As the world’s #1 booking platform, Fresha continues to lead software innovation and introduce advanced features for hair, beauty, barbering and wellness businesses.

With partners involved in shaping their software experience with Fresha, by requesting the tools and features they need to run their businesses even more efficiently, Fresha has listened and responded by introducing six new automated text notifications. From rescheduled and cancelled appointments to thank you messages, salons can now keep their clients informed like never before.

Making sure clients receive up-to-date information about their appointment while avoiding no-shows and late cancellations is important to keep clients happy, and protect businesses from potential loss. In addition to Fresha’s existing appointment reminder text message, these six new text notifications are now available to Fresha partners.

Appointment confirmation

Send clients an appointment confirmation once they’ve made a booking online or in-store. This important step lets clients know all the important details about the appointment they’ve just made, such as the date, time and address.

Appointment reminders

Enabling reminders for upcoming appointments ensures clients remember their appointment, which also helps to reduce no-shows and cancellations! Salons simply decide what time the reminder goes out, whether it’s one or two hours, or one or two days before.

Rescheduled appointments

If an appointment needs to be rescheduled, partners can send an automated text message to confirm this. Salons will also be able to include any updated information regarding their appointment.

Cancelled appointments

Appointment cancellations are less than ideal, but they do happen. Whether the salon or the client needs to cancel their appointment, a text message can now be sent to confirm the cancellation. If the client cancels, they will also receive information about any late cancellation fees that may apply.

No-shows

What’s worse than a cancellation? A no-show. If a client misses an appointment, businesses can now automate a text message to let them know, along with information about the fees they’ve incurred for not arriving at their appointment.

Say thank you!

As well as helping partners to manage issues, Fresha’s improved text message feature gives salons the option to send a ‘Thank you for visiting’ message once the client has completed their treatment and checked out. At this stage they’ll be prompted to rate and review the salon, and they’ll be given the option to leave a tip. If they do add a tip, businesses can also set up an automated text to thank them for that too.

For more information about this new feature announcement, read our latest blog here https://blog.fresha.com/automated-texts-fresha   

To join Fresha free, visit https://www.fresha.com/for-business  

British professional colour house, OSMO is delighted to announce the appointment of a new Technical Educator, Jamie Twelvetree.

Jamie has over three decades of hairdressing experience, specialising in education.  Starting his career at the tender age of fifteen within the renowned Steiner group (later to become part of Regis) and gaining his training at Raymond’s in Birmingham, his passion for knowledge and sharing skills shone through at an early age. 

His career direction saw him progress from behind the chair to educating in salons regionally to then training for professional in-salon products.

“I decided early on that education was my preferred focus within hairdressing. I’ve a genuine passion for sharing our craft and I think it’s important for stylists of my generation to share our knowledge and skills. My age group was probably the last to learn our craft over a 5-year apprenticeship.  It’s not the way of learning now, so I want to ensure our abilities and expertise are available to new stylists coming through. Being an educator is extremely rewarding and you can help mould the future of hairdressing, too. Having a real understanding of how products and ingredients work to create outstanding results in the salon is a passion of mine and I really enjoy educating others on how to get the best out of products, be that colouring or styling hair. This new role within OSMO will enable me to showcase the OSMO range up close and personal so that even more hairdressers can experience the quality and excellent results of the OSMO product portfolio,” explains Jamie.

Experienced in all areas of hairdressing from colouring, cutting to styling, Jamie brings a wealth of experience and education passion to the OSMO family.  Based in Leicester, his role within OSMO will see Jamie focused within the UK to provide education for OSMO wholesalers and distributor partners. 

“We’re so excited to welcome Jamie to the OSMO family as our Technical Educator alongside our Global Educator, Lesley Stitt.  His passion for education and our industry is great to see and we’re very much aligned with his enthusiasm for the importance of education and his ability to inspire others.  Jamie will be a real asset to our team, and we’re thrilled to be able to share his training skills with our customers,” OSMO Brand Manager, Sinéad McLaughlin concludes.

www.osmo.uk.com

Instagram: @osmouk_official / @osmoikon

Say hello to the new additions of the cult OSMO Wonder 10 product range; a shampoo and conditioner designed to address the specific needs of damaged and dry hair.

NEW OSMO Wonder 10 Shampoo & Conditioner take the guesswork out of finding the perfect hair care regime. Everyone deserves healthy, naturally shiny hair, and OSMO Wonder 10 Shampoo & Conditioner will help you achieve this.

