#SALON26 BUSINESS LIVE STAGE
THE BUSINESS LIVE STAGE, SPONSORED BY REVLON PROFESSIONAL, PROVIDED THE PERFECT OPPORTUNITY TO SIT DOWN AND SOAK UP SOME KNOWLEDGE FROM LEADING INDUSTRY FIGURES
THANK YOU TO OUR HOST CHRIS MOODY
The Business Live Stage explored the challenges facing modern hair businesses, from improving profitability to changing client expectations.
Sunday opened with Why Most Salons Are Leaving Money on the Table, where Grace Patel, Melanie Beech, Carolyn Sweeney, Ian Egerton and Andrea Dorata discussed how changes to pricing, consultation time and service structure could help salons improve profitability.
Next, Build a Salon Brand People Want to Work For explored how workplace culture, investment in training and clear career progression can help salons attract and retain skilled staff. Santiago Figueroa, Benjamin Shipman, Tilly Capel, Billy Ryan and Andrew Jose shared insights into the role of leadership and team development in building a stronger business.
The focus then turned to technology with Curious or Cautious? Understanding AI in the Salon. Ian Egerton, Fergal Doyle and Noel Halligan examined how artificial intelligence can support salon businesses, where it can add value and what owners should consider before adopting new tools.
Later sessions explored the changing professional colour landscape and the role salons can play in supporting clients with hair loss and scalp health. The Future of Professional Colour – Are Client Habits Changing? brought together Cheryl Bowes, Steven Smart, Charlotte O’Flanagan and Chloe Nolan-Smith to discuss evolving client behaviour and how salons can adapt their colour services. Meanwhile, Hair Loss and Scalp Health – The Salon’s Role in Supporting Clients featured Lisa Caddy, Dr Amy Vowler, Anneliese Hesse and Jerome Wilson, who explored recognising client concerns, supporting consultations and knowing when to refer clients for further help.
Sunday concluded with Why Am I Not Making Money From Retail? where Maxine Davy, Michael Van Clarke, Daniel Rice, Sophie Gibson and Marc Trinder examined common barriers to retail success and practical ways to improve sales performance.
Monday began with HJ’s Business Boardroom, in partnership with L’Oréal Professionnel. Mentor Sean Hanna joined the programme’s mentees to discuss their experiences and the impact of the initiative on their businesses. Winners Liza Raby and Hannah Lowndes shared the changes they had made following the advice, knowledge and guidance they received from Sean and the panel of experts.
Where Can a Hairdressing Career Take You? explored the opportunities and career pathways available to emerging hairdressers. Amelia Evans, Maria Evangelou, Martyn Wady, Pete Burkill and Naomi Brooks discussed the possibilities within the industry, before What Young Hairdressers Really Think About the Industry brought Bailey Snowdon, Jude Taylor, Ella Fisher and Lewis Dunn together to share perspectives on workplace expectations, salon culture and the future of hairdressing.
For those considering salon ownership, Everything You Need to Know About Opening Your Own Salon offered practical guidance on planning, investment, location and the risks and rewards of running a business. Emma Jarvis, Samuel Palmer, Emma Marcey and Lorenzo Colangelo explored the considerations involved in taking the next step towards opening a salon.
Colour remained on the agenda with Mastering Colour Services, where Sacha Jayne-Fleming, Ceri Cushen, Jo Lomax and Heffy Wheeler discussed emerging trends, education, product innovation and the service models shaping professional colour.
The final session, Is Self-Employment and Chair Rental Right For You? addressed the realities of working independently. John Gillespie, Dionne Smith and Jade Hayter explored the financial planning, flexibility and practical considerations involved in self-employment and working within shared salon spaces, rounding off two days of business discussions designed to help hair professionals make informed decisions about their future.
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