Salonfocus November - December 2014

£3.50 Nov/Dec 2014

The essential magazine for salon owners

Looking

GOOD HOW BEAUTY COULD TRANSFORM YOUR SALON’S BOTTOM LINE

BEAUTY SPECIAL 10

Your changing high street: the state of ‘our nation’

12

Find out about the NHF’s new ‘affiliates’

18

Talk isn’t cheap. Improving your stylists’ social skills

DEFINING

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Find out more on FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/nanokeratinUK

Find out more on TWITTER www.twitter.com/@nanokeratinuk

Contents

C O

N

T

E

N

3

T S P6 NEWS Lib Dem’s ‘ludicrous’ wage plan, and parental leave warning

18

P10 OUR INDUSTRY Survey reveals how the salon landscape is changing P12 MEMBERSHIP New ‘affiliates’ to boost NHF ‘family’

16

P14 MINIMUM WAGE Call for ‘single age’ wage for apprentices

22

P16 IN THE CHAIR With beauty expert Maria Mason P18 TALKING THERAPY Help your stylists' social skills, and boost their column

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30

P20 POWER STRUGGLE The NHF’s fight with Europe over high-power hairdryers P22 A SOCIAL MEDIUM Making Twitter really work for your salon P24 SCREEN SAVER When you need, and don’t need, a TV licence P26 A BEAUTFIUL SPACE Our six-page special report into all things beauty, including P30 male grooming P32 YOUR QUESTIONS Your employment and legal headaches answered P34 EVENTS All the detail about the NHF’s pensions events

CONNECT WITH US AND HAVE YOUR COMMENTS AND TWEETS IN THE NEXT ISSUE OF SALONFOCUS Nov/Dec 2014 | salonfocus

4

Welcome

PRESIDENT’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: sfeditor@salonfocus.co.uk EDITORIAL CONSULTANT Andrew Don e: sfeditor@salonfocus.co.uk EVENTS Tori Priestley t: +44 (0) 1234 834386 e: victoria.priestley@nhf.info AD SALES Media Shed Ltd, 22a Market Hill, Chatteris, Cambs PE16 6BA www.media-shed.co.uk ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER Gareth Macfarlane T: + 44 (0) 1354 818009 e: garethm@media-shed.co.uk DESIGN AND PRODUCTION Rick Fraterrigo Matrix Print Consultants Ltd t: +44 (0) 1536 527297 e: rick@matrixprint.com COVER IMAGE: MARIA MASON IN HER BRISTOL SALON, BY DAVID WESTON, POST PHOTOGRAPHIC LTD 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. © 2014 The National Hairdressers’ Federation.

Material for consideration in this section of the magazine should be submitted on CD-ROM as high resolution jpeg or tiff files 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.

ou probably went into hairdressing because, like me, you have a passion for cutting and styling hair. But more and more of us are now also offering beauty services, becoming ‘one stop shops’ for our clients.

Y

Within this edition of salonfocus you’ll find the results of a major survey we’ve carried out on the state of our industry.

ABOUT PAUL Paul Curry is president of The great news is salons are feeling more the NHF and has owned confident, with more than half of us saying Studio 12 in York for the past 25 years. He is also sales are now rising. More of us are hiring a member of the NHF’s artistic committee, which is and even thinking about pay rises. responsible for organising Britain’s Best and the NHF’s But it also shows how our high streets Photographic Stylist of the are changing. There are fewer chains Year competition. nowadays and more small independent salons, all battling for the same clients.

Salons as a result are having to become more ‘savvy’.

One popular way to attract and keep loyal clients is to extend into beauty. A third of us now offer a beauty room.

That’s why on pages 26-31 we’ve focused on beauty: how to turn extra space into a thriving beauty business; extending into nail services; and tapping into male grooming.

It’s also important your stylists know how to make clients feel relaxed and at ease in the chair. So check out our tips on how to improve social skills on pages 18-19.

Knowing how to talk to clients is often overlooked in schools or colleges – yet it’s a vital skill for any successful hairdresser.

PAUL CURRY NHF president

CONTRIBUTORS MARIA MASON is owner of the award-winning Beauty Time in Bristol and a member of the NHF’s ‘trailblazer’ beauty working group

salonfocus | Nov/Dec 2014

YVONNE MCCONNELL is owner of Phaze 1 Hair, Nail and Beauty Lounge in Blackpool

LISA COLLINS is owner of Lisa Collins Hair Design in Rugby

JASON PHILLIPS is owner of The Back and Beyond in Plymouth and vice-chair of the British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology

pensions Taking the headache out of auto-enrolment For more information on the NHF pension scheme visit the NHF pensions website www.nhfpensions.co.uk, call 0845 470 0103 or email NHFpension@towergate.co.uk

To download the NHF auto-enrolment pension guide visit www.nhf.info/guides To book onto a pension seminar or webinar visit www.nhf.info/events

6

News

VINCE CABLE: MERGING RATES

ROLL UP FOR

PENSION

EVENTS

APPRENTICE

WAGE PLAN

‘DISASTROUS’ he NHF has warned that plans outlined by business secretary Vince Cable for a £3.79-an-hour apprentice minimum wage would be “disastrous” for the industry and, just as importantly, for young people wanting to come into hairdressing.

T

Mr Cable outlined the plan at the Liberal Democrat party conference in October and has already presented it to the Low Pay Commission, the body that recommends future rates in the wage.

His idea is the apprentice rate (currently £2.73 an hour) should be merged with that of employees aged 16-17 (currently £3.79 an hour).

This would mean there would be a single rate for 16 to 17-yearolds in work or in the first year of an apprenticeship.

He indicated the move has been backed by the Conservatives and, if agreed to by the commission, could

salonfocus | Nov/Dec 2014

come into effect from next October.

“It would simply deter salons from taking on apprentices,” warned NHF president Paul Curry.

“If it’s going to cost the same to take on a young person who’s already fully trained and able to contribute to a salon’s bottom line as it is to take on someone who’s untrained, there will be no incentive to choose the apprentice,” he said.

Conservative leader and prime minister David Cameron pledged at his party’s conference that, if elected he would raise the threshold at which people start to pay income tax from £10,500 to £12,500 by 2020, effectively removing any worker on the national minimum wage from paying income tax.

He also promised to cut the maximum benefits a household could claim a year, with the money saved being used to fund a further three million apprenticeships.

And Labour leader Ed Miliband pledged if he became prime minister he would raise the national minimum wage to £8 an hour by 2020.

A nationwide programme of NHF events has been launched to explain to salon owners what they need to be doing to prepare for the arrival of pensions auto-enrolment within the industry.

An event is being held on 10 November in Taunton and one on 17 November in Milton Keynes.

Others run until June next year.

Online “webinars” will be available for those who cannot spare the time out of the salon, with the first of these taking place on 3 November.

The events, which are open to members and non-members alike, follow the launch in September of the NHF’s landmark pension specifically for the industry (salonfocus, September/October 2014).

Pensions auto-enrolment, or the new duty salon owners will have to set up, and pay into, a pension for their staff, will be arriving within the industry over the next two to three years.

