HJ Business

HJ Reports: Wella Business Network Live

Over 300 salon owners and teams gathered at The Belfry for Wella RED Business Network Live 2026, a two-day programme of expert speakers, practical business insights and inspiring conversations

Wella RED Business Network Live once again proved why it has become a must-attend date in the salon business calendar. Hosted by podcast host Dom Lehane, the event delivered a packed programme of keynote speakers, panel discussions and practical business sessions. As always, the agenda balanced serious business insight with opportunities to connect, share experiences and build relationships with like-minded industry professionals.

WELLA LEADERSHIP AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT TEAM PANEL DISCUSSION

ALEX BROWN

DOM LEHANE

RORY SUTHERLAND

This year’s line-up was designed to help delegates future-proof their businesses, with sessions covering everything from consumer behaviour and the perfect client experience to creative problem solving, strategic planning, brand building and when to embrace AI. Wella’s Senior Sales & Education Director UK & Ireland, Tatiana Suvorova, opened the event, telling delegates: “It is a great privilege to be your partner on this journey of reinventing business in this ever-changing world.”

NATHALIE NAHAI

Leading futurist and technology advisor Andrew Grill kicked off the first session on becoming AI-ready, offering guidance on integrating tools such as ChatGPT into everyday salon life. “It is about empowering people, not replacing them. AI replaces tasks, not people, and will transform the entire way we work,” he explained. Author and behavioural science expert Nathalie Nahai followed this with an exploration on the role of AI, sharing practical ways salons can use the technology to save time and support growth whilst warning about AI blind spots. “AI is powerful. It has huge potential for good, but we have to be sensible about how and where we use it. I recommend using it to remove effort and time from tasks in your day,” she said, whilst adding that she is noticing a return to 'analogue' amongst younger consumers.

ANDREW GRILL

TV presenter and journalist Steph McGovern shared her journey to becoming an award-winning business journalist. Drawing on her understanding of the challenges facing the high street, she encouraged delegates to “stay authentic, don’t try to fit in, and focus only on what you can control.”

INDUSTRY PANEL DISCUSSION

Attendees also received practical social media advice from Alex Brown and Kate Roberts of creative agency Campfire, who delivered a toolkit of take-home tips such as when to post and when a trend is ‘out of date’. Their tip? Once you’ve seen it, you’ve got 3-4 days to jump on it! Day one closed with a Fireside Chat with Tatiana and entrepreneur Simon Morris. Simon captivated the room with a deeply personal account of his business journey, speaking about emotional connection, purpose and the human side of leadership, sharing: “Great creative thinking doesn’t have to come with money.”

STEPH MCGOVERN

Day two began with a presentation on the art of selling luxury from photographer, Maddy Christina. Maddy focused on client experience, retention and premium positioning. Finally, advertising expert Rory Sutherland followed with an engaging session on behavioural insights and consumer decision-making, noting: “To economists, price is a number. To consumers, price is a feeling. People don’t pay for what they get; they pay for how you make them feel.”

Delegates were also treated to drinks a three course dinner, a live saxophonist, DJ and after-dinner comedy for a chance to celebrate and network with the Wella leadership team who joined panel discussions across the two days addressing key issues including apprenticeships, VAT, profitability, AI and recruitment.

SIMON MORRIS

Wella RED Business Network Live 2026 left delegates feeling inspired, energised and ready to tackle the year ahead and for many it remains the ultimate networking and business-building experience.