Hair Gallery’s cutting edge

10:27am Friday 11th May 2007

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A HAIR salon group based in Thame has been commended for its work in employment and learning skills at a glitzy bash hosted by athlete and gold medallist Colin Jackson.

The Hair Gallery, in Lupton Road, received the prestigious commendation from the South East Learning and Skills Council (LSC) in the Employer of the Year Award category at its annual awards ceremony.

"Our heartfelt congratulations go out to all finalists � for their achievements and for making this such an awesome event.�

Henry Ball

The LSC exists to make England better skilled and more competitive.

The event saw both learners and employers praised for their achievements in work-based learning.

The event was hosted by Colin Jackson CBE, who presented the awards, while ITV Meridian news presenter Mary Green, hosted the dinner and prizegiving part of the ceremony on April 26.

Debbie Lowes, a partner at The Hair Gallery, said: "We're delighted with this commendation which makes our efforts worthwhile. We believe that our commitment to training over the years has been a major factor in the rate of growth of our company since it was formed just over ten years ago."

The hairdressing company was given the prize in the small employer category, for organisations with ten to 49 employees.

The salon employs 28 staff and the age of their apprentices ranges from 16 to 49 years old.

The company also gives their trainee staff the chance to increase their confidence by allowing them to run a salon on a training day for at least ten days a year.

Meanwhile, in a motivational speech, Colin Jackson talked about his own experiences in training to become a world-class athlete.

His talk highlighted how he had overcome personal challenges and explained how dreams could be achieved no matter what career people choose.

Henry Ball, regional director for the LSC in the South East, added: "We looked for a dynamic approach to training, support for learners, and an ability to demonstrate tangible business benefits through training programmes.

"Our heartfelt congratulations go out to all finalists - for their achievements and for making this such an awesome event."