296 A Level Playing Field: The Fight for Fair Taxation in UK Hairdressing with Toby Dicker
I know that the bulk of our listeners are not in the UK, but the changes happening to the UK hairdressing industry have been getting a lot of attention on social media, and as a result, I’ve had a lot of questions from hairdressers elsewhere.So, in this week's episode, I talk with Toby Dicker, co-founder of the Salon Employers Association, to discuss the challenges facing the UK salon industry.Following the recent march on Parliament by hairdressers protesting the unfair tax system, Toby provides a clear explanation of how VAT disproportionately impacts labour-intensive businesses like hair salons.We explore the uneven playing field between employee-based salon businesses and self-employed models, and how this disparity threatens the future of training, apprenticeships, and business growth in our industry. Toby shares insights from his work lobbying the government for change and the recent historic parliamentary debate on hairdressing. This conversation isn't just about numbers, it's about gaining respect for our profession and ensuring the continued creativity and excellence of British hairdressing.IN THIS EPISODE:[0:47] Introducing Toby Dicker and the Salon Employers Association[4:03] Simple overview of the VAT tax system in the UK[8:07] Explaining how the VAT system creates an uneven playing field[11:36] Impact on recruitment and apprenticeships[15:05] The disincentive to grow businesses due to the VAT threshold[18:15] Possible solutions to level the playing field[24:03] The concept of "disguised employment" explained[31:50] How businesses avoid crossing the VAT threshold[41:07] The historic parliamentary debate on hairdressing[47:24] How salon owners can get involved in the campaignWant MORE to help you GROW?📚 Check out our Bestselling GROW Books https://growmysalonbusiness.com/books/🆘 Management overwhelm!? Download our free checklist! This checklist will help you get clarity on where you're at https://growmysalonbusiness.com/management-checklist/RATINGS + REVIEWS🙏Thanks so much for joining me this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show and help other people find my podcast.👉 Here's what you do:- On your phone, Click here (Read steps below first)- Scroll down to 'Ratings & Reviews'- Tap on the empty purple stars and rate 5 stars- Click on ‘Write a Review’ I love to hear what’s been helpful and what you love about the podcast! Thank you for your support! 🙏Until next time!AntonyRESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:👉 FOLLOW USInstagram | Facebook | Website👉 FOLLOW TOBY DICKER - THE CHAPELInstagram | Website👉 FOLLOW SALON EMPLOYERS ASSOCIATIONInstagram | Website👉 FOLLOW BRITISH HAIR CONSORTIUMInstagram | Website
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295 What is The Fastest Way to Grow Your Salon?
You don't grow a business just by getting more clients. You grow by keeping the ones you’ve already got. But many salon owners are so focused on acquiring new clients that they completely miss that the real problem is poor client retention.In this episode, I share the numbers you need to be watching, the three simple shifts that make all the difference, and why the fastest path to growth is fixing what you’ve already got.If it feels like you’re working hard but never getting ahead, this episode is for you.IN THIS EPISODE:[0:00] Amanda adds $20K/month without spending more on marketing[1:38] How to make more money with what you already have[1:58] The client life cycle: a powerful mindset shift[3:27] The trend: salons focus on new clients instead of retention[7:29] The three-part system for making every client count[8:56] A simple action with dramatic results[9:20] Case studies: Lucas and Clive boost revenue with rebooking[11:02] This masterclass is for owners ready to build a high-performing team. FREE Masterclass Creating the Super Stylist: The Key to Boosting Productivity and Profits in Your Salon.’ Save your seat here Want MORE to help you GROW?📚 Check out our Bestselling GROW Books https://growmysalonbusiness.com/books/🆘 Management overwhelm!? Download our free checklist! This checklist will help you get clarity on where you're at https://growmysalonbusiness.com/management-checklist/RATINGS + REVIEWS🙏Thanks so much for joining me this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show and help other people find my podcast.👉 Here's what you do:- On your phone, Click here (Read steps below first)- Scroll down to 'Ratings & Reviews'- Tap on the empty purple stars and rate 5 stars- Click on ‘Write a Review’ I love to hear what’s been helpful and what you love about the podcast! Thank you for your support! 🙏Until next time!AntonyRESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:If you're serious about growing your salon, this is where to start.👇FREE Masterclass Creating the Super Stylist: The Key to Boosting Productivity and Profits in Your Salon.’ Save your seat here 👉 FOLLOW US!Instagram | Facebook | Website
