the moment," he says.

"People will always need a haircut but when they have less money, perhaps they choose a cheaper stylist."

As James looks at his father's old photos he knows that to keep the business successful, the hair-dos might be different but the standards are as high as ever.