GATESHEAD, England, December 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

I&K International Limited have announced that Hairtrade, the Gateshead-based online hair and beauty retailer, has created two new roles as part of the expansion of its Marketing, Business Development and PR department. The expansion came as a result of Hairtrade's continued strong growth in the market.

Mark McDonagh, who joins the company as Communications and Business Development Manager, previously held the position Business Communications Executive at Pearsons and, most recently, worked as e-Media Manager for Home Group.

Laura Bainbridge, the second new employee, joins the company as PR and Social Media Executive. Bainbridge has previously worked as a Marketing Executive in the hospitality industry and also worked as a Marketing and Design Executive at top PR, marketing and design agency within the North East.

Since its beginnings in 2005, Hairtrade has grown and transitioned from selling only hair extensions to being a leading hair care and beauty retailer that offers a far wider range of products. Though hair extensions are still one of its best sellers, Hairtrade has expanded its stock to include hair straighteners, make up and other beauty products. The decision to hire new employees came as a direct result of this growth.

Keven Kou, Managing Director at I&K International Limited commented on the company's recent expansion, saying: "Hairtrade has recently won the Fasted Growing Small Business Award at the Ward Hadaway Fastest 50 Awards, which is a fantastic achievement for us. Due to the success of Hairtrade, we have realised the need to expand our team to continue with this growth."

He continued: "Both Mark and Laura join us from communications roles, which is an ideal fit to take Hairtrade to the next level."

Speaking of his new role at Hairtrade, the new Communications and Business Development Manager, Mark McDonagh, said: "I think it's a really exciting time to be joining an expanding organisation, especially when a lot of organisations are looking to reduce their staff level. Both mine and Laura's roles have been created to help expand the business and our product range further."

About I&K International Limited:

I&K International Limited was established in 2005 and is now one of the leading online hair care, hair extensions and beauty products distributor and retailer across the UK and Europe. Hairtrade provides a wide range of hair extensions products, fake tan, hair care and hair electrical brands.

Hairtrade provide a wide range of 100% human hair extensions mainly, human hair weaves, I&K clip in Hair Extensions and pre-bonded hair and European hair extensions. Among its top brands are I&K 100% Human Hair and Remy Hair, Top Model and Jessica Simpson hair. In addition to its 100% human hair extensions the company also provides synthetic hair extensions, wigs, hairpieces, hair extensions accessories and tools, as well as an extensive range of hair care products from brands such as Tigi, Loreal, Schwarzkopf, Goldwell, Matix, Fudge, Keune, Sexy Hair and many more.

PR Contact:
Keven Kou
Managing Director
I & K International Ltd
IK House
Queensway North
Team Valley Trading Estate
Gateshead
Tyne & Wear
NE11 0NY
+44(0)191-4911551
http://www.hairtrade.com

SOURCE I&K International Limited