I know that the bulk of our listeners are not in the UK, but the changes happening to the UK hairdressing industry have been getting a lot of attention on social media, and as a result, I’ve had a lot of questions from hairdressers elsewhere.

So, in this week's episode, I talk with Toby Dicker, co-founder of the Salon Employers Association, to discuss the critical tax challenges facing the UK salon industry.

Following the recent march on Parliament by hairdressers protesting the unfair tax system, Toby provides a clear explanation of how VAT disproportionately impacts labour-intensive businesses like hair salons.

We explore the uneven playing field between employee-based salon businesses and self-employed models, and how this disparity threatens the future of training, apprenticeships, and business growth in our industry.

Toby shares insights from his work lobbying the government for change and the recent historic parliamentary debate on hairdressing. This conversation isn't just about numbers, it's about gaining respect for our profession and ensuring the continued creativity and excellence of British hairdressing.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[0:47] Introducing Toby Dicker and the Salon Employers Association

[4:03] Simple overview of the VAT tax system in the UK

[8:07] Explaining how the VAT system creates an uneven playing field

[11:36] Impact on recruitment and apprenticeships

[15:05] The disincentive to grow businesses due to the VAT threshold

[18:15] Possible solutions to level the playing field

[24:03] The concept of "disguised employment" explained

[31:50] How businesses avoid crossing the VAT threshold

[41:07] The historic parliamentary debate on hairdressing

[47:24] How salon owners can get involved in the campaign

Want MORE to help you GROW?

📚 Check out our Bestselling GROW Books https://growmysalonbusiness.com/books/

🆘 Management overwhelm!? Download our free checklist! This checklist will help you get clarity on where you're at https://growmysalonbusiness.com/management-checklist/

RATINGS + REVIEWS

🙏Thanks so much for joining me this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated!

They do matter in the rankings of the show and help other people find my podcast.

👉 Here's what you do:

- On your phone, Click here (Read steps below first)

- Scroll down to 'Ratings & Reviews'

- Tap on the empty purple stars and rate 5 stars

- Click on ‘Write a Review’ I love to hear what’s been helpful and what you love about the podcast! Thank you for your support! 🙏

Until next time!
Antony

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

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👉 FOLLOW TOBY DICKER - THE CHAPEL

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👉 FOLLOW SALON EMPLOYERS ASSOCIATION

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👉 FOLLOW BRITISH HAIR CONSORTIUM

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You don't grow a business just by getting more clients.

You grow by keeping the ones you’ve already got. But so many salons are focused on acquiring new clients that they completely miss that the real problem is poor client retention.

In this episode, I talk about why client retention is the foundation of sustainable growth and how you’re probably bleeding opportunity by focusing too heavily on new client acquisition.

I share the reality of what the client retention figures are, why you should be tracking what they are in your salon and what simple shifts you can make this week to start plugging the holes in your business.

If you're serious about growing your salon, this is where to start.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[0:00] Amanda adds $20K/month without spending more on marketing

[1:38] How to make more money with what you already have

[1:58] The client life cycle: a powerful mindset shift

[3:27] The trend: salons focus on new clients instead of retention

[7:29] The three-part system for making every client count

[8:56] A simple action with dramatic results

[9:20] Case studies: Lucas and Clive boost revenue with rebooking

[11:02] This masterclass is for owners ready to build a high-performing team. FREE Masterclass Creating the Super Stylist: The Key to Boosting Productivity and Profits in Your Salon.’ Save your seat here

Want MORE to help you GROW?

📚 Check out our Bestselling GROW Books https://growmysalonbusiness.com/books/

🆘 Management overwhelm!? Download our free checklist! This checklist will help you get clarity on where you're at https://growmysalonbusiness.com/management-checklist/

RATINGS + REVIEWS

🙏Thanks so much for joining me this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated!

They do matter in the rankings of the show and help other people find my podcast.

👉 Here's what you do:

- On your phone, Click here (Read steps below first)

- Scroll down to 'Ratings & Reviews'

- Tap on the empty purple stars and rate 5 stars

- Click on ‘Write a Review’ I love to hear what’s been helpful and what you love about the podcast! Thank you for your support! 🙏

Until next time!
Antony

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

If you're serious about growing your salon, this is where to start.👇

FREE Masterclass Creating the Super Stylist: The Key to Boosting Productivity and Profits in Your Salon.’ Save your seat here

👉 FOLLOW US!

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Some people love data! But let's be honest and say that for most hairdressers, studying the numbers in their business is not their favourite pastime.

