Rainbow room international recognises the team's success
More than 300 team members of the award-winning Scottish salon group Rainbow Room International came together recently for their Annual Congress at the luxurious Airth Castle Hotel and Spa, in Stirlingshire.
The day saw each salon team compete against one another in creative challenges before presenting their results on stage to a panel of judges in a Dragons' Den-style challenge. The panel consisted of managing directors Alan and Linda Stewart, salon owners John Whittaker, John Forrester, William McElroy and accountant Jim Ballantyne.
Celebrating its 30th year, founder Alan Stewart took a look back at some of the company's achievements over the years. "From numerous award wins to magazine covers, photo shoots and celebrities, Rainbow Room International has done it all. The company has won more HJ's British Hairdressing Business Awards than any other salon in the UK - an incredible feat," he said proudly.
After an inspiring and motivating day, guests enjoyed a champagne reception and dinner while being papped by photographers for a true A-list feel. Then it was the part that everyone was waiting for -- the coveted awards with guest presenters HJ publisher/editor-in-chief, Jayne Lewis-Orr and award-winning hairdressers Gary Hooker and Michael Young.
The salon group dedicated 2008 to fundraising for HABB, and Jayne Lewis-Orr presented a special award to the salon that had raised the most money in the most innovative ways. This deservedly went to the team at Royal Exchange Square for their special Christmas single.
The most prestigious and eagerly awaited award of the evening was Salon of the Year, with the Buchanan Street salon clinching the title.
Directors Shannon and Wil Fleeson were joined on stage by their team; "It feels amazing to be taking this home tonight, we knew we could do it and are so proud of our team. To win Salon of the Year in our first year as salon directors is an incredible achievement. Every member of the team works so hard to give our clients the ultimate hairdressing experience and we are absolutely delighted to receive this accolade."
A delighted Alan and Linda Stewart finished the evening by stating; "We have been holding our Congress for 21 years and each year it gets better and better. It's an amazing event for everyone and really builds team spirit and gets everyone motivated for the year ahead."
Rainbow Room International Congress 2009 winners were:
- Newcomer of the Year: Renee Jamieson, Buchanan Street
- Assistant of the Year: Patrick McDougall, Royal Exchange Square
- Reception Team of the Year: East Kilbride
- Trainer of the Year: Julieann Donaldson, Crow Road
- Creative Image Award: Frankie Sala, Uddingston
- Creative Collection Individual Award: Diana Carson, Uddingston
- Creative Collection Team Award: Buchanan Street/Stirling
- Fantastic Hairdresser of the Year: Taylor Deighan, Buchanan Street
- Fantastic Beauty Therapist: Gillian Capaldi, Royal Exchange Square
- Total Excellence: Pamela Wallace, Buchanan Street
- Salon Team of the Year: Buchanan Street
- HABB Charity Award: Royal Exchange Square
