NEWS

SURVEY SHOWS STEADY SECTOR RECOVERY

The latest quarterly State of the Industry Survey from the National Hair and Beauty Federation (NHBF) shows that there has been steady recovery within the sector, despite businesses navigating ongoing challenges such as rising wage and energy costs. The top concern reported by businesses in the May survey was the increase in the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage with 75% of respondents reporting they were concerned about the impact, up from 67% in January. There has been a slight improvement in profitability, with 45% of businesses reporting a profit, up from 40% in January. NHBF Chief Executive Caroline Larissey said: “These latest quarterly survey results reveal the sector’s ongoing struggles, particularly with rising costs and staff shortages despite the recent end to the UK’s recession. We urge the Government to take swift action to support these businesses, which are central to local economies and community wellbeing across the UK.”

HAIRCUTS4HOMELESS MARKS 10 YEARS OF ITS MISSION

Haircuts4Homeless (H4H) has opened more than 80 projects across the UK and Ireland, recruited 600 volunteers and given over 60,000 free haircuts to the homeless since being established in 2014. Now in its tenth year, H4H has built a community of skilled hairdressing volunteers who give their time, free of charge, to provide haircuts for homeless people. Founder Stewart Roberts says: “The impact of our work is uniquely measured in smiles. It may sound flippant, but the best measurement is the before and after photos and videos we have of the guests. You see them transform before your eyes. Their demeanour, mood and confidence are boosted with the service we give. Most hairdressers aim to keep a client for life but for us, it’s great when we see a guest for the last time because it usually means they have been allocated accommodation and are moving on in their life.”

#BHBA24 WINNERS ANNOUNCED

The winners of the British Hairdressing Business Awards 2024 have now been revealed, after a dazzling ceremony at Park Plaza, Westminster Bridge on Monday 1 July. To check out the winners of each category, including Barbershop/ Grooming Salon of the Year, simply scan the QR code.

BARBERING COMMUNITY PROJECT LAUNCHES

Inspired by a commitment to equal access to barber education, Styling Products UK and MTE Hairdressing and Barbering Education have teamed up with Denman Professional and Andis to address social injustice in colleges across the UK. The Barbering Community Project offers colleges free access to professional tools and learning resources for learners whose circumstances make purchasing impossible. The initiative is born out of a deep-seated belief that supporting budding barbers through their journey will transform the future of individuals facing restricted circumstances. Mike Taylor of MTE Hairdressing and Barbering Education says: “I work with many colleges and I know that long waits for bursaries can delay students in starting their practical training, with some learners waiting over four months for their kits.” To find out how to get access to free tools go to: barbercommunityproject.co.uk.

UK TIPPING LAW TO MAKE IT UNLAWFUL TO WITHHOLD TIPS

The Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act 2023, referred to as the Tipping Act, is expected to come into effect on 1 July 2024, and will make it unlawful for employers to withhold tips from workers. The desired outcome of the Tipping Act is to improve fairness for workers by ensuring that the tips consumers leave in recognition of good service and hard work are going to the workers as intended. To find out more about the changes to UK Tipping Law head to modernbarber.co.uk.

OSMO ANNOUNCES NEW AMBASSADOR

OSMO has announced Dale Mehmet as its latest brand ambassador. Dale began his barbering career eight years ago. Dale balances running his shop with educating his growing team, while also creating social content to encourage footfall and excite his peers with his style of barbering. Dale commented: “I’ve been using OSMO products for most of my career, so it was a natural progression to take the range into my shop when I opened. I’m constantly creating content for social media for my shop, and the OSMO team were excited by the work I was sharing and reached out,” says Dale.

MENTAL HEALTH CHARITY ANNOUNCES CLOSURE

The Lions Barber Collective has announced via social media that it will be closing in its charity format, as a result of the current economic climate. The charity has been at the forefront of championing mental health within the hair and barbering industry since 2015 and shared via a statement on Instagram: “We want to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who has supported, worked for, or volunteered with us since the charity’s formation in late 2017. Your dedication and contributions have helped us save multiple lives and make a profound impact on those struggling with their mental health. Thank you for being a part of our journey.”

RAW TALENT BARBERING COMPETITION 2024 IS NOW OPEN!

The search is on for the next best barbers in the UK. Modern Barber’s Raw Talent Barbering Competition in association with Mike Taylor Education is back for 2024, returning to Salon International at ExCeL London, 12-14 October. Open to students and junior barbers, entering is your chance to showcase your skills and prove you are the next big thing.

The entry deadline for the Raw Talent Barbering Competition is Friday 30 August at 5pm. Click the QR code here to enter now.