Business director of the year shares his wisdom

The British Hairdressing Business Awards have something for staff at every stage of their career and salons and groups of every size.

For those starting out in the industry, the Junior of the Year Award can open doors and bring new opportunities; while the Business Director Award is fiercely competed by the brightest business minds in the industry.

This year, it was arranged for 2008 Junior of the Year Niki Moores to spend a day with Andrew Phouli, Business Director of the Year, at the Rush Academy in Croydon.

After a morning watching Andrew educate students in an interactive and inspirational lesson it was time for a meeting of minds.

Niki, who works at Michael van Clarke in Mayfair, quizzed Andrew about his achievements and asked how his parents had reacted to him entering the industry, as hers had been initially unsure.

In return, Andrew had some sound advice for her and her career. "Visualise your goal and go for it. My first aim was to open 12 salons. I reached that goal and more, so now I see 200 salons," he told her.

Niki was delighted with the opportunity. She said: "It was inspirational to meet Andrew, who gave me advice on the financial side of the business and how to succeed."