Leo bancroft on building a business

Leo Bancroft has come a long way since his days on fly-on-the-wall documentary, The Salon, now he runs his own real salon business and has been recognised for his creative skills at HJ's British Hairdressing Awards.

What do you see as your unique approach to business?

I like to take a fresh, forward-thinking approach to my business. The next generation is very important to me and it is vital to support and train my team so they understand the business ethic of supplying contemporary and fresh styling with passion. I am constantly striving to give something back to my team for all their hard work and this makes for a positive team and salon.

What's the best career advice you have been given and from whom?

I worked for Peter Lunn when I first started out in hairdressing and he has guided me throughout my career and in particular when I was opening my salon. He has always advised me to look at my business from the outside in, to understand how others perceive the business. 

What ambitions do you still have?

My ultimate goal is to become HJ's British Hairdresser of the Year one day; I would greatly love to receive recognition from the industry for my hairdressing skills while also running one of the best salons in the country.

Has there ever been a crossroads in your career - did you make the right decision?

Yes - five years ago I had to decide whether to concentrate on hairdressing in a creative role or to become a businessman. Although I didn't want to let go of my creative hairdressing, I chose to concentrate my efforts on opening and developing the salon. This was a sound business decision as I now have a successful salon and, therefore, the money to invest in creating collections.

What was your first job and did you learn anything that you use today?

My first job was a plant maintenance man. I used to drive a blue van around London and go into offices and care for their plants by watering them and shining their leaves. I learned that whatever you nurture and pay attention to will flourish.

What's the best part of your job?

Training and developing my team. I love watching the team, especially when they get that light bulb moment. They do a fantastic job and really love what they are doing, which is a great feeling for me.

If you could give yourself advice as a 20-year-old what would it be?

I would remind myself to maintain the all important balance between work and family and friends. I have worked very hard to build the salon business and know it is vital to still find time for my wife and two children.

If you could change one thing about the industry what would it be?

I would like more people to recognise hairdressing as a creative, successful and business-orientated industry.