2011 salon team of the year: stuart holmes hair & beauty spa

The Stuart Holmes Hair & Beauty Spa was named the Salon Team of the Year at HJ's 2011 British Hairdressing Business Awards.

But what makes their team stand out from the crowd? Stuart explains...

What makes a great salon team?

A variety of factors including a good and friendly working environment; recognition; good direction and staff feeling valued.

All our staff feel like they contribute to the success of the business and they are rewarded accordingly. Our business strap line this year is Create, Educate and Motivate.

 

How do you nurture the team spirit?

We are constantly listening to their needs. We work with our team and not against them. We also do everything we can to help them achieve their personal targets. We also ask them for constant feedback on what it is they want to do. We are nothing without our team. It is our team which is the credit for the success of our business.

 

Is it possible to have a good salon without a good team?

I can't see how...

 

What makes you stand out as a team?

We have a real diversity of characters that all pull on each others individual strengths. Our team has a real respect and understanding of each other. There is absolutely no bitchiness. I am really anti prima donnas.

 

What weaknesses do you see in other salon teams....?

We regularly conduct competitor reviews. We do see teams not functioning to the best of their ability. A lot of the time this is due to a lack of direction, which leaves staff feeling disengaged from the business. Sometimes the 'bitchy hairdresser' stereotype can sometimes ring true. We do not tolerate this.

 

Describe your team in three words...

Committed, passionate yet grounded.