salonfocus Nov/Dec 2017

ÂŁ3.50 The essential magazine for salon owners

Nov/Dec 2017

PUNK ROCKS The latest collection from Gary Baker at UNITE hairÂ

10

January tax deadline looming?

The NHF can help you

14

The NHF at 75, stronger and better than ever

28

Do uniforms look more professional? Members tell all Nov/Dec 2017 | salonfocus

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Contents

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C O N T E N T S P6 NEWS NHF calls for radical changes to tax and employment P10 CLICK AND COLLECT The days of the paper tax return are numbered, but the worry is there may be downsides for small businesses P12 ARE YOUR STAFF LEGAL? The NHF is reminding members they need to carry out appropriate “right to work” checks on new employees

12 14

P14 THE NHF AT 75 – STAYING POWER We celebrate how the NHF has supported the industry for three-quarters of a century, from 1942 to today P26 THE NHF AT 75 – AND THE WINNERS ARE… The NHF’s Business Awards are just days away. But there are still tickets available!

P27 GO FOR GLORY Come and join us at this year’s Britain’s Best P28 LOOK THE PART Do uniforms make salons look more professional?

Members have their say P30 CLOTHES BUDGET Why deducting the cost of uniforms from salaries may not be a good idea P31 PUTTING SAFETY FIRST The NHF’s new health and safety toolkit explained P32 KEEP SECURE AT CHRISTMAS There are fears salons are being targeted by thieves in the run-up to Christmas. Don’t panic, but do be vigilant P34 CHRISTMAS CHEER Clients increasingly want to pay by mobile phone.

Will you be ready this Christmas?

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P36 GOLDEN PROMISE Images from the NHF “Incredibles” photoshoot P38 EVENTS Do you have a team member who could win the Step Up & SHINE scholarship?

£3.50 The essential magazine for salon owners

Nov/Dec 2017

PUNK ROCKS The latest collection from Gary Baker at UNITE hair

31

12

January tax deadline looming?

The NHF can help you

16

The NHF at 75, stronger and better than ever

30

Do uniforms look more professional? Members tell all Nov/Dec 2017 | salonfocus

COVER IMAGE An image from “Blitz Kids,” the latest collection from Gary Baker, global creative director for UNITE hair. The collection is inspired by the founders of Punk and what became the New Romantics, a flamboyant underground subculture of the early 1980s. Musicians Steve Strange and Sid Vicious are among the looks channelled into a display of eccentric and electric styling.

CREDITS Cut, colour and styling: Gary Baker for UNITE Photography: Roberto Aguilar Make-up: Jenny Morrel

CONNECT WITH US AND HAVE YOUR COMMENTS AND TWEETS IN THE NEXT ISSUE OF SALONFOCUS Nov/Dec 2017 | salonfocus

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Welcome

PR ESIDEN T’S

L E T T E R SALONFOCUS IS PUBLISHED BY: National Hairdressers’ Federation, One Abbey Court, Fraser Road, Priory Business Park, Bedford MK44 3WH t: +44 (0) 1234 831965 f: +44 (0) 1234 838875 e: sfenquiries@salonfocus.co.uk w: www.nhf.info PUBLISHER Hilary Hall e: hilary.hall@nhf.info EDITOR Nic Paton e: nic@cormorantmedia.co.uk PR, EVENTS AND SOCIAL MEDIA Kelly Sylvester t. +44 (0) 1234 831965 e. kelly.sylvester@nhf.info ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER Andy Etherton T: + 44 (0) 1536 527297 e: andy.etherton@nhf.info ART DIRECTOR Adriano Cattini Matrix Print Consultants Ltd t: +44 (0) 1536 527297 e: adriano@matrixprint.com While every care is taken in compiling this issue of salonfocus including manuscripts and photographs submitted, we accept no responsibility for any losses or damage, whatever the cause. All information and prices contained in advertisements are accepted by the publishers in good faith as being correct at the time of going to press.

Neither the advertisers nor the publishers accept any responsibility for any variations affecting price variations or availability after the publication has gone to press. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the permission of the publisher, to whom application must first be made. The views expressed by contributors to salonfocus are not necessarily those of the NHF, the publisher or its editor. © 2016 The National Hairdressers’ Federation.

am looking forward immensely to the NHF Business Awards later this month, where we will not only be showcasing the best hair and beauty businesses in the country, we’ll be celebrating the NHF’s 75th anniversary.

I

For the members who’ve spoken to us for this anniversary edition, the NHF of course means many different things. Salons and barbershops join the NHF for very different reasons and for different priorities.

But one thing that comes through clearly, and this is something I very much recognise with my own ABOUT AGNES salon, is the peace of mind that comes with Agnes Leonard is president of the NHF and a registered knowing the NHF “has your back”. hairdresser. She has worked in Whether it’s for employment and legal the industry for 36 years and owns Croppers Hair Studio in support, guidance and training, making sure Dundee, a busy, family-run salon successfully adapting to the our voice gets heard or simply by bringing fast-changing retail environment business owners together to learn, grow and – just, in fact, like many NHF members up and down become friends, the NHF has been there for the country. members for 75 years, and will continue to be so.

Looking to the future, there are a lot of challenges facing our industry, not least the way technology and self-employment is changing how clients access and engage with hair and beauty salons and services.

But that’s tomorrow. For now, we can be proud of what each and every one of us contributes to our industry.

When we gather at the Vox Conference Centre in Birmingham on 19 November, I, for one, will be raising a glass to the NHF and all it has stood for since 1942. I very much hope you can join me.

Material for consideration in this section of the magazine should be submitted via email or digital file transfer to the editor, salonfocus. Submissions should be made on the understanding that the National Hairdressers’ Federation has the right to use the material in any part of the magazine and any of its other publications, promotions or website, free from any copyright restrictions, or appearance fees other than the issue of artistic and photographic credits where applicable. Please include salon name, photographer and stylist.

AGNES LEONARD NHF president

COMING UP IN JANUARY/FEBRUARY How to get the best price, and the best deal, when it comes to selling your business The winners, excitement and glitz from the new NHF Business Awards, Photographic Stylist of the Year and Britain’s Best

Do you have a salon story to tell? Would you like to be featured in salonfocus?

Get in touch with the team, on 01234 831965, or send an email to nic@cormorantmedia.co.uk

salonfocus | Nov/Dec 2017

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News

NHF CALLS FOR EMPLOYMENT AND TAX

‘LEVEL PLAYING FIELD’ he NHF has called for radical changes to be made to tax and employment in the wake of the government’s review into new models of employment, including the “gig economy”.

T

NHF chief executive Hilary Hall was among guests at a high-level roundtable debate in September to discuss the findings of former Labour strategist Matthew Taylor’s Review of Modern Working Practices, published in July.

The review looked at whether new models of self-employment-based working pioneered by the likes of Uber and Deliveroo are fair or exploitative.

It called for the government to rethink how self-employment currently works, including recommending that a new category of worker be created, a “dependent contractor”, who would be a half-way house between being directly employed and self-employed.

As part of the discussion, Hilary set out a series of recommendations that, the NHF believes, will help to create a more level playing field for salons and barbershops to compete in business.

salonfocus | Nov/Dec 2017

The NHF is calling for three things: • Increasing National Insurance contributions for the self-employed working in a salon to the same level as those paid by employers • Reducing VAT from 20% to 5% while at the same time lowering the VAT threshold from £85,000 to £40,000 or less, to ensure more businesses, including the self-employed, pay VAT

(but at a much lower rate) • Ensure the self-employed are better protected by backing Taylor’s idea of a new dependent contractor category of worker, backed up by a written statement of their rights Hilary said: “Dependent contractor status is likely to apply to the self-employed working in salons or barbershops.

