Paul Fitzgerald of PR Hair in Chiswick has been named as a finalist in the Manager of the Year category at the British Hairdressing Business Awards, sponsored by Goldwell and hosted by Hairdressers Journal International.

The awards, which are now in their 19th year, seek to find and celebrate the very best salon businesses in the country – an industry which contributes an estimated £7bn to the British economy and one which employs more than 300,000 people.

With 17 categories celebrating all aspects of the business side of hair, the awards are a proven platform for raising a salon’s profile. Even finalising in one of the prestigious categories marks a business out as one of the finest providers in the country; a win catapults them to the very top, providing unrivalled recognition that they are at the pinnacle of their profession and raising their profile to give an edge over competitors.

The Manager of the Year category celebrates those that manage, inspire and motivate a salon or individual and is backed up not just by an award entry, but by a follow-up gruelling panel interview with a team of business experts.

Says HJ’s Executive Director, Jayne Lewis-Orr: “Promoting professionalism, innovation and excellence, the British Hairdressing Business Awards recognise those individuals and teams who work tirelessly to raise the profile and stature of this industry, and make it one of which we can all be proud.

She adds: “It goes without saying that the manager is a pivotal role in a salon, but the difference between a good one and a great one is huge. This award seeks to recognise a manager that inspires as well as wielding influence and one that brings a positive difference to the workplace in order to better support the business.”

Salon manager Paul comments: “To be a finalist for such a prestigious award is a real honour. We’re incredibly proud of what we do as a business, the whole team are part of this and I can’t wait to celebrate with them on the night.”

The awards take place in London on Monday 11 September.