When Salon Strategies first decided to create the Business Boot Camp, they were desperately looking for a way to provide salon owners and stylists with much-needed skills and qualifications that they could apply immediately to their businesses. They were invited to join the Pan London Retail Consortium which funded the delivery of an NVQ Level 3 course in Retail Management that was perfect for the needs of the sector. In November 2007, the first two groups began the course under the watchful eyes of tutors Jacqui McIntosh and Samantha Golding. Anne Long-Murray was excited, but nervous that many of the participants would not last for the 10 week duration. Some of her worst fears were realised when some of the students did not return after the Christmas break and a few others began to show signs of wavering. Thankfully, attendance stabilised and confidence grew in both groups, thanks to the hard work of both tutors, supported by business advisor Michael Williams.

Student Novelette Smith of The Nouv Hair-Let was grateful for the help she received: “Samantha’s patience and her ability to deliver each lesson and captivate the class at the same time is second to none. With her guidance there was no way any of us could fail this course. It has provided me with some valuable tools to use in my salon.”

The end of February 2008 signalled the approach of the final examination, as anxiety increased for many course participants. Jacqui and Samantha calmed everyone’s nerves by taking them through revision and a mock test, both of which boosted the group’s confidence. The tutors also made sure that each student understood the exam procedure and that their individual needs were met.

On exam day, both groups made their way to Kingston and assembled for a final lunchtime briefing. The mood was relaxed, with just a touch of anxiety, as they settled in front of the computers for the moment of truth. As each student completed their paper and logged out, the printer swiftly printed the result and apprehension turned to relief. The results were staggering: a 94% success rate with over 77% achieving a credit or distinction.

Ginny Stroud of Kingston College was surprised and delighted by the outcome and said: “This was our first time working with this sector on the retailing course so we couldn’t have predicted that it would go so well.”

Anne Long-Murray, Director of Salon Strategies, was ecstatic: “It’s great to see so many salon owners and managers taking advantage of this comprehensive training programme. One of our key objectives at Salon Strategies is to ensure that people in the hair and beauty industry get useful business advice that makes sense to them, so our trainers and business advisers have many years of experience in the industry. The number of salons achieving the qualification bears testimony to their dedication.”

The last word goes to Jill Foli of Viva Hair Studio in Wandsworth, who says: “Anne, I just want to say a big thank you for all you have done, investing in me and all the others. It means so much to me, because I not only passed the exam but actually got a credit.”

The Pan London Retail Consortium is managed by London College of Communication, College of North West London and Kingston College of Further and Higher Education. The project is funded by the European Social Fund through the London Learning & Skills Council.