Want To Achieve Your Career Goals? It All Starts With VTCT Skills

VTCT Skills empowers individuals to think bigger and achieve more in their careers.

Promotion – VTCT Skills

by KELSEY | INDUSTRY NEWS 

Skills-based education can transform careers – it delivers the fundamental knowledge and skill set needed to enter the hair industry and provides a huge step up in achieving career goals. The right education can be truly transformational, which is why VTCT Skills, a leading provider of technical and vocational qualifications worldwide, has launched a new social media campaign, “It All Starts with VTCT Skills.”

The campaign highlights the transformative power of skills-based education and showcases the success stories of individuals who have achieved their career goals and how VTCT qualifications and events have helped them along the way.

For over 60 years, VTCT Skills has provided learners with the practical skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their chosen professions. Offering a comprehensive range of qualifications and assessments across various sectors, the education provider empowers individuals to think bigger and achieve more in their careers.

Featuring interviews with award-winning hairstylists and salon owners who have benefited from VTCT qualifications and events, the social-led campaign highlights just how valuable quality education is in shaping careers. Each of the industry experts shares their personal experiences and offers advice to aspiring professionals. Those featured in the campaign include Casey Coleman, Christopher Laird, Talisha Cox, Colin McAndrew, Keri Blue, Lyla Woolley, Jacqui McIntosh and George Newton-Beck.

 “I highly recommend VTCT qualifications to anyone looking to enhance their skills and achieve their professional goals.”
Casey Coleman

“Our team benefit from us choosing VTCT as our provider because it’s of the very best standard,” says Colin McAndrew, award-winning salon owner at Medusa.  “The high-quality qualifications and support we receive from VTCT ensure that our team is equipped with the skills they need to excel in the industry.” 

VTCT Skills provides learners with the best possible experience. With a proven track record of success and a commitment to excellence, this new campaign offers the perfect opportunity for the wider hairdressing industry to share its take on the importance of qualifications and continuing education no matter what career stage a stylist is at. 

To see the campaign in full, follow @vtctskills on social media.

British Hair Consortium Publishes Survey Results Following October Budget Announcement

The survey included responses from 1,686 industry employers representing over 21,000 workers 

by MADDI | INFORM

Following the October 2024 Budget announcement, the British Hair Consortium (BHC) has released survey results, summarising the initial reaction from the industry and highlighting significant concerns for the UK hairdressing sector.  

The survey showed that 42 per cent of respondents say they are considering closing their businesses within the next year. 98 per cent of salon owners are exploring self-employment models for their staff, with many feeling that switching away from the direct employment (PAYE) system may be necessary for survival. This shift away from traditional employment could have implications for the industry and workers alike, as noted by Hellen Ward from the BHC: “Many workers relinquish their employment rights in exchange for promises of more money in their pocket. Furthermore, many of these unscrupulous business owners use this model as a vehicle to avoid VAT by splitting income at worker level.” 

Apprenticeships, which play a crucial role in developing the next generation of hairdressing talent, could also be at risk. 95 per cent of salon owners who currently employ apprentices say they will reduce their intake, end apprenticeships or decide not to take on any more trainees. BHC’s Collette Osborne commented on the complex legal challenges salon owners face in determining legitimate employment models, noting that “the truth is that our industry has no clear understanding of guidelines on what a legitimate and legal business model is. Salon owners who fall foul of the law only find this out when they are hit with fines that often are so high, the business has to close anyway and, in many cases, end in bankruptcy.” 

Image by Christopher Bill

BHC representatives warn that such a shift could impact not only the livelihood of salon workers but also have broader economic consequences. A loss of PAYE contributions, reductions in VAT and a decline in apprentice numbers threaten to destabilise the sector and diminish government revenue from the hairdressing industry. Office for National Statistics data supports these concerns, showing a decline of 45,000 employees, or 37 per cent of the workforce, in the hairdressing sector since 2018. 

The survey revealed that 94 per cent of respondents are either extremely concerned for the future or believe a generation of apprentices will be lost, and 98 per cent of respondents do not believe the hair sector is valued by the government.  

