Making a difference
Salon owner and winner of the UK’s most Wanted 2008 Business Pro award, Barrie Stephen was electric in this insightful and frank session showcasing the importance of staff wellbeing.

Key learning: Investing in the health and wellbeing of your staff has very real business benefits, from bringing in hypnotherapists to help team members quit smoking, to encouraging a ‘walk to work’ programme, to calling on the help of a professional life coach.

Top advice: Think outside of the box when it comes to your salon business – over and above top services, a beautiful interior and a fabulous drinks menu. Think long and hard about how you can really make a difference to your staff’s productivity.

Intriguing fact: Taking care of your staff can only benefit your business. Barrie’s campaign resulted in 11 new non-smokers and half the workforce now walks to work. That means fitter, stronger, more able team members, who tell their clients all about their achievements and make great stories for the local press.

Having a creative vision
Salon owner and creative entrepreneur, Mark Woolley, talked about ensuring creativity is at the heart of your business.

Key learning: In business, creativity starts with a plan and a vision. Whatever your business concept, having a clear plan for your creative output from the start can be hugely rewarding – not to mention incredibly inspiring for current and prospective employees.

Top advice: Mixing creativity with good business makes dreams come true – both your own and those of your team members. Remember, first and foremost you and your team members are hairdressers – so reward the people who have played a vital role in your creativity.

Intriguing fact: Presenting your work to others – whether that’s in the salon, at a show in front of thousands, in the studio while you’re shooting your new collection – makes you better at it.