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294 Numbers Don’t Lie: How Data Can Make You a Better Salon Owner with Tom Bentley-Taylor
Some people love data! But let's be honest and say that for most hairdressers, studying the numbers in their business is not their favourite pastime. My Guest today is a returning Guest, Tom Bentley-Taylor, who, amongst other things, originally got the Salon Software brand Short Cuts established in the UK and is currently Managing Director at Vish in the UK. Tom is unashamedly a numbers guy. He loves data, but more importantly, he loves what data tells you about what's working and what isn’t working in the business.In today’s podcast, we will discuss:The importance of using data in businessWhat is the most important data to track in the salon business?How data creates clarity for business owners and fairness for their team. And lots more!IN THIS EPISODE:[1:30] Welcoming Tom Bentley-Taylor and his background in salon software[3:05] The evolution from Shortcuts to Vish and why colour management matters[6:55] Are salons undercharging for colour? The problem with guesswork[8:40] How technology reveals the true cost of delivering services[11:10] Why data creates clarity for owners and fairness for teams[13:15] Empowering vs restricting: how stylists respond to numbers[18:06] Mistakes owners make when introducing change[22:45] Pricing, margin, and why protecting profit isn’t optional[25:20] “Creative freedom” vs business responsibility[28:10] The difference data makes to accountability[32:40] How Vish works with existing systems[34:02] The data that helps drive decision-making[36:40] The mindset of high-performing salon owners[38:55] Final advice from Tom: stop guessing and start trackingWant MORE to help you GROW?📚 Check out our Bestselling GROW Books https://growmysalonbusiness.com/books/🆘 Management overwhelm!? Download our free checklist! This checklist will help you get clarity on where you're at https://growmysalonbusiness.com/management-checklist/RATINGS + REVIEWS🙏Thanks so much for joining me this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show and help other people find my podcast.👉 Here's what you do:- On your phone, Click here (Read steps below first)- Scroll down to 'Ratings & Reviews'- Tap on the empty purple stars and rate 5 stars- Click on ‘Write a Review’ I love to hear what’s been helpful and what you love about the podcast! Thank you for your support! 🙏Until next time!Antony 👉 FOLLOW US!Instagram | Facebook | Website👉 FOLLOW TOM BENTLEY TAYLOR!Instagram | Website
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293 Reinventing Success: Why salons need to constantly evolve with Meagan McCormack
Over the years, I’ve seen many salon businesses, and inevitably, some stand out more than others.Some of them stand out because of the decor, others for the culture, some for their size and some for their success as a business.My guest today is Meagan McCormack, President of Visible Changes salon group in Houston, Texas, which is without doubt an amazing business. Meagan offers incredible insights on leadership, creating a positive culture, and the importance of authentic connection in today's salon environment. Whether you're running a large salon group or a small independent salon, Meagan's wisdom about adapting to change while staying true to your values will inspire you. In today’s podcast, we discuss:● How a salon group the size of Visible Changes has continued to evolve as a business.● How they have adapted to suit the changing needs of today's workforce● Why they are expanding more into the product side of the industry And lots more! IN THIS EPISODE: [01:03] Setting up today’s conversation with Meagan McCormack[02:24] Visible Changes: What's changed since 2019[04:31] COVID’s impact and consolidating salon locations[07:02] Meagan’s leadership transition and new role[11:45] Creating a people-first, compassionate management approach[17:12] The structure of the Visible Changes management team[18:35] Challenges of being a young woman leading a large company[23:00] The importance of authenticity and vulnerability in leadership[26:00] Launching a new focus on product development[31:30] Finding confidence and fighting imposter syndrome[38:15] Big goals: Aiming for a $100 million business[42:14] Celebrating top performers and incredible sales achievements[45:12] The role of retail sales in stylist success[46:29] Navigating the challenges of booth rental and Gen Z expectations[49:48] How mentorship is key to building the next generation of salon professionals[52:00] Final thoughts on leadership, evolution, and resilience Want MORE to help you GROW? 