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NHBF Response to Labour Budget

The first Labour Budget since taking office was presented today, 30 October 2024, by the first female Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, in the Commons. 

Responding to the Budget statement, Caroline Larissey, Chief Executive of the National Hair & Beauty Federation said:

‘We asked the government for support for employers to counteract rising wages so we’re pleased that they have listened and responded with a rise in the Employment Allowance which will benefit some sector businesses, despite the rises to employers National Insurance contributions.

However, with 16%+ rises in the youth wage rates there was nothing on interim support for businesses training young people. The only ‘youth guarantee’ for our sector will be that small and micro employers won’t be able to afford to take on apprentices. This makes it even more vital that Skills England is responsive to the needs of our sector and the new Growth & Skills levy channels major support to incentivise small and micro businesses training apprentices.

We will engage constructively with the consultation around business rates reform and the decision to keep at least some support through a 40% Retail business rates discount and freeze of the small business multiplier is welcome and important in the interim. The government was silent on VAT but we will continue to push for reform which is the sector’s number one issue

While the Employment Allowance increase offers some breathing room, the dramatic rise in apprentice wages threatens to disrupt the traditional pathway into our Sector. Without targeted intervention, we risk creating a skills gap that could take years to bridge. The government’s approach to retail business rates shows they’re listening, but more comprehensive support is needed to ensure the sustainability of apprenticeships in hair and beauty.”

The summary of the Budget:

  • Wage rates; 6.7% increase in National Living Wage, 16.3% increase in 18-20 rate, single adult rate ‘over time’
  • Freeze on fuel duty in 2025 for another year
  • Employers National Insurance contributions (NICs) increased by 1.2% to 15% from April 2025
  • Reduce NICs threshold from £9,000 to £5,000  
  • Increase Employment Allowance from £5,000 to £10,500
  • Business rates: 40% relief for Retail and hospitality in 2025/26 and small business multiplier freeze
  • Cap on corporation tax for the duration of this parliament
  • National Insurance thresholds: No extension to freeze on personal tax thresholds from 2028-29; will rise in line with inflation in the future
  • Largest real-term funding increase since devolution; £3.4 bn to Scotland through the Barnett formula, £1.7 bn to Welsh government and £1. 5bn to Northern Ireland in 2025/26
  • £1.3 billion investment into connectivity in regional transport

The full details of the Budget can be found here. 

The latest issue of BarberEVO is OUT NOW!

BarberEVO UK Issue 45 (Jul/Aug) is out NOW! Get your Copy HERE

The latest issue of BarberEVO UK is OUT NOW! This issue is set to make waves in the industry…bringing you exclusive content from the best barbers in the business. BarberEVO has brought together a collection of content from our esteemed columnists and industry leaders, whilst also highlighting those rising stars of the industry. Our summer shake-up issue covers everything from interiors and business to hair loss, client comfort and colour. With all of this…and even more – this issue is one for the books! 

IN THIS ISSUE: 

STMNT  

This issue, our cover star is the Nomad himself, Miguel Gutierrez, co-creator of STMNT! BarberEVO were lucky to join the STMNT Team take over Barcelona this June for the STMNT 2024 Summit. The STMNT Team gathered in the sunny Spanish capital to watch as the global stars of STMNT Creative Team share the most innovative editorial looks. BarberEVO has the inside scoop – with exclusive info from STMNT co-founders Miguel Gutierrez, Sofie Pok, Julius Caesar, and the team of STMNT global ambassadors.

Summer 

In our Summer shake-up issue, we are bringing the summer trends to life. We speak to Nick Taylor from the iconic American Crew about their newest collection: Yearbook. Taking you back to your last day of school, racing onto the football field – and knowing that school’s out for the best summer yet. BarberEVO has also managed to bring you the buzzing summer trends from the Babyliss PRO stars, Charlie Venn, Jay Roberts and Simon Butcher. In this summer session, you can also get the exclusive trend tips from Mike Taylor of MTE Hair & Barbering Academy. With a visit to Kent-based Chaps Grooming Co and a look at Byrd Pomade collab with Tallboys – summer in the hair world is in full swing. 