“The NHF’s highly successful chair and room renting agreements already provide a clear statement of rights and responsibilities, not only for self-employed workers but also for the business owner, providing a perfect blueprint for the future.”

The NHF’s chair and room renting agreements are available to download at nhf.info

News

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CHARITY WINNER

REACHING ‘THE BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE’ Beauty salons and hair salons that offer beauty services should be going out of their way to attract single, female citydwellers aged 18-34, research has argued.

A study by market research company YouGov, Inside the Mindset: The Beautiful People, has suggested this grouping is most likely to be prepared to spend time and money to make themselves look physically attractive and younger looking.

They were most likely regularly to be using beauty products, to consider themselves “fashionistas” and to be prepared to “splash out” on beauty products they did not need.

Yet at the same time they tended to be price conscious, often offer- or deal-focused, and not especially loyal to any particular brand.

The best ways to reach this type of client included celebrity-based or personalised adverts as well as a strong social media presence, the research recommended.

TRAINING WORRIES Changes to how apprenticeships are funded, especially requiring small and micro businesses to make a financial contribution for the

Well done to Lossiemouth salon and NHF member KAM Hair and Body Spa, which has had its community and charity work recognised in a national competition.

The salon, which employs 24 people and is one of the biggest employers in Lossiemouth, was one of the winners of the “Best of Britain” awards run by price comparison website Love Energy Savings and energy firms EDF Energy, Opus Energy, British Gas, ScottishPower and npower.

The awards celebrate businesses that go “above and beyond” when it comes to community spirit, with each winner receiving a £300 cash prize.

The judges highlighted the salon’s

“Christmas Pamper Hamper” that raised funds for a local charity, its charity Easter egg hunt, and a charity 10K run by one of its employees to Loch Ness to raise money for local midwives to go to Nepal.

Salon owner Karen Thomson said: “Showing that we are a serious business contender is important to us, and we are absolutely delighted to have stood out amongst the hundreds of applications in our region.”

barbershop or hair salon at least once a month.

By comparison, only 70% said they made the same effort to visit their local pub at least once a month.

A total of 10% even admitted to making weekly trips to smarten up their styles and socialise with likeminded regulars.

More than three quarters (69%) also rated their relationship with their barber as being far better than their relationship with their local pub landlord.

MAKE MINE A TRIM Many men now spend more time “hanging out” at their local barber than they do down the pub, a survey has suggested.

The poll of 1,726

first time, have led to a “catastrophic” fall in training places, the NHF has warned.

The comments followed figures from the Department for Education in October, which

men by men’s mental health charity The Lions Barber Collective and men’s grooming brand The Bluebeards Revenge found 92% said they visited their

showed a 61% drop in the number of new apprentices starting on programmes in the three months since changes to apprenticeship funding were introduced in May 2017.

NHF chief executive Hilary Hall said: “Worries about new standards will have contributed to the drop, but the NHF has consistently warned that changes to apprenticeship

funding for small and micro businesses – who make up the vast majority of employers working in our sector – would lead to a catastrophic fall in take-up for apprenticeships.”

Nov/Dec 2017 | salonfocus

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News

BURDEN OF HAIR LOSS

TRIBUNALS WARNING mployment lawyers are warning that small businesses could see a sharp increase in disputes being taken to employment tribunal, following a shock ruling by the Supreme Court that employment tribunal fees are unlawful.

E

In 2013 the government introduced fees of up to £1,200 for bringing tribunal claims to reduce the number of weak or “trivial” claims. This caused a big drop in the number of cases, according to the figures from the Ministry of Justice.

However, in July the Supreme Court ruled that such fees were unlawful. The government has immediately stopped charging fees and began refunding payments.

Law firms are now predicting this change could lead to a big increase in cases going to tribunal.

salonfocus | Nov/Dec 2017

Firms could see more cases especially around equal pay, maternity discrimination, discriminatory dress codes, and more claims from younger workers, lawyers have warned.

NHF chief executive Hilary Hall said: “It’s more important than ever to have a proper contract of employment and a staff handbook in place, to stick to what they say, and to take advice on HR issues.

“NHF members are protected against employment tribunals with free legal expenses insurance, backed with free round-the-clock employment law advice,” she added.

FIND OUT MORE The NHF’s staff handbook and contracts of employment can be bought at nhf.info and are free for members

More than a quarter (26%) of men aged under 35 say losing their hair had made them more prone to drinking or drug taking.

The research by Asda Pharmacy highlighted the emotional toll that can come with male hair loss, with 30% of men polled saying it hit their confidence and made them feel more self-conscious.

A similar percentage (32%) said their hair loss made them feel unattractive or frustrated (35%).

CASH REMINDER Salons and barbershops are being reminded to be on alert for old £1 coins, as they went out of circulation last month (October), and so should no longer be accepted as legal tender.

However, some bigger retailers have said they will continue temporarily to do so.

A new polymer or £10 note featuring author Jane Austen was introduced in September, and the old note is now set to disappear. This will happen next spring, although the exact date has yet to be confirmed.

A new £20 note is also expected in 2020.

News

TWITTER FOLLOWERS 11.3K

FACEBOOK LIKES 12,727

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INSTAGRAM LIKES 1,834

WHAT’S TRENDING TWEETS AND POSTS FROM AROUND THE NHF

Easydry @easydrynhf

Fewer than 8% of students aged 15 to 18, or the equivalent of just one in 12, say they were advised by their school or college to consider going on to do a workbased apprenticeship following their GCSEs or A Levels, a trade association has said.

By comparison, some 85% said they were encouraged to go on to higher or further education, the survey from the engineering services trade association the ECA said.

More than a quarter of students (28%) also admitted they had never been spoken to about work-based apprenticeships by their school or college, the survey of more than 1,000 children concluded.

Love this article with Easydry ambassadors @ hookerandyoung in the new @NHfederation magazine! #NHF #salonfocus #easydry

Creative HEAD @creativeheadmag At the #NHFbussinessawards today - the @ NHfederation's first and can't wait to start judging!

LOOK OF

L VE

British women will spend more than £18,000 on make-up during their lifetime, a survey has suggested.

The poll of nearly 2,300 women aged 18-30 by FalseEyelashes found women typically spent £493 a year on make-up.

The number one item to spend money on were eyeshadow palettes, followed by foundation, lipstick, mascara and highlighter.

Most women had as many as 11 eyeshadow palettes, at least nine lipsticks and five different foundations, it also found.

themasterbarbers themasterbarbers @ NHfederation the judges thank you for the golden envelope. Great to have got through to the finals of The NHF Business Awards 2017

JOIN IN THE CONVERSATION @nhfederation

@NHFederation

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Nov/Dec 2017 | salonfocus

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Tax changes and deadlines

CLICK AND COLLECT THE DAYS OF THE PAPER TAX RETURN ARE NUMBERED, WITH A TOTALLY DIGITAL TAX SYSTEM EXPECTED FROM 2020. BUT THERE ARE WORRIES THERE MAY BE DOWNSIDES FOR SMALL BUSINESSES.

W

hether it’s smartphones, social media or laptops, more and more of our daily lives are conducted digitally these days.

