Held onboard The Yacht, the Salon Business Awards Champagne Soiree was an awards ceremony like no other.

Proving that business can be fun, nearly 200 guests drank Laurent Perrier champagne, indulged in delicious cuisine including seared teriyaki salmon and posed with the very talented saxophonist come DJ. There was also a prestigious Magic Circle member to wow the crowds and even a photo booth for when the selfie stick didn’t quite suffice.

Even TOWIE’s Lauren Pope turned up to represent her extensions brand, Hair Rehab London, causing a Twitter frenzy about the Salon Business Awards including a mention in the Daily Mail Online.

Kain Lawrence of Q Hair and Beauty, who scooped the top accolade of Salon Business Awards Ultimate Large Salon 2014/15 said: “It’s probably one of the best awards ceremonies we’ve ever been to. We had a great time.”

It all started three months ago when hundreds of hairdressers submitted their entries to be part of the Salon Business Awards. It was up to Andre Dupratt, Takara Belmont National Sales Manager; Rob Cooper, Scummi Founder and CEO; Linda Evans, TIGI Head of PR; Roger Vallvé, Revlon Professional UK and Ireland Marketing Director; Zoe Vears, Salon Success Director of Publicity, Beverley Bates, La Biosthetique UK Creative Director and Victoria Lynch, Remi Cachet Founder to select the winners.

There were 59 finalists who made it through to the final hurdle with most of these heading to the Champagne Soiree to find out if they came in as the judging panel’s number one.

“We were pleased to see so many enter the awards and we were overwhelmed by the standard of the entries. There were some fantastic examples of business models and some inspiring efforts to reach new markets – be it men, the eco-conscious or the discerning clientele,” said Salon Business Awards founder Joanne Charlton.

The day kicked off with a champagne reception, with organisers pleased the weather brightened for the event. After some networking, Joanne took to the stage with Salon Business Director Ben Turner. After a short introduction it was time to announce the winners…

Best Local Salon of the Year sponsored by Paul Mitchell Anthony Laban Home

Business Salon of the Year Clay Hair Salon

Colour Salon of the Year sponsored by La Biosthetique Nicola Smyth Award Winning hair

Creative Salon of the Year sponsored by TIGI Tim Scott Wright@The Hair Surgery

Design Salon of the Year sponsored by Takara Belmont Anderson’s Hair

Education Salon of the Year sponsored by Remi Cachet HOB Salons

Green Salon of the Year sponsored by Scrummi Anderson’s Hair

Stylist of the Year Lisa Kennedy, Jason Liddiard Hair Design

Male Grooming Salon of the Year Toni&Guy Canary Wharf

Salon Team of the Year sponsored by Revlon Barrie Stephen Hair

Ultimate Small to Medium Salon of the Year sponsored by L’Oréal Professionnel B.O.B Hairdressing

Ultimate Large Salon of the Year sponsored by L’Oréal Professionnel Q Hair and Beauty

Throughout the soiree, guests were asked to Tweet their award-winning face to #SBAwards, for a chance to winning £300 worth of restaurant vouchers courtesy of luxury furniture brand Takara Belmont. Andreas Nicoli of Tim Scott Wright provided the winning look, as chosen by Andre Dupratt, Takara Belmont National Sales Manager.

Then it was time to party as a DJ played the latest hits, while guests enjoyed the view across London’s skyline.

Joanne added: “We couldn’t have asked for a better evening. We wanted to show that business can be fun while also recognising those who are creating successful salons across the UK – and we did that. Now to start planning next year.”