Barber of the Edition 

For our summer issue, the Barber of the Edition is…drumroll, please…Oscar Mendoza! The rising star on the UK hair scene is taking his barbershop and academy to new heights, whilst simultaneously taking his passion and teachings to stages across the globe. Find out more about his journey of resilience and commitment to his craft NOW! 

Interiors 

In BarberEVO Issue 45, Leicester barbershop Roots/CO. has taken the top spot of barbershop of the edition! Owner and founder Vinay Lakhatariya took BarberEVO through his journey to Roots/CO. and tells us exactly why he only has the best of the best in his shop. In this edition, Savills owner Joth Davies also reveals the inside info of moving into his new and expanded barbershop. Additionally featuring BarberEVO columnist Hayden Cassidy, the tiny barbershop Treehaus and Nael’s Hairworks – you can find all the interior insider info HERE! 

Business 

Vikki Harrison Smith is back to talk 10 years of building her barbering empire. We also sat down with MR Brothers Cut Club founder and Brosh Ambassador Daisuke Komatsu, so you can read the Diary of this CEO. In this edition, you will also take a trip to Switzerland with us, to join Heiniger owner, Daniel Heiniger, and Creative Director, Rex Silver – going behind the iconic tool brand. With more info on all-important business issues, such as franchising and booking software, you too can have a booming business in no time.

Hair Loss 

Hair Loss is a major facet of this industry and, at last, the subject of hair loss is breaking free from the shackles of taboo! Josh Lamonaca sat down with us to chat about the subject and tell us exactly why hair loss solutions are a MUST in the barbershop. Trichologist Tiffany Hall also features in this edition, giving the BarberEVO audience all the important tips and tricks to help with your clients’ hair loss pain points. 

Client Comfort 

Keeping your clients comfortable is the key to keeping them coming back. Barbershops need to consider all aspects of their clients desired sensory experience – from the aesthetics and furnishings to the services themselves. Comfort is everything! BarberEVO columnist Carlie Cardle talks shop, noting that you can make client comfort your very own USP. We also caught up with barbershops from across the UK, including Angus Mac Salon, Club 13, The Good Folks and more. Columnist Mark McIver also returns to the pages of BarberEVO, alongside columnist Simon Shaw.  

Colour 

Closing out the summer edition of BarberEVO UK is the section that will tell you everything you need to know about colour. Talking top tips for introducing colour to the barbershop and featuring a great chat with Ainsley Walton about his barbershop Har Sessions – BarberEVO can now reveal that colour is the summer trend that is here to stay. 

Care. Climb. Kilimanjaro.

Andis supports barber Daniel Rymer as he reaches Kilimanjaro summit to raise £100k for homeless charity, Caring For Bristol.

The effects of Covid-19 and its impact on the mental and business health of barbers all over the UK, and indeed beyond, cannot be understated or overestimated. And, like many barbers, Andis ambassador Daniel Rymer struggled to adapt as the doors to his barbershop closed, and he found himself at home contemplating what the future would hold for his career, his team and himself on a personal level. 

An inner strength to bring about positive change

That said, adversity can often reveal an inner strength and self-determination that drives people to achieve extraordinary things and, as Daniel says, this is what motivated him to accomplish such an amazing feat, with the help and support of Andis. “I found it hard to deal with lockdown and, despite what people say in public, many barbers and local businesses I spoke to were all feeling the same. When you’re not in the shop you become disconnected from the thing you’re most passionate about, and the people who share that passion; you lose your sense of purpose. The financial impacts compounded matters with the loss of income and trying to keep the business going with loans and costs. It was a worrying time and I felt I needed to do something positive for me, but also for other people.”

To overcome his predicament and fulfil his need to get away from his situation, Daniel hit upon the idea of scaling Mt. Kilimanjaro to not only address his own mental health challenges brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic, but also to help others in the process. “I wanted to achieve something positive, challenge myself to do something I’d never done before, and raise money for people dealing with homelessness and hopelessness. I decided to raise money for Caring in Bristol – a local charity whose vision is to create a city that’s empowered to solve homelessness as, despite everything, I felt I could do more for disadvantaged people. This is when Andis stepped in to offer their support.”