Anyone interested in attending can either book online at nhf.info or nhfpensions.co.uk or by calling 01234 831965. Full details can be found on Events on page 33 or online.

News

CHANGE CHAMPION

An NHF member gave evidence in October to a high-powered commission examining the future shape and structure of apprenticeships.

Barbara McNaughton, of Elements in Oxted, volunteered to present the industry’s view to think-tank Demos, which is investigating how the number and quality of apprenticeships in the UK can be improved.

Barbara explained to Demos how the government’s insistence on requiring youngsters to have grade C or above in maths and English often acted as a barrier to them fulfilling their potential.

“My fear is that, as apprenticeships change, with more of a focus on higher level apprenticeships, even ones that are equivalent to degrees, more vocational apprenticeships could become less valued.

The divide is getting bigger,” she said.

The industry is waiting for the government to approve the detail of its proposed “trailblazer” employer-led apprenticeships, with a decision expected later this autumn.

FUNDING REFORMS Salons are also anxiously waiting to find out the fine detail of the government’s proposals to reform apprenticeship funding.

While small salons are unlikely to be left out of pocket, where hairdressing will sit in the five new proposed funding “bands” is still unclear.

But skills minister Nick Boles moved to reassure small businesses in October. “We are certainly not going to rush into any reform.”

FIND OUT MORE demos.co.uk/projects/apprenticeships

Barbara McNaughton’s Elements salon has been chosen as one of Small Business Saturday’s “Small Biz 100”. It will mean her salon will be one of 100 firms highlighted on social media in the run-up to Small Business Saturday on 6 December. “I think it is really important members get involved,” said Barbara (left, with head assessor Kelly Teasdale). More details at: smallbusinesssaturday uk.com.

TOP HONOUR FOR JEFFERY Former honorary treasurer and national president Jeffery Bonn was awarded the NHF’s highest honour, the NHF Gold Medal, at its annual general meeting in October.

The award was in recognition of Jeffery’s lifelong dedication to the Federation. A member for nearly 50 years, he was an NEC member for more than 20 years, national

president from 1998-2001 and honorary treasurer from 2009 to last year.

NHF president Paul Curry said: “Jeffery has worked tirelessly for the Federation.

This is richly deserved.”

7

BEARDS

HITTING

SHAVING

The growing popularity of beards, “designer” stubble, sideburns and goatees has hit sales of shaving products. An analysis by research firm IRI has concluded sales of shaving and hair removal products in Europe fell by more than €90m (£71m) in the year to March, compared with last year.

But NHF immediate past president Mark Coray has pointed out not only could it mean more demand for beard and facial hair maintenance, but clients may be more likely to be interested in waxing products and beard trimmers.

LUCKY

WINNER

Congratulations to David Perrin, owner of Shape Hair Salon in Plymouth, who was the lucky winner of a £100 voucher in September… just for filling in an NHF survey.

David, who went into hairdressing in 2003 after 25 years in the Royal Navy, completed the NHF’s salonfocus summer reader survey.

“I’m thrilled to have won – it just shows it pays to do a survey!” he said.

Nov/Dec 2014 | salonfocus

8

News

alons are being warned they could start receiving requests from staff to share parental leave from as early as this coming January.

S

SHARED

LEAVE

The government has introduced a new right to enable parents to share the time they take off work after a child is born or placed in their care.

The change will come into effect for any baby born or adopted on or after 5 April next year. But the conciliation service Acas has said this could mean employers start to receive requests from would-be parents from January onwards.

Under the change, a mother will continue to be entitled to 52 weeks of maternity leave, with 39 weeks of this covered by statutory maternity pay or allowance.

But, if she wishes, she will now be able to choose to come back to work early and share the rest of the leave with the child’s father or partner.

Salons are being advised they need to begin preparing the groundwork for this change, including ensuring they understand what’s involved and have a proper policy in place.

To that end, the NHF has developed a factsheet for members, which can be accessed at http://members.nhf.info/ advice-and-resources/fact-sheets/.

Acas also offers a number of resources, available at: acas.org.uk/ index.aspx?articleid=4911

WARNING

FEES TO RISE Members are advised that NHF fees will go up from January.

The rise has been kept to a minimum, in line with the current rate of inflation. 2015 membership fees will be: • Full salon £258 (from £255) • Group sub salon £129 (from £127) • Solo £140 (from £138) • Affiliate £134 (from £132)

salonfocus | Nov/Dec 2014

RATES REFORM The NHF in September joined 100 of the biggest business names in Britain to call for business rates to be overhauled to make them fairer.

The Federation added its name to an open letter to government signed

by Tesco, Marks & Spencer, Boots and Asda, among many others.

This called for all political parties “to commit to fundamental reform in their manifestos for the next General Election” and to create “a modern, sustainable and transparent system”.

News

TWITTER FOLLOWERS 5,188 TOP TWEETER: CarolinePrades SRHMC ‫@‏‬PINKSFAB57

9

FACEBOOK LIKES 8,987 TOP LIKER: Christie Longstaff, owner at The Parlour Hair Salon, Newcastle

WHAT’S TRENDING WHAT’S YOUR MOST SUCCESSFUL ADVERTISING TECHNIQUE? Nicolas Hair @NicolasHairSF Giving #haircutting lectures and demos at beauty schools.

This is for marketing my education seminars.

LAST CALL FOR BRITAIN’S BEST Members are being reminded they only have until 7 November to get in entries to this year’s Britain’s Best.

The flagship competition is being held on 16 November at the Heritage

Motor Centre, Gaydon, Warwickshire, with doors opening from 9.30am.

This year’s Britain’s Best features exciting new categories and a starstudded line-up of celebrity guests for you to meet:

Desmond Murray, Michelle Griffin, MK and Anne Veck.

Full entry details can be found at britainsbest.me.

Spectator tickets can be bought in advance, through the website, or on the door on the day, price £10.

COULD YOU STEP UP AND SHINE?

The hunt is once again on for ambitious stylists hungry for knowledge and a passion to “step up and shine” within our industry.

The NHF has teamed up with the Fellowship for British Hairdressing to offer one stylist a one-year Christofer Mann Step-Up & SHINE Scholarship worth £2,500.

The scholarship, now in its second year and created in memory of industry legend Christofer Mann, offers a year’s free mentoring overseen by training expert Debbie G. Last year the competition was so intense the scholarship ended being jointly won by Hannah Pettinger, of NJUK Beautiful Hair in Chesterfield, and Ollie Vines (pictured right), of Heaven Hair in Salisbury.

Anyone interested in applying (or wishing to nominate someone) for the 2015 competition should record a one-minute video explaining why they love hairdressing and why they would be a great candidate.

Using the file sharing site We Transfer wetransfer. com, this should then be sent to events@nhf.info where it will be uploaded on to the NHF’s YouTube channel (youtube.com/user/NHFederation) for judging.

The deadline is 31 January, 2015, and the winner (or winners) will be announced at the Fellowship’s President’s Night in the spring.

