Brian MacMillan, Salon Director of F&M Hairdressing tells us how he’s preparing his business for 2021. 

History

‘2020 – a year every individual will remember, a year like no other and one that will be in the history books for years to come. I can remember this time last year, festive plans were in full swing and we were looking forward to many exciting opportunities that 2020 was set to offer us.

Festive Plans In Place

Fast forward a year and wow things could not be more different, it certainly has been a learning curve, a testing one at that. However just like last year, our festive plans are in place and confirmed, albeit a lot different from previous years, and we are looking forward to the New Year and what it may hold. But how do you, as a business owner, prepare for the unknown New Year? It’s very daunting this year, but by uniting together as an industry, we hope to make 2021 the year of the comeback.

My Top Tips for 2021

In order to succeed and move forward in the New Year, I have stablished a few areas that are extremely important and contribute hugely to the success of our salons and businesses around the UK.

1. Be financially savvy

Gone are the days of extravagant spend and excess stock. 2021 is the year to tighten our belts. Many of us, if not all, have experienced financial destruction in 2020 which has left us all looking at every single area of our businesses and establishing the best way to get things back on track. Assess every outgoing – do you need it? Is it a novelty rather than a must for your business? Can you chat to you suppliers in order to negotiate a better deal? Be open, honest and down to earth. Explain your circumstances and show that you are doing what’s best for you and your business. SAVE EVERY PENNY YOU CAN!

2. Keep your eye on the accounts

This can be a job in itself, but to be financially secure in 2021 and going forward you must look at the accounts as much as possible in order to keep things in check and according to plan. By doing so, the risk of something getting out of control is extremely low and you will stay very much on track. I would recommend chatting to your accountants and bank or building society monthly in order to keep things stable. Remember, these people are part of your team and want the best for you too.

3. Communication is key

As always, communication with clients, team members and suppliers is key to success. A san industry this has always been a strong point for us and we need to continue this into the future. It’s important to communicate everything you can whether it be service info, price updates, ppe updates or team news. Using social network platforms is the way forward, with networks such as facebook and instagram seeing a 62% rise in new profiles being created during lockdown. Keep everything on brand and updated – the first place people go to search is online!

4. Support your local neighbours

2020 showed us just how much our local communities can come together and support one another during times of hardship, and this is something that must continue in the New Year. Network with local businesses, share their news with your team and clients and promote the community spirit. A little work can go along a way and as a result, allow you to tap into a new market and potential client reach.

5. Look at your pricing

With 2020 putting turnover way down the list, 2021 is the year to build this back up and become more financially stable again. Many salons have done so already and many have held off until now, but looking at your pricing structure can help make things more comfortable. Assess your stylists and their prices and work out where to increase, even if it’s a small rise. When doing so, it’s important to justify this to your clients so be honest in regards to the thought process behind this whether it be to cover the extra equipment or product price increase. Being honest with them is so important to secure that trust’.

For more info on the brand, please visit FM Hairdressing here.