A passion for barbering meets ambition

Combining this personal feat with his passion for barbering, Daniel set about assembling a team to reach Mt. Kilimanjaro’s summit and undertake the highest haircut on record. With a collective of likeminded business owners from his area, and expert porters, Daniel embarked on a gruelling ten-day ascent to the 5,895m summit, which saw him coping with altitude sickness, blisters and acute tiredness. 

“It was very challenging with six days on the mountain. It took three days to get to base camp and we reached the summit on day four. The views were spectacular and it was a massive achievement for me and the whole team. Equipped with my Andis tools, cape and branded clothing, I performed haircuts on the mountain, which was an unbelievable experience and great for bonding everyone together on our shared mission.”

Care. Climb. Kilimanjaro. 

£100,000 raised, and time to reinvent his brand

Initially intending to raise £6,000 individually, a target which he has exceeded, the team’s efforts have now surpassed £100,000, and this achievement motivated Daniel to emerge even stronger. Giving him the time and space away from his business, he returned to the UK refreshed and reenergised with a new model in mind. “I’ve now rebranded my business to ‘Rythm Barbering’. Unlike before, this is a community hub that offers a safe, cool and creative space for independent barbers, as well as empowering self-employed beauty professionals, nail technicians and other creatives to thrive.”

Thanking Andis for their support, Daniel points to the range of tools, accessories and encouragement offered by the brand. “Andis has been amazing. They provided warm weather gear and a wide range of tools that enabled me to work throughout the trip, and on the mountain. Two of the tools I took on my trip were the Andis Galaxy Clipper and Trimmer. They are powerful and precise but also extremely lightweight – and that matters when you have heavy gear strapped to your back! I even gifted some tools to one of the porters, who happened to be a barber, so he can better support his family, so it’s been an enriching experience in so many ways.”

Named ‘Care. Climb. Kilimanjaro.’ Daniel has documented his trip and, as he concludes, this is both the “best and worst thing” he’s ever done. “It was an incredible journey, but it was gruelling, and it tested my resolve to the limit. But I’m so proud of what we achieved, and I look forward to continuing to receive donations in support of this worthy cause.” 

Donate to Daniel at: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/danielrymerhair

For information on Caring in Bristol, visit https://caringinbristol.co.uk/

Visit Rythm here: https://rythmhair.com/

For information on Andis visit https://andis.com/

OUT NOW: BarberEVO UK & Ireland Issue 43 March/April 2024

The latest issue of BarberEVO UK & Ireland is OUT NOW.    Get your copy here! 

Step into Spring

The latest issue of BarberEVO UK & Ireland is OUT NOW! Our second issue of 2024 is one you won’t want to miss. Inside, you’ll find exclusive interviews and features focusing on creativity, sustainability, business and retail tips as well as our brand-new column with Hairgound’s Live podcaster Simon Butcher. We showcase the best up-and-coming barbershops in London, as well as a stunning EVO abroad location in Tennessee; and much more inside.  

Cover Star: Charles Gray 

Founder of Hair in Motion and barbering legend Charles Gray needs no introduction, but in this issue, we highlight his career from young apprentice to heavyweight educator and entrepreneur. Charles reflects on starting his apprenticeship aged 18, to now being expert educator with Hair in Motion, co-founder of Leaf Signature Styling, and creative director at Leaf Scissors. We discuss all this and more with Charles in the latest unmissable issue.

Staying Creative      

In this issue, we are focusing on the best ways to stay creative as a barber, speaking to experts in the industry and highlighting the tools and skills necessary. We speak to creative expert and educator Alessandro Barca about his best tips, and tools he recommends for barbers to stay on the pulse of trends. While highlighting collections and advice on embracing individual techniques and finding a creative niche from Hayden Cassidy, Fede Damiani, Darren Heywood Kenny, Ex The Barber and Charlie Cullen. 