Love Hair LoveBeauty @LHLB_Salon Facebook and text message marketing

WHAT’S THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF YOUR BUSINESS? Kerry KJM Salons @KjmatherMather Focusing on the client and their needs CarolinePrades SRHMC @PINKSFAB57 Great staff xx Holistic Trichology @cherylmackie1 Making my clients more comfortable and getting them feeling better about themselves #healthy hair #healthy scalp BRITISH MASTERBARBERS @UKMasterBarbers Consumer is key to everything. If you keep them happy you’ll have a lifetime of business #hairhour

JOIN IN THE CONVERSATION @NHfederation facebook.com/national hairdressersfederation

Nov/Dec 2014 | salonfocus

10

Business

An extract from our

Hair Industry

Review 2014

salonfocus | Nov/Dec 2014

Business

11

THE STATE OF ‘OUR NATION’ THE NHF AND HAIRDRESSERS’ JOURNAL HAVE CARRIED OUT A LANDMARK SURVEY ASSESSING HOW THE HAIRDRESSING INDUSTRY IS CHANGING. SALONFOCUS LOOKS AT WHAT IT FOUND.

ne of the exciting things about hairdressing is that it never stays still.

O

From wages, costs and staffing through to what brands hairdressers are using, the NHF’s Hair Industry Review 2014, carried out in conjunction with Hairdressers’ Journal International, is a fascinating, intriguing snapshot of where our industry is today.

The survey of 600 salons, split evenly between NHF and non-NHF members, examined subjects as diverse as client mix, brand loyalty, average client spend, number of chairs and the appetite for extending into areas such as beauty.

It also led the news agenda during October, being the lead story in last month’s edition of HJ, and reported extensively online.

You’ll have found an infographic explaining the key findings included within your copy of salonfocus.

HAVE YOUR SAY Do our findings match your experience, and your high street?

Go to facebook.com/ nationalhairdressers federation, @NHfederation or email the editor on sfeditor@salonfocus. co.uk

OPTIMISM RETURNING The good news economically is that more than half (54%) of salons are now reporting sales rising, firmly suggesting that the recovery is finally beginning to filter through to the high street.

More than half too, 53%, say they intend to hire more staff over the coming year and a third (32%) plan to give them a pay rise.

Salon owners, it found, are most concerned about “making a profit”, VAT and tax, rates and rents.

Other worries are wages (especially

given the year-on-year rises in the national minimum wage) and the need for more relevant apprenticeships.

A further concern is the expected arrival of pensions’ auto-enrolment within the industry over the next two to three years.

Intriguingly, this is more of an issue for NHF members than non-NHF salons. A total of 30% of NHF members highlighted this, against just 7% of non-NHF salons.

What this appears to indicate, then, is NHF members are more aware of, and therefore more likely to be prepared for, what is set to be one of the biggest changes the industry has had to cope with for many years.

Another fascinating element of the survey was what it said about our changing high street.

Many salon owners complain about their high streets being awash with more and more small salons all battling for the same consumer pound.

Our survey by and large backed up that view (see graphic on opposite page).

NHF members, too, are more likely to be running bigger salons, with NHF salons averaging nine chairs and nine employees compared with six chairs and five employee in non-NHF salons.

They are also more likely to open for longer (six days a week rather than five), accept credit or debit cards and have systems that can take contactless payment.

Nov/Dec 2014 | salonfocus

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Membership

A NEW

FAMILY MEMBER

Facts and figures

THE NHF IS OPENING ITS DOORS TO A NEW CATEGORY OF MEMBER: AFFILIATES. SALONFOCUS LOOKS AT WHAT IT WILL MEAN.

£132

rom this autumn, as well as full, group and solo members, the NHF is welcoming a brand new category of member to its ranks: affiliates.

F

Affiliate status is open to any organisation or business working within the hair and beauty industry that is not a salon.

This means, in other words, bodies such as training providers, colleges, awarding bodies, wholesalers, suppliers, manufacturers, software providers and financial services.

Affiliate members will also be split between educational businesses and commercial providers.

Crucially, affiliate status is open to a non-salon business being run by an existing salon member, so allowing that

salonfocus | Nov/Dec 2014

additional business also to gain all the benefits of being an NHF member.

Affiliates will be able to use the NHF logo and will have access to the NHF pension scheme, among other benefits.

DIRECTORY Both commercial and educational affiliate members will be included within a new online directory, available to all salon members.

Educational affiliates will be able to benefit from resources such as the NHF’s Employers’ Guide to Apprenticeships and apprenticeship contracts.

Affiliate membership will be initially £132 a year but, from January, will be set at £134 a year including VAT. FIND OUT MORE Go to nhf.info or call 01234 831965.

Cost of affiliate membership (£134 from January)

£25

Voucher an affiliate will get if a salon owner joins on its recommendation, and the discount the salon owner will get on membership

50%

Affiliate discount for advertising in salonfocus

HALLE BERRY

OLIVIA WILDE

EMMA STONEA

14

Business

A FAIRER WAGE SALONS WANT TO SEE A ‘SINGLE AGE’ MINIMUM WAGE FOR APPRENTICES AND FOR RATES GENERALLY TO BE FROZEN NEXT YEAR. SALONFOCUS CRUNCHES THE NUMBERS. he government has asked the Low Pay Commission to look at how the minimum wage for apprentices can be simplified (salonfocus, Sept/Oct 2014).

T

However, unlike business secretary Vince Cable’s suggestion of a £3.79 wage across-the-board for apprentices aged under 18 (see News), NHF members say they would strongly prefer the existing apprentice wage (£2.73 an hour) applied to all apprentices, whatever their age.

21% 18%

11% 50%

2013 43%

At the moment the wage for apprentices applies to trainees aged 16-18 or over 19 in the first year of their training, after which they revert to the age 18-20 or adult rate.

As apprenticeships normally last for two years, members have long argued this means there is no incentive to take on older trainees, such as those who have stayed in school until age 18.

More widely, with little sign of economic recovery on the high street – and many salons still finding the going tough and under pressure to keep costs down – the industry has called for rates generally to be left unchanged.

£

Percentage of salons...

Turnover in salons

32% 25%

2014 45%

27%

27%

With plans to give a pay rise, but less than inflation With plans to give a pay rise in line with inflation

Considering a pay rise above inflation

With no plans to increase wages over the coming year

GONE UP STAYED THE SAME GONE DOWN

76%

80%

78%

29%

Think the apprentice wage should be the same regardless of age

Would like the 2015 apprentice wage left frozen or unchanged

Would like 2015 rates left frozen or unchanged

Admit to not understanding about HMRC ‘naming and shaming’ and fines

salonfocus | Nov/Dec 2014

Supporting Britain’s Best Good luck to all this year’s entrants!

Coversure Insurance Services, the official insurance broker to the National Hairdressers Federation, is proud to sponsor Britain’s Best 2014.

Got a question?

We’ll be on hand on the day to offer advice and answer any questions you might have about your insurance, whether you’re insured through the NHF or not.

