Phorest Summit Attendees: Simon Tuckwell
Name: Simon Tuckwell
Instagram: @heavy.metal.hairdresser
Salon: Tuckwell & Co, (https://www.instagram.com/tuckwellandco/?hl=en)
Location: Nottingham
Position: Salon Owner
How long have you owned your salon?
I’ve had the privilege of owning Tuckwell & Co for six incredible years now. Every year has brought its own set of challenges and rewards, but I can honestly say I wouldn’t change a thing. Owning a salon is a journey, and every day I’m learning, growing, and shaping it into something I’m incredibly proud of; Phorest has been instrumental in that.
Tell us a little about your salon – how many staff, specialties, awards, etc.
Tuckwell & Co is a small, yet mighty team. We’ve got a close-knit group of talented stylists, each with their own unique style & talents. We pride ourselves on offering not just a hair service, but a personalised experience for every client. We’ve been very fortunate to be nominated for over 90 awards that celebrate both our creativity and commitment to delivering exceptional customer service. At the core of our philosophy is creating an environment where clients can feel like themselves, and we work tirelessly to help create their identity, while pushing the boundaries of what we can do creatively.
How long have you been a customer of Phorest?
I stumbled upon Phorest in 2020, and it honestly felt like a game-changer from day one. If I’m being honest, I wish I had discovered it sooner, as it’s truly transformed how we run things behind the scenes. From appointment scheduling to managing client relationships, it’s like having another team member in the form of software, and it makes all the difference.
What do you love about using the Phorest Software?
Where do I even begin?! We use Phorest non-stop, and I’ve come to rely on it for nearly every aspect of the business. It’s intuitive, user-friendly, and extremely efficient. The software feels like an extension of our team – it’s so comfortable to use, which is a huge deal for me. We all use it pretty much 24/7, so I need something I can trust. From managing bookings to sending personalised marketing messages, Phorest helps us streamline everything, so we can focus on the reasons we became hairdressers: our clients and creativity.
How many times have you attended the Summit?
This will be my fourth year attending the Phorest Summit, and it’s something I look forward to every single year. It’s become a highlight on the calendar, and I always leave feeling energised and ready to tackle the year ahead.
Do you attend the Summit on your own or with any team?
I’ve attended solo in the past, but the last couple of years, I’ve invited a few members of my team to join me. I really want them to experience the magic of the Summit and understand the incredible legacy behind Phorest. It’s not just about the speakers or the sessions; it’s about the opportunity to learn together, recharge, and bring that energy and inspiration back into the salon. Plus, we always make sure to explore the city a bit and enjoy a Guinness (or seven) along the way!
Why do you love attending the Summit?
The Summit is the perfect way to set the tone for the year ahead. It’s an event that’s both inspiring and practical. While I love diving into the creative side of the business, the Summit gives me the tools and strategies to strengthen the core side – the operational and strategic aspects that really drive our growth.
I always leave with a notebook full of ideas and actionable takeaways. And it’s invaluable to connect with other salon owners. Being a leader can sometimes feel a little isolating, but hearing others share their experiences and struggles makes you realise we’re all in this together.
What takeaways do you usually learn when you attend?
Every time I leave the Summit, it feels like a breath of fresh air. The team is always so pumped up to hear the new ideas & new features (the tipping feature from last year went down an absolute storm!)
Whether it’s insights from the speakers or industry trends that we can apply, there’s always something to get excited about. The energy at the Summit is contagious, and it always gives me a renewed sense of purpose. I’ve also realised from the Summit that I LOVE bingo!
Is there anything stand out from the Summits that you’ve taken back to your business successfully?
One standout moment for me was last year’s session with Geno Stampora – he was incredible and the nicest guy! The way he broke down the salon experience from both the client’s and the team’s perspective were a real eye-opener. I walked away with a deeper understanding of how we can continuously improve both the client journey and the internal team dynamics. It was one of those moments where I thought, “This is exactly what I needed to hear!”
Why should other salon owners attend the Summit?
The return on investment from attending the Summit is phenomenal. For me, it’s not just about the event itself but the lasting impact it has on the salon throughout the year. To be able to sit in a room full of like-minded business owners and be inspired by world-class speakers is priceless. It gives me the tools, clarity, and motivation to make smarter decisions and keep pushing forward. Every year, I leave with a clear roadmap for success, and I honestly think any salon owner would benefit from that. It’s worth every penny – I’ll be attending for as long as they’ll have me!
Want to be part of this electric atmosphere of like-minded salon owners, and have access to an incredible line up of education?
Secure your tickets today: https://www.salonownersummit.com/
