Hj's 2011 british hairdressing awards: what the winners said

No awards ceremony would be complete without heart-felt acceptance speeches. Find out how each of HJ's 2011 British Hairdressing Award winners reacted to their achievement.

Wales & South West Hairdresser of the Year



Ken Picton, Ken Picton Hair, Cardiff Bay

"Wow! Thank you HJ and Schwarzkopf Professional, my team - without you this wouldn't be possible. Thanks to Julie Bellinger, Andrew O'Toole and my mum, who is smiling down at me today."

Southern Hairdresser of the Year

Bruno Marc Giamattei, Marc Antoni, Henley-on-Thames

"This is fantastic as I wanted this so badly! Thanks to HJ, Schwarzkopf Professional, I am so proud. We all give so much and that is why British hairdressing is the best in the world. Thanks to my family, Julie Bellinger, Andrew O'Toole, my team and the FAME team I love you all so much."

Scottish Hairdresser of the Year

Suzie McGill, Rainbow Room International, Uddingston

"This is amazing! Thank you so much. Thanks to Alan and Linda Stewart, my sister and business partner, John Rawson, Schwarzkopf and HJ."

North Western Hairdresser of the Year

Marcello Moccia, Room 97 Creative Hairdressing, Wakefield, West Yorkshire

"Wow! What a fantastic night. Thanks to my team who is amazing."

Northern Ireland Hairdresser of the Year

Kevin Kahan, Kevin Kahan, Bangor

"Thank you Schwarzkopf Professional and HJ, everyone who has supported me - I love you all, I am so happy."

Midlands Hairdresser of the Year

Sean Tetlow, The Colour Room, Stockport

"Thank you to HJ and Schwarzkopf Professional for an amazing night. Jack Eames God bless you, my team who I love and am lucky to have with me. This is for my wife and two beautiful children."

Eastern Hairdresser of the Year

Terri Kay, Mark Leeson Hair, Body & Mind, Mansfield

"I am going to be one of those people that cries tonight! Thank you Richard and Mark, the whole team, Andrew O'Toole, Bernard Connolly, my mum who supports me."

North Eastern Hairdresser of the Year

Julian Holland, Mark Hill Salon, Kirk Ella, East Yorkshire

"Thank you HJ and Schwarzkopf Professional, Mark Hill you are a true inspiration, my mum, fiancée Sophie, Robin and Rosie. This is dedicated to a good friend of mine who is no longer with us - Matthew Davidson."

London Hairdresser of the Year

Richard Mannah, Toni & Guy, Sloane Square

"Wow oh wow! I am humbled and honoured. A lot of people influenced me, thanks to Sacha Mascolo-Tarbuck, she has always believed in me. I started at Toni & Guy 16 years ago and love being part of a family business. Thanks to my brother David who is a great photographer and to Jesus, with whom all things are possible."

Afro Hairdresser of the Year

Junior Green, Junior Green Hair & Beauty, London

"I have waited for this for 11 years! I eat, live and breathe Afro hairdressing. Thanks to my photographer Gabor Szantai, make-up artist and models, Mizani, Goldwell and Avlon Europe - I did it!"

Avant Garde Hairdresser of the Year

Indira Schauwecker, Toni & Guy, Covent Garden, London

"Thank you so much, this is the reason I came to London. British Hairdressing is the best in the world. A lot of people helped me research this and I would like to thank them all. It's great to be part of the Toni & Guy family, thanks Sacha Mascolo-Tarbuck and my photographer."

Men's Hairdresser of the Year

Jamie Stevens, Errol Douglas Salon, London

"One out of three isn't bad! This means so much to me. I couldn't do it without a lot of people's help - L'Oreal Professionnel, Matrix, mum and dad, Errol Douglas and my fiancée. I love you all."

Newcomer of the Year

Jasmine Redstone, Rush Hair, Croydon, Surrey

"OMG, I can't believe it! Thank you HJ and Schwarzkopf Professional, all the judges, Rush, all the team and my bosses, my friends and family. One special lady who taught me a lot is Tina, so thank you. Also my partner Jack, I love you."

Artistic Team of the Year

HOB Salons Creative Team

Claire Atkinson: We are now in the Hall of Fame!  A lot of thanks to Akin, Paul and Clive, our PR girls and everyone who works behind the scenes, John Rawson and everyone who has come out to support us tonight."

Schwarzkopf Professional British Colour Technician of the Year

Christel Lundqvist, HOB Salons, London

Thanks to Wella, Akin, Clive and Paul, the education and creative teams who are a great inspiration to work with. Thanks to our PR and office team, John Rawson, my boyfriend Andrea thanks for your support. Have a great night everyone."

British Hairdresser of the Year

Akin Konizi, HOB Salons, London

Thank you everyone for your support and to all the other nominees who are all great friends of mine. My team works so hard this is the most amazing industry in the world. Thanks to Schwarzkopf Professional, HJ and Wella Professionals, our team, education teaml, Clive and Paul who let me do this and take the weight of the company on their shoulders. My wife and children, Jenny hands, John Rawson who without I couldn't do any of this. Thanks to Gabi our PR, Amrit my PA. I will be a great ambassador and be the best I can be."