Sustainability   

With Earth Day 2024 approaching, we want to shine a light on the barbers, businesses and brands doing their bit to protect the environment. We speak to Brighton-based duo Ally Papworth and Dan Hall at The Tin Can Barbershop on their sustainable shop built in a shipping container, as well as columnist Carlie Cardle sharing sustainable insight to fellow business owners.  

Product Focus: Aftercare 

In this industry, barbers are spoiled for choice with the best and most exciting aftercare products for clients. We showcase speak to Matakki director Emma Curd about how their scissor brand has a unique function helping barbers avoid repetitive straining, as well as focusing on new releases like; Artero’s latest clipper, The Brooklyn; Wahl Professional’s Hi-Viz Trimmer, 5 Star Cordless Detailer Li, and the latest A-Lign Trimmer.  

Business   

Looking for the next way to expand your business? Focus on retail. Teaming up with Morgan’s Pomade, Kevin Vorley tells us about his tour to improve retail offerings in barbershops. While columnist Mark Maciver from SliderCuts Studio shares his advice to business owners and self-employed barbers about all thing’s insurance, with helpful tips about everything you need to know.  

We hope you enjoy this issue! You can order your print copy here. 

 

OUT NOW: BarberEVO UK & Ireland Issue 38 – May/June 2023

Welcome to BarberEVO UK & Ireland Issue 38 and EVO’s 101st magazine – can you believe it? Thank you to everyone who has been along on this journey, subscribing, reading, following, sending in your questions and sharing your wisdom. Where would we be without you?  

We kick off this issue with a feature on Grooming. For some, the word grooming is synonymous with barbering, but for our editor and the team, it’s not just about cutting hair and giving a shave, it is all about the transformative experience you give your clients. We feature a few shops and pros that excel in providing that unparalleled experience, with great technical skill. 

Next, let’s talk about education. There are so many avenues through which barbers can gain education, whether it’s at the beginning of their career, or years into it. In the post-pandemic world, there is now more access to virtual education than ever before. However, nothing can fully replace the efficacy of hands – on education. We cover all the options and their pros and cons in this feature. 

Do you identify as a tech-head, always getting your hands on the latest gear with the most up-to-date technology to make your work and home life easier and more efficient? Or would you say you’re more of a technophobe? Well, regardless of where you fall on this spectrum, there’s no denying the power of technology in this modern world, and if you can learn to embrace it, it can change your life, and your business for the better. 

Finally, to celebrate Pride month, we have a whole feature on Pride and Inclusivity. We talk to folks who are making waves in this industry to close the gender divide and create safe spaces accepting to all, where diversity can be celebrated. 

Also — we are celebrating that @barberevo has reached over 60K followers on Instagram. So, if you’re reading this and you’re not one of that 60K, go check out our page to make sure you are up to date with all of the latest and greatest content!

We hope you enjoy this issue! Order your beautifully presented print copy here. 

Denman Announced As Official Sponsor of BarbersRide

BarbersRide 2023 is thrilled to announce that Denman has agreed to be the official sponsor of this year’s ride which kicks off in August around Ireland.

Denman will be providing VIP toolkits for the riders and brushes for all the goody bags at each stage of the ride.

The charity of choice for this year’s ride, ‘Make a Wish Foundation’, has a special place in the heart of Denman Chairman John Rainey MBE. Back in 2000, Denman sponsored a child through Make a Wish foundation. That child was James Baker, a boy suffering from a life-limiting condition that causes tumours and a series of complex medical conditions. James had just one wish, which was to stay in a hotel in Belfast.

John Rainey wanted to do even more, so when he discovered that James had both a passion for the Belfast Giants Ice Hockey team and art, John arranged for VIP tickets to a Giants Hockey game and coaching from two local artists too.

James Baker is now 33 and has gone on to be a thriving artist as well as creating designs to decorate Denman brushes – he even has his own private box donated by the Belfast Giants Ice Hockey Team to protect him from infection.

Recently Xavier Berrell and seven riders dropped by for a visit to Denman HQ in Bangor to meet the team and say hello to James. James is pictured centre with all the bikers.

