QFest has become a very important day in the annual calendar with this summer’s much-anticipated annual gathering taking place at luxury boutique venue, Harbour Hotel. Found in Chichester, it welcomed the teams of the three-strong salon group who also celebrated 52 years of independent business.

 

 

Managing Director Kain Lawrence said: “QFest has elevated to become the highlight in our calendar for our team. Recognising their successes while also treating everyone to both practical and inspiring sessions through carefully thought-out guests.”

 

 

The keynote for 2024 was customer service and inspiration and kicking off the agenda was an inspirational presentation by locally-based national assistance dog charity, Canine Partners.

One of their invaluable dogs were there to demonstrate how they are trained to support people with disabilities by performing a wide range of tasks, helping them in a variety of ways and boosting individuals’ confidence so they can enjoy life to the full.

Having raised over £2,500 for the charity, that has granted Q the opportunity to sponsor a puppy called Nita who will transform someone’s life in the future, a cheque was presented to Ali Sole, Community Fundraiser for Canine Partners by Dawn Lawrence, director at Q Hair and Beauty.

Plus, a QFest raffle, with items donated by Q and several local businesses, raised an impressive £500 for the charity.

Next came a talk by Kain, and Dawn, who spoke about year ahead, followed by Tony Tremain, director of Meevo UK from US salon software Meevo by Millennium. He delivered a fascinating tips and tricks session on how to make the system work for you – working smarter, not harder.

After a lunch break there was a high-energy session from Francoise Drew who got everyone up and moving, with a focus on posture and body position and movement, invaluable in an industry notorious for bad posture and all-day standing.

The final presentation was from Katie Greenwood, local area manager for Clarins UK. Katie has worked with Q for over ten years, seeing it become an official Clarins Gold salon, one of 80 in the whole of the UK, all the way through to a Clarins-led beauty brand covering three salons.

 

Then came the annual salon award with the winners being Most Improved Stylist – Acer Mepham; Most Improved Beauty Therapist – Eve Barber; Stylist of the Year – Stefano Sbuttoni; Beauty Therapist of the year – Chloe Grace; Apprentice of the year – Millie Creighton-Moore; Colour Specialist of the year – Lucia Jackson; Highest Performer of the year – Natasha Lee; Team member of the year ¬– Bella Thwaites; Team choice award – Tilly Prince; Special recognition award – Gina Arnell and Sue Cassey.

Then it was time to switch into party mode and celebrate everyone’s success from the past 12 months, with a DJ, dancing and cocktails.

Kain Lawrence said: “This year did not disappoint having been a really enjoyable day, and of course, who doesn’t like to relax and enjoy everyone’s company”.

More Info: qhairandbeauty.co.uk