Rand rocket members' benefits conference

Representatives from top wholesalers across the UK and Ireland flew to Vilamoura, Portugal at the end of April for the 14th annual Rand Rocket Members' Benefits Conference. As always the team from Rand Rocket ensured the event was a mixture of business and pleasure, with a long weekend packed with activities.

But it was business that kicked off proceedings, with Rand Rocket managing director David Vickers welcoming delegates and offering an overview of how the company's various brands had performed during the past 12 months - and revealing some exciting news concerning new brands joining the Rand Rocket family.

Perhaps the biggest revelation was the news that Rand Rocket will be UK distributor for Keratherapy, a professional keratin treatment which already enjoys success in the USA, Australia and Russia, but has not been available in the UK until now. David was keen to stress that the three-step system is formaldehyde-free - and has never contained formaldehyde. He also emphasised that the product was price competitive, offering salons and their clients an affordable entry point into the straightening treatment market.

David then introduced delegates to another new line to Rand Rocket - Envy Effect Frizzgard, a 30-minute smoothing treatment which he said would be an ideal added service for salons to offer their clients.

The conference also provided the perfect platform to tell delegates about the Rand Rocket Academy. In 2011 the Academy - which sees experienced hairdressers share their skills at locations across the UK - offered 90 courses. All educators are personally assessed by award-winning hairdresser Paul Falltrick.

Paul was also on hand to share some statistics, offering an insight into the challenges currently being faced by salons.

"Average visits are down from 6.8 weeks to 8.3 weeks between visits," said Paul. "Some of this is down to the recession, some because hair is generally being worn longer. The result is that stylists are only 65% productive, working an average of 26 hours per week."

Getting the average spend up was a major concern for salons, said Paul.

The fun and games kicked in from day two, with golfers treated to some of the best courses in the world, plenty of shopping opportunities and even an Olympics-inspired Beach Games, which saw delegates competing in a range of events including beach skiing, ultimate frizbie and boules.

The Gala Dinner was themed around a day at the races, with delegates encouraged to wear their finest hats and to dress to impress - a brief that was interpreted in diverse ways! Guests were given fake money with which to gamble on a series of retro horse races, with a prize given to the table of delegates with the biggest horde of winnings.

One thing those attending a Rand Rocket conference never gamble on is having a great time networking with likeminded professionals.