A HAIRDRESSING salon team in Salisbury has won a national award.

Smith England, on High Street, won Salon Team of the Year at HJ’s British Hairdressing Business Awards on September 9, held at the Park Plaza Hotel, Westminster Bridge, London.

It comes a year after the team won Salon of the Year at the same awards in 2018.

The business, which was launched in 2013, secured its status as the UK’s most outstanding socially minded and staff-focused team after beating five other salons.

The team were praised for their “amazing footprint in the local community and exemplary way of growing employees and playing to their individual strengths”.

The category was open to any British salon team of three or more employees.

Jayne Lewis-Orr, executive director of HJ’s British Hairdressing Business Awards said: “This salon showed a strong history of team building and it was clear that one of their core values is connection.

“This focus has created an amazing environment which uplifts stylists and captivates customers.

“This win is recognition of the salon’s fantastic focus on team health and how this translates into innovation and impact which is felt further afield in the local community.

“Smith England’s team had the skills and vision that made them the perfect winner.”

HJ’s British Hairdressing Business Awards recognise the strategists, entrepreneurs and stand out stars in the hair industry, highlighting the business side of a world that is predominantly known for its creativity and links to fashion. The awards, now in their 21st year, celebrate people making the British hairdressing industry the most respected in the world.

The sixteen categories spotlight the people making the industry great, from the best team, to most accomplished salon manager, to outstanding assistant to new innovation. Franchisee, stylist and customer care programmes are also recognised in the line-up, as well as specific awards for salon design and the stylist making the most of social media to grow their business.

Owner Phil Smith said: “To have our name called out was amazing, but it’s really a testament to the team and all of their hard work.

“The guys work so hard alongside me and I’m incredibly proud of them and everything they’ve achieved. It goes without saying that this award is for them. Without them, the business is nothing.”

There are over 40,000 hairdressing, barbering and beauty businesses in the UK. The industry employs nearly 300,000 individuals with over half being self-employed, and 88% being female. Hairdressing is the 10th most popular apprenticeship in England, with 19,000 young people choosing a hairdressing career each year.*

Hairdressing affords people extraordinary opportunities to demonstrate entrepreneurial skills and leadership with worldwide travel opportunities as a session stylist or educator, and a creative and business outlet for driven individuals.

Launched in 1998, HJ’s British Hairdressing Business Awards promote professionalism, innovation and excellence; recognising individuals and teams who work tirelessly to raise the profile of the hairdressing industry.