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While the VAT battle continues ahead of the impending Spring Budget (did you catch our Instagram Live with The NHBF’s Caroline Larissey and the Salon Employer Association’s Toby Dicker? It got a little spicy), there has been some industry progress to celebrate. Having wasted time and money on prepping a T Level for hairdressing, barbering & beauty – which most employers didn’t want, arguing apprenticeships have much more value – it’s now been dropped for hair and barbering. There are new protocols in place for allergy testing, helping better protect UK hairdressers. And more than 300 salons have won a decision against insurer Salon Gold over Covid pay outs, a battle that’s been ongoing for three years. Combined, it feels that while our industry is still facing bruising business challenges, there have been gains, and those diligently fighting are engaging wider awareness (see also: Toby’s media blitz across national TV, broadsheets and radio). Yes, more needs to be done. But let’s take a moment to acknowledge those wins. Everyone’s passion is what fuels this industry – creatively yes, but it’s also helping make change for businesses, too.
Amanda Nottage Editorial director
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It’s March, so let MWIT begin! Creative HEAD’s MostWanted and It List awards return for 2024, bringing with them numerous opportunities to get you and your work recognised and rewarded. Uniting the whole hair community, the trophies are lined up for employed, self-employed and freelance professionals. Will you be name-checked in the UK and Ireland’s most coveted competitions? Let’s go! See from page 28 for details. And there’s just enough time left to secure a place at Salon Smart – the must-attend event for salon and barber shop owners and managers. But hurry, there are only a few tickets remaining. See page 46 and book today. creativeheadmag.com/connect