Cosmetics firm Avon brought its ‘beauty bus’ to Bradford city centre as part of a national drive to flag up self-employment opportunities.

Among those on board was local sales leader Rachel Hainsworth, whose area includes Bradford and Skipton.

Rachel, from Horsforth, became an ‘Avon lady’, selling cosmetics to customers at their homes ten years ago, stepping up to become a self-employed sales leader five years later. Her operation now includes 160 local sales people, including four men, and has a turnover of £500,000. She said the Avon business model provided a good route to self-employment by enabling people to have flexible work patterns.

“It started as a part-time occupation selling products but I became more involved and enjoyed it very much.

“What I have achieved within Avon is available to anyone who is prepared to work hard backed up by plenty of support.

“People tend to think of Avon as a cosmetics firm, but these days the product range is much wider and includes fragrances and clothing.”

Linda Clayton-Evans, Avon UK director of sales, added: “The joy of the Avon business opportunity is that anyone can set up a business, no matter their experience or location.

“In addition, the flexibility of the Avon opportunity enables them to earn as much or as little as they like in their own time, which can be a great boost to a family’s overall income.”