2011 business director of the year: michael van clarke

Having scooped three other awards at HJ's 2011 British Hairdressing Business Awards, it is little wonder Michael van Clarke was named Business Director of the Year.

We asked Michael what it is that sets him apart from other Business Directors in the hairdressing industry.

What makes a great Business Director?

Courage, vision, resilience, integrity and empathy.

How long have you been a Business Director?

I've been directing myself through the jungle of commercial life since becoming an apprentice nearly 33 years ago. I started my own formal business entity 23 years ago.

Do you still have a column?

I still give 100 days a year to my clients, about eight full days a month.

Do you think this is important to being a good Business Director?

It keeps me grounded, in touch and it's at the core of everything I do and have become.

What do you think makes you stand out from other Business Directors?

That after so long and with more than enough other business to be getting on with, I still devote so much time to mastery of the art of hairdressing and caring for clients - more than 50 have been coming to me for over 30 years.

Who did you learn your management style from?

If I have a style, it's evolved from The University of Life and a library of books from lots of experts; some real life and some academic.

Describe your management technique in three words...

Co-creative, supportive, transparent.