Brighton hairdressing business named ‘Ultimate Salon’ in the UK
Brighton salon Simon Webster Hair has been named ‘Ultimate Salon’ at the Salon Business Awards, which took place in London earlier this week. Despite missing out on the prize for ‘Creative Salon’ in which they were nominated, all finalists across 14 categories were eligible for the ‘Ultimate’ award, and it was the popular North Laine salon that took home the accolade after a tense wait.
Simon Webster Hair has also been shortlisted for further awards at two different events, each run by leading industry publications. The salon is through to the finals of the Creative Head Most Wanted Awards in the Best Salon Team category. Widely regarded as the ’Vogue’ of the hairdressing world, an award from Creative Head is the most sought-after of all industry prizes, endorsed by the world’s top session stylists and ‘influencers.’
Finally, the salon has finalised in an impressive two categories at the British Hairdressing Business Awards, which recognise teams and individuals who work tirelessly to raise the profile and professionalism of the industry. Each of the award entries require detailed dossiers outlining everything from the salon’s ethos to its achievements, work with the community and team building activities. The news is even more impressive given that this was the salon’s first time entering any such competition.
‘This is such an exciting time for the salon’ says Simon Webster. ‘We’re so passionate about what we do, so to have this recognised by the publications we read and respect is really important. This is the ideal opportunity for us to show the country that Brighton is one of the most forward-thinking and innovative cities when it comes to business and we couldn’t be prouder to call it our home.’
‘When we opened, we wanted to bring the innovation and professionalism to the small, local salon environment that is expected from larger salon groups,” says Sophie Webster. “We are immensely proud of the skill, dedication and creativity of the team that we have built and it is the recognition of that team that means the most to us. It is about everyone who works at the salon and the heart they bring to their work…We’re very proud of the work that our team do, the relationships they build with their clients and the difference they want to make to their industry and their community.”
Simon Webster Hair began in 2012 when Simon and Sophie Webster met as hairdresser and client; within 8 months, the pair had married and opened their four-floor salon. Offering a complete range of colour, cutting and styling options based on time, not gender, Simon Webster Hair celebrates diversity, eschewing the traditional binary labelling of services that can exclude or alienate clients who don’t associate with those terms.
As proud locals, the salon and its team also plays a big role in the community, with involvement in retail events and festivals, including Brighton Pride. Charity work is a priority too; the team works regularly with local organisations (in particular Sussex Breast Cancer Care and the Clocktower Sanctuary) to help support their users in maintaining self-esteem and personal appearance.
Earlier this month, the salon took third place overall at the prestigious L’Oreal Colour Trophy Grand Final after competing against thousands of salons from all the over UK. It was the team’s third Colour Trophy prize in just five years of being open.