The action-packed, sell-out event kicked off with a glamorous champagne reception, dinner and a hair show from Beverly C, combining business with creativity in brilliant style.

The following day, delegates were motivated and inspired by a full programme of business advice, inspirational speakers and Q&A sessions with leading business experts including Cory Couts, vice-president of global business development for KMS California, customer care guru Julie Eldrett and legal specialists Julian Sampson of Wright & Wright solicitors.

There was also a moving presentation from Trevor Sorbie on his My New Hair programme to help cut and customise wigs for cancer and alopecia clients.

Over lunch, to a stunning backdrop of the River Thames and the Houses of Parliament, hair extensions experts Balmain demonstrated quick, easy and profitable new salon services within a sassy fashion show that had the audience clamouring to get a closer look at the company’s products.

In two inspirational workshops, session stylist Neil Moodie jetted in from New York to give a fascinating insight into the goings-on behind the covers of top fashion magazines like Vogue and Wonderland, and publishing experts Communikator demonstrated the customer-building benefits of in-house magazines.

The day finished off with a lively and engaging Brainstorm session where a panel of experts including communications consultant Harriet Evans, financial and management guru Jeremy Orriss and celebrity hairdresser Beverly C solved delegates’ business dilemmas live onstage.

Delegates left brimming with exciting new ideas that they could easily introduce into their salon, and vowed to return to SALON SMART 2009 next year.