Hj's 2010 british hairdressing business awards

"Tonight we'll honour those teams and individuals who make this business great," said HJ's publisher and editor in chief, Jayne Lewis-Orr at the opening of HJ's 2010 British Hairdressing Business Awards.

And honour them it did, with the evening unfolding into a glittering event that saw 13 accolades bestowed upon the industry's best in business, from the most promising junior to the most dynamic director.

Ensuring the whole event ran smoothly was celebrity host Mark Durden-Smith who had some very positive remarks to make about the 800-plus guests gathered at The Lancaster London Hotel.

"I feel totally out of place - a drably dressed loser compared to you lot," he enthused. "You are amazingly cool and

glamorous. Tonight I want you to let your well-groomed hair down!"

And they did!

Here's a rundown of how the evening went.

6pm The doors don't officially open for another half an hour but already taxis are pulling up outside the Lancaster London.

6.30pm The doors are open, the 12th British Hairdressing Business Awards are officially underway.

7.50pm HJ's publisher/editor in chief Jayne Lewis-Orr takes to the stage to welcome guests and asks all finalists to stand up and be recognised.

7.55pm Tommy's is entered into the British Hairdressing Awards Hall of Fame for its success in the Salon of the Year 2 category - the salon in Ruthin, North Wales has won the award three times.

8pm Dinner is served and the tension mounts as guest tuck into a three course meal prior to the award ceremony.

10.10pm The evening's host, TV presenter Mark Durden-Smith kicks off the hotly anticipated awards ceremony, and soon has the crowd onside as he tells them they are cool and glamorous.

10.20pm The great and the good of British hairdressing are recognised for their inspirational ideas and commitment to driving their businesses forward.

11.20pm The final award of the night Director of the Year is presented to Mark Woolley of Electric Hairdressing.

11.40pm Guests party into the small hours.

2pm The last guests make their way home after an evening to remember.

British Hairdressing Business Awards photos

• British Hairdressing Business Awards arrivals
• British Hairdressing Business Award winners
• British Hairdressing Business Awards party pictures

British Hairdressing Business Awards Video