Finalists announced for 2015 step up and shine scholarship

The finalists of the competition to win the 2015 Step Up & Shine Scholarship have been announced, following a record-breaking number of entries. "We had another great response to the competition with scores of excellent entries, so much so that once again we had to increase the number of finalists from 6 to 8," said Edward Hemmings, World Hair Director. "It's a testament to the passion for education around the country that so many young people have entered." Each of the finalists will be now be visited and interviewed in their salon by a representative from the National Hairdressers' Federation. The final judging will take place on 1 April. One lucky winner will then be invited to take part in a mentoring session with industry training expert, Debbie G, who once again has agreed to help the winner plan their year and mentor them through it. The finalists are: Jonathan Albutt - Lisa Hauck Hair & Make-Up, London James Cook – The Salon Group, Hertfordshire Gareth McAughey – Becky Candy Salons, Chesterfield Scott Hamilton – Michaels John Training School, Manchester Amy Carter – Q Hair & Beauty, Chichester Amber Corbett – The Colour Room, Stockport Samuel Johnson – Harringtons Salon, Hull Sophie Freegard, Tops Hair Salon & Beauty, Wiltshire The Step Up & Shine Scholarship was launched in partnership with the National Hairdressers' Federation and The Fellowship for British Hairdressing in honour of the late hairdresser and educator Christofer Mann. It exists to seek out and nurture enthusiastic stylists from around the UK, with one recipient selected each year to enjoy twelve months of bespoke education and mentoring. The winner will be announced in April at The Fellowship for British Hairdressing President's Night event.