SOAPBOX

MATTY MAXWELL, OPERATIONS MANAGER FOR HEAD QUARTERS BARBERS & BEVERAGES SHARES HIS ADVICE ON KEEPING A TEAM MOTIVATED ACROSS MULTIPLE SITES

"Effective management and efficient operations are vital for business success. I am the Operations Manager for Head Quarters Barbers & Beverages currently managing five sites across the North East of England.

One of the cornerstones of my approach has been the implementation of a decentralised management structure - hire the person and train the skill. For me, having the right managers in place, has ensured that each location adheres to the highest standards of our brand procedures, from customer service to quality control, and this uniformity guarantees that our customers experience a consistent and exceptional level of service, regardless of which shop they visit.

In the ever-evolving world of male grooming, staying current is essential. We invest in regular training and skills development for our team members to ensure that they remain at the forefront of industry trends. In September 2022 we launched our very own barbering academy, offering City & Guilds courses along with short introductory courses, and creating an opportunity for those wanting to break into the industry a chance to retrain. This not only enhances our expertise but also keeps employees motivated and engaged by sharpening their skills.

Market research is another critical component of our strategy. It allows us to stay on top of industry trends and changing customer preferences; and our adaptability in response to current trends has led to the introduction of new grooming services and complimentary beverages to enhance the overall customer experience and remain competitive. Unlike some barbershops we also have a HR team, Marketing team and IT support team.

Hiring skilled barbers, an ongoing industry challenge, is also addressed through our commitment to offering competitive rates of pay. Attracting and retaining talent is only possible by recognising the value of your employees and providing them with fair compensation. This not only keeps the team motivated but also strengthens their dedication to our brand and its vision. We also provide 28 days of paid holiday, as we believe this is vital to their mental wellbeing and improves their work-life balance, reducing stress and increasing job satisfaction.

" Attracting and retaining talent is only possible by recognising the value of your employees and providing them with fair compensation. " matty

We have an unwavering commitment to delivering top-notch five-star services, keeping our team happy, and staying on top of industry trends by attending yearly events like Barber Connect and Salon International. I believe knowledge is power and the more you invest into personal growth the more you are able to tackle the challenges along the road. One key value I like to inject into my team is for them to “enjoy the journey not the destination’’.