HJ attended Wella RED Business Network Live in its new location at Liverpool Docks. The luxury Titanic Hotel hosted more than 280 delegates for the 26th Business Network Live event.
The two day RED community event was filled with a combination of motivational and inspirational speakers from outside of the industry. Teamed with plenty of networking opportunities for salon owners and managers to share experiences and business challenges, HJ's Editor Charlotte came away with a notebook filled with feature ideas, action points and new learnings.
Podcast host, Dom Lehane, hosted the two-day event, which was officially opened by Wella’s Managing Director UK & Ireland, Max Amen. He said: “What better way to reignite our industry than to connect as a Wella family and think outside the box? Business Network Live is an opportunity to learn not only from the inspirational speakers but from each other. This is an investment in yourself and that is the best investment you can make."
For two days, an impressive line-up of entrepreneurs, authors, and iconic business leaders, including a behavioural scientist and esteemed psychiatrist, took to the stage to share their wise words of wisdom. Each story delivered something completely different, with an abundance of advice to take away. Anecdotes contained plenty of life changing guidance, both on a professional and personal level.
Highlights included a session from Alison Edgar MBE, who shared the importance of setting goals in business and creating a ‘Smash It’ mindset. “One of the things about changing your mindset is that you have to believe you can do it,” she said.
A fascinating talk from Christian Howes linked data analytics to human behaviour, delivering thought provoking messages about delivering clients exactly what they need from their hairdresser.
Hairdresser and entrepreneur, Sarah Yorke, delivered a session on Stylebook Directory, an online directory of hairstylists, trainees, barbers, and all hair industry professionals. Sparking plenty of interest from delegates to build an portfolio on the platform.
Construction boss and entrepreneur, Daniel Ashville, shared the evolution of his construction business and his journey to success (he has over 136k followers on his personal Instagram and over 476k subscribers on YouTube), whilst behavioural scientist Richard Shotton delivered some powerful thought provoking messages on human behaviour. Shotton commented that any experience needs two high points for it to be a positive memory, and if we as an industry focused on two key moments and ending on a high we could revolutionise business and client experience.
Professor Steve Peters addressed the crowd with a truly brilliant session on Mind Management and the way in which our brains work, cleverly linking his clinical expertise to human behaviour. Perhaps the most moving messages of the two days came from Jono Lancaster, who was born with rare genetic condition Treacher Collins syndrome. In his session on Self-Acceptance, he said: “Fill your heart with love and celebrate who you are."
Finally, wise words delivered from business expert, Ellis Watson, gave guests some empowering messages to close the two days on. “You can’t change what you can’t change. The challenges of society post-Covid, the cost of living crisis, competition in your sector – you can’t change these things. Your passion is the most important fuel. It is your enthusiasm and drive that will make this most extraordinary year.”
One of the highlights of RED Business Network Live is the panel discussion. This year, comprised of Natasha Grossman, Sarah Mason, Darren Messias, Colin McAndrew and Steve Rowbottom. Discussion topics included attracting apprentices, maintaining existing business and franchise challenges.
An evening celebration saw guests enjoy a nautical themed drinks reception, followed by a three course meal with entertainment. After dinner, comedian Justin Moorhouse entertained guests with a hilarious set, before a band took to the stage to start the party.
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