POINT OF PRIDE

You probably know this already but it bears repeating – being a great barber isn’t just about your scissor skills or clipper control. It’s how you make your client feel. All the best barbers show kindness, a willingness to listen and have an open mind and heart. That’s why we’re proud to announce that Modern Barber (as part of Professional Beauty Group) is an official media partner of the Collective Pride Awards, presented by the Lions Barber Collective. Dedicated to awarding the unsung heroes of our wider industry (it’s open to hair and beauty professionals too), these awards emphasise just how vital a role we play in our clients’ wellbeing. Turn to p6 to find out what categories there are and how to enter.

In the spirit of recognising that talent goes beyond cutting skills, we interviewed John Jones of London chain OFF – CUT who shared how he recruited an all-star team fast and why it’s more than just a buzzing social page that makes a barber brilliant. And to highlight the amazing ways barbers give back to their clients and communities, we talked to Mick and Oran in our feature Time to Talk.

Both are running projects that encourage open and honest conversation around mental health. Our cover star Natalie Cresswell is a big advocate of nurturing talent too – her quote, “It’s not about me, it’s about the team,” pretty much sums up her whole M.O. It’s great to see the industry looking after not just their clients, but their own people too.

Looking ahead to the next generation we were bowled over by the entries for our brand-new Raw Talent Barbering Competition, sponsored by VTCT and brought to you by Mike Taylor Education and BARBERFEST. With three categories for different levels of education, the entries showed passion and dedication. It was so encouraging to see, and Mike Taylor explains more in his column on p64.

If you’re reading this issue hot off the press and haven’t got your tickets to the Modern Barber Awards (Sunday 4 July) and BARBERFEST (Monday 5 July) in Brighton yet, then there’s still time! Head to www.barberfest.co.uk and don’t miss the combined ticket offer for both events. Turn to p8 to see the full stage line-ups and all the exhibitors at the first-ever BARBERFEST. We can ’t wait to see you there!

Charlotte Grant-West Editor