The OSMO Wonder 10 product duo has been specially formulated with the OSMO Fibre Bond Technology to strengthen and repair hair, with noticeable transformative results to nourished hair that is strong and visibly healthier for longer.

OSMO Wonder 10 Shampoo & Conditioner joins the OSMO Wonder 10 Leave-In Treatment, a cult classic loved by stylists, hairdressers, and barbers alike, creating a powerful trio of essential hair care to dry, damaged and over-processed hair leaving it feeling shiny, silky, and transformed.

OSMO® NEW Wonder 10 Collection will ensure the 3-step regime will cleanse, condition, and protect the hair, transforming hair to its former glory.

10 Wonderful Benefits:

Wonder 10 Wonderful Shampoo	Wonder 10 Wonderful Conditioner
Gently cleanses both hair and scalpFormulated with Fibre Bond TechnologyHelps strengthen and protect the hairNourishes both hair and scalpHelps reduce hair breakageSmooths split endsWeightless formulaHelps control frizzPromotes shineLeaves hair silky, soft, and manageable	Intensely hydrating formulaFormulated with Fibre Bond TechnologyHelps strengthen and repair the hairProtects against damage Smooths split endsHelps control frizzIncredible detanglerWeightless formulaCreates natural body and movementPromotes incredible shine

How to Use for Wonderful Results:

Apply OSMO Wonder 10 Shampoo to wet hair concentrating on the mid-length and ends. Lather and then rinse thoroughly. For best results follow with OSMO Wonder 10 Conditioner. Apply evenly to towel dried hair, concentrating on the mid-lengths and ends. Comb through and leave for approximately 1-3 minutes before rinsing thoroughly.  Apply OSMO Wonder 10 Leave-In Treatment for strengthening, moisturising, and protective elements.

Prices: OSMO WONDER SHAMPOO (400ml, RRP £8.50, Salon £4.25 + VAT) OSMO WONDER CONDITIONER (400ml, RRP £8.50, Salon £4.25 + VAT) OSMO WONDER 10 LEAVE-IN TREATMENT (250ml, Salon £6.50 + VAT) To request OSMO for your salon, contact your local wholesalers or visit www.osmo.uk.com for all stockist details

Manufacturer backed scheme introduced to support the industry during challenging times

Just as the damaging economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have started to subside with salons and barbers reopening, welcoming clients back and returning to near-normality, new and unwelcome economic threats have started to emerge. As hair, beauty and grooming businesses continue to recover from what has been a difficult two-years, rising costs, inflationary pressures and the cost-of-living crisis have all combined to create a perfect storm that undermines their recovery by imposing fresh challenges to the running of a profitable hair salon or barbershop.

A Positive Outlook

However, against this gloomy economic backdrop there are many positives too. Demand for hair, beauty and men’s grooming services is growing exponentially, clients are investing more in their image and well-being than ever, and the potential outlook is one of hope for businesses that have decided to invest and create new and more luxurious service experiences for their clients.

The Industry’s First 0% and Zero Deposit Finance Lease Scheme

In response to all these issues and opportunities, Takara Belmont has taken the lead with the launch of the industry’s first manufacturer backed 0%, zero deposit Finance Lease scheme. This means there’s never been a better time to invest in new equipment. Launched today (18/7/22), the company has backed the scheme with its leasing partner to support the industry, as it continues to recover and invest for the future. Now, businesses can invest with complete peace of mind and build success into the future with renewed optimism and confidence.

“This scheme gives salons and barbershops access to 0% Finance with zero deposit over 2 years,” says Katie Wrighton, Takara Belmont’s National Sales Manager. “It’s so exciting, as it means they can invest to build their business for the future without large capital outlay. As the number one equipment brand, it makes our world-leading products even more accessible and affordable, plus it’s tax efficient and will help salons and barbershops manage their cashflow too. Many products cost as little as the price of a haircut per week, so why wait?”   

Delivered through a quick and easy application process, hair and beauty businesses can now fast-track an equipment upgrade to improve their client experience, introduce new service opportunities and even redesign their space with Takara Belmont’s free* Salon Design service. Katie Wrighton: “Recently we’ve reduced delivery times on some of our most iconic equipment to just a few weeks, and our salon design team can help businesses reimagine their space. The combination of this with 0% finance makes now the perfect time to invest and grow.”

