Fellowship for British Hairdressing Hosts 2019 Luncheon and Awards

Each year, the Fellowship for British Hairdressing’s Luncheon and Awards marks the beginning of the festive season, as hairdressing’s unofficial Christmas party. The event recognises industry achievements from the previous 12 months, celebrating Fellowship members as well as the wider successes of British hairdressing as a whole.

This year, the event had a fresh look, with Chancellor Ashleigh Hodges overseeing a move to a new venue, the InterContinental Park Lane, and a revamped feel with her own unique touches. Opening the ceremony, Ashleigh said:

As we continue to move forward, it’s important for us to be inclusive, because we are here to give all of our members opportunities. Hence the importance of this venue move. No matter what is going on in the world our members are at the forefront of our decision making. I hope you thoroughly enjoy what I’ve done with the place!

Joining her on stage was President, Ken Picton. He acknowledged the successes of the Fellowship, including the launch of the acclaimed online education platform, The Knowledge:

The Fellowship is all about creativity and opportunity for our members and sponsors and that is what truly makes us unique. As we enter 2020, we have to be true to our core values, as what other industry can connect with the human spirit like ours can on a daily basis? Our projects have had a record number of applications this year, our sponsorship is the highest it’s ever been and our membership is growing daily – I’ve been Mr President for seven months now and I’ve loved every second.

Chairperson, Simon Shaw also took to the stage to recognise the hard work of the Fellowship Team Leaders:

Where else would you get the luminaries of our industry giving their time for free? Thank you to everyone who has mentored for one of our projects; you are all inspirational, you play a vital role in creating the future of our industry and the Fellowship.

Before lunch was served, the Fellowship recognised members’ achievements with the awarding of medals to the Fellows with Honours and Distinction, the Salutation Awards for press and the Roll of Recognition for Fellowship supporters, as well as paying tribute to the late Sean Nolan from HOB Salons.

Following a delicious meal – during which Simon Tuckwell said a few words of gratitude, and Karine Jackson raised a toast to humanity – it was time for the Fellowship Awards, and the announcement of the 2020 F.A.M.E. Team. Before the fantastic four were revealed, Nick Irwin and the 2019 team said their goodbyes – with Nick handing over the reins after three remarkable years to new Team Leader, Jamie Stevens.

The final moment of recognition was for Fellowship Hairdresser of the Year – named as Sally Brooks, for her monumental contributions to British hairdressing as a creative, a business owner and a passionate educator working to inspire more people into the industry. With the awards over, it was time for the after party – this year, hosted in the InterContinental’s bar with live music from Alex Francis. There was also a chance to get snap happy with masks and cut-outs of Ken, Simon and Ashleigh – the brains behind one spectacular start to the season.

Award Winners

• Fellow with Honours - Paul Dennison, Ken Picton and Andy Heasman, Rush
• Fellow with Distinction - Karine Jackson
• Member of the Year - Marlene Lamont, Urban Hair and Beauty
• Charity Award - Stewart Roberts, Haircuts for Homeless
• Individual Salon of the Year - Toni & Guy Canary Wharf
• Salon Group of the Year - HOB Salons
• Fellowship Snapshot Image of the Year - HOB Creative Team
• Fellowship Image of the Year - Andrew Heasman, RUSH
• Colour Project Achiever of the Year - Lea Shaw
• Project X Student of the Year - Dan Law
• F.A.M.E. Team 2020 - Brooke Evans, BE Ironbridge / Casey Coleman, CHAIR / Brandon Messinger, The Hair Movement / Jose Domene, Hare and Bone
• Fellowship Hairdresser of the Year - Sally Brooks, Brooks and Brooks