For all your insurance needs including: Salon Insurance Chair Renters Liability Insurance Personal Accident & Illness Insurance Home, Motor and Travel Insurance

Official Insurance Broker to

Call Coversure today on

0800 458 81 81 www.coversure.co.uk/nhf

16

In the chair

Q&A

Photography: David Weston, Post Photographic Ltd

MARIA MASON CV in a minute › NAME: Maria Mason › CURRENT ROLE: Multi award-winning owner of Beauty Time in Bristol › BACKGROUND: Maria is a member of the NHF’s beauty working group developing the new ‘trailblazer’ apprenticeship standards.

Beauty Time was the first beauty salon to win Professional Beauty Salon of the Year three times in a row, in 2009, 2010 and 2011.

TEEN

SPIRIT eauty is booming, and teenagers offer an exciting future for the industry, believes Maria Mason. Salonfocus finds out more.

B

Q A

What are you up to, businesswise, right now?

The trailblazer process has been really exciting but I’m also closely involved with City of Bristol College, trying to inspire the next generation of young women coming into the industry.

I went to Bali in October to look at beauty treatments there, and how we can incorporate Balinese spa treatments into our salon and industry.

Another area I’m very keen on is how we can use towels more environmentally. Within beauty particularly often they are just draped

salonfocus | Nov/Dec 2014

over someone and then go off for laundering, and that is such an expense.

Q A

What’s the business climate like in Bristol?

It’s very buoyant. Bristol for beauty is a really, really busy city. Women do have disposable income to spend on themselves, but they absolutely want to add value; they want to be sure what they’ve spent really has been worth it.

Q A

What do you predict will be the future growth areas for beauty?

Teenagers. Today’s teenagers have had a generation of mothers behind them who have understood the importance of skincare. So a trip to the beauty salon has been part of their lives, whereas for the generation behind it, it wasn’t the case necessarily.

I think 18-19 year-olds can be a growth industry for us.

The express menu will also, I think, become more important. Time is of an essence – but quality of treatment is still very important

Q

What three pieces of advice would you offer to a salon owner thinking of extending into beauty?

A

First, understand the difference between a beauty therapist and a hairdresser; there may be a different outlook and priorities.

Second, do your market research.

What can be done in a reasonably noisy hair salon that is still pampering? Ask your clients, is it just express treatments they want or something more?

Third, think carefully about how you’re going to market it. If you’ve just got somebody tucked in the corner doing nails and eyebrows is that going to seem enticing? If you’re offering it you need to support it and take it as seriously as do your hair business.

18

Education

TALKING

THERAPY YOU CAN BE THE BEST STYLIST IN THE WORLD BUT IF YOU CAN’T CHAT WITH CLIENTS YOU’RE UNLIKELY TO BE SUCCESSFUL. ANDREW DON LOOKS AT HOW OWNERS CAN HELP.

salonfocus | Nov/Dec 2014

Education

t was the radical politician Enoch Powell who, on being asked by his barber how he would like his hair cut, famously replied: “In silence.”

I

But for most clients a haircut is a time to relax and have a natter.

A stylist’s column (and therefore a salon’s profits) will often be built as much on their ability to be a friendly face and ear as it will be on their skill with the scissors.

Especially for anyone who’s been in the industry a while, it’s all too easy to assume everyone automatically knows how to put a client at ease.

But speaking confidently, easily and professionally to clients, whether in the chair or over the phone, can be something young stylists struggle with – and is rarely taught in colleges.

IF NOTHING ELSE READ THIS… • Social skills can as important as technical ability • Many young people struggle to chat easily and confidently with clients • Don’t be afraid to pull people up on grammar, slang or “text speak”

LOYALTY AT RISK The danger for a salon is that, if a stylist offends or makes a client feel uncomfortable, even if they don't mean to, that bond of loyalty to the salon is immediately at risk.

It can therefore be vital for salon owners to recognise that new stylists, especially in an age where people can spend more time on their phones or social media than speaking in the flesh, may need help and guidance with their social skills as much as with their technical hairdressing skills.

Chris Amos, managing director of Chapters Hair, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, agrees it’s definitely been in his interest to work with new stylists, even on apparently basic things such as how to make a decent cup of tea.

“One stylist I spoke to she’d made a cup for her granddad… once,” explains

19

Chris, who is also co-founder of Winning Ways Education, which is delivering the NHF’s programme of business events.

Encouraging young stylists to chat about something they know well – like hair – will give them confidence, says Darren Ambrose, owner of D&J Ambrose in Pinner, Middlesex.

“It’s all about talking to the client about how they do their hair at home, what they use, what treatments and services are suitable for them.”

SOCIAL SKILLS Alan Hemmings, managing director of Hair by Alan d in London, agrees effective communication skills are essential to be a successful hairdresser.

So much so, in fact, that his director of education Edward Hemmings recently created a training programme, “Effective Presentation and Communication Skills”, specifically to help salon staff improve their social skills.

“You can be the most creative person in the world but if you don’t have the people skills to match you may struggle to build a strong clientele,” says Alan.

He recommends encouraging youngsters to read newspapers and watch TV news to broaden their outlook and potentially give them something to talk about, although steering away from discussing politics with clients is often sensible.

Salon owners should not be afraid to correct speech that contains slang or “text speak” as doing so will often give stylists more confidence to express themselves correctly.

“Once a trainee gets the confidence to communicate properly, their work improves and the rewards of good service include happy clients and big tips,” says Alan.

TELL US YOUR STORIES! Have you had a trainee or young stylist who’s said or done something really embarrassing? How have you gone about helping your stylists gain the social skills they need?

We’d like to hear your stories. Tell us on social media, facebook.com/ nationalhairdressersfederation or @NHfederation or email the editor on sfeditor@salonfocus.co.uk

Nov/Dec 2014 | salonfocus

20

Europe

POWER

STRUGGLE THE NHF LED THE NEWS AGENDA WHEN IT EMERGED THE EU WAS THINKING ABOUT BANNING HIGHPOWERED HAIRDRYERS. SALONFOCUS REPORTS.

nce again the NHF found itself taking on the might of Brussels bureaucracy in September, when it emerged the European Union was looking into the idea of banning high-powered hairdryers.

O

The plan, it ought to be emphasised, is still only at draft stage, and so may not happen.

But the fact the EU in September pushed through controversial, and very similar, rules to ban vacuum cleaners with motors above 1,600 watts set alarm bells ringing within the industry.

Hairdryers can range in power from 900 to as much as 2,300 watts.

So a similar restriction could have a big effect on the dryers salons would be able to buy in future, with fears it could mean a reduction in power of as much as 30%.

Both NHF president Paul Curry and immediate past president Mark Coray attacked the plan, and the Federation’s response led the media and news agenda, with the NHF being quoted in The Daily Telegraph, The Daily Mail and The Mirror, among other papers, as well as extensively online and on social media.

salonfocus | Nov/Dec 2014

Mark, who highlighted that he uses a 2,100-watt dryer in his Cardiff salon, pointed out that switching to lowpower dryers would not reduce energy consumption, as it would simply mean having to blow-dry for longer.