Key benefits of the 0%, zero deposit Finance Lease scheme are:

• Opportunity

With 0%, zero deposit Finance Lease, there’s never been a better time to invest. This scheme gives your business the scope to maximise your business potential, enhance the service experience for clients, and transform the working environment for your team

• Better cashflow management

This scheme enables salons and barbershops to purchase equipment in a way that improves cash flow by retaining cash in the business for other important investments such as training, staff recruitment and marketing

• Flexibility

At the end of the agreement, your salon or barbershop can own the goods outright for one extra monthly payment, or upgrade again and start a new agreement

• Quality and value

As the number one salon furniture and equipment brand, this scheme means you can benefit from the world’s best equipment at a price you can afford

• Tax relief

Lease Purchase is the sensible way to invest as you receive tax relief for the full duration of the lease agreement

• Make your life easy

A single fixed monthly payment means you can budget and enjoy complete peace of mind. Once you have everything in place, you can focus on providing great service and on your business without worrying about your equipment

Enquire and apply now at https://www.takarahairdressing.co.uk/finance

To apply, contact Takara Belmont on 0207 515 0333 or email applications@takara.co.uk

Discover more about our free* Salon Design service https://www.takarahairdressing.co.uk/salon-design-service

* Free Salon Design service is subject to T&Cs. See website for details

In its latest effort to support the industry, the NHBF has responded to its Members’ concerns about energy costs by partnering with leading energy consultancy Direct Business Solutions (DBS) to help them save on their utility bills.

The new partnership comes in direct response to the NHBF’s State of the Industry survey in March reporting that 94% of salon owners across the UK had seen an increase in utility bills compared to the same period last year, with 32% stating that utility bills were their largest overhead.  

Energy is essential for most businesses, especially for salons and barbershops, from charging hair clippers or hairdryers to running high tech body and face treatments, as well as lighting and heating your salon. Your needs differ from an average household and, as energy prices continue to rise, this adds to the pressure that salons are feeling across the UK.  

With energy prices skyrocketing over the past year, finding the best deal for your salon is now essential. The new NHBF partnership with DBS aims to help salon owners manage the energy pricing crisis as simply as possible by finding the energy contract best suited to the individual business’s needs. 

The new Members only partnership provides:

•   Great prices and deals on your utilities

•   A choice of like for like quotes, putting you firmly in control

•   Simplicity – your dedicated account person will make this process hassle-free.

•   Clarity on your energy pricing and broker costs

•   Fit – Matching the supplier with your business needs

Richard Lambert, NHBF chief executive said: “Rising electricity and gas costs are a real concern to salons across the hair and beauty industry. Coming on top of already increasing staff and business costs, they are pushing many salons at breaking point. We’ve partnered with DBS to help salon owners manage their rising energy costs by finding the energy supplier and tariff that suits them best. We hope that this will help to alleviate some of the pressure that the sector is feeling whilst it is still making a slow and steady recovery from covid.”

Liam Spence, DBS Environment and Sustainability Operations Manager said: “Direct Business Solutions are excited with our partnership with the NHBF and look forward to assisting it’s members with their ongoing energy and carbon reduction requirements.”

The fabulous founder of Stylebook Directory, Sarah Yorke has been recognised as one of the best in the business after being named a finalist in the Great British Entrepreneur Awards!

Sarah is one of the shortlisted business leaders from across the nation to have been selected out of over 5,300 entrants – the most the awards has ever had. A well deserved announcement we think!

The Great British Entrepreneur Awards, in partnership with Starling Bank, acknowledges and champions the hard work and uplifting stories of business owners across the UK, with an emphasis on their journey and resilience over financial achievements.

Twelve awards will be given out per region for categories including Disruptor of the Year, Entrepreneur for Good Award, and the Great British Entrepreneur of the Year. Notable winners from previous years include Social Chain founder Steven Bartlett, who went on to become the youngest ever investor on BBC’s Dragon’s Den.

Sarah is super ecstatic about being shortlisted for such a fantastic award and is over the moon to have been selected out of thousands of entrants! She looks forward to attending the awards in autumn to build her ever-growing network and cheer on other fellow finalists too.

This year’s awards will also feature a brand new award highlighting the organisations investing in the training and development of young people. The John Caudwell Blaze Your Own Trail Award looks to recognise outstanding examples of businesses offering apprenticeships, vocational training, and diversity and inclusion initiatives, all in the name of improving young people’s access to work.