My Guest today is a returning Guest, Tom Bentley-Taylor, who, amongst other things, originally got the Salon Software brand Short Cuts established in the UK and is currently Managing Director at Vish in the UK.

Tom is unashamedly a numbers guy. He loves data, but more importantly, he loves what data tells you about what's working and what isn’t working in the business.

In today’s podcast, we will discuss:

• The importance of using data in business
• What is the most important data to track in the salon business?
• How data creates clarity for business owners and fairness for their team.

And lots more!

IN THIS EPISODE:

[1:30] Welcoming Tom Bentley-Taylor and his background in salon software

[3:05] The evolution from Shortcuts to Vish and why colour management matters

[6:55] Are salons undercharging for colour? The problem with guesswork

[8:40] How technology reveals the true cost of delivering services

[11:10] Why data creates clarity for owners and fairness for teams

[13:15] Empowering vs restricting: how stylists respond to numbers

[18:06] Mistakes owners make when introducing change

[22:45] Pricing, margin, and why protecting profit isn’t optional

[25:20] “Creative freedom” vs business responsibility

[28:10] The difference data makes to accountability

[32:40] How Vish works with existing systems

[34:02] The data that helps drive decision-making

[36:40] The mindset of high-performing salon owners

[38:55] Final advice from Tom: stop guessing and start tracking

Want MORE to help you GROW?

📚 Check out our Bestselling GROW Books https://growmysalonbusiness.com/books/

🆘 Management overwhelm!? Download our free checklist! This checklist will help you get clarity on where you're at https://growmysalonbusiness.com/management-checklist/

RATINGS + REVIEWS

🙏Thanks so much for joining me this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated!
They do matter in the rankings of the show and help other people find my podcast.

👉 Here's what you do:

- On your phone, Click here (Read steps below first)

- Scroll down to 'Ratings & Reviews'

- Tap on the empty purple stars and rate 5 stars

- Click on ‘Write a Review’ I love to hear what’s been helpful and what you love about the podcast! Thank you for your support! 🙏

Until next time!
Antony

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👉 FOLLOW TOM BENTLEY TAYLOR!

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Over the years, I’ve seen many salon businesses, and inevitably, some stand out more than others.

Some of them stand out because of the decor, others for the culture, some for their size and some for their success as a business.

My guest today is Meagan McCormack, President of Visible Changes salon group in Houston, Texas, which is without doubt an amazing business.

Meagan offers incredible insights on leadership, creating a positive culture, and the importance of authentic connection in today's salon environment. Whether you're running a large salon group or a small independent salon, Meagan's wisdom about adapting to change while staying true to your values will inspire you.

In today’s podcast, we discuss:

● How a salon group the size of Visible Changes has continued to evolve as a business.

● How they have adapted to suit the changing needs of today's workforce

● Why they are expanding more into the product side of the industry

And lots more!

IN THIS EPISODE:

[01:03] Setting up today’s conversation with Meagan McCormack

[02:24] Visible Changes: What's changed since 2019
[04:31] COVID’s impact and consolidating salon locations
[07:02] Meagan’s leadership transition and new role
[11:45] Creating a people-first, compassionate management approach
[17:12] The structure of the Visible Changes management team
[18:35] Challenges of being a young woman leading a large company
[23:00] The importance of authenticity and vulnerability in leadership
[26:00] Launching a new focus on product development
[31:30] Finding confidence and fighting imposter syndrome
[38:15] Big goals: Aiming for a $100 million business
[42:14] Celebrating top performers and incredible sales achievements
[45:12] The role of retail sales in stylist success
[46:29] Navigating the challenges of booth rental and Gen Z expectations
[49:48] How mentorship is key to building the next generation of salon professionals
[52:00] Final thoughts on leadership, evolution, and resilience

Want MORE to help you GROW?

📚 Check out our Bestselling GROW Books https://growmysalonbusiness.com/books/

🆘 Management overwhelm!? Download our free checklist! This checklist will help you get clarity on where you're at https://growmysalonbusiness.com/management-checklist/

RATINGS + REVIEWS

🙏Thanks so much for joining me this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated!

They do matter in the rankings of the show and help other people find my podcast.

👉 Here's what you do:

- On your phone,Click here (Read steps below first)

- Scroll down to 'Ratings & Reviews'

- Tap on the empty purple stars and rate 5 stars

- Click on ‘Write a Review’ I love to hear what’s been helpful and what you love about the podcast! Thank you for your support! 🙏

Until next time!
Antony

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Salon Management Course

👉 FOLLOW US!

