'recession-proof' rush celebrate in style

Rush London celebrated a record-breaking 2008 and looked to the future with an award ceremony and conference at the prestigious Addington Palace in Surrey.

The 700-plus team attended the luxurious venue to celebrate another successful and vibrant year.

Chairman of Rush London and HJ's 2008 Business Director of the Year, Andrew Phouli, said: "Recession or not, Rush London is achieving their expansion plans.

"As far as I am aware, hair does not stop growing during a recession, and you can't get it cut online.

"For the fifth week in a row we have beaten records and with ten new salons opening in the first quarter of 2009; Rush is recession proof."

Creative director Stell Andrew, who coaches the Rush London artistic team, continued with a motivational presentation, Dance with Your Fear.

Following the theme of facing your fears and eliminating them, Stell talked about the importance of forward planning.

The audience was then treated to a presentation from the artistic team, which introduced their current collections StaticMovement and TechNiture, which was presented by Tina Farey and international colour director Chris Williams.

After dinner, excitement and nerves continued to rise as the anticipation set in to find out who the 2008 winners were.

Rush London Salon Awards Winners

• Assistant of the Year - Laura Ballard, Rush Putney
• Receptionist of the Year - Rachael Hagan, Rush Walton-on-Thames
• Beauty Therapist of the Year - Lisa Wakefield, Rush Croydon
• Retailer of the Year - Lara Clark, Rush Wimbledon
• Retail Salon of the Year - Centrale, Rush Croydon
• Newcomer of the Year - Lucy Watts, Rush Brighton
• NVQ Educator of the Year - Lorenzo Favata, Rush Epsom
• Head Office Award - Carole Childs, Rush Croydon
• Colourist of the Year - Rebecca Counsell, Rush Sutton
• Stylist of the Year - Judith Rabanser, Rush Richmond
• Victoria Cheriton - Rush Croydon
• Manager of the Year - Lucy Kundomal, Rush Clapham
• Franchisee of the Year - Tony Christodoulou, Rush Staines
• Outstanding Achievement Award - Chris Beaumont, Rush Covent Garden
• Photographic Award 2008 (1st Place) - Isabella Bryuns, Rush Centrale, Croydon
• Photographic Award 2008 (2nd Place) - Matt Stopps, Rush Walton-on-Thames
• Photographic Award 2008 (Joint 3rd) - Rebecca Counsell, Rush Sutton
• Photographic Award 2008 (Joint 3rd) - Mark Gregory, Rush Brighton
• Franchise Salon of the Year 2008 -  Rush Bromley
• Salon of the Year 2008 -  Rush Epsom