Doing our taxes is going the same way. Small businesses can still, for now, fill in and submit paper tax returns if they so wish but, under the government’s “Making Tax Digital” initiative, the days of the old-fashioned paper tax return are numbered.

However, following concerns within the financial and accounting world that things were being pushed through too fast, the good news for small businesses is that the government has announced a longer timeframe for its changes.

Only businesses with turnover above the VAT threshold (currently

salonfocus | Nov/Dec 2017

£85,000) will be required to keep digital records from April 2019, and only then for VAT, it has said.

For such firms this will mean, at the very least, having to submit VAT returns through HM Revenue and Custom’s Making Tax Digital software.

However, as HMRC has pointed out that more than 98% of VAT-registered businesses already file VAT returns electronically, the hope is this change will not cause too many headaches.

FREQUENCY OF FILING

Things are expected to ramp up from 2020 onwards however, as digitisation is set to be extended more widely to tax returns and digital records.

The worry for small businesses is what this is likely to mean in practice.

If it means, as is feared, businesses eventually having to file both tax and

VAT returns quarterly, what will this mean in terms of extra admin?

Certainly, the comments so far from the government are hardly reassuring. HMRC has only said: “Businesses will not be asked to keep digital records, or to update HMRC quarterly, for other taxes until at least 2020.”

This therefore leaves a lot of wriggle room for the government – eventually – to move to a more frequent (and therefore potentially more time-consuming) tax and VAT reporting regime than we have now.

Watch this space.

DON’T GET CAUGHT OUT

It is said the only two certainties in life are death and taxes, but don’t forget January’s regular tax deadlines are looming.

Tax changes and deadlines

The deadline for submitting online self-assessment tax returns, (in other words for anyone who is self-employed or operating as a sole trader rather than a limited company), is midnight on 31 January 2018.

If you’ve left it to the wire, that is also the deadline for paying any tax you owe. However, be aware that HMRC’s systems are often under severe pressure on that final day, and so it makes a lot more sense – and is likely to make your festive period more relaxing – to get your returns done and paid for well before the final deadline.

If you want HMRC automatically to collect any tax you owe from your wages and pension, you will need to submit your online return by 30 December.

CORPORATION TAX The deadline to file annual accounts for corporation tax (for anyone running a limited company) is nine months after the end of your

company’s financial year.

The tax you need to pay will then be due nine months and one day after the end of your “accounting period”, or the time covered by your company’s tax return.

As normally this will be the same 12 months as your financial year, in reality this means that, if you leave doing your business accounts to the very last minute, you may only have one day to settle your tax bill.

NHF CAN HELP As with personal tax, it makes sense to sort your tax affairs out early so you are not caught out by any nasty and stressful surprises.

The NHF can, of course, help.

Our free commercial advice line can answer questions around payroll, tax, VAT, health and safety and landlord/tenant issues. For employment and legal advice, there is also the Legal Lifeline. You can find them at nhf.info or by ringing 01234 831965.

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FACTS AND FIGURES

31 Jan 2018

Deadline for filing this year’s self-assessment tax return.

The deadline for paying it is the same day

2019

Date from when businesses above the VAT threshold will be required to file VAT returns and keep VAT records digitally

2020

Date from when (possibly) wider digital tax reporting will follow

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Carrying out employee checks

This is serious and organised crime, with people being traded as a commodity.” So said the government’s anti-slavery commissioner Kevin Hyland in September.

"

His target? UK nail bars, some of which he argued were “feeding and funding organised crime”, with concerns that Vietnamese gangs in particular are using nail bars to traffic vulnerable women into this country illegally.

In fact, the situation appears to be so bad that Mr Hyland has urged the government to introduce a new licensing system to make absolutely sure that nail bar workers are being employed legally.

Of course, the vast majority of hair and beauty salons – and, it ought to

be stressed, the vast majority of UK nail bars – operate perfectly legally and legitimately.

RIGHT TO WORK CHECKS

Nevertheless, it still makes sense for business owners to be on top of “right to work” checks whenever they hire or take on new employees.

Employers have since 2008 been required by law to carry out right to work checks on prospective employees, or face a penalty of up to £20,000 per illegal employee.

The sort of checks you need to do are, in truth, pretty straightforward (see panel). But, if anything, this makes it even more important that you don’t get caught out by not doing them.

The NHF can help here. Advice and guidance on right to work checks can be found online at nhf.info in the NHF’s Recruitment Guide.

ARE YOUR STAFF THE NHF IS REMINDING MEMBERS THEY NEED TO CARRY OUT APPROPRIATE “RIGHT TO WORK” CHECKS TO MAKE SURE NEW EMPLOYEES ARE LEGALLY ALLOWED TO WORK IN THE UK. salonfocus | Nov/Dec 2017

Carrying out employee checks

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CHECKS YOU NEED TO CARRY OUT The government has a useful interactive online tool to give an idea of the sort of the checks and documents you need to look out for. This can be found at gov.uk/ legal-right-work-uk More extensive guidance, including an employer’s guide to carrying out right to work checks

and a checklist, can be found on the gov.uk site, under “right to work”.

In short, however, you need to be making sure of the following: • That all documents shown to you by the employee are genuine and unaltered • That any photographs look the

same, and are actually of the applicant • That birth dates and ages tally • That the person can show evidence they have permission to do the work they’re applying for • That their right to work in the UK has not expired

Nov/Dec 2017 | salonfocus

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Celebrating the NHF’s 75th anniversary

THE NHF IS CELEBRATING ITS 75TH BIRTHDAY THIS YEAR AND, SINCE IT WAS FORMED IN 1942, HAS HAD 27 PRESIDENTS. HERE PREVIOUS PRESIDENT HAMISH WILSON AND CURRENT PRESIDENT AGNES LEONARD REFLECT ON WHAT THE NHF HAS MEANT FOR THEM, AND WHY THE NHF IS MORE RELEVANT THAN EVER TODAY.

I’VE MADE SO MANY FRIENDS IN THIS INDUSTRY OVER THE YEARS, MANY OF THEM THROUGH BEING PART OF THE NHF Hamish Wilson, MBE and NHF gold medal holder, was president of the NHF from 1989-1992 and ran Hamish Hairdressing in Hamilton, Lanarkshire until his retirement in 2012.

I am so proud to have been part

salonfocus | Nov/Dec 2017

of such an active and illustrious industry, as well as to have been NHF president.

I ran my salon, Hamish Hairdressing in Hamilton, for 51 years before retiring.

Our industry has changed so much from when I first started, from the attitudes and expectations of clients through to the availability and use of

technology. But one thing that hasn’t changed, I am pleased to say, is the deep relationship we have with our clients.

I remember vividly the impact Vidal Sassoon had in the 1960s – his inventiveness around “wash and wear” cuts and short styles for women and the fact he was one the first true celebrity hairdressers.

The NHF, too, has changed a lot over the years. When I joined it was much more a place for salon owners to get together and meet; it was more about the social side of the industry and competitions. That has changed, in part because salons owners themselves are so much busier.

What hasn’t changed is the excellence of the business support offered by the NHF. The NHF has always been second to none in helping salon

Celebrating the NHF’s 75th anniversary

owners – myself included – solve legal or employment problems and keep in touch with legislation. Knowing you can simply call up the NHF and get expert advice and support has been really important.