RISK OF INJURY The fact a stylist would need to be drying for longer could also leave them more vulnerable to arm, wrist or back problems, he added.

Paul said: “We all want to do our bit for the environment but these ludicrous changes, if they do become law, are ill thought out and could be potentially very damaging to our industry.”

Two years ago the NHF fought a similar battle with EU legislators over proposals to introduce tough new health and safety rules that, it was argued, could have cost the industry as much as £3m a year. On that occasion the European Commission decided to look again at the plans.

Its plan for hairdryers and other devices is expected to be published in the spring, and the NHF has vowed to keep up the pressure on making the case for the idea to be dropped.

ONLINE EXTRA The draft plan can be found at ecodesign-wp3.eu

Facts and figures

900-2,300

Average wattage range for hairdryers

1,600

Wattage limit imposed

by EU on vacuum cleaners

30%

Feared possible reduction in hairdryer power

22

Business

owadays it is unusual to find a salon or individual hairdresser or barber who is not on Twitter in some shape or form.

N

Salons even have their own hashtag #hairhour, launched by hairdresser Lee Brown and endorsed by NHF president Paul Curry (salonfocus, September/October 2014).

But are you making the most of it? Phorest, creator of Phorest Salon Software, has published a new guide, The Salon Owner’s Ultimate Guide To Twitter, aimed at both social media novices and veteran Tweeters.

That’s because, unlike Facebook, Twitter is something you have to work at if you want it to have an impact.

For newcomers, the limit of 140 characters for tweets and the vocabulary of “hashtags” and “retweets” can all seem a bit confusing at first.

Even for established users, building your Twitter presence and following, creating great content and finding further opportunities take time and effort.

But, as Phorest content and event management marketing executive Alex Quinn points out, not putting in this investment is no longer an option.

“We live in a world where social media is a huge part of not only everyday life but now also an essential when it comes to business,” she says.

“It is the platform for building strong personal relationships with your customers with the ultimate goal of retaining as many of them as possible,” she adds.

CLIENT CONVERSATION For example, through Twitter you have the ability to dip in and out of conversations with people or businesses that do not follow your account.

Equally, if you encourage clients to follow you, it immediately allows you to engage in a real-time conversation.

But as the guide emphasises, one of the most important things salon owners should ask before posting each and any tweet is, “is this going to be of interest to my followers?”.

salonfocus | Nov/Dec 2014

IF A CUSTOMER IS NOT HAPPY WITH THEIR SERVICE, SHARES IT ON TWITTER AND YOU LEAVE IT UNANSWERED, IT LOOKS BAD As the guide also advises: “Twitter is a great tool to give your business a human face – show off your team and their achievements.”

A good example is this quoted by the guide: “Just had a lovely lady who has travelled an hour and a half for a brow treatment – well worth the journey.”

Another powerful way of engaging with clients is to post small tips and tricks for looking after your hair, accompanied by a good image.

As well as marketing and promotional messages, Twitter can be a great tool to illustrate just how much of an expert you are in your field.

A good example might be: “Lots of horror stories today in the nationals about beauty disasters – you are within your rights to ask for proof of training and insurance.”

RESPOND TO COMMENTS It’s important to respond to positive messages, for example, “so glad you enjoyed your treatment! See you again soon x”.

Even more so, it’s vital to respond to, and engage with, negative comments, the guide recommends.

“If a customer is not happy with their service, shares it on Twitter and you leave it unanswered, it looks bad. Make sure you contact them and see what the problem is (‘Sorry to hear that! Would you like to come into the salon to have the cut corrected?’).”

But the guide advises not to get into an online, and very public, battle of words. If someone is abusive, report them to the site’s creators.

ONLINE EXTRA Download The Salon Owner’s Ultimate Guide To Twitter https://tinyurl.com/nnzgk6w

RETWEET: Click the retweet icon to make someone else’s Tweet visible to your followers QUOTE TWEET: The same as a retweet just with an added comment from you

TIMELINE: A list of Tweets from users you are following

Business

TWEET: A message posted via Twitter containing 140 characters or fewer

23

A SOCIAL MEDIUM

FOLLOWERS: People who follow you, which means your Tweets appear in their Timeline

TWITTER – WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT? AS A NEW GUIDE IS PUBLISHED, ANDREW DON LOOKS AT HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF THE 140-CHARACTER SOCIAL MEDIA SITE.

REPLY: A Tweet posted in reply to another user’s message

OTHER SITES TO CONSIDER

MENTION: By including someone’s @username in a Tweet you can bring your content to another user’s attention

FACEBOOK (facebook.com)

HASHTAG: Users add # before words or phrases to categorise them for others or to organise conversations around a theme

TUMBLR (tumblr.com) INSTAGRAM (instagram.com) LINKED-IN (linkedin.com) PINTEREST (pinterest.com) GOOGLE+ (plus.google.com) FLICKR (flickr.com) VINE (vine.co) TAGGED (tagged.com)

Nov/Dec 2014 | salonfocus

24

Business

SCREEN SAVER MORE AND MORE SALONS NOW OFFER CLIENTS IN-CHAIR ENTERTAINMENT THROUGH TABLETS OR WALL-MOUNTED TVS. BUT IF YOU SHOW TV ‘LIVE’ DON’T FORGET YOU’LL NEED A LICENCE, WARNS SALONFOCUS.

issing a favourite TV programme because you’re having a haircut is increasingly a thing of the past for salon clients.

M

Many salons nowadays offer individual wall-mounted screens in front of each chair. Some even now provide tablets with access to on-demand services, such as iPlayer and 4OD, to entertain clients while they’re in the chair.

But salons are being warned that, if they show live TV, they’ll need a TV licence, or risk a fine of up to £1,000.

And don’t think it’ll never happen to you – three salons have been taken to court for licence fee evasion since April.

According to TV Licensing, the body that enforces TV licences, a TV licence is required if anyone – customers or staff – is able to watch or record programmes at the same time as they are being shown on TV. This is the case whether they’re watching on a TV, tablet, computer or other type of device. In other words, if you’re showing TV as it’s being broadcast, even if it’s through iPlayer or similar, you’ll need a licence.

ON DEMAND However, you won’t need a licence if all you’re showing is programmes after they’ve broadcast, either downloaded

salonfocus | Nov/Dec 2014

IF NOTHING ELSE READ THIS… • If you’re showing live TV, either in the salon or the chair, you’ll need a TV licence • You can be fined heavily if you get it wrong • NHF members can get a 10% discount on PPL music licences

Facts and figures

3

IT’S IMPORTANT SALON OWNERS AND MANAGERS TAKE A FEW MOMENTS TO REVIEW AND UPDATE THEIR LICENSING REQUIREMENTS. or streamed to a device on demand.

Similarly, if someone brings in their own device to watch TV from the chair, you won’t need a licence.

As Stephen Farmer, of TV Licensing, emphasises: “With many salons mounting small TV screens by each chair or providing handheld tablets so customers don’t miss a minute of their best-loved TV shows, live TV and hairdressing have never been closer. But it’s important salon owners and managers take a few moments to review and update their licensing requirements.”

