Director Of The Year Winner
Alan Simpson Wins Business Director Of The Year Awards 2019
Alan Simpson, Managing Director of Contemporary Salons, picked up the top honour of Business Director of the Year at HJ’s British Hairdressing Business Awards 2019.
HJ’s British Hairdressing Business Awards recognise the strategists, entrepreneurs and stand out stars in the hair industry, highlighting the business side of a world that is predominantly known for its creativity and links to fashion. The awards, now in their 21st year, celebrate the people making the British hairdressing industry the most respected in the world.
Alan Simpson, who has run his salon group for 27 years since first launching a Contemporary Salon in Guisborough in 1992, won the ultimate accolade of the evening, thanks to his strength of vision and strong business growth over the last year.
Alan was announced winner of the Business Director of the Year title, sponsored by Hairdressers Journal International, at the Park Plaza Hotel in London on 9th September 2019. He received his coveted title from celebrity host Vernon Kay at the high-profile affair which attracted peers and influencers from the hair world.
The sixteen categories spotlight the people making the industry great, from the best team, to most accomplished salon manager, to outstanding assistant to new innovation. Franchisee, stylist and customer care programmes are also recognised in the line-up, as well as specific awards for salon design and the stylist making the most of social media to grow their business.
On his win, the newly crowned Business Director of the Year said: “I feel amazing and on top of the world right now. I need to thank HJ, all of the sponsors and above all the team, who work so hard every day. I entered these awards because I wanted to make a difference and I wanted to change the perception of the industry, to show that business is just as important. Winning tonight means everything.”
Jayne Lewis-Orr, executive director of the British Hairdressing Business Awards says; “Huge congratulations to Alan Simpson on winning this prestigious title. Through these Awards, we champion the very best within British hairdressing. Alan runs a fantastic business and this is a great reflection of who he is as a person, establishing an ethos that has cascaded down the company. He has made brave decisions leading their business into exceptional success, and brilliantly models the risk and reward approach to business management. I know his company will continue to go from strength to strength.
“We’re thrilled that he has done so well. He is a fantastic ambassador for the industry with skills and vision that make him the perfect winner.”
There are over 40,000 hairdressing, barbering and beauty businesses in the UK. The industry employs nearly 300,000 individuals with over half being self-employed, and 88% being female. Hairdressing is the 10th most popular apprenticeship in England, with 19,000 young people choosing a hairdressing career each year.*
Hairdressing affords people extraordinary opportunities including entrepreneurship, leadership, worldwide travel as a session stylist or educator and a creative and business outlet for driven individuals.
Launched in 1998, HJ’s British Hairdressing Business Awards promote professionalism, innovation and excellence; recognising individuals and teams who work tirelessly to raise the profile of the hairdressing industry. Previous winners include TONI&GUY, Rush, Electric and Lee Stafford. The event took place on 9th September 2019 at the Park Plaza Hotel, Westminster Bridge, London.