I’ve made so many friends in

this industry over the years, many of them through being part of the NHF. Socially, artistically and in terms of business support, the NHF has always been there for me and for the industry. Long may that continue.

Now, of course, they’re a very common way of working.

There are many more stylists who are self-employed.

The biggest challenge I feel we face as an industry is simply keeping ahead of changing trends, whether that is styles, client expectations, ways of working, or technology.

You cannot afford to sit still; you need to be constantly aware of what is changing, and be prepared to put your own slant on things.

Under Hilary Hall, the NHF has come on in leaps and bounds; we are a completely different organisation to what we were, and for the better.

Knowing you have the NHF behind you – on the phone through its helplines, online, through its guides and business events, through salonfocus, through its competitions and awards – is such a help.

The NHF has a proud history and heritage, and I am so glad we are standing up this year and celebrating our 75 years.

But we are also very forwardlooking. The NHF recognises hair and beauty is an industry that never sits still.

The NHF is going from strength to strength – it is such an exciting time to be part of this industry and part of the NHF.

THE NHF HAS A PROUD HISTORY, BUT RECOGNISES HAIR AND BEAUTY NEVER SITS STILL Agnes Leonard owns Croppers Hair Studio in Dundee and became NHF president in 2016 I’ve been in this wonderful industry for more than 40 years now; it has been a tremendous honour from day one to be a hairdresser.

But things have changed a lot.

It is much harder nowadays for stylists to run a regular column because the days of clients coming in loyally every week

FACTS AND FIGURES 1942

The NHF as we know it is formed when the two

largest hairdressing bodies of the day, the National Federation of Hairdressers and the Northern Counties Hairdressers’ Federation, merge

15

have long gone. Clients do, of course, come back regularly, but now it is more likely to be for a cut and blow dry or colour once every six weeks or two months.

This has made it harder, but it has also meant salons have had to be more inventive.

The services, and the client experience, are now much more creative, which can only be a good thing.

Another big change has been how people work within our industry. When I first started out chair renting and mobile hairdressers barely existed.

A W HENDRY

JANUARY 1958

association meant

68

2016

First president of the

The London and Provincial Hairdressers’ Association joins the NHF. This move by the last big regional salon trade

the NHF became the trade association

Number of trade members which support the NHF

5,200

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Agnes Leonard is appointed as current NHF president, becoming our first ever female president

NHF, in office from 1942-1946

27 Presidents since 1942

UK’s largest salon

Approximate number

Number of regions

of current members

Nov/Dec 2017 | salonfocus

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Celebrating the NHF’s 75th anniversary

THE NHF THROUGH THE YEARS

WE LOOK BACK AT HOW THE NHF, AND THE INDUSTRY, HAS CHANGED IN 75 YEARS.

salonfocus | Nov/Dec 2017

p Top: Blackpool competition winners in 1960 and, above, 1976’s Eastern Counties contest.

Celebrating the NHF’s 75th anniversary

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HOW THINGS HAVE CHANGED

p Scottish Open Champion Julian Smith with his models receives the 1976 Gaston Boudou trophy.

p West of Scotland’s Artistic Team.

p The first professional hairdressing products to carry the NHF symbol.

These were only available to NHF members.

p Winners of the 1971 Ladies’ York National Championships. u The North East competition, 1990.

Nov/Dec 2017 | salonfocus

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Celebrating the NHF’s 75th anniversary

1973

19 82

3 199

20 15

17 20

2012

11 20

19 99

1989

STOP PRESS! 200 4

1 200

HOW OUR LOGO HAS CHANGED WITH TIME

1970s

salonfocus | Nov/Dec 2017

EARLY 2000s

LATE 2000s

THE NHF’S CURRENT LOGO

Celebrating the NHF’s 75th anniversary

19

HALL OF FAME PRESIDENTS PAST AND PRESENT

Past presidents: F H Custance, Joe Eaton, H A Prosser, J M Thomson, W F Scowcroft, Charles Lamport

p EastEnders actor Letitia Dean (right) at the Head of the Year Awards, 1993.

Mike Thornhill

Jeffery Bonn

Michael Fanthorpe

Harry Walker

p Boxer Chris Eubank (left) at the same Head of the Year Awards, 1993.

Above, from left: then NHF president Hamish Wilson with actor Janet Brown and TV presenter Derek Batey. Right: TV presenter Gloria Hunniford with singer Cliff Richard at 1994’s Head of Year Awards.

Trevor Jones

Hamish Wilson

David Aston

Mark Coray

Paul Curry

Agnes Leonard

p Singer and glamour model Sam Fox (centre) and then NHF president Hamish Wilson at the Head of the Year Awards in the late 1980s.

Nov/Dec 2017 | salonfocus

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Celebrating the NHF’s 75th anniversary

THE NHF TODAY, STRONGER THAN EVER

p Current NHF president Agnes Leonard, centre, with, left, vice president Ian Egerton and chief executive Hilary Hall.

p NHF president Agnes Leonard (left) with Bridie Thorne of Pride Hairdressing & Barber Shop, Gloucester, Britain’s Best Ladies Champion 2016

p Mark Coray with Jordan Lee Davies (centre) and Matt Lissack at Wales Finest 2017.

p Paul Curry with winner Tariq Mehmood at Pride of Scotland 2015.

salonfocus | Nov/Dec 2017

p Competitors in action at Britain’s Best in 2016.

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Celebrating the NHF’s 75th anniversary

THE HAIR AND BEAUTY INDUSTRY HAS CHANGED OUT OF ALL RECOGNITION IN 75 YEARS. BUT THE NHF HAS BEEN THERE TO SUPPORT SALON AND BARBERSHOP OWNERS EVERY STEP OF THE WAY, AS FIVE LONG-STANDING MEMBERS SHOW.

‘KNOWING THAT WE HAVE THE NHF BEHIND US HELPS NO END’ Sandra Stevens has run Tops Hair Salon & Beauty in Melksham, Wiltshire, since 1978, and now employs daughter Victoria (director and salon manager) and Alex (director and office manager) We started with just two staff, but have built the business over the years. As well as Victoria, we now have seven stylists and a beauty therapist. We also have three front-of-house/salon assistants, and Alex looks after the business side of things.

One big change I’ve seen since we started is that, back then,

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people used to have their hair done once a week; some people even used to come in every day.

Now it is common for people to go six to eight weeks between appointments.

Nowadays, you get what I call a bouncy blow dry, which is similar to an old shampoo and set, and so there is an element of things coming back round again. We still do a few perms, but they are much less common.

There is a lot more use of social media – people come in with a picture they’ve seen on Pinterest or Instagram, instead of magazines, and their expectations are much higher. Social media can be a really effective tool if people are happy but we are always conscious that it could work

against us if they’re not.

As a whole, I think hairdressing has become much more professional. I came into the industry at the age of 15 and by 24 I had my own salon. When it came to the business side of things, I just taught myself.

We’ve been NHF members for around ten years. In that time, we’ve taken part in competitions – Britain’s Best, Photographic Stylist of the Year and one of our stylists won the Step Up and Shine scholarship.

We’ve also entered the PRS Music Makeover competition – and got through to the final five.

We’ve made use of the Legal Lifeline and the Allergy Alert Consultation and Colour Record Card. The card has been helpful in terms of making it easier for salons struggling with regular patch testing.

We have to make sure we are always keeping one step ahead, ensuring we stand out from the rest – knowing we have the NHF behind us helps with that no end.