To help businesses and staff, TV Licensing has produced a downloadable TV in the Workplace guide, which is available at http://bit.ly/198Xk6a

UK salons successfully prosecuted for licence fee evasion since April 2014

33,000

Businesses, including hair salons and barber shops, visited by TV licensing inspectors during 2013

£1,000

Maximum fine for showing live TV without a licence

£145.50 Annual cost of a TV licence

986

ONLINE EXTRA Find out more at tvlicensing.co.uk

Members taking advantage of NHF’s 10% PPL licence discount

Business

25

AND IF YOU PLAY MUSIC OR SHOW FILMS… If you play music, DVDs, films or videos in your salon, whether through the radio, CDs, MP3s or via a TV or computer, you’ll need to buy a variety of separate licences.

For music, you’ll need a licence from PRS for Music (prsformusic.com).

This is to pay royalties to songwriters, composers and music producers. You’ll also need one from PPL (ppluk.com), which does the same thing for the record companies and performers.

Be aware, the two bodies are separate, so don’t assume one licence will cover both. The good news is NHF members can get a 10% discount on their PPL licence. Currently, 986 members are taking advantage of this, so use it!

Finally, if you’re showing films or DVDs, you’ll also need a licence from the Motion Picture Licensing Corporation (themplc.co.uk).

ONLINE EXTRA Find out more at prsformusic.com, ppluk.com and themplc.co.uk

Nov/Dec 2014 | salonfocus

26

Beauty special

6 -PAGE

BEAUTY SPECIAL ver a single weekend in August 2012, Yvonne McConnell transformed her business, Phaze 1 Hair, Nail and Beauty Lounge in Blackpool.

O

“I’d had a nail bar attached to the salon and had been finding more and more people were coming in saying they wanted waxing, eyebrows, spray tans and so on. But, because we did not offer them, they were going elsewhere.

That was madness,” she says.

Yvonne’s experience is a great example of how, with a little planning and vision, that spare space or room in your salon can be put to much, much better use.

The NHF’s recent industry survey (see pages 10-11) has shown clearly how extending into beauty can boost profits.

The average bill in a hair and beauty salon was £54.18, compared with £52.87 in a hair-only salon, with the average retail spend being £16.88 compared with £14.80.

“I spent one Sunday rearranging the whole salon to try to get a feel for how the space might work. My first few attempts didn’t crack it and it was only when I got in a local builder I knew and trusted that it worked,” Yvonne explains.

“It was so easy. He put in a spray tanning room, a beauty room and two nail bars. We even had some space left to create a proper retail area. It cost about £2,000, so not a vast upfront expenditure. We also completely redecorated to ensure everything flowed together.

“Beauty now accounts for 40% of my business and it’s growing week on week.

Photography: David Weston, Post Photographic Ltd

Beauty special

27

A BEAUTIFUL SPACE OVER THE NEXT SIX PAGES, SALONFOCUS EXAMINES HOW SALONS ARE EMBRACING BEAUTY SERVICES. HOWEVER YOU DO IT, MAKING THE MOST OF THE SPACE YOU ALREADY HAVE IS THE FIRST KEY STEP.

“People don’t want to have to travel to four different places for four different beauty treatments; they just want a good-quality service.

“We have a door between the two salons, although we often keep it open.

It’s great if people want some time out – which you can’t really do in a noisy, busy hair salon – and a bit of a pamper session,” adds Yvonne.

DO YOUR RESEARCH Ian Egerton’s salon, The Stress Exchange in London, has always been split 50/50 between hair and beauty, with hair on one floor and beauty on the other.

With five treatment rooms, four pedicure stations and four nail bars, it is big operation but, he argues, the things to get right will be the same whatever your size.

“The first thing is you need to be looking closely at the area you are working in and deciding what is going to be most relevant. Is it just going to be, say, a nail bar or something more substantial?” he advises.

“For example, we’re in the City of London and so get a lot of workers coming in during the week, often for quick treatments like brows, and more locals at weekends. Our services vary

hugely depending on what day of the week it is.

“If you just have one room to spare it probably makes sense to focus on a small range of treatments, or even just do one treatment really well.

“Either way, you need to make sure the room is well lit and ventilated and that you are purchasing high-quality products, certainly to a level that matches what you offer within the hairdressing business,” Ian continues.

“One of the challenges for any hairdresser going into beauty is that, unless you’ve trained in it previously, you’re effectively running blind. So your therapist, whether you employ them or rent the space to them, is going to be critical.

“It must be about more than just making money, the business model has to be right for your salon, and your therapist has to work to that business model. If you have a really talented, properly trained, conscientious therapist, then that is going to make all the difference,” he adds.

COMBINED PACKAGES “The average charge for a beauty room varies depending on its size and location, but could yield anywhere between £400 and £600 per calendar

BEAUTY NOW ACCOUNTS FOR 40% OF MY BUSINESS AND IT’S GROWING WEEK ON WEEK.

month,” points out Jessika CarreraMaybury, head of Premier Salon at Premier Software Solutions.

“Once you have your room up and running, putting together packages works extremely well, for example prom, holiday or Christmas party packages combining hair and beauty.

“Another way is to offer loyalty points that can be redeemed against any service on a set loyalty menu.

“Another great tip is to get your beauty therapist visible in the salon when they first start. If they offer small services to hair clients free of charge this can yield great results. For example, a file and polish while their colour is developing often leads to the client then booking in for nail services,” she adds.

FIND OUT MORE Check out the NHF’s beauty salon start-up guide at nhf.info/ nhf-guides/

Nov/Dec 2014 | salonfocus

28

Beauty special

SIX WAYS TO NAIL NAILS

NAILS CAN BE A COLOURFUL, CREATIVE ADDITION TO YOUR BUSINESS, SAYS NAOMI ABEL, HEAD OF MARKETING AT THAT NAIL PLACE, FOLKESTONE.

ffering nail services can be a quick and easy way to make money. Most good salons will charge between £35-£50 for a set of nails which, realistically, will take an hour to do. So, what do you need to know?

O

GET THE RIGHT TECHNICIAN This is vital. You need to be sure your nail technician is properly trained. As a minimum look for a Level 3 NVQ in nail services. Always, always trade-test first.

Make sure she sticks to her commercial timings. Going over time can come across as unprofessional.

GET HEALTH AND SAFETY-AWARE Product will need to be stored correctly, and do remember liquid monomer,

salonfocus | Nov/Dec 2014

acetone and nail polish remover are all flammable. Any staff working on nails needs to know the difference between cleaning, sanitising and sterilising and the importance of ensuring all metal tools are sterilised at end of each working day.

Hammer home, too, the importance of cleaning in front of your clients – it makes them aware of how thorough you are.

All employees should know, understand and be following all health and safety procedures, including where and what the accident book is, where the first aid box is and how it works.

GET THE RIGHT PRODUCT Regular clients tend to stick to the same polishes and products or even gel colours. Being unable to offer them what they desire is just bad service! So

make sure you always have the right products in stock. Using cheaper, bad products is a false economy.

