Hob 25th birthday celebrations

Pictures >> On Saturday hob salons held its 25th Anniversary Party, and annual awards, at the Radisson SAS Hotel in Mayfair – and I was there, along with HJ news and features writer, Emma Treadwell. The invitation said ‘dress to impress’, and I certainly impressed myself by squeezing my growing frame into a fitted waistcoat that within five minutes of leaving the house was biting into my stomach like something Elvis would have worn during his Vegas years.I was glad I’d made the effort, though, as hob’s staff from its 14 salons had all taken the dress code seriously, with little black numbers, matador red and canary yellow all in evidence – and that was just the men! The welcome from directors Clive Collins, Paul Simbler and Akin Konizi was warm and the champagne cold at the pre-awards drinks reception, where hob staff, representatives from Wella Professionals and members of the hairdressing press mingled politely. Once the party had moved into the main ballroom and Clive, Paul and Akin took to the stage, polite chat was replaced by raucous cheers and applause. This upbeat atmosphere continued throughout the awards and a racy set by an Ali Gee impersonator (I won’t even mention what he wanted to do to his Julie!) Party-goers then danced their way into the early hours – although after a three course meal, my waistcoat wasn’t conducive to any vigorous movement! The winners were: Assistant of the Year Jake Unger, Camden Newcomer of the Year Megan Zarrabi, Northwood Special Contribution Award Bobbi Kiminos, Mill Hill Retailer of the Year Craig Mason, St Albans Retail Salon of the Year Northwood Special Contribution Award Katie Pearson, PR Manager Receptionist of the Year Laura Glen, Temple Fortune Special Contribution Award Claire Dawson, Camden Creative Team Member of the Year Darren Bain, Camden Special Contribution Award Zoe Norris, Office Colour Technician of the Year Patrick Barnes, Northwood Stylist of the Year Debbie Horgan, Baker Street Special Contribution Award Lisa Simbler, Area Manager Assistant Manager of the Year Jacki Yarshon, Hatch End Special Contribution Award David Twyman, head of finances Franchisee of the Year Kelly Letchford, Loughton Manager of the Year Stewart Bernie, Baker Street Salon of the Year Radlett More Pictures>>