Celebrating the NHF’s 75th anniversary

‘BEING AN NHF MEMBER IS A NOBRAINER BECAUSE IT GIVES YOU SUCH PEACE OF MIND. NOBODY, FOR EXAMPLE, REALLY KNOWS WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN WITH BREXIT AND EU LAWS, BUT THE NHF WILL ALWAYS BE THERE TO HELP’ Kelly Hodges is director of Cutting Edge in Cinderford, Gloucestershire, which employs seven stylists.

The salon has been an NHF member since 1997 and Kelly has run it for the past ten years Things have changed quite a lot for the industry, especially in the last five to seven years.

A lot more people seem to be happy nowadays to work on a self-employed basis; more people are wanting to do their own thing, whether that is going self-employed or working as a mobile hairdresser.

The NHF has helped in so many ways, mostly just with all the things I know I’m not good at! So, it is all the people and legal side of the business – staff

contracts, employment law and health and safety and so on – but also general business advice. The NHF is great for helping with the day-to-day issues that always come up.

If a member of staff says can he or she do this or that, I can ring up the Legal Lifeline and get back to them with proper guidance, rather than just blagging it.

Of course, being a member costs money but, for me, it’s a no-brainer because it gives you such peace of mind. Nobody, for example, really knows what is going to happen with Brexit and EU laws, but the NHF will always be there to help.

It’s just about the peace of mind; it’s just about keeping up to date with the latest legislation that would otherwise go over your head.

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‘THE NHF HAS GIVEN ME THE CONFIDENCE TO QUESTION COLLEGES AND TRAINING PROVIDERS ON APPRENTICESHIPS. I LIKE TO KNOW THE FACTS AND THAT WHAT I’M DOING IS CORRECT’ Jane James is owner of Jane James at Evergreen Hairdressers in Wolverhampton. The business has been in Jane’s family for over 40 years and now currently employs seven staff. Jane has been an NHF member for over 32 years When I first started as a salon owner over 40 years ago, I spent a lot of my time working behind the chair – it was just what was expected.

But over the years, because of the legal and financial requirements and things like health and safety, I decided to become the person who looks after the business. Although this was a big decision to make, it has been very beneficial for my business. I don’t know how people manage to do both.

For me, my NHF membership gives peace of mind. I can always call up and find out a professional, correct answer to

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Celebrating the NHF’s 75th anniversary

any problems I might have. The Legal Lifeline and the contracts of employment have been the most beneficial for my business.

With the contracts in particular, they make things very clear to me, my team and our apprentices, so we all understand exactly what our obligations are.

I think the NHF is a brilliant organisation. I love the newsletter and salonfocus. I read everything in salonfocus from cover to cover! I learned all about the new trailblazer apprenticeship scheme simply because I read all of the information on the NHF’s website and on social media.

The NHF has given me the confidence to question colleges and training providers on apprenticeships. I like to know the facts and to know that what I’m doing is correct. The minimum wage information the NHF provides is so useful; I’m completely aware when salaries need to rise.

I do a lot of social media advertising – and I did a course with the NHF last year which was really useful. It helped me with Facebook advertising, so I could connect with more customers and gain more ‘likes’ for our page. I now do all of my advertising through social media and on average see around 25-30 new customers each month as a result.

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‘THE NHF IS LIKE HAVING A WHOLE OFFICE BEHIND ME – LIKE A SUPPORT SYSTEM. I CAN GO ON THE WEBSITE AND THERE’S USUALLY A FACTSHEET I CAN DOWNLOAD IF I HAVE A PARTICULAR PROBLEM OR A QUERY. THERE’S ALWAYS SOMETHING THERE TO BACK ME UP’ Sam Chisholm runs Headquarters Hair Salon in Bedale, North Yorkshire One big change I’ve seen has been in the use of cash. There’s almost no cash nowadays, everything is on credit card, so we pretty much have a cashless system. People use smartphones to book and to pay for their appointments, so the days of taking away an appointment card have long gone.

It used to be that having your hair done was a luxury, now it’s a necessity for most people if they want to look and feel great at work as well as when they’re relaxing. One change we’ve learned is the value of offering longer appointment times. Compared to 30 years

ago, we’re giving more time, more “me time” and more care, to each client.

One area where the NHF has supported us is contracts of employment. I have always felt very secure, with the NHF right behind me. The contracts are very clear – I can go through them with members of the team and they understand the terms and conditions. There isn’t anything in them that’s confusing or complicated.

The Legal Lifeline also helps immensely – just knowing you always have it at your fingertips when something happens. You often want a very speedy answer and I’ve found the membership team is in tune with me as a hairdresser and as an employer. They understand where you’re coming from.

I use the health and safety toolkit to ensure the salon is as

Celebrating the NHF’s 75th anniversary

up to date as it can be. We use the Allergy Alert Consultation and Colour Record Card and Coversure’s insurance. It just makes me feel more secure with things like skin testing and allergies and so on.

The NHF is having like a

whole office behind me – like a support system. I can go on the website and there’s usually a factsheet I can download if I have a particular problem or a query.

There’s always something there to back me up.

‘THE NHF HAS HELPED US SHAPE OUR BUSINESS AND THE WAY WE OPERATE IMMENSELY. BEING SUCH A TRUSTWORTHY AND CREDIBLE ORGANISATION MEANS WE DON’T HAVE TO THINK TWICE ABOUT PICKING UP THE PHONE AND SOUND-BOARDING ANY ISSUES WE MIGHT HAVE’ Gary Hooker and Michael Young have run the Hooker & Young hairdressing brand for 25 years, and have been NHF members for five years. They operate five salons across the north east of England and were announced as NHF “ambassadors” in July.

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the benefits of the NHF. It’s a confidential and professional outlet to discuss any sensitive issues they may have.

Michael: The variety of expertise and resources the NHF offers makes it an extremely useful organisation.

The key services we consistently use are those within HR, financial legislation and employment law. With our busy schedules, to have an organisation that covers all these specialities is so helpful!

We benefit immensely from the Legal Lifeline and Commercial Lifeline. Having an expert on the end of the phone means we stay on top of all government legislations, saving us time, money and more importantly – ensuring we’re following the rules!

Gary: The NHF has always been our go-to organisation.

It’s helped us shape our business and the way we operate immensely. Being such a trustworthy and credible organisation means we don’t have to think twice about picking up the phone and sound-boarding any issues you might have.

As salon owners, it gives us great peace of mind to know our team can also reap

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Celebrating the NHF’s 75th anniversary: the NHF Business Awards

This will be followed by a party to celebrate the success of the winners and the NHF’s 75th anniversary, before going on to an all-night bar and casino!

The Business Awards were launched this year to mark the NHF’s 75th Anniversary.

AND THE WINNERS ARE… THE NHF’S PRESTIGIOUS BUSINESS AWARDS ARE JUST DAYS AWAY. THERE ARE STILL TICKETS AVAILABLE TO ATTEND OUR FABULOUS 75TH ANNIVERSARY EVENT. SO COME AND JOIN OUR 38 FINALISTS.

hey come from all corners of the country but have one thing in common: business excellence.

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What are we talking about? This year’s finalists for the first ever NHF Business Awards, which are taking place just days from now, on Sunday 19 November at the Vox Conference Centre in Birmingham.

The 38 lucky business owners were

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announced in September, and so have had a nervous wait for the big day.

But there is still time for you to join them. Tickets for the glittering event are on sale, priced at £95 for NHF members and £150 for non-members.

