HJ REPORTS: WELLA RED BUSINESS NETWORK LIVE

HJ attended Wella RED Business Network Live at its new location on Liverpool Docks. The Titanic Hotel was host to more than 280 delegates for the 26th #BNL event

The two-day RED community event was filled with a perfect combination of motivational and inspirational speakers from outside of the hairdressing industry, including entrepreneurs, authors, and iconic business leaders, including a behavioural scientist and even an esteemed psychiatrist.

Hairdresser and How to Cut it founder, Dom Lehane, hosted the two-day event, which was officially opened by Wella’s Managing Director UK & Ireland, Max Amen. He said: “Business Network Live is an opportunity to learn not only from the inspirational speakers but from each other. This is an investment in yourself and that is the best investment you can make." Teamed with plenty of networking opportunities for salon owners and managers, HJ's Editor Charlotte came away with a notebook filled with feature ideas, action points and new learnings.

THIS IS AN INVESTMENT IN YOURSELF AND THAT IS THE BEST INVESTMENT YOU CAN MAKE

Highlights included a session from business leader Alison Edgar MBE, who shared the importance of talking to your team how they want to be talked to. A fascinating talk from Christian Howes linked data analytics to human behaviour, with thought-provoking messages about giving clients exactly what they want from their hairdresser.

Construction boss and entrepreneur, Daniel Ashville, shared the evolution of his business through the power of social media (he has over 136k followers on his personal Instagram and over 476k subscribers on YouTube), whilst behavioural scientist Richard Shotton delivered some thought-provoking messages on human behaviour. Richard commented that any experience needs two high points for it to be a positive memory, and if we as an industry focused on two key moments and end on a high, we could revolutionise business and client experience.

YOUR PASSION IS THE MOST IMPORTANT FUEL. IT IS YOUR ENTHUSIASM AND DRIVE THAT WILL MAKE THIS YOUR MOST EXTRAORDINARY YEAR

Professor Steve Peters addressed the crowd with a session on Mind Management and showed the way in which different areas of our brains work – and importantly, how to master the more primal sections of our brains. Perhaps the most moving message of the two days came from Jono Lancaster, who was born with rare genetic condition Treacher Collins syndrome. In his session on Self-Acceptance, he said: “Fill your heart with love and celebrate who you are."

Finally, wise words were delivered by business expert, Ellis Watson: “The challenges of society post-Covid, the cost of living crisis, competition in your sector – you can’t change these things. Your passion is the most important fuel. It is your enthusiasm and drive that will make this your most extraordinary year.”

An evening celebration saw guests enjoy a nautical-themed drinks reception, followed by a three-course meal with entertainment. After dinner, comedian Justin Moorhouse entertained guests with a hilarious set, before a band took to the stage to start the party.

One of the integral parts of RED Business Network Live is the hairdressing panel discussion. This year, it comprised of Natasha Grossman, Sarah Mason, Darren Messias, Colin McAndrew and Steve Rowbottom. Discussion topics included attracting apprentices, maintaining existing business and franchise challenges. Hairdresser and entrepreneur, Sarah Yorke, also delivered a session on Stylebook Directory, an online directory of hairstylists, trainees, barbers, and all hair industry professionals. The event was a culmination of new ideas, fresh perspectives, all while celebrating industry success.