Published
20th Jan 2025
by Charlotte Grant-West
We spoke to experienced industry judges to find out 10 of the most important things to include in your British Hairdressing Business Awards entry – and one thing not to.
- Your entry form
The judges say: "You'd be surprised at how many people forget this vital part! When you spend a huge amount of time and effort working on your entry, it's easy to see how this can be a bit of an afterthought – but make sure you do include it." - Photographic evidence
The judges say: "You're a happy, smiley team? We don't want to read it, we want to see it. You do lots of team building activities? Show us the photos to prove it – even if they are just informal snaps!" - Proof
The judges say: "Don't just tell us what your retention rates are; have the documentation to show it." - Highlights
The judges say: "No, not those kind of highlights. Yes, judges want supporting evidence, but a little signposting to the relevant bits will be a very popular move. Use a different font, pull-out boxes or graphics to really draw attention to those numbers." - Labels
The judges say: "Submitting lots of different photographs or pages for your entry? Make sure your name is clearly visible on all of them. When there are so many entries to look at on judging day, it's good to be able to see at a glance whose entry it is." - Answers
The judges say: "Don't forget to answer the criteria for your entry! Different categories ask for different things, so read carefully and if they've asked you to supply specific evidence of something, make sure you do!" - Personality
The judges say: "I love seeing a bit of personality in an entry. Yes, it's a business award, but this is a creative industry and I'd much rather read an entry written from the heart that really tells me about your business, your team and why you do what you do." - Your social handles
The judges say: "The entry form specifically asks for your social handles so that the HJ team can shout about the finalists and give you plenty of promo in the run up to the event, and on the night. Make sure you include it so you can be part of the #BHBA buzz." - An envelope
If you want your entry back after judging, make sure you include an enevelope with your address on it. - A big dollop of enthusiasm
The judges say: "I want to read an entry that makes me excited about the future of the British hairdressing industry; something that makes me proud to be a part of it and which tells a real success story. You don't have to be making millions, you don't have to employ an army of staff; you can be a tiny salon in the middle of nowhere – if you have a good story, a good business and happy clients, you're exactly what we want to read about."
And please don't include... An entry fee! Unlike other industry awards, HJ's British Hairdressing Business Awards are completely free to enter!
Looking for more tips on entering this year's British Hairdressing Business Awards? Here's some top tips on creating a successful entry.
What are you waiting for? Get your entries in now!
