Oxfordshire hair salon owners battle it out as finalists in British Hairdressing Business Awards
Keith Mellen and Anne Veck, owners of Anne Veck Oxford have been recognised among Britain’s best business brains as they finalise for Business Director of the Year in HJ’s British Hairdressing Business Awards 2020.
Keith and Anne were shortlisted based on a CV of impressive career achievements; standing out as forward thinking strategists, successful salon team motivators, and consistent entrepreneurs securing profit for their company as well as boasting an inspiring reputation in the wider hairdressing world.
The team are not the only finalists coming from across the region. They will be up against Mark Creed, Idlewild, Bicester in the same category.
In other categories, Vicky Stanley of Goldsworthys Hairdressing Cirencester is up for Franchisee of the year, and Liam O’Halloran, who works in the same salon is a finalist in the Assistant/Junior of The Year
HJ’s British Hairdressing Business Awards promote professionalism, innovation and excellence, while recognising those individuals and teams who work tirelessly to raise the profile of the hairdressing industry and make it attractive to new entrants while keeping it at the forefront of the mind of the consumer.
Anne Veck said: “This year has certainly tested the hair industry to its limits and my business has faced challenges I never imagined I’d see. As a salon owner, I’ve become used to adapting, taking risks, seeing what works and re-evaluating for the benefit of my business, and these skills have certainly helped me to weather the storm in the last few months. To be named as a finalist feels wonderful. These awards prove to me that hairdressers are strong and resilient. We are survivors.
“I wouldn’t have been able to achieve this recognition without the support of my brilliant team who have stood beside me with incredible enthusiasm and commitment. Whilst my name is a finalist, it’s definitely been a team effort.”
Jayne Lewis-Orr, executive director of the British Hairdressing Business Awards said; “This year in particular has required salon owners to hold their nerve, think creatively and stretch their support for both their team and clients further than ever before."
Currently there are now more than 43,000 hair and beauty businesses in the UK, following a 45% increase over the past five years. It is reported that hair and beauty businesses also have higher survival rates after five years than many other sectors.* It’s easy to see why the appointment books of UK salons are now full for the next few months following the nationwide lockdown and it is clear that the value of a professional service is held in high regard.
