NEWS

POSITIVE CHANGES RECORDED IN THE LATEST NHBF STATE OF INDUSTRY SURVEY

Despite the challenging economic climate with double-digit inflation, the latest National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF) Quarterly State of the Industry Survey demonstrated a positive change in the industry that we previously saw in spring/ summer 2022. More businesses report making a small or good profit (43%), 38% of businesses are breaking even, and fewer businesses (19%) report making a small or substantial loss. Richard Lambert, Chief Executive of the NHBF says: “Overall, this latest NHBF State of the Industry survey is showing a more positive feeling in general and improvement for most of the industry. Hopefully the announcement of a rise in funding for the Apprenticeship Standards will encourage more employers to change their mind about recruiting junior staff, and we will start to see more young people come into the industry – plus this will help businesses to grow.”

LOU CHRISTOU AND HAIRCUTS4HOMELESS TEAM UP TO TRAIN RECOVERING ADDICTS

Barber Lou Christou of Thy Barber is giving recovering addicts a helping hand by helping to transform them into trained barbers. His 12-Steps to Barbering will take place over 12 weeks and will feature five recruits from Acorn House, a hostel for homeless people recovering from addictions. Lou Christou commented: “I know that when I was first in recovery, what I needed was structure, a clear plan, and a reason to get up every day.” The programme will run in association with Haircuts4Homeless after Lou approached its Founder Stewart Roberts MBE, who has equally battled with addiction over the years.

46%

That’s how many UK hair and beauty businesses do not employ ex-offenders, according to a study commissioned by Sodexo, the food services and facilities management business. Read our interview with two prison educators on page 59 to find out more.

RAW TALENT BARBERING COMPETITION ENTRIES NOW OPEN!

Modern Barber is once again teaming up with Mike Taylor Education to bring you the Raw Talent Barbering Competition at Salon International 2023. We believe in the importance of nurturing the next generation of barbers and giving them a career springboard like no other.

The closing date for entries is 30 August at 5pm, and finalists will be required to attend Salon International on Monday 16 October at ExCeL London for the live final. It’s a great atmosphere in which to show the barbering world just what you are made of so get your entries in now!

BARBERING PROFESSIONAL APPRENTICESHIP GETS FUNDING BOOST

The Hairdressing Professional and Barbering Apprenticeship Standards at Level 2 have been approved by the Secretary of State for delivery by the Institute of Apprenticeships.

The original Hair Professional Apprenticeship Standard, has now been split into two Apprenticeship Standards: Hairdressing Professional at Level 2 and Barbering Professional at Level 2. The Barbering Professional at Level 2 has been given a revised funding (band 12) of £9,000 – an increase of £2,000 per apprentice. The Hair Professional Apprenticeship Steering Group have provided an enormous amount of evidence and given their time to ensure the revised Standard, and funding band, reflects the breadth of learning and professionalism within our industries. New content has been included to reflect today’s barbershops, including: Employee Rights and Responsibilities, Hairdressing/Barbershop Culture, History, Industry Codes of Conduct, Best Practice, Infection Control, Ethics, Social Media, Hair Types and Classification, and Maintaining the Mental Health and Wellbeing of Self and Clients.

ANDIS EDUCATION GETS BOOST WITH TWO NEW EDUCATORS

Andis Company has announced Sabra Clark and Brea Retic as the latest additions to its Global Education Team. Now consisting of 44 educators across four continents, the Global Education Team could not be more thrilled to welcome the educators and barbershop owners. “I’m thrilled to add such incredible barbering talent to our roster of global educators,” said Angie Perino, Andis Global Education Manager. “Not only are Sabra and Brea fantastic advocates for barbering education locally, but, most importantly, they are committed to bettering the next generation of barbers and stylists, no matter where they’re from or what stage in their career.”

ENERGY BILLS TOP BARBERSHOP BUSINESS COSTS

Barbershop and salon energy bills make up 40% of the average hair and beauty business’ costs, according to a survey of decision makers by Uswitch for Business. Rising energy bills are the top concern more so than rent costs, product inflation and attracting new customers, with 24% of barbershop and salon business owners saying that they are struggling to pay the energy costs associated with running their businesses. As a result, four in 10 business owners feel anxious about their business, while one in five have had to ask family and friends to help cover costs. As the cost of living continues to rise, salons have noticed that customers are selecting cheaper treatments, leaving longer intervals between appointments, giving lower tips and coming in for hair treatments with wet hair to save costs. Overall, consumers are making cost-cutting decisions where they can, with a third of owners seeing fewer appointments booked now compared to last year.