2023: A Year in Review By The Australian Hairdressing Council
2023 was another challenging year for the hair industry and small business. Salons are still recovering from the business costs of the pandemic, and with inflation at 5%, salons struggle to maintain cash flow. Financial pressures are impacted by increased employment costs due to wage increases, personal leave costs, and client cancellations.
Salons report they are busy; however, the increased living and business costs result in low productivity and profit.
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2023 INCLUDED:
As we head into 2024, we would like to wish you success, health and happiness and thank you for being part of the Australian Hairdressing Council community. Here is a snapshot of some of the many initiatives and projects the AHC undertook in 2023.
Face to face and virtual business presentations, conferences and seminars were scheduled throughout the year. The Education and Training Committee meet six times per year and the discussions covered the new Jobs and Skills Council, SkillsEQuipped, and the needs of our Training Package. Industry was invited to virtual meetings to discuss the best learning experiences for our Apprentices and the challenges of business and employment. Multiple surveys distributed to industry and covered feedback on the association, AHC conferences and business. In June, The AHC Industry Day featured 11 speakers and two workshops; it was attended by 130 educators, salon owners, RTOs, and industry suppliers. The Leadership Summit and Schmoozefest presented three speakers - Antony Whitaker, Jo Maitland, and Tim Duggan - to an audience of 280. A bespoke business seminar was held in June, entitled ‘Growing Your Business’ by Antony Whitaker, and was attended by 100 salon owners.
OUR MISSION
• Raising Industry Standards • Connecting our Industry • A Voice to Government • Supporting Business + Education Raising Industry Standards
The AHC delivers against its objectives by:
• Developing and maintaining a significant resource centre for its members, comprising various information, user friendly materials and guidelines. • Presenting professional and personal development and education programs in person around Australia, online, and at events including the AHC’s annual Industry Day and Leadership Summit, held over the June long weekend. • Advocating for sound and sustainable practices within the industry to strengthen the industry, protect clients, community, and the environment. • Advocating for sensible and sustainable policies impacting the industry, including in relation to education and training. • Hosting events to keep our membership community connected and providing upto-date information about issues that matter to and impact our industry, via the AHC website, social media channels, and regular electronic communications. • Working with Employment Innovations to respond to workplace employment queries, providing resources and blogs and virtual informative sessions. • As part of its strategy for achieving its objectives, the AHC has its own accreditation process to encourage and support hair professionals to promote sound and compliant business practices and environmental sustainability. The accreditation process is led by the AHC team, experienced industry professionals who are committed to raising industry standards.
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Hair Biz Year 18 Issue 1
Connecting with industry
A Voice to Government
The AHC has continued throughout 2023 to represent the industry to State and Federal Governments and the ACCC on small business and industry matters, attending discussions and providing feedback. Submissions have included VET, the Domestic Violence Bill, Portable Long Service Leave, Paid Parental Leave, Cyber Security, Migration and Home Affairs, Industrial Relations, The Shadow economy, Skills and Education, Respect At Work, E Invoicing and the ATO, DEWR, and Carers Australia. In 2023, Sandy Chong and the AHC were recognised as the Small Business Champion at the Council of Small Business Organisations of Australia (COSBOA). This Award was in recognition for the advocacy work on behalf of the Hairdressing Industry and Small Business.
Supporting Business and Education
The AHC is a voting member with the Jobs and Skills Council, SkillsEQuipped. Continued discussions on the changes needed with a dated Training Package have