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👉 FOLLOW MEAGAN McCORMACK!
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This week, I dive into what makes a truly effective salon manager in today's rapidly changing business landscape. I've titled it "The 9 Traits of a Modern Salon Manager", and I've consciously used the word 'Modern' because, like everything else in life and business, what worked yesterday may not work so well today.

I explore the nine essential traits that modern salon leaders need to cultivate to build successful teams, create thriving businesses, and adapt to the evolving demands of our industry. While certain principles remain timeless, other elements of management and leadership become more or less important over time.

Whether you're a salon owner looking to strengthen your leadership skills or a stylist with ambitions of salon management, this episode offers practical insights to help you develop your management approach.

And, If you're serious about elevating your management skills, be sure to join me on my FREE Masterclass: The 4 Essential Lessons in Salon Management - Save your seat here

IN THIS EPISODE:

[2:00] The importance of your role as a manager and leader

[2:52] Why the "hands-off" management approach often fails

[4:55] Trait 1: Having a clear vision for the future

[5:42] Trait 2: Understanding that leadership is about developing people

[6:23] Trait 3: Building relationships and showing empathy

[7:07] Trait 4: Offering flexibility in the workplace

[8:23] Trait 5: Driving productivity through goal-setting and accountability

[9:35] Trait 6: Embracing technology in salon management

[10:01] Trait 7: Creating and protecting your salon's culture

[10:51] Trait 8: Prioritising effective communication

[11:36] Trait 9: Embracing and adapting to change

[11:57] Final thoughts on continuous learning as a manager

Want MORE to help you GROW?

📚 Check out our Bestselling GROW Books https://growmysalonbusiness.com/books/

🆘 Management overwhelm!? Download our free checklist! This checklist will help you get clarity on where you're at https://growmysalonbusiness.com/management-checklist/

RATINGS + REVIEWS

🙏Thanks so much for joining me this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated!

They do matter in the rankings of the show and help other people find my podcast.

👉 Here's what you do:

- On your phone,Click here (Read steps below first)
- Scroll down to 'Ratings & Reviews'
- Tap on the empty purple stars and rate 5 stars
- Click on ‘Write a Review’ I love to hear what’s been helpful and what you love about the podcast! Thank you for your support! 🙏

Until next time!
Antony

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

FREE Masterclass: 4 Essential Lessons in Salon Management - Click here to save your seat

👉 FOLLOW US!

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One of the things that I constantly see in industry Facebook groups is how badly employees are paid, whether we’re talking about apprentices, assistants or stylists…

And that isn’t country specific, it’s a general trend of people feeling they’re hard done by to the point of being exploited…

But what I literally never see are comments about “How bad the productivity levels of the average hairdresser are.”

And obviously that's part of the problem, because what you earn is always going to be a reflection of what you produce.

Join me as I share 15 key traits that set high-earning stylists apart and discover how you can transform your income without thinking you have to go self-employed or change salons.

If you're ready to stop blaming and start earning, this episode is your roadmap to financial success in the salon industry.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Download the Guide: 15 Points for Financial Success as an employed stylist.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[00:55] Commitment to a positive outlook despite industry challenges

[01:20] Observations about compensation complaints in industry Facebook groups

[02:07] The connection between productivity and earnings in salons

[02:56] Addressing the stylist's mindset about money and compensation

[03:39] The reality of salon economics and owner struggles

[05:11] Introducing the concept: "You don't get what you want, you get who you are"

[06:01] Questions for stylists to assess their own productivity

[07:04] Celebrating successful stylists in the industry

[07:49] Introduction to "The Half Million Dollar Club" stylists

[08:46] Discussion of stylists earning $200-250K annually behind the chair

[10:15] Addressing the blame mentality and shifting to personal responsibility

[10:51] Introduction to the 15 traits of financially successful stylists

[15:47] Practical examples of what successful stylists do consistently

Want MORE to help you GROW?

📚 Check out our Bestselling GROW Books https://growmysalonbusiness.com/books/

🆘 Management overwhelm!? Download our free checklist! This checklist will help you get clarity on where you're at https://growmysalonbusiness.com/management-checklist/

RATINGS + REVIEWS

🙏Thanks so much for joining me this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated!

They do matter in the rankings of the show and help other people find my podcast.