The winners will be announced at a Grand Final, held at the Grosvenor Hotel in London on 21st November.

This year is the 10th anniversary of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards. The alumni has collectively generated over £30 billion in revenue and employed more than 450,000 people.

To mark the milestone year for the programme, entrants will have the chance to win over £30,000 worth of marketing support and a tree will be planted for every application submitted with the support of Ecologi.

Founder of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, Francesca James, said the quality of this year’s entrants exemplified the strength of entrepreneurship across the UK: “The quality of applications is consistently excellent year on year, but we have been especially blown away by the innovation, drive and determination demonstrated this year. Shortlisting from so many inspiring contenders has been more challenging than ever, with many deserving cases put forward and an ever-growing business community thriving across the country.

“From the pandemic to the ongoing cost of living crisis, business owners haven’t had it easy over the past few years, but it’s a testament to the tenacity and perseverance of these entrepreneurs that they have continued on their path and refused to give in.

“This year’s finalists should be so proud of what they’ve already achieved both in business and in being shortlisted for an award – we’re looking forward to seeing everyone at the Finals and unveiling the winners!”

Anne Boden MBE, Founder of Starling Bank, headline partner of the Awards, said: “Congratulations to all those businesses who have made the shortlist. It’s great to see the passion, resilience and amazing ingenuity from entrepreneurs across so many categories.” For the full list of finalists, visit greatbritishentrepreneurawards.com

Following a phenomenally successful and impactful O.P Awards 2021 the team is back this year with an even bigger and better O.P Hairshow & Awards 2022. Held on Sunday 25th September in the centre of Birmingham.

“The energy you put into what you do is the energy it will be received with,” – is a quote often used by Josh and never more relevant than when planning this event.

He said: “The O.P Hairshow 2022 will be an event like no other in the UK. An event dedicated to you. Each and every one of you. No sales, no vendors, no marketing, no gimmicks. Just pure, organic energy, education, information and inspiration. The O.P Hairshow is your day. To surround yourself with like-minded, motivated individuals. To network. To learn. To leave a more confident, determined and better you.”

The O.P Hairshow will consist of a full day’s education. Fully representative of Barber.josh.o.p Education in covering every single aspect of our industry:

– Cutting demonstrations – Long, Medium & Short hair. Modern & Classic. Scissor work, Fading, Styling and Creativity.

– Cutting theory presentations – The D.F.S Formula, Line Theory and much more.

– Business seminars

– Social media growth and marketing seminars

– Photography and content creation seminars

– Mindset and motivation seminars

– Self Study seminars

– Networking

Light refreshments will be provided.

This will then be followed by the second annual O.P Awards. Josh said: “Last year was an unbelievably powerful evening where our online academy members from across the globe came together for an evening of joy, inspiration and emotion. The evening was described by many members as ‘a family reunion’. All our finalists got the opportunity to take the stage and share their story, their journey and their inspirations and in doing so each finalist lit up and inspired the entire room. This year will not be the same. No. This year will be even better!

“The O.P Hairshow & Awards 2022 will undoubtedly be the event of the year and we are delighted to say that you are invited.

“Our differences are the most beautiful thing we have in common and here at Barber.josh.o.p Education we look to ensure that no matter who you are, what ‘category’ you fit into within our industry, that you are celebrated. That you have a place to come to learn, to grow, to network, to share, to laugh and to most importantly be fulfilled. We make it our mission to help every individual find what makes them fulfilled and build a life where they can maximise their fulfillment and in doing so maximise their success.” Head to barberjoshop.com to purchase your tickets and we’ll see you there!

BaByliss PRO has become synonymous with some of our industry’s biggest and best talents. Continuing this legacy in 2022, they are delighted to announce their two newest grooming brand ambassadors, Pete Cranfield and Tariq Howes. This year is shaping up to be a very exciting year for the brand, with the long awaited arrival of CustomFX in the UK in July, and another two big launches coming later in the year. Tariq and Pete will be joining the BaByliss PRO team alongside regular brand ambassador and grooming legend, Jody Taylor. 

Pete says: “Being a BaByliss PRO Ambassador is such an incredible opportunity for me. After so long in the industry I feel I’ve achieved something massive being involved with a huge brand that share the same forward thinking values as me. The whole team are like a huge supportive family, so it’s a dream position for me to be in!”  