BarberEVO are proud media sponsors for BarbersRide and you can find out all about this year’s incredible event at www.barbersride.com/theride#full-ride-details

The Fellowship For British Hairdressing Launch 2023 Awards

The Fellowship for British Hairdressing has launched its Fellowship Luncheon & Hair Awards for 2023 – the biggest and best independent awards event in the industry.

The Awards are split into four different categories, the Image of the Year Awards, Art & Commerce Awards, Honours Awards and new for 2023, the SPOTLIGHT Award. All of these can be easily entered online using The Fellowship’s Awards Platform.

All awards winners will be celebrated at The Fellowship for British Hairdressing’s Luncheon & Hair Awards taking place at the Londoner in Leicester Square, London on Monday 4th December 2023, which is assured to be the hottest ticket in town, where Fellowship members, sponsors, brand partners and their guests can network alongside the coolest new talent, whilst celebrating the evolution of the Fellowship as it continues to shape the future of hairdressing.

Commenting on the awards launch, Barry Stephens CEO, The Fellowship for British Hairdressing, said: “We are delighted to announce the launch of our 2023 awards, including the brand new 2023 Spotlight Award. There are awards to suit everyone – whether you are a creative with beautiful collection imagery that would be suitable for the Image of the Year Awards, or more business focused with our Art & Commerce Awards. We also have our Honours Awards, which allow us to reward our Fellowship Team Members for their hard work and dedication to The Fellowship.”

Fellowship President Robert Eaton added: “Awards are a fantastic way to celebrate the exceptional talent we have within the industry, their passion, skills and expertise and we’re thrilled to have our own awards that allow us to give back to the very best in hairdressing talent, our members, and Fellowship Teams and Projects.”

CATEGORIES

2023 SPOTLIGHT AWARD

Split into two categories, the over 25’s and under 25’s, SPOTLIGHT is a virtual competition and the latest initiative from the Fellowship to find the next generation of talent and stars for the future.

IMAGE OF THE YEAR AWARDS:

  • Fellowship Image of the Year Award
  • Colour Image of the Year Award
  • Men’s Image of the Year Award
  • Afro Image of the Year Award
  • Snapshot Image of the Year Award
  • International Image of the Year Award

ART & COMMERCE AWARDS:

  • Salon Group of the Year Award
  • Individual Salon of the Year Award
  • Session Hair Stylist of the Year Award
  • Educator of the Year Award

HONOURS AWARDS:

  • Hairdresser of the Year Award
  • HALL OF F.A.M.E. Award
  • Gold Medal Award
  • Fellow with Distinction Award
  • Fellow with Honours Award
  • Member of the Year Award
  • Projects – Achiever of the Year Award

Criteria for each of the categories can be found here: Fellowship Luncheon & Hair Awards Brochure 2023 and all entries should be submitted here: Fellowship Awards Platform

Men’s Wedding Haircuts Now An Event

Men are increasingly making an event of getting their wedding haircut just right – taking their cue from how women have prepared for weddings for centuries.

Wedding haircut events – where a barber is booked to set up in the groom’s home and good friends are invited around for drinks and food – are the latest wedding trend.

Giuliano Dore, who set up Get Groomed Mobile Barbers as a response to a surge in demand for home haircuts and beard trims following the Covid pandemic, has seen a huge rise in demand for wedding events.

He said: “There is a tradition in many cultures of brides gathering with their bridesmaids to have their hair done and make-up just before a wedding. But in the past in the UK, men and the groom simply queued at the local barber shop waiting their turn!

“Now, everyone wants to have memorable photos and videos and to look their best. Men also want to make more of the preparations with both same-sex and heterosexual wedding days now including a barbering experience.

“It is quite common for two grooms to want identical haircuts and getting them done together ensures they look just right. Heterosexual men now want to ensure the best man and other male attendants look just right. Throw in some drinks and music; it is another fun aspect of the wedding.”

Get Groomed Mobile Barbers are booked online and can set up anywhere, bringing with them everything needed to ensure hair is styled, beards are trimmed or shaves are perfectly smooth. But Giuliano Dore says planning is essential.