ALL-NIGHT BAR AND CASINO

Finalists and guests alike will be welcomed with a drinks reception and dinner before the Business Award winners are announced.

Winners will be celebrated in nine separate categories: ã Best independent hair or beauty salon, sponsored by Takara Belmont ã Best independent barbershop or male grooming business, sponsored

by UNITE ã Best group of businesses, sponsored by Coversure ã Best new business, sponsored by Radiant Hair and Beauty Consultancy ã Best client experience, sponsored

by MINDBODY ã Best community support, in support of The Hairdressers’ Charity ã Best apprentice, sponsored by VTCT ã Best front of house, sponsored by Global Payments ã Best environmentally-friendly business, sponsored by Ellis Whittam

NHF president Agnes Leonard said: “The calibre of the entries we received was extremely high, so our expert panel of judges had a tough job making their selections. We can’t wait to celebrate the success of our finalists and winners at our awards evening – it’s going to be a phenomenal event!”

The full list of the 38 finalists can be found online at nhf.info/ nhfbusinessawards HOW TO BUY A TICKET

nhf.info/businessawardstickets

GO FOR GLORY NOW SIX YEARS OLD, BRITAIN’S BEST HAS ESTABLISHED ITSELF AS A FIRM HAIR AND BEAUTY FAVOURITE. JOIN US TO CELEBRATE THE TOP INDIVIDUAL TALENT IN THE COUNTRY. he clock is now loudly counting down to this year’s Britain’s Best, with some of the best talent in the country gathering in Birmingham in just a matter of days to battle it out to be crowned this year’s Britain’s Best.

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Britain’s Best will this year take place on Sunday 19 November, and will be

held during the afternoon before the NHF’s Business Awards at the Vox Conference Centre in Birmingham.

This year there have been a record number of entries and there is still time for you to get involved, both as a competitor and spectator.

The closing date for entries is Thursday 16 November, so don’t delay. Full details on how to enter can be found at nhf.info/britains-best

SALON INSURANCE DESIGNED WITH YOU IN MIND

Salonsure is a comprehensive specialist insurance policy, recommended by the NHF, which has been specifically designed for hair and beauty salons, barber shops and self-employed chair renters.

Get a quote today

0800 458 8181

coversure.co.uk/nhf

There are nine categories to choose from: ã Male fashion look – cut and finish (students and trainees) ã Male fashion look – cut and finish (open to all) ã Female fashion look – cut and finish (students and trainees) ã Female fashion look – cut and finish (open to all) ã Forties to Noughties (open to all) ã Barber – total look (students and trainees) ã Barber – total look (open to all) ã Hair-up (students and trainees) ã Hair-up (open to all)

Spectator tickets, which cost £10, can be bought in advance from nhf.info/ britains-best or on the door. Be there!

COVERED FOR Colour TESTING CLIENTS When you insure with Salonsure you can use the NHF colour record cards to quickly and easily determine whether you can colour your clients’ hair immediately or if you need to do a patch test.

Insurance DESIGNED WITH THE hair & beauty industry IN MIND

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Styling your salon team

salonfocus | Nov/Dec 2017

Styling your salon team

DO UNIFORMS, OR JUST A UNIFORM LOOK, MAKE SALONS LOOK MORE PROFESSIONAL? OR DO THEY STIFLE CREATIVITY? WE SPOKE TO SALONS THAT HAVE SWITCHED FROM NON-UNIFORM TO UNIFORM TO FIND OUT WHY THEY DID IT, AND HOW IT HAS WORKED OUT.

‘I FEEL IT HAS DEFINITELY MADE THE SALON LOOK MORE PROFESSIONAL’ Barbara Geal is owner of W4 Hair & Beauty in Chiswick, London We have eight team members, two full-time beauty therapists and one part-time, one nail technician, and four stylists. I took over the salon around 18 months ago, but have been in the industry for about 24 years.

When I first took over, we sat down as a team and had a meeting. It was decided all team members would wear black. The beauty therapists, however, do have more of a specific uniform, in that they wear a tunic and trousers. As three of the stylists are self-employed, they bought their own outfits. We bought the outfits for all those who are employed by us.

Before, the team had worn whatever they wanted, so there was some resistance initially. But people quickly came round, especially once they realised that, actually, it makes life much easier when you’re getting ready for work, because you don’t have to worry what to wear each day.

I feel it has definitely made the salon look more professional. If everyone has the same uniform look, it comes across so much better to clients. You do hear those arguments ‘we want people to be creative in how they look’ but I would much rather stylists were focusing on their work than fussing about how they looked.

‘WE WANTED SOMETHING THAT WAS EASY AND SENSIBLE, AND YET LOOKED PROFESSIONAL’ Alison McDonald runs Euphoria Hair in Blackpool We’re a small salon; we have two full-time stylists and one parttime beautician. Last year we had a staff meeting where it was decided we were going to move to a single, simple uniform of black and white for everyone, including for the beautician. I find traditional beautician’s tunics are often quite heavy and can restrict movement.

So, we just wanted a look that was easy and sensible, yet professional.

We’ve paid for specific things, such as tunics and protective aprons, but things like trousers we leave to the team member. Also, we have one male team member and so, clearly, there has to be a degree of flexibility in terms of what the team wears.

‘CLIENTS KNOW STRAIGHTAWAY WHO TO ASK A QUESTION TO; OTHERWISE THEY MIGHT THINK THE PERSON IS JUST ANOTHER CLIENT’ Zena Bernardo runs Great Notley Hair & Beauty in Braintree, Essex I have been running the salon for 16 years and we have ten staff. When I first took it over I tried it without uniforms; just having people dress smartly. But it quickly became clear it was not working. So I’ve had a uniform ever since.

Initially it was just black, with our logo and name on the tops. But last year I switched to dark blue tops, which don’t have our name on. But the curious thing is more clients have noticed the staff are wearing a uniform now!

I buy the tops, but I leave the skirts or trousers up to them. I, of course, also buy aprons and other protective clothing.

I do think a uniform sends out a good image to clients; it just makes the salon look and feel more professional. Clients also know straightaway who to ask a question to; otherwise they might think the person is just another client.

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FACTS & FIGURES

32%

Percentage of NHF salons which require everyone to wear the same clothes in the same style.

39%

Salons that leave it up to employees to choose, as long as what they wear fits with the overall salon look

20%

Salons that allow employees to wear what they want

10%

Salons that require their beauty therapists to wear a uniform

39%

Salons which, if they require a uniform, include a salon name or logo

82%

Salons that directly provide a uniform to employees Source: NHF members’ survey, February 2016

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK Where do you sit in the great uniform debate? Are they a good or bad idea? Join us on social media and tell us what you think.

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Styling your salon team

RISK OF UNDER-PAYING

CLOTHES BUDGET NHF CONTRACTS DO NOT ALLOW SALONS TO TAKE THE COST OF UNIFORMS AND ESSENTIAL TOOLS OUT OF AN EMPLOYEE’S SALARY, DESPITE IT BEING A RELATIVELY COMMON PRACTICE. HERE’S WHY. echnically, as an employer, you are allowed to take deductions out of an employee’s pay packet to cover work-related expenses such as uniforms and essential salon tools or equipment (such as scissors or combs), provided it has been agreed by the employee.

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However, the NHF’s employment contracts don’t allow you to do this, for very good reasons.

