UK hairdressers celebrate the cream of the crop

The 11th annual British Hairdressing Business Awards has announced the individuals and salons who have each won a prestigious award at an exclusive presentation at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London.

Hairdressers Journal International launched the British Hairdressing Business Awards in 1999 to raise the profile of the professional hairdressing industry by recognising and rewarding innovation, business acumen and excellence throughout the industry.

“Dedication and commitment to excellence is something that has been shown by every finalist,” commented Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Hairdressers Journal International, Jayne Lewis-Orr. “All of the finalists represent the best the hairdressing industry has to offer. The standard of entries is proof hairdressing is faring well in the recession.”

To enter the British Hairdressing Business Awards, salons or individuals have to meet the criteria set down by the sponsors and organisers. This has to be presented in a dossier, which is judged over two days, by a panel of industry experts from the sponsoring companies. From the first round judging, six finalists are selected and their dossiers are then judged by an independent panel of judges.

The night got off to a fantastic start with a champagne reception, followed by dinner before leading media personality and Dancing on Ice competitor, Michael Underwood announced the individual awards, with category sponsors presenting the awards to the jubilant winners. Winners receive an exclusive, beautifully designed contemporary British Hairdressing Business Awards trophy inlaid with eighteen-carat gold.

The Winners of the 2009 British Hairdressing Business Awards

Customer Care Award sponsored by Kérastase
The Colour Room, Stockport

Junior of the Year sponsored by Fudge
Freya Haines, Clipso London

Manager of the Year sponsored by L’Oréal Professionnel
Sean Dawson, hob salons, London

Salon Design Award sponsored by Aston & Fincher
Lisa Shepherd Salons, Birmingham

Salon Team of the Year sponsored by Balmain
Michael Van Clarke, London

Independent Salon – Business Newcomer sponsored by Great Lengths
Billi Currie, London

Training Award sponsored by Wella Professionals
Michael Van Clarke, London

Salon of the Year 1 sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional
Michael Van Clarke, London

Salon of the Year 2 sponsored by Clynol Salon Exclusive
Tommy’s, Ruthin

Retail Salon of the Year sponsored by TIGI
Rush London

Marketing Award sponsored by Hairdressers Journal International
Michael Van Clarke, London

Innovation of the Year (Including Website of the Year) sponsored by Terence Renati
Easydry

Business Director of the Year sponsored by Hairdressers Journal International
Scott Smurthwaite, Cream, Gloucester