We’ve just hosted our first Learn ABout (L.AB) session for 2025 with a focus on self-employment models within salons, and how not to get caught out. We invited a small audience plus three presenters to take 15 minutes in the spotlight and share their thoughts on this very current, hot topic. We then invited all speakers to the stage for a panel conversation with the audience so any questions they had could be answered.
The L.AB: Hammersmith 29 January
The evening was hosted by Respect For Hair and sponsored by Kao Salon Division. Like Kao Salon Division, we share a common interest to share business advice to salon owners and freelancers to reassure them that the industry is evolving (and not dissolving).
Click the links to see the presentations â and we hope youâll agree it’s an interesting watch.
Oliver Blackaby
Oliver Blackaby opened his salon in Brighton five years ago. Choosing the self-employment model, Ollie wanted stylists to have the sense of freedom that he lacked when he was an employee for a salon. He also thought that by not employing stylists it was easier for him to run a business, but in his presentation Ollie shares with us a whole new set of challenges that arose for him.
Melanie Beech
Melanie Beech owns Salon Expert Accountants, and was an interesting speaker for this subject. Sharing the ins and out when it comes to HMRC, Melanie also explained how you view you self-employed stylist is important to ensure you don’t get caught out by hidden employment.
Jack and Ross Williams-Hirst
THANK YOU
Here’s what our audience thought of the night…
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The LAB is about community. Coming together and sharing. Itâs this simple. Our evenings presenting The LAB require our great sponsors â thanks again to Kao Salon Division. And our audience on the night. And to you for following us online and on our socials. Together we are stronger!
Dates for your diary
If youâd like to attend a LAB evening, drop us a note ellie@ihaa.co.uk
For more of the latest industry news click here
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