Opening their Academy on London’s Bedford Street located in London’s prestigious Covent Garden, was a momentous occasion for the Rush team. The education hub for both internal and external students, with courses running constantly. However, when an unexpected global pandemic hit, the education stopped, the team were at home and plans were halted, something no one expected.
Throughout the pandemic – whilst many enjoyed the down time and took advantage of the break – the Rush team did the opposite. Co-Founder Stell Andrew along with Academy Director Adam Bryant and International Creative Director Andy Heasman took the opportunity to review the Academy, the overall education, and the operation of the space. They evaluated every area of the training on offer, the ROI, those who they were servicing and of course their pride and joy – their team. Having taken time to review everything and put together their thoughts and opinions, all parties agreed that it was time for change – time for the Rush brand to move forward and once again be a leader in the industry. Time for a new era of education and development.
Back to basics
It all needs to start in house. The Rush team need to receive the very best in hairdressing education themselves to provide their clients with exceptional service and bring back the client journey that clients craved post-pandemic. Plans were put in place to provide continuous education to all with a focus on ‘the team’ ensuring feel part of a valued and evolving team. A new strategy was put into place, with every team member receiving direct and detailed onboarding with Academy Director Adam, welcoming them to the team and providing the first step into education. Adam is the main contact for every new team member, leading them through the first stages of their Rush career. The onboarding covers education in the foundation hairdressing skills, customer service, retail and the ‘Rush Way’, which covers the brands values, strategies and visions. They are added into a Whatsapp group where they can instantly communicate and remain in contact with their mentor – this 24/7 access and support has resulted in an increased retention rate from pre-pandemic of 77% to in March 2022 93%.
From here, each stylist has unlimited access to education within the Rush Academy with Artistic Team Members: Andy Heasman, Tina Farey, Seung ki Baek, Michael Rackett as well as colour specialist Tina Poohnam and styling specialist Sophie Chandler. Education is available to all, with every stylist/manager/assistant welcomed in as often as they wish to benefit from the new education regime – sounds awesome!
Rush’s new look at education has allowed them to secure, maintain and provide clients with a strong, passionate and ever evolving team, who ensure every individual who visits any of the Rush salons receive an exceptional salon service which features exemplary standards of hairdressing and service.
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