Amid this uncertainty, Toby Dicker from the BHC emphasises the importance of unity in the industry to navigate the challenges ahead: “There’s never been a greater need for the industry to join together to ensure that everyone is trading under the correct terms. If you want to be properly represented then join one of the six business organisations that are most representative of our industry.” 

The BHC continues to advocate for sector reforms, underscoring the urgency for clear guidelines and support to sustain the future of British hairdressing. 

How To Combat Rising Costs Following National Budget Cuts

With years of industry insight, Edward James shares strategies to help salons adapt and thrive amid economic changes

by CAITLYN | INFORM

As a highly respected figure in the hairdressing industry with over 25 years of experience, Edward James has built a name for himself not only as a top stylist but as a champion of sustainable and client-centred salon practices. Known for his luxury Edward James Salon & Spa locations across South London, Edward has won numerous awards, garnered a loyal clientele, and fostered an elite team that embodies his values of quality and community. 

Edward is well-positioned to critique these policies, having grown his business from a one-person operation to an award-winning network of salons employing over 100 people. He has dedicated his career to creating not only beautiful spaces but also stable employment for his team and a haven for clients. His insights into the impact of budget cuts extend beyond personal grievance; they reflect a deep understanding of the broader economic and community repercussions. “These aren’t just numbers – they’re people’s livelihoods, career opportunities, and local jobs that contribute to the economy,” he says. 

“”With high streets increasingly dominated by service-oriented businesses like salons, Edward believes the budget’s approach is out of touch with modern economic realities. Salons face substantial overheads, with 60 per cent of their operating costs typically going toward staffing, an unavoidable expense in a hands-on, client-focused industry. As Edward points out: “Salons require a significant workforce to provide personal services, meaning we’re facing substantial overheads on staffing alone.” 

Reflecting on his personal sacrifices, Edward shares: “I’ve dedicated 14 years of relentless work to this business, which challenges Keir Starmer’s perception of what a ‘working person’ entails. Business owners frequently work harder than anyone within the company, carrying significant responsibility. During the pandemic, our salons were forced to close for a total of 245 days, resulting in considerable team losses. Selling my home was essential to keep the business afloat, prevent closures, and avoid redundancies. My belief in our team’s resilience drove this decision, as I trusted we’d recover.”

Edward says, “Collective advocacy is crucial. Salons often get grouped with the broader ‘beauty sector,’ which is experiencing growth. Unfortunately, this masks the challenges salons face. Retail beauty operates with a smaller workforce, so employment taxes have less impact, and many products are sold online, avoiding the substantial burden of business rates. Hair salons, however, remain high-cost, high-commitment ventures that require fairer treatment to survive.”

In the meantime, he has stepped up to support other salon owners facing similar financial strains, offering his advice and strategies to help them remain resilient. His key recommendations include: 

• Review Costs Regularly: Take a thorough look at monthly expenses to identify any non-essential costs that can be cut. Negotiate with suppliers to lower costs wherever possible, and reassess each expense line item. 

• Optimise Operating Hours: Analyse customer traffic data to focus on high-demand periods. Consider reducing hours on quieter days to save on both energy and labour costs. 

• Streamline Staff Schedules: Use scheduling software or data analysis to align staff levels with client demand, maximising productivity and avoiding unnecessary labour costs. 

• Consider Self-Employment Models: If suitable for your salon, explore moving stylists to a self-employed model. This approach can relieve some of the tax burden associated with National Insurance increases, while also providing stylists with greater flexibility. 
• Join Support Organisations: Connect with industry groups such as the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and the Salon Employers Association (SEA). These groups provide valuable resources, a supportive community, and a collective voice for advocating industry-friendly policies. 

Edward’s advice offers a lifeline for salon owners determined to face these turbulent times with resilience and adaptability. For an industry that’s always been about creativity, connection and making clients feel extraordinary, these changes hit close to the bone. But with leaders like Edward, the hairdressing community is reminded of the power of unity and shared solutions. Together, with a focus on smarter strategies and mutual support, the industry can stand strong, protecting not just jobs but the heartbeat of the high street.