👉 Here's what you do:

- On your phone,Click here (Read steps below first)

- Scroll down to 'Ratings & Reviews'

- Tap on the empty purple stars and rate 5 stars

- Click on ‘Write a Review’ I love to hear what’s been helpful and what you love about the podcast! Thank you for your support! 🙏

Until next time!
Antony

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It’s very rare that a new tool for cutting hair enters the professional market. And those that do usually tend to fade away.

But occasionally something piques the imagination of both the creatives and the business side of the industry as being creatively different and commercially beneficial.

My guest today is Frank Brormann, a German hairdresser, salon owner and inventor of Calligraphy Cut, a new tool and a new way of working with hair.

In today’s podcast, we will discuss:

• What exactly is the calligraphy cut?
• How it could potentially be a new cutting service to offer your clients
• The experience of being on Germany’s ‘Lions Den’ (Shark Tank), where he secured a million-euro investment.

And lots more!

IN THIS EPISODE:

[01:20] Welcome to Frank Brormann

[01:26] What exactly is Calligraphy Cut - a tool or a specific haircut?

[02:21] The origin story - how flower stems inspired the Calligraphy Cut

[05:08] The science behind the 21-degree angle and what makes it special

[06:46] What hair problems does the Calligraphy Cut solve?

[08:46] Using the Calligraphy Cut on different hair types and textures

[10:42] Why the Calligraphy Cut is best used on wet hair

[11:55] The client experience and financial impact on salons

[14:43] The business model: subscription vs. purchase options

[17:04] Frank's background and adoption rate in his own salon

[19:23] How stylists initially react to the Calligraphy Cut

[21:08] The experience of pitching on Germany's "Lion's Den" (Shark Tank)

[25:09] How the TV appearance and investors transformed the business

[29:27] Digital transformation of the Calligraphy Cut business

[33:35] Final thoughts from Frank on embracing innovation

Want MORE to help you GROW?

📚 Check out our Bestselling GROW Books

https://growmysalonbusiness.com/books/

🆘 Management overwhelm!? Download our free checklist! This checklist will help you get clarity on where you're at https://growmysalonbusiness.com/management-checklist/

RATINGS + REVIEWS

🙏Thanks so much for joining me this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show and help other people find my podcast.

👉 Here's what you do:

- On your phone,Click here (Read steps below first)

- Scroll down to 'Ratings & Reviews'

- Tap on the empty purple stars and rate 5 stars

- Click on ‘Write a Review’ I love to hear what’s been helpful and what you love about the podcast! Thank you for your support! 🙏

Until next time!
Antony

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👉 FOLLOW CALLIGRAPHY CUT UK!

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👉 FOLLOW CALLIGRAPHY CUT GERMANY!

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In this week’s episode, I share a recent conversation I had with a Chicago-based stylist who is one of those rare people who is continually looking for those 1% improvements that separate good stylists from exceptional ones.

I talk about why it’s essential that salon owners invest in training their team beyond just technical skills.

Despite all the time, energy, and financial commitment you make as the salon owner, the real success of your business comes together when the stylist is standing behind the chair.

That's where the magic either happens or not…

As a salon owner, stop leaving the success of that interaction between client and stylist to chance. Instead, either invest in or develop your own comprehensive training programs that cover communication skills, client service, and the mindset needed for sustained success.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[00:00] Welcome and introduction

[00:45] Introducing Rita and the Super Stylist course

[01:49] Questions for salon owners about team training

[03:33] Where the rubber meets the road: The critical client interaction

[04:14] Introduction to Rita's story and my initial assumptions

[05:14] The surprising reality of Rita's experience and mindset

[05:58] Communication distinctions that matter with clients

[06:49] Rita's approach to continuous improvement

[07:47] What inspires me about stylists like Rita

[08:51] Information about the Super Stylist course

Want MORE to help you GROW?

📚 Check out our Bestselling GROW Books https://growmysalonbusiness.com/books/

🆘 Management overwhelm!? Download our free checklist! This checklist will help you get clarity on where you're at https://growmysalonbusiness.com/management-checklist/

RATINGS + REVIEWS

🙏Thanks so much for joining me this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated!

They do matter in the rankings of the show and help other people find my podcast.

👉 Here's what you do:

- On your phone,Click here (Read steps below first)

- Scroll down to 'Ratings & Reviews'

- Tap on the empty purple stars and rate 5 stars

- Click on ‘Write a Review’ I love to hear what’s been helpful and what you love about the podcast! Thank you for your support! 🙏

Until next time!
Antony

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

The Online Super Stylist course

👉 FOLLOW US!

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