The L'Oréal Professional Products Business Connects Roadshow was back for its third year to inspire and educate over 800 hair professionals across the UK & Ireland.
Innovate, Adapt & Thrive was the theme of this exclusive series of six business events which took place from 17-26 March across Belfast, Dublin, Glasgow, London and Liverpool. Each designed to empower salon owners across the UK & Ireland to navigate the changing landscape of our industry and drive its positive future.
The event was hosted by PPD UKI’s new Managing Director, Aurélien Guibret.
Unlocking Opportunities and Embracing Change
Economic pressures and evolving consumer behaviours present challenges for many industries today including hairdressing, but the resilience of the sector is undeniable. Although 42% of UK women report being cautious with their spending₁, L’Oréal's research reveals that beauty services remain a priority, with consumers adjusting other spending habits before cutting back on professional hair treatments specifically₂.
This underscores the inherent value consumers place on their salon visits and stylist expertise, with further research stating that 79% of women agree having their hair done professionally positively impacts their mental well-being₃.
The significance of professional hair services is clear, and when considered alongside the evolving needs of consumers today, unique growth opportunities can be found. From value-conscious Gen Z and Alpha to luxury-seeking Boomers, the rise of male-centric services and the fundamental need to cater for all hair types and textures- the time to embrace change in salon is now.
With new consumers and new expectations comes the chance to expand and explore, but navigating this presents its own challenges. This year’s Business Connects Roadshow was all about empowering salons to embrace what comes next- through open discussion, change management techniques and practical business solutions to drive success is today's dynamic market.
The Speakers and Sessions at L'Oréal Professional Products Business Connects Roadshow
Data-led sessions from the L’Oreal Leadership team:
• The Consumer of Today: Industry insights and consumer behaviours presented by James Ibbetson-Price, Business Development Director, PPD UKI.
• Brand-led category insights and product developments presented by: Sussan Verghese, General Manager, L’Oréal Professionnel, PPD UKI Jennifer Hilton, General Manager, Redken, Pureology, Matrix and Biolage Hussein Jaber, General Manager, Kérastase and Shu Uemura
Guest speaker sessions:
• Chandell Labbozzetta, Business Coach, NLP Trainer and Author: Strategies for navigating change, effective team dynamics, scaling businesses in today’s climate, and cultivating a powerful mindset for success.
• Charlie Cannon, Leading performance coach, resilience expert, and motivational speaker: Embracing change to thrive in uncertain times.
"It has been my pleasure and privilege to spend my first two weeks back in the UK and Ireland touring with our Business Connects roadshow and spending time with our partners. I have been genuinely inspired by the energy, passion and creativity of everyone that I have encountered across both countries. Our agenda for this year’s Business Connects events was to foster a sense of resilience in an ever-evolving market and to harness the opportunities before us. On behalf of myself and the entire PPD team, I want to thank our salon and stylist partners, for taking the time to be with us and for their continued trust. With our strong sense of community and determination, we can build a successful and prosperous future together."
Aurélien Guibret, Managing Director, L’Oréal Professional Products UKI