📚 Check out our Bestselling GROW Books https://growmysalonbusiness.com/books/🆘 Management overwhelm!? Download our free checklist! This checklist will help you get clarity on where you're at https://growmysalonbusiness.com/management-checklist/ RATINGS + REVIEWS 🙏Thanks so much for joining me this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show and help other people find my podcast.👉 Here's what you do:- On your phone,Click here (Read steps below first)- Scroll down to 'Ratings & Reviews'- Tap on the empty purple stars and rate 5 stars- Click on ‘Write a Review’ I love to hear what’s been helpful and what you love about the podcast! Thank you for your support! 🙏Until next time! Antony RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Salon Management Course 👉 FOLLOW US!Instagram | Facebook | Website 👉 FOLLOW MEAGAN McCORMACK!Instagram | Website
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292 The 9 Traits of a Modern Salon Manager: What It Takes to Lead Today
This week, I dive into what makes a truly effective salon manager in today's rapidly changing business landscape. I've titled it "The 9 Traits of a Modern Salon Manager", and I've consciously used the word 'Modern' because, like everything else in life and business, what worked yesterday may not work so well today.I explore the nine essential traits that modern salon leaders need to cultivate to build successful teams, create thriving businesses, and adapt to the evolving demands of our industry. While certain principles remain timeless, other elements of management and leadership become more or less important over time.Whether you're a salon owner looking to strengthen your leadership skills or a stylist with ambitions of salon management, this episode offers practical insights to help you develop your management approach. And, If you're serious about elevating your management skills, be sure to join me on my FREE Masterclass: The 4 Essential Lessons in Salon Management - Save your seat here IN THIS EPISODE: [2:00] The importance of your role as a manager and leader [2:52] Why the "hands-off" management approach often fails [4:55] Trait 1: Having a clear vision for the future [5:42] Trait 2: Understanding that leadership is about developing people [6:23] Trait 3: Building relationships and showing empathy [7:07] Trait 4: Offering flexibility in the workplace [8:23] Trait 5: Driving productivity through goal-setting and accountability [9:35] Trait 6: Embracing technology in salon management [10:01] Trait 7: Creating and protecting your salon's culture [10:51] Trait 8: Prioritising effective communication [11:36] Trait 9: Embracing and adapting to change [11:57] Final thoughts on continuous learning as a manager Want MORE to help you GROW? 📚 Check out our Bestselling GROW Books https://growmysalonbusiness.com/books/🆘 Management overwhelm!? Download our free checklist! This checklist will help you get clarity on where you're at https://growmysalonbusiness.com/management-checklist/ RATINGS + REVIEWS 🙏Thanks so much for joining me this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show and help other people find my podcast.👉 Here's what you do:- On your phone,Click here (Read steps below first)- Scroll down to 'Ratings & Reviews'- Tap on the empty purple stars and rate 5 stars- Click on ‘Write a Review’ I love to hear what’s been helpful and what you love about the podcast! Thank you for your support! 🙏Until next time! Antony RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: FREE Masterclass: 4 Essential Lessons in Salon Management - Click here to save your seat 👉 FOLLOW US!Instagram | Facebook | Website
I know that being in business isn’t always easy. Along with the many highs and ‘a ha’ moments it can sometimes be soul destroying, frustrating and a very lonely place to be. Being a business owner is one of life’s greatest educations and it gives you two clear choices, either you continually learn, adapt and grow, or you resist change, stagnate and perish. We live in ever changing and sometimes challenging times, so being informed and constantly inspired is more important than ever.
Join Antony Whitaker talking to thought leaders on the business side of the hairdressing industry discussing insightful, provocative and inspiring ideas that matter. Get ready to learn, get ready to be challenged, get ready to be inspired and most importantly get ready to grow your salon business!
Ireland