Just Cuts celebrate national recognition for commitment to salon owners

International hair salon brand, Just Cuts, is celebrating a successful 2020 of growth, after being shortlisted for no fewer than three national business awards.

The Approved Franchise Association (AFA) awards, designed to reward, recognise and celebrate the brightest stars from within the franchising sector, has shortlisted the brand for Best New Franchise. David Mathie, UK General Manager, has been shortlisted in the Franchise Leader of the Year category. And Holly Feltham, owner of the Just Cuts salon in Lakeside Shopping Centre, is in the running for the Outstanding Young Franchisee award.

The franchise first launched in the UK in 2018, offering budding salon owners the opportunity to invest in their own salon in key shopping centres and on busy high streets across the UK. Commonly referred to as the largest hairdressing chain in the southern hemisphere, the brand’s plan since landing on UK shores is to replicate this standing in the British market.

“Recognition from a national regulatory body like the AFA is an indication of how far we’ve come in the last two years,” explained David. “Taking into account the three months of closures we faced earlier this year, we’ve really managed to bounce back and, from the 4^th July, reopened our existing salons and launched a further three more. I’m so proud of the team for working as hard as they have to maintain our business. We’re all keeping our fingers crossed for the awards announcement in November!”

Holly, who joined Just Cuts as a Senior Stylist at the first company-owned salon in January 2018, took over operations in November 2019 – at just 26 years old. Since then, the determined young entrepreneur has increased turnover by 48% and expanded into much larger premises.

“Moving into a larger salon with wash basins, more Stylist chairs and a waiting area is extremely exciting. It’s double the size of the kiosk space, which means we can accommodate many more clients. I will stop at nothing to achieve my goals and plan on owning two more salons within the next few years. I’m eager to see what the future has in store, especially during the busy Christmas period. It’s crazy to look back on how far I’ve come since joining Just Cuts and I’m ready for the challenge,” said Holly.

David, who has also been recognised for his ongoing commitment to the development of the UK network, knew early on that Holly had the potential to achieve great things as a salon owner.

“Holly is really a dream salon owner. She’s determined to make a success of her own business and has also been integral in setting an incredible standard for our other five salon owners too. With her as part of our team, I know that we’re going on to achieve even greater things in 2021. We’d be over the moon for Holly if she won the award – she really deserves it,” added David.

This is the fourth national business award that the brand will have been shortlisted for in 2020, having been nominated for the annual Franchise Marketing Awards earlier this year. Winners of the AFA awards will be announced during a virtual awards ceremony on Thursday 12^th November.