It is a good idea to avoid products containing the MMA liquid monomer as, while not banned in the UK, it is banned in the US. We use brands that use the EMA liquid monomer.

GET CONSULTATION CARDS Having signed consultation cards can be really helpful. You’re going to need information such as medical details, contra-indications and history of treatments not just to be professional but also to cover you when it comes to insurance. But, for data protection, make sure these are always stored securely.

GET THE SPACE RIGHT If you are using liquid and powder your working area has to have good lighting and be well ventilated.

GET SERIOUS Don’t do it half-heartedly – see it as a serious part of your business, as important as the hairdressing, and make sure you’re keeping up with all the trends, which change all the time.

It can be a good idea to subscribe to nail magazines and keep an eye on London Fashion Week or Paris Fashion Week.

Beauty special

29

CASE

STUDY

Photography: David Weston, Post Photographic Ltd LISA COLLINS: RESPONDING TO CLIENTS

Lisa Collins

LISA IS OWNER OF LISA COLLINS HAIR DESIGN IN RUGBY

EXTENDING INTO NAILS CAN BE A FIRST STEP INTO BEAUTY Like many salons we used to just have some reception chairs sitting under our window. But my view is if it hasn’t got a price tag on it, it shouldn’t be in the window!

So about a year ago we decided to move the chairs and set up a nail bar instead.

At the moment, because the girl who does it can only do one day a week, it’s still a relatively small part of my overall business, perhaps four to five clients a week.

But, for me, this is just a first step.

We’re converting a back area into a dedicated beauty room – and it should be opening in time for Christmas.

This will offer a wide range of beauty

services, including waxing, eyelash extensions and 10-minute make-up.

WHY ARE WE DOING IT? Where we are people are still watching their pennies. So I need to give my clients as many reasons as possible to come, and to keep coming, to the salon.

My clients tell me what they want is a ‘one stop shop’, with everything under one roof, hair and beauty together, and so that’s what we’re aiming for.

Offering nails has been an easy way in to beauty. It’s something we know ladies like, it’s relatively low cost, it doesn’t need to take up much space in the salon but (being in the window) it’s very visible.

In the future I’m sure it’s going to be a big, and growing, part of my business.

Nov/Dec 2014 | salonfocus

30

Beauty special

Jason Phillips

JASON IS OWNER OF THE BACK AND BEYOND, WHICH SPECIALISES IN MALE HAIR REMOVAL. HE IS ALSO VICECHAIR OF THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF BEAUTY THERAPY AND COSMETOLOGY AND THE CONFEDERATION OF INTERNATIONAL BEAUTY THERAPISTS AND COSMETOLOGISTS.

ince we started in Plymouth in 2009, we’ve seen demand for male grooming grow yearon-year. In fact, we now also operate in Exeter in Devon and Wadebridge in Cornwall.

S

There are a number of factors behind this. First, people’s disposable income may have been squeezed over the past few years but that hasn’t stopped people wanting to feel good. A cheap treatment, such as a waxing, may feel more affordable than, say, a new car or a holiday.

Another factor is men increasingly feel they need to look good in their workplace. Whether it’s to get a promotion or simply to look smart and professional, male grooming is now an important part of many men’s working lives.

Male grooming is becoming more and more acceptable; it is at the point where it is even the sort of topic you might get a table of guys talking about in the pub.

My business is split 50/50 between intimate waxing – the so-called “back, sack and crack” – and back, shoulder, chest and stomach waxing and facial treatments.

GET THE RIGHT FEEL One important element you need to think about is the look and feel of your treatment room. Guys often find it quite hard to go into a traditional salon environment because it is so “female” – from the smells and temperature

salonfocus | Nov/Dec 2014

GUYS OFTEN FIND IT QUITE HARD TO GO INTO A TRADITIONAL BEAUTY SALON ENVIRONMENT BECAUSE IT IS SO STEREOTYPICALLY FEMALE

to the décor and magazines. So it is important to think hard about what sort of environment your salon is going to present.

If all you’re doing is nostril and ear hair removal or eyebrow tidying up you can probably do that from your regular chair. Anything much more than that and you’ll need a secure, quiet room with hand-washing facilities and proper heating and ventilation.

PROFITABLE Another really important element is training. Like hairdressing and barbering, male grooming is not regulated, but if you want to get proper indemnity insurance you’ll need to be able to demonstrate you have a recognised qualification.

In terms of profits, the fact male grooming products are relatively lowcost does make it potentially profitable.

It’s naturally going to vary from salon to salon, but a 60% plus gross profit margin is not unheard of.

But it is important to recognise it is not a question of just slapping some stuff on. You need to have a high quality, customer-focused approach.

IF NOTHING ELSE READ THIS… • Male grooming is becoming much more mainstream • Unless you’re only doing minor treatments you’ll need a separate room • Proper training is vital

Facts and figures

One in 5

Salon customers are now men seeking a wider range of services, including grooming

34%

Salons that don’t offer male treatments

66%

Increase salons that do offer male treatments have seen in male customers

What men like most 1 - Haircut 2 - Massage 3 - Hair removal 4 - Hair colour/ treatment 5 - Skin treatment 6 - Nail treatment 7 - Tanning 8 - Shaving 9 - Slimming Source: Salon Services, Beautiful Britain, 2014

Beauty special

31

WAXING

LYRICAL MALE GROOMING IS BOOMING, AND COULD BE A GREAT WAY FOR YOUR SALON TO MAKE MONEY. Nov/Dec 2014 | salonfocus

32

Q&A

YOUR QUESTIONS NOTICE PERIODS, STUDENT VISAS AND MATERNITY LEAVE WERE ALL GIVING MEMBERS A HEADACHE DURING OCTOBER. HERE’S WHAT THE NHF ADVISED.

Q

I have an employee who has resigned, giving me one month’s notice. His contract says he only has to give a week but I don’t want him in the salon working. What can I do?

(for example when outlining your reasons for not wanting him around anymore) so as not to give him ammunition to make a claim against you.

A

Q

The notice period specified in an employment contract is, unfortunately, just the minimum time an employee has to give; anyone leaving can say they wish to work out a longer period. As such, he is entitled to give one month’s notice.

However, it is worth checking his contract to see if you have any wriggle room. For example, there may be a clause allowing you to send him on paid “gardening leave”. There may also be a clause allowing you to pay him off in lieu of notice, in other words to pay him a lump sum equivalent to what he would have earned if he had worked out the whole month’s notice.

Bear in mind, if the contract allows you to do either of these you should meet with the employee in advance and explain what you are doing, following it up with written confirmation.

If the contract doesn’t appear to offer these options, the best bet would be to see if you can come to an informal agreement. So discuss whether he’d be happy to agree to one of these solutions.

But do be very careful how you phrase things at the meeting

salonfocus | Nov/Dec 2014

LEGAL LIFELINE Members with a business, legal or employment question can call the Legal Lifeline on 01234 831965 or email enquiries@nhf.info.