Why? Because, if you’re not careful, it can all very quickly become a bit of a legal minefield, especially if the employee is being paid at, or near to, the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage.

HM Revenue & Customs argues that, if you require employees to buy or supply tools or equipment such as scissors, combs or a uniform – whether they have paid for it themselves or it has been deducted from pay – this needs to be included in any calculation of the employee’s take-home pay.

FACTS AND FIGURES

57%

Employees who don’t realise money cannot be deducted for uniforms, if it takes them below legal minimum

69%

Percentage who are unaware they should be paid for travel time between appointments

48%

Percentage who are unaware tips cannot be used to “top up” salary to the minimum or living wage

Source: Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy

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If the employee is on the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage and you fail to factor in this extra cost or reimburse them the money, you’re immediately in danger of paying them below the legal minimum, with all the risk that entails.

Bear in mind, too, if the uniform required is deemed to be “personal protective equipment”, for example gloves or an apron to protect the employee from splashes from bleach or colour, then this must be provided, and paid for, by the employer.

Essentially, in most scenarios it is safest for the employer to cover the cost of buying a uniform, either by buying it directly for the employee or reimbursing the cost.

IF NOTHING ELSE READ THIS • An employer can take deductions out of an employee’s pay to cover the cost of work-related items such as uniforms and tools, provided this has been agreed in advance by the employee within their contract • However, the deductions must not take an employee’s pay below the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage • As such, the NHF’s standard employment contracts do not allow such deductions to be taken, and recommend employers instead either pay for items themselves or reimburse the cost to employees

FIND OUT MORE The NHF’s Guide to the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage is available to members online at nhf.info The NHF’s employment contracts can be sourced through the online shop, again at nhf.info

Understanding the new NHF health and safety toolkit

Watch out for our beauty health and safety tookit - coming in early 2018!

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ack, wrist and elbow problems; skin complaints and contact dermatitis; foot, ankle and knee issues from too much standing; slips, trips, cuts and burns; chemical injuries – hairdressing salon and barbershop owners have a lot to get their heads round when it comes to health and safety.

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All employers have a legal duty to protect the health, safety and welfare of their employees or anyone else coming into contact with their business, and hairdressing salons and barbershops are no exception.

For example, the Health and Safety Executive estimates that as many as 70% of hairdressers suffer from work-related skin damage, such as dermatitis, during their careers.

The fines for being found guilty of health and safety failures can be steep, so it makes sense to protect yourself, and that’s where the NHF’s new, updated health and safety toolkit can help.

It is specifically written for hairdressing salons and barbershops and contains everything you need to ensure you are covered under health and safety law, literally in one box.

PUTTING SAFETY THE NHF HAS UPDATED ITS HEALTH AND SAFETY TOOLKIT. HERE IS WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW.

This includes: • Policy documents • Risk assessment templates, including ones on fire risk, asbestos, legionella and gas safety • Guidelines for workers • A guide to health and safety of salon hair products • A guide to health and safety for hair salons and barbershops • Mandatory poster • First aid kit • Accident book • First aid and fire notices The toolkit is available from the NHF shop, at nhf.info, at a price of £65 for members and £99 for nonmembers, plus £4.50 post and packing.

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Salon and barbershop security

KEEP SECURE AT CHRISTMAS

THERE ARE FEARS SALONS ARE BEING TARGETED BY THIEVES IN THE RUN-UP TO CHRISTMAS. DON’T PANIC, BUT DO BE EXTRA VIGILANT, THE NHF IS WARNING.

WHAT YOU CAN DO A lot of thefts and burglaries are opportunistic, so police advise these following common-sense tips:

hristmas is traditionally the season of giving. But one “gift” salons definitely want to avoid at any time of year, but especially during the festive period, is giving burglars and thieves the opportunity to smash, grab or steal.

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The Daily Mail has warned that topbrand professional hair straighteners, especially ghd, are becoming a prime target for thieves, with salons reporting “a wave” of thefts.

According to Coversure Insurance Services, the NHF’s preferred insurance broker, products such as ghd straighteners can indeed be a target for burglars but, unlike

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The Daily Mail, it has emphasised its claims data is not showing any specific upsurge in salon burglaries.

While members should therefore not panic, it nevertheless makes sense to be extra vigilant in the run-up to and over the festive period.

As NHF chief executive Hilary Hall has said: “We are urging our members to guard against these kinds of thefts following the news of the recent break-ins. We also encourage our members to check their insurance policy covers stock and other contents so their salon and barbershop business is protected if they too fall victim to theft.”

More details on salon insurance can be found at nhf.info under “Benefits”.

• Use laminated glass in your window. This is more difficult to break in a “smash and grab” attack. You can also strengthen normal glass by applying a plastic film, which is available to buy in various grades • Keep stock hidden. Or, at least, not obviously visible.

Keep stock stored on site to a minimum and remove any high-value items from window displays overnight • Leave the till open. This may seem counter-intuitive but, by leaving the till visible, open and clearly empty, burglars seeking cash are more likely to lose interest and try elsewhere • Bank your cash. If you don’t leave cash in the salon overnight, it cannot be stolen.

Alternatively, invest in a goodquality safe • Fit grilles and shutters. But you need to weigh up the effect this may have on your high street image. Consider, too, investing in CCTV, alarms and secure door and window locks • Involve your team. Get your team used to being security conscious, including making key and door security part of their training. Make use of the resources and knowledge of your local crime prevention team to help

NHF AND GLOBAL PAYMENTS ARE WORKING TOGETHER TO BRING YOU EXCLUSIVE PROMOTIONS AS PART OF YOUR NHF MEMBERSHIP. SAVING YOU MONEY! GLOBAL PAYMENTS HELPS YOU NAVIGATE THE COMPLEX WORLD OF CARD PAYMENTS. YOUR BUSINESS IS UNIQUE, SO THE SOLUTIONS WE OFFER YOU WILL BE JUST AS SPECIFIC. THIS IS WHY THE NHF ARE WORKING WITH GLOBAL PAYMENTS TO SUPPORT YOUR BUSINESS.

No set up/joining fee

Preferential rates

3 months terminal rental at no charge

Access to the most up-to-date terminal estate

A single point of contact throughout the application process

And a hands on approach!

FIND OUT IF YOU CAN SAVE MONEY ON YOUR CARD PAYMENT PROCESSING, call Jooles Watson at Global Payments on 07584 402 807* quoting reference: NHF1 or email: Julia.Watson@globalpay.com

**Lines are open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday except Bank Holidays Global Payments is HSBC’s preferred supplier for card processing in the UK. Global Payments is a trading name of GPUK LLP. GPUK LLP is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority under the Payment Services Regulations 2009 (504290) for the provision of payment services and under the Consumer Credit Act (714439) for the undertaking of terminal rental agreements.

GPUK LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England number OC337146. Registered Office: 51 De Montfort Street, Leicester, LE1 7BB. The members are Global Payments U.K. Limited and Global Payments U.K. 2 Limited. Service of any documents relating to the business will be effective if served at the Registered Office.

