Hub Network 2022

Kao Salon Division were delighted to welcome back their Hub Network event earlier this month, an event exclusive for Kao’s salon owners. Let us set the scene… Glorious sunshine, a five star hotel and the backdrop? The gorgeous Algarve. A trip to remember, not just for the luxurious setting but for the extensive business value too.

Not only did guests receive inspirational business presentations, but there was even some relaxation time (and a bit of party time too!) Whilst the days were spent learning how to achieve your brand goals, the evenings were spent dining al-fresco overlooking the Atlantic Ocean on Vale Covo cliffside.

What did we learn?

Julie Winchester, Kao Salon Division UK & Ireland General Manager kicked off the event with a warm welcome. Joining Julie on stage was Director of Sale, Mitch Lucas. Mitch shared his thoughts and what he’d learnt from each speaker, as well as cracking a few jokes. 

Charles Marcus

A highly respected global keynote speaker, business educator and best-selling author. Charles inspired the audience (and brought a tear to their eye) with his powerful story on overcoming adversity. Charles proudly shared his personal experiences of being different and how he had the courage to use his difference to stand out. Charles highlighted the importance of how having great intentions means nothing until you action them; and how great leadership is all about taking responsibility and accountability. Reminding the audience to always take pride in elevating their profession and their industry – “You are not only a hairdresser. This is a noble industry and the greatest industry in the world.”

Hellen Ward

As the Managing Director of Richard Ward Hair & Metrospa –  flourish salon in the heart of Chelsea, London – Hellen tackled how to future proof you salon. Addressing how the Covid aftermath has affected salon, Hellen honestly spoke about the declining salon turnover, salon closures and profitability taking a hit. Hellen also highlighted the challenges  the industry is facing with PAYE, VAT, skills crisis, and the impact of clients wanting to go longer between appointments. Hellen wrapped things up with advice on profitability, leveraging employee benefits and how to ensure staff feel valued to retain them.

Sophia Hilton

Sophia addressed the challenging matter of toxicity in the workplace. Hitting the nail on the head, Sophia explained that toxicity is not a person it’s a behaviour. Sophia discussed the challenges of having multiple generations in the workplace and how it can lead to misunderstandings; by understanding the perspective of each others generation can reduce strained relationships (which can ultimately lead to toxicity). Working on self-development and understanding toxic behaviour alongside the GOSSIP model is the way forward when it comes to eradicating toxicity from the workplace.

Anthony Bennett

Rounding up the first day with a presentation on setbacks, resilience and saying yes to opportunities that scare you, was Anthony Bennett. Pulling on heart strings Anthony shared a personal, and emotional story with the audience. After a near death experience, Anthony turned his biggest fear into his biggest passion  – and now he’s making a career out of it – public speaking. Inspiring the audience with the power of the imagination to envision the result you are seeking. “When you say the word no, nothing changes. When you say the word yes, amazing things can happen.”

Day two

Irene Meikle, Director of Education kicked off day two by getting the crowd ‘fired up and ready to go’ with a conga line; followed by a film of the renowned, electrifying anecdote from President Barack Obama about how his infamous election slogan ‘Fired up and ready to go!’ came about. “One voice can change a room. And if it can change a room, it can change a city,” being one his most famous phrases.

Richard Lambert

Richard Lambert, CEO of NHBF welcomed questions and a lively debate following his presentation on the state of the industry and the growing challenges of recruiting staff and those qualified to a salon’s standard.

Penny Etheridge

Penny’s big comeback! Following a career break due to illness, Penny was warmly welcomed. back by peers as she shared her story on how to turn an impossible situation into a success story. Having spent years building her salon chain, Storm, events took a turn and led Penny to a career working for an online estate agency (that she initially knew nothing about.) Penny faced the challenge of not being taken seriously amongst her new colleagues; When Penny thought about the process of a salon consultation, she realised just how versatile this process was and implemented to the way she worked in the housing market. Before she knew it, Penny became an award-winning member of the team. However, Penny’s passion has always been in the hairdressing industry, and now uses her experiences to coach and mentor salon businesses and team members, showing them how to use the power of their own old and new experiences to take their business forward.

Vin

One half of the sustainable visionaries and fashion powerhouse VIM+OMI, who recently partnered with KMS at London Fashion Week. Vin shared the story behind one of world’s most recognised and pioneering sustainable brands. Vin had the audience in awe of the way VIN+OMI implement sustainability into creating fashion. Vin also shared the importance of who you partner with and how values should compliment each other in order for the partnership to work, drawing on his experience of partnering with KMS and their sustainable benefits.

Holly Tucker MBE

Rounding things up for 2022, was Holly Tucker MBE who shared her journey on how she came to launch ‘Not on the High Street’. Holly’s motto ‘do what you love, love what you do’ inspired and uplifted the audience. By truly loving every day of what you do, you’ll  strive to make your business a success. Holly also shared the importance of empowering your team to thrive; and shared her biggest lessons and proven advice on how to grow your business in a meaningful way that enables you to continue doing what you love most.

After two days of powerful, insightful and inspiring talks, guests were treated to some relaxation before an Ibizia-styled drinks party and a three course dinner at the Sky Bar.

“How fantastic to be back together again in such a stunning location! We received some incredible insights and inspiration from our amazing host of speakers. We hope all of our customers, who are all part of our Kao Salon family, enjoyed hearing from our amazing speakers and took home some practical ideas to help support their business. We can’t wait to reveal the destination of our next HUB Network 2023 and to spending more time with our salon family soon – it’s great to finally be back together!” says Julie Winchester, General Manager Kao Salon Division UK, Ireland