Employment-related support is available 24/7 and advice on commercial issues 9am-5pm Mon-Fri.

We have received an application for an advertised job from a lady on a student visa. If I employ her what checks will I have to make, and who will I need to tell?

A

As with all employees, you should first check and take a photocopy of the documentation proving she has the right to work here. You should also contact her school or college to get details of term and holiday dates for the duration of her study in the UK. You should copy and retain these records.

It is important to ensure any terms and conditions you offer don’t break her visa constraints. For example, it is common for student visas to limit the number of hours a person is allowed to work per week during term and holiday periods.

Finally, make a note of when the visa expires and put a note in the diary to meet her before that date to check whether she has secured a renewed right to work in the UK. If she has, you should be able to continue to employ her, should you wish to do so. If not, obviously you won’t be able to keep her in your employment.

Q

We have staff member who has been on maternity leave for just one month and she’s handed in her notice. Do I have to continue paying her maternity pay, as she won’t be my employee anymore?

A

If a pregnant employee is entitled to statutory maternity pay (SMP), then SMP will be payable in full even if she subsequently leaves your employment. The best course of action therefore is probably simply to leave her payroll open and pay out the SMP over the remainder of the 39 weeks.

HM Revenue & Customs also advises it makes sense to postpone sending her her P45 until the final payment of SMP has been made, unless she specifically asks for it. Show the date of leaving on it as being the end of the SMP period.

There is, feasibly, the option of paying all her outstanding SMP in a single lump sum, but it does have to be handled carefully.

It has to be mutually agreed between both parties and there is a risk if the mum secures new work after the baby is born you’ll find you’ve ended up overpaying her SMP. If that happens it’ll then be a question of trying to claw the money back off her.

Got a question you want answered? Call 01234 831965 or email enquiries@nhf.info

- Salon Supplies of Crewe Turn this USED..

..Into this NEW!..

salonforsale

Due to retirement I have my roomy Salon for Sale The salon comprises of two floors with an office/beauty room, a kitchen and two toilets, as well as eight working stations and two basins. Fully equipped

..with Part Exchange!

When buying new furniture from us, you can part exchange your old to make your money stretch further!

with all fittings, the large premises are ideal as a training or teaching facility. It also has two outside courtyards.

It comes with the present Cottage salon with seating for seven. Comprising of three basins and a disabled toilet, which has been established for 30 Years.

Bridgwater is going to be a thriving town shortly as a new Power Station is being built at Hinkley Point. This is an ideal business/investment opportunity

WANTED: Used furniture for cash!

01270 848612 - www.salonhairsupplies.co.uk

which comes with a four Year Lease (which is negotiable).

Interested parties should write to: Ken Baker, Ken Baker Hair Designers, 45a High Street, Bridgwater, TA6 3BG Alternatively t: 01278 450832 or e: bakeraken@yahoo.co.uk

Update your skills for 2015 with one of the industry’s leading Hairdressing & Barbering training providers - judged ‘GOOD’ by OFSTED - Private & Government-funded Hairdressing & Barbering courses - Monthly start dates available - Fully-funded NVQ Level 2 for under 19’s

- FREE NVQ Level 3 training for all employed hairdressers & barbers, regardless of age.

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NEW FOR 2015 Effective Communication & Presentation Skills Workshop with Creative Director & Director of Education, Edward Hemmings.

High Success rates, highly effective individual coaching & support from expert trainers & high profile industry professionals… learners attain the high professional & commercial standards needed to meet the needs of the industry. - OFSTED, September 2014

4 West Smithfield, London, EC1A 9JX 020 7634 9400

www.aland.co.uk

12 Tacket Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AY 01473 219 257

34

Events

EVENTS 2

NOVEMBER 2014

Welsh Hairdressing Awards, Angel Hotel, Cardiff.

Contact Carl Hinder on 07931 518642

10

NOVEMBER 2014

Cheshire and Red Rose Championships, Romiley Forum, Stockport.

Contact: Eileen Clough on 01253 406834 or Stephen Coles on stephen@coles29orangehome.co.uk

16

NOVEMBER 2014

Britain’s Best 2014, Heritage Motor Centre, Gaydon, Warwickshire.

Details at: britainsbest.me

BUSINESS EVENTS HOW TO MAKE YOUR SALON MORE PROFITABLE 04 November–York 10 November–Edinburgh DELIVERING A GREAT CLIENT EXPERIENCE 24 November–Swansea MANAGING YOURSELF AND YOUR TEAM 03 November–Chester 11 November–Edinburgh Anyone interested in attending these should contact the NHF team on 01234 831965 or events@nhf.info

PENSION EVENTS

10

NOVEMBER 2014 Towergate Insurance, Kempton House, Taunton

17

NOVEMBER 2014 Towergate Insurance, Avebury Boulevard, Milton Keynes

salonfocus | Nov/Dec 2014

PRIORITY

PENSION DON’T LET IGNORANCE COST YOU £50,000 – COME TO OUR EVENTS ON THE NHF'S NEW PENSION. The NHF’s special pension for salon owners was launched in September and is now being backed by a nationwide programme of events that you cannot afford to miss.

The pension offers guaranteed acceptance to Federation members, free software and a discounted introductory fee until August next year.

It’s important because it will be a key tool in making sure your salon is compliant with pensions autoenrolment, the change to pension provision set to arrive within the industry over the next two years –

16

MARCH 2015 Towergate Insurance, Leadenhall Street, London

11

MAY 2015 Towergate Insurance, Castle Marina Road, Nottingham

8

JUNE 2015 Towergate Insurance, St Vincent Street, Glasgow

and which, if you get it wrong, could cost you up to £50,000.

Events, which are open to nonmembers and members, are now running across the country until next June (see details below).

For those who can’t spare the time out of the salon, the NHF is also running a series of online webinars, with the first taking place on 3 November.

Both will explain how the NHF scheme works, what auto-enrolment will mean and what you need to be doing to prepare for its arrival. So don’t delay!

PENSION WEBINAR 3

NOVEMBER 2014 available to view on nhf.info

Anyone interested in attending can either book online at nhf.info or through the NHF’s new pensions website, nhfpensions.co.uk, or by calling 01234 831965. The webinar will be able to be viewed online, also at nhf.info.

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T BUY A NX BLEACH KILO AND GET A FREE NXTR E DEVELOP LITRE MAJIREL NXT POWER PACK BLEACH KILO November - December 2014 promotions. Terms and Conditions apply. Prices are excluding VAT and could be subject to change.

Visit your local store | visit: www.astonandfincher.co.uk | Call us on: 0870 240 2176

Salon Insurance Specifically designed for members from the only approved insurance broker to the NHF 20% discount for NHF members and our price match guarantee* Colouring Members can use the NHF colour record cards instead of allergy testing before every treatment.

Cover includes as standard: • Tenants Improvements • Contents • Stock

Call today for a quote 0800 458 81 81 Mobile users:

01480 700 160 www.coversure.co.uk/nhf

* Like for like quotations only. Subject to minimum premiums, and underwriters acceptance. Terms and conditions apply.