Issued by Global Payments, 51 De Montfort Street, Leicester, LE1 7BB. GP573

Payment technology

CHRISTMAS CHEER

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AS HAIR AND BEAUTY SALONS BRACE THEMSELVES FOR THE CHRISTMAS RUSH, IT IS VITAL TO HAVE THE RIGHT PAYMENT TECHNOLOGY IN PLACE TO RESPOND TO CHANGING CLIENT EXPECTATIONS, INCLUDING BEING ABLE TO PAY BY CONTACTLESS CARD AND MOBILE PHONE-BASED “WALLETS”, EXPLAINS NIGEL HYSLOP.

https://www.ukfinance.org.uk/statistics/cards/ - Contactless card statistics June 2017

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https://www.paymentsuk.org.uk/industry-information/annual-statistical-publications, UK Payment Markets – 2017, Download Summary

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Payment technology

ith Christmas drawing closer and the party season upon us, hair and beauty trade inevitably picks up.

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With more customers to serve and an ongoing shift away from cash towards electronic forms of payment, hairdressers, barbers and beauty therapists are increasingly seeing the benefits of giving customers a choice when it comes to paying for goods and services.

One technology making a real impression on the payment landscape is contactless payments. Whether you are a shop-based salon, and whatever your size, contactless can save you time and improve your customer service.

Using the right payments technology is so important because customers increasingly expect to have a choice at the till.

No doubt many clients will continue to pay with cash, but the 180% rise in contactless payments seen between December 2015 and December 2016 indicates that more and more people will turn to contactless over the festive period.1

for hair and beauty salons and barbershops?

One of the key things to be aware of is that digital wallets are supported by what is known as “Customer Device Cardholder Verification Method”. This means that clients will need to input a device PIN or biometric security safeguard, such as thumb or fingerprint ID, eye or iris and face recognition.

CLIENT EXPECTATIONS

However, as this extra security ensures that mobile payments can personally identify who is making each transaction, it also means the transaction need not have a value limit. This, in turn, makes them perfect for salon and barbershop owners who wish to meet client expectations of being able to pay conveniently by contactless, but without being limited to the £30 spend.

Of course, contactless cards do still have value in themselves, especially for smaller transactions such as retail or gifts up to the £30 mark, perhaps hair products, accessories or gift vouchers in the run-up to Christmas.

A final point on this is business owners need to be aware that all payment terminals must be enabled to accept contactless payment from 1 January, 2020.

This is straightforward to do through your provider, and all part and parcel of making sure your hair or beauty business has the right payment technology in place to respond to how clients want to pay, especially during busy periods such as the run-up to Christmas.

Nigel Hyslop is president and managing director UK at Global Payments

CHOOSING THE RIGHT SYSTEM FOR YOU

CONTACTLESS LIMIT

With a salon visit typically costing more than £30, some owners might think contactless, with its £30 transaction limit, isn't right for them.

However, they would be wrong.

“Digital wallets” such as ApplePay, SamsungPay and AndroidPay are also contactless, but have no transaction limit and are becoming an increasingly popular alternative with clients.

While, as yet, statistics are not available to show the growth of digital wallets specifically on the high street, the trade body Payments UK tracks the use of what is known as “alternative payment methods”, which includes digital wallets.

According to its data, these payment methods accounted for 499 million payments in the UK last year, and are expected to increase by 66% to more than 800 million payments 2 in the next decade. Digital wallets are, it seems, only going to boom in popularity with consumers.

So, what is this going to mean

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Salons should make informed decisions regarding the ideal payment technology based on the needs of their business.

For example, opening a merchant account and ordering a free-standing terminal would suit a small salon.

For larger chains, EPOS systems are available which can ‘talk’ to the terminal and organise the booking so that the transaction value automatically appears on the

terminal. Global Payments’ knowledge of the hair and beauty industry means we can provide a link into a variety of EPOS systems to suit the needs of different types of salons. We are proud to partner with the NHF and helping members make the right choice for their business.

To help spread the Christmas cheer, we are making a special offer to those members of the NHF who

choose to take card payments with us. This includes the following: •No set-up fees •Terminal rental fees waived for the first three months •Preferential rates

If you would like to hear more about how you can install the most useful payments methods for your customers in the run up to Christmas, please call Jooles Watson on 07584 402 807, or email julia.watson@ globalpay.com

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Incredibles photoshoot

GOLDEN PROMISE FINALISTS FROM THIS YEAR’S NHF ‘INCREDIBLES’ COMPETITION CAME TOGETHER AT THE GOLDWELL ACADEMY FOR A FANTASTIC PHOTOSHOOT. HERE ARE THEIR STUNNING IMAGES.

Martine Rodda

he NHF’s ‘Incredibles’ competition is designed to recognise, celebrate and inspire up-and-coming industry talent.

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The five winners of the Incredibles Photoshoot category spent a day at Goldwell Academy in London under the mentorship of creative brand ambassador Beverly C. It was a fantastic day of creativity.

Here are the final results.

Incredibles photoshoot

Karoliina Saunders

Brooke Fisher

Deon Moffat

Ellie Gay

THE PHOTOSHOOT TEAM •Brooke Fisher, Spirit Hair Co, Wallingford •Deon Moffat, Copperfield’s Hairdressing & Beauty, Perth •Ellie Gay, Spirit Hair Co, Farnham Common •Karoliina Saunders, Karoliina Saunders Hair Design, Swindon •Martine Rodda, DeModa Organic Hair & Beauty, Cornwall

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CREDITS Make-up artist – Zoe Cornwell Stylist – Amy Still Mentor – Beverly C Photographer – Lisa Lloyd Venue – Goldwell Academy, London

Nov/Dec 2017 | salonfocus

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Events

STEP UP &

SHINE

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DO YOU HAVE SOMEONE WITHIN YOUR SALON WHO WOULD BENEFIT FROM A YEAR-LONG PROGRAMME OF EDUCATION AND MENTORING WORTH £2,500?

If so, for a moment tear yourself away from the Christmas rush, because entries are now open for next year’s Christofer Mann Step Up & SHINE scholarship programme.

Step Up & SHINE, backed by the NHF and the Fellowship for British Hairdressing, was created in memory of the industry legend and trainer Christofer Mann. It offers one up-and-coming stylist the chance to benefit from a £2,500 educational programme, mentored by renowned hairdressing educator Debbie G. Entries close on Friday 2 February next year, so there is ample time still to apply. The winner will be announced in April 2018.

RANGE OF OPPORTUNITIES This year’s winner was extremely talented 18-year-old Evie Scrowston, from Hays Salon in Hull. Evie has been working with Debbie on a range of opportunities, including attending Salon International and attending a ghd Styler session.

Evie (pictured above, right, with Debbie) even found herself on stage with Debbie at Salon International to assist with a look.

You can keep up with Evie’s Step Up & SHINE journey by following her on Instagram and Twitter (@eviescrowston).

To enter next year’s Step UP and SHINE, go to nhf.info/stepupandshine/ to download and submit an entry form. Entrants will also need to upload a video to Instagram using the hashtag #stepupandshine18

salonfocus | Nov/Dec 2017

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GET READY FOR 2018!

A brand new programme of NHF business events will be launching in the new year, with events tailored to your needs and challenges, all coming to your area.

Key themes for 2018 are set to include: • Maximising social media • Boosting your profits • Motivating your team • Colour workshops • Barbering workshops Don’t miss the January/February edition of salonfocus, where the full programme will be unveiled.

DON’T FORGET! Sunday 19 November is the NHF’s Business Awards at the Vox at Resorts World, NEC, Birmingham, celebrating the NHF’s 75th anniversary and incorporating the winners of the NHF Photographic Stylist of the Year and Britain’s Best.

Tickets are still on sale, priced at £95 for NHF members and £150 for non-members. Go to nhf.info/businessawardstickets

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