Tariq says: “Signing with BaByliss PRO is one of the highlights of my career, and a life changing opportunity for me. I feel blessed to be able to work with a brand like them, who literally give me the tools and the freedom to be creative and grow as a hairdresser. I’m excited to see what the future brings with this partnership.” 

UK men’s grooming brand Dapper Dan has announced it is spearheading a new charity initiative, called ‘Kuts 4 Kids’. Globally recognised brand Dapper Dan is coordinating barbershops up and down the UK to provide free haircuts to underprivileged children in their local area, in the last full week of August (from the 22nd - 28th in the back-to-school period).   

The aim of the campaign is to boost the self-esteem of underprivileged children, providing them with a confidence boost from a great haircut, as well as a memorable barbershop experience. It’s clear from the Kuts 4 Kids Instagram page that the campaign aims to kickstart a positive process for kids, helping them with the first stage of building up their self-esteem, which can translate to many aspects of their lives.  

Dapper Dan Director Simon May explained why the brand decided to start the campaign: “With the cost of living crisis happening in this country, we know that a haircut is one of the first things families are cutting back on. Yet, a good haircut can be the small thing that starts a positive chain reaction for so many kids, as well as being something to look forward to in the ‘back to school’ period, which for some children is a particularly anxiety-inducing time.”  

The Kuts 4 Kids campaign will be working with food banks across the UK to ensure vouchers for the scheme are provided to the most in need families. An example of this is in Dapper Dan’s home city of Sheffield, where they will be working with the S6 Foodbank to distribute vouchers to kids all around Sheffield. 

 Outside of facilitating the campaign, Dapper Dan themselves will be donating a free pot of their award-winning hair styling products to every child who receives a haircut from the initiative. Moreover, one of the participating barbershops will be Wolf & Co, owned by Simon himself, who will also be getting involved and providing the shop’s free haircuts.  

Barbers or Hair Stylists wanting to get involved with the charity campaign should contact the Kuts 4 Kids Instagram page (@kuts4_kids), where all the information they need to pledge will be provided.  

Easydry has proudly announced that it is now a Certified B Corp company, the first and only disposable towel company in the world to have achieved this prestigious certification. Thousands of companies around the world apply for B Corp certification each year, but only a select few make it through the assessment and verification process. After over a year of hard work and development, Easydry have achieved this elusive certification with a high score of 98.7. 

When Easydry was founded almost 20 years ago, our founder, Anne Butterly, knew that sustainability had to be at the heart of everything Easydry did. Easydry has always had a commitment to being a business that puts purpose over profit. Rather than solely operating to generate profit, B corps prioritise creating value for the local community, for employees, and for the environment, and Easydry is delighted to now have B Corporation certification proving that the business is a means for good.  

Certified B Corporations, or B Corps, are companies that have been verified as meeting the highest standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. Getting certified to B Corp is a rigorous process that took more than a year to complete. The process required companies to show lots of evidence which ensures there is no greenwash or false claims! B Corp requires re-certification every three years to ensure high standards are maintained and to encourage companies to do even better each time. 

Easydry is delighted to now join the B Corp community of more than 4,000 businesses around the world. The B Corp community in the UK, consists of more than 500 companies and in Ireland, less than 10! B Corporations include Athleta, Ben & Jerry’s and Patagonia. 

Easydry CEO and founder Anne Butterly, says:

“I am so proud that Easydry has become a certified B Corp! I founded Easydry almost 20 years ago with sustainability at its heart. Achieving B Corp certification is a fantastic validation of what we do and what we believe in. It fits perfectly with the Easydry mission and vision.  I, and my team, are delighted to share this good news with you.  

“Achieving certification is a tough process and has involved a huge proportion of our time and effort. However, this has given us a great opportunity to examine what we do for people, planet and profit. The time spent on this process has been well worth it.  

“Becoming a B Corporation is just the start for us. We have achieved a score of 98.7. The minimum required to achieve B Corporation Certification is 80 but the average score companies receive is 50.9. We are proud to be one of the highest scoring B Corporations in Ireland. We want to continue along this path and achieve even higher results in our next certification. 

“This process and framework has given us an opportunity to identify actions that we want to implement over the coming years. We thank our customers and partners for their support and we hope that they will continue on this journey with us.” 

To view the Easydry B Corporation page please visit: 
https://www.bcorporation.net/en-us/find-a-b-corp/company/easydry