He said: “I would advise grooms to consult with the barber first about the style they want. A dramatic change for a wedding day may not always be the most sensible thing to do. In many ways, it might be better to have a restyle a month or two before so the wedding cut is just a tidy up and there are no shocks for any party involved.

“A buzzcut is stylish on most people and suits men who want to look good on a formal occasion, but there is a danger you can go too short too quickly. For those who want to look more stylish with a bit of panache and individuality, a pompadour may be the right answer, but everyone is individual and it is an important day, so take time to get it right.”

In the home and workplace barbering has grown in popularity with both customers and barbers. Many traditional barbers have been struggling with the overheads of shop premises. At the same time, the public appetite for crowded waiting rooms reduced during the Covid pandemic and people prefer to have a home visit rather than sit being watched by a room full of strangers as they have their hair styled.

Said Giuliano: “People shop online for just about everything now, rather than wander down the High Street hoping to find the holiday, music, or service they want. The first place they turn is their phone and we find people want to book a haircut on our website and fix it for a time to suit themselves. We also have a number of corporates who book our barbers for workplace events.”

Get Groomed Mobile Barbers www.gogetgroomed.co.uk have qualified and skilled barbers operating in London, Birmingham and Manchester along with Guildford, Surry with plans to expand to other areas of the UK.

Win a Takara Belmont Dainty Chair With The #justicefortommy Campaign

Stephen Farrar, owner of Custom Belmont is joining a band of friends to raise money for the #justicefortommy campaign. Tommy Kneebone was a thriving seven-month-old baby who passed away suddenly. The Kneebone family are raising funds to help cover costs as they strive to obtain justice by challenging the hospital care he received.

Tommy’s father, Josh Kneebone is a barber from Kent who has Strops Barbershop in Crowborough and is a friend of Stephen. Having seen firsthand the devastating effect of losing Tommy, Stephen has decided to raffle off a Takara Belmont Dainty chair to raise funds.

A Takara Belmont Dainty Chair is a much-coveted item to barbers, as it is seen as the pinnacle of quality in barbershop chairs. This is the perfect chance to have this iconic chair in your barbershop for the cost of a £10 donation. They are worth in the region of £1500.00 and he hopes to draw the raffle at the Barber Connect event in June in Telford.

To enter the raffle, please donate what you can. The suggested donation is £10.00, please remember to add your name to be added to the raffle, and support the #justicefortommy campaign. You can donate at https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/justicefortommy1?utm_term=eRbNx6XyWo,

OUT NOW: BarberEVO UK and Ireland Issue 37 – March / April 2023

Welcome to BarberEVO issue 37! Let’s talk about style, baby! This issue is all about finding your unique style as an artist, keeping up with trends, and ensuring your space matches your personal vibes.

Gracing our coveted cover this issue is American Crew’s latest ‘AC-iD’ collection – a tribute to the style and music of the ‘90s, using AC’s iconic collection of styling pucks. We caught up with the AC Creative Team on the set of this shoot to see how the magic all comes together.

The man with style for days, Tariq Howes, kicks off our styling feature by sharing his experiences in the session styling world and as a BaByliss Ambassador. Gio Uktolsej based In Rotterdam talks about developing your own iconic style, and Liam Lovetts gives us the facts on short vs long styling. 

Next, EVO goes ECO. In this feature, we talk all about how to eco-ify your barbershop, not only to help save the planet, but to save money, and bring in more clients too! You don’t have to go vegan, but maybe your hair products can. Food for thought. 

Finally, we take a peek into some of this season’s best barbershop interiors. How can you add style to your space? Maybe it’s in investing in the best chairs, customising your furniture, finding a theme, or investing in a new state-of-the-art technology? We love Jazzman Grooves barbershop, which boasts an eclectic mix of industrial furniture and artistic, street-inspired décor. RUGER give us a look inside their contemporary space, while Gents @ 27 tell us how to take your barbershop ideas from pitch to brick and mortar premises.

We hope you enjoy this issue! You can order your print copy here.