British hairdressing business awards 09: the highlights
For anyone who missed HJ's British Hairdressing Business Awards 2009, here's a run-down of the night.
The biggest names in the industry descended upon the Royal Lancaster London hotel on Sunday 27 September for HJ's British Hairdressing Business Awards 2009 - and what a night it was!
6pm: The more eager guests started arriving, ready for a night of celebrating the business brains that make the hairdressing industry the huge commercial success it is.
6.30pm: The doors officially opened for the champagne reception and guests took full advantage of the opportunity to mingle with their colleagues and peers.
7.30pm: Guest were officially called into dinner.
7.40pm: HJ's publisher and editor-in-chief, Jayne Lewis-Orr welcomed the 665 guests. "It is fantastic to see so many of you here this evening, as we congratulate the finalists for gaining recognition as the best in the business of hairdressing," said Jayne. "With entries up a phenomenal 66% on 2008, and exceptional standards being set across all categories, achieving finalist status really is a great acknowledgement."
Jayne continued: "Since the launch of these awards, the professional hairdressing industry has seen massive growth and great developments, but there is no doubt that this year has seen all businesses face some huge challenges.
"As consumer confidence has weakened and disposable income shrunk, it is those salons that offer superior services by motivated and talented professionals, with unsurpassed customer service and are led by enigmatic and inspirational managers, that are not only surviving this recession but bucking the trend."
7.45pm: Guests tucked into a three course meal, as tension mounted before the awards ceremony.
9.45pm: Jayne Lewis-Orr asked all the finalists to stand up and receive a round of applause for their fantastic achievements.
9.50pm: The evening's host, TV presenter Michael Underwood, took to the stage to kick-off the much anticipated awards ceremony. "This event has captured the imagination of the industry," Michael told guests.
9.55pm: The awards ceremony saw some of the industry's most successful individuals and businesses recognised, with the Michael Van Clarke salon proving the night's biggest winner, taking home a clutch of four awards.
11.00pm: The most prestigious award of the night, Business Director of the Year was presented to Scott Smurthwaite of Cream Hairdressing, Cheltenham.
11.15pm: Jayne Lewis-Orr thanked all the winners, finalists and guests and invited them to carry on partying into the early hours.
2am: The last of the guests made their way home after an evening to remember.