Politicians could learn from the hairdressing industry

The on-going MP's expenses scandal really highlights just how clandestine the world of politics is. Even within their own parties MPs appear to be keeping so much up their sleeves, with their own agenda more important than the good of the country.

How refreshing to work within this industry where most successful operators - be they business or creative specialists - all appear happy to share their knowledge and skills for the greater good of hairdressing.

United we Stand

A prime example of this is Salons United, a scheme set up by Tracy McCullough, manager of Zoology, which has salons in South London and Essex, to encourage the sharing of skills between salons.

Said Tracy: "Initially this was a local project, but since there has been a lot of interest nationally and the salon base is growing fast."

Recent new members include Goldsworthy's, Swindon and Barrie Stephen in Leicestershire.

Can you imagine Gordon Brown and David Cameron agreeing to forgot competitiveness and pool their ideas and resources in order to steer the country through this difficult period. Yeah right! David is Hell-bent on using the situation to claw his party's way into power to even consider lending a hand.

Caring and sharing

 Luckily the big names in hairdressing have a different outlook on life, including Andrew Collinge, who recently shared his formidable talents with an audience at the L'Oreal International Academy.

Andrew is typical of the leading lights in the industry, in that his main passion is to improve standards within the industry, not just his own hugely successful enterprise.

Gordon and David - take note!