The Fellowship for British Hairdressing celebrated an incredible 12months with their annual Luncheon and Awards, held at The Londoner – the biggest and best independent networking and awards event in the industry. 

2024 was a year of evolution for the Fellowship. In June, the role of President was passed on from Robert Eaton to Ashleigh Hodges, who became the Fellowship’s youngest ever president. With a newly progressive board in place, the Fellowship has continued its regional takeover with two more Centres of Excellence added to its portfolio, creative local events, advanced education opportunities and a progression into Europe – a first in its history.

The Luncheon brought together over 450 U.K. and international industry guests to celebrate and reminisce over the last year, whilst looking forward to 2025 and the vision for what lies ahead.

 

Ashleigh Hodges
Welcoming the guests to the annual festive celebration, Fellowship President Ashleigh Hodges, recapped about the achievements since taking over the presidency role just 6 short months ago, and honouring the theme of Community and Strength, which underpins her presidency term.

Ashleigh then welcomed to the stage Vice President Michelle Griffin, who honoured the Fellowship four pillars of Creativity, Opportunity, Diversity and Inclusivity. Michelle went on to thank the Fellowship members, sponsors, partners and audience for their continued support and loyalty over the last 12months.

The duo then went on to honour the Fellowship Patrons and anniversaries throughout the industry, then moving onto the celebration of the 2024/5 Scholarship Winners and the unveiling of the two new Regional Ambassadors.

Medals & Titles
With the anticipation already building, the 2024 achievements announcement began, with a host of fabulous names being awarded this year’s medals and titles. Ashleigh then went on to remember those we lost over the last year, including a poignant tribute to Fellowship Patron, Trevor Sorbie MBE – who sadly passed away in the weeks leading up to the event.

Following an exquisite lunch, the luncheon continued with CEO Barry Stephens gracing the stage, joining Ashleigh to launch the new Ann Herman Scholarship, a tribute to Ann and her lifelong contribution to the organisation. This was followed by the announcement of the new Fellowship Youth Board and the plans for 2025, including the Net Zero and Safe Space initiatives. With celebrations continuing, the presenters continued with the unveiling of this winners of the Art & Commerce Awards and penultimate award, Fellowship Hairdresser of the Year.

Robert Eaton 
Rounding off a fabulous, festive celebration, former President Robert Eaton took to the stage bringing to a close the afternoon, with the announcement of the Fellowship Lifetime Achievement Award. Having held the individual in high regard throughout his career and choosing him as one of his icons within the Presidents Night celebration back in June, Nicky Clarke was the unveiled as the recipient of the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award.

Fellowship Hairdresser of the Year – Suzie McGill, Rainbow Room International
Fellowship Lifetime Achievement Award – Nicky Clarke OBE

Sassoon Scholarship – Jason Hecker, Il Salotto & Offcut Barbers
Hairdotcom Scholarship – Meg Piper, Solstice Hair Studio
Trevor Sorbie Creative Scholarship – Clare Maxwell, Clare’s Hair Lab
WAHL Scholarship – Billy Ryan, Tribe Salons
Calligraphy Cut Scholarship – Jamie-Leigh Bailey, Meraki Hair, Morgan Graham, MG The Studio, Chelsey Stone, Chelsey Stone, Gabriella Wain, Tilted Crown Hair Studio-cannot attend, Rebecca Mills, William & Mary, Hair and Beauty, Chris Grimley, Fusion Hair Company

Regional Ambassadors – Geri Padalino Sassoon & Colette Osborne Urban Hideaway

Fellow with Honours – Jacqui McIntosh, Daniel Couch, Lisa Farrall, Jamie Benny, Darrel Starkey, Scott Cooper, Monica Teodoro

Fellow with Distinction – Sally Brooks, Robert Masciave, Tracey Ann Smith

Community Hero – Laura Leigh Kerr
Past Presidents Medal – Robert Eaton
Presidents Award – Stewart Roberts, Haircuts 4 Homeless

Member of the Year – Billy Ryan, Tribe Salons

Achiever of the Year Award
Clubstar Art Team – Jess Dennis, Tate Hair
Project Colour – Amelia Krasinski, KH Hair
Project X – Lucy Melvin, Diamond Appearance
Project Men & Media – Kieran Martin, Charter Cutting Company
Project Sassoon – Callum Bate-Siney, William & Mary Hair & Beauty
Project Afro – Nataša Stantić Brajović, Andrew Jose
Project Extend – Jade Miles, Voila Hair Studio

Snapshot Image of the Year – Giuseppe Stelitano, Trevor Sorbie, London

Men’s Image of the Year – Sam Elliot, Toni&Guy, Covent Garden, London

Colour Image of the Year – RUSH Artistic Team
Afro Image of the Year – Cos Sakkas, Toni & Guy Academy, London
International Image Award – Antoinette Beenders, Aveda, USA
Image of the Year – Cos Sakkas, Toni&Guy Academy, London

Independent Business of the Year – STĀ Studios
Salon Business of the Year – Medusa
Barber Business of the Year – R.W. Wolf barbers
Educator of the Year – Laura Leigh Kerr, Rainbow Room International
Session Stylist of the Year – Nick Irwin
Hall of F.A.M.E. Award – Josh Goldsworthy

2025 F.A.M.E. Team
Sam Bickle, Arkive by Adam Reed
Steve-Leah Loscombe, Blue Tit
Bekki Delehedy, Dot Hair
Annie Franklin, Prestige Hair

The Trevor Sorbie Award for Creative and Commercial Innovation – Kelly Rowney

For more info visit www.fellowshiphair.com