Nhbf members welcomed by the king

Last month, several NHBF members attended the Small Business Reception held by HM King Charles III at Buckingham Palace. Earlier this year the Palace had asked the NHBF to nominate those members who have had an impact on the industry, from which these invitees were selected.

NHBF Vice President Mandy Lodge-Stewart, and Board Member Fiona Johnston, were joined by industry legend, Andrew Collinge, alongside salon owners Mikaela Martin (Ginger Rabbit, London), Brooke Evans (BE Ironbridge, Shropshire), Debbie Digby (Passion4Hair), Julie Hensman (Hensmans), Lesley McCormack (Pamper & Polish/Michaeljohn Training), Gary Machin (The Rogers Barbers) and Erica Liburd (The Muse Salon) at the reception which celebrated the efforts of small businesses and their contributions to their local communities and the British economy after a stressful, and unpredictable, couple of years.

NHBF Vice President Mandy Lodge-Stewart said: “It was an honour to meet King Charles and to gather with small business owners from across the UK. Everyone here has been championing their industries and local communities, which we’ve all been striving for during and following the pandemic. It was great to meet with other likeminded individuals and discuss our plans for 2023 and how we can keep collaborating to continue to grow.”

NHBF Chief Executive Richard Lambert commented: “Despite all the challenges hair and beauty has faced over the last few year, and of what is ahead, many salons are showing incredible resilience. We were delighted to see the sector’s contribution recognised by His Majesty.”