No short cuts to staying at top in hairdressing

BIJOUX HAIRDRESSING'S team trains to be a cut above the rest. Salon owner Lynn Gaudion said the secret to a successful business in Guernsey was an understanding that the island's economy depended on the key skills of its staff.

'It's about getting a great team together and training them up to the highest standards. It's intrinsic to the success of any business in such a competitive industry,' she said.

With more than 400 clients through the doors each week, the salon of 13 staff is also a satellite unit for the NVQ course at the College of Further Education.

The salon currently has three trainees, a first-, second- and third-year apprentice from the CFE course.

On completion of their NVQ, each is sent to the Vidal Sassoon training studio in London for a week.

This provides the girls with commercial skills and expertise and broadens their experience, benefiting both the student and salon.

'As part of their professional development, it's important that the girls learn from the top stylists because hairdressing is Britain's fastest-evolving industry,' she said.

Bijoux was one of three businesses shortlisted for the Institute of Directors/Training Agency training award in the Awards for Achievement.

'It is fantastic because we are always working as a team to encourage the highest standards from our trainees,' said Mrs Gaudion.

She has enrolled in the Vidal Sassoon ultimate master academy diploma to prove to her trainees that you never stop learning the tricks of the trade.

'I see myself as part of the team and recognise the need to keep updated and proactive in my approach to training,' she said.

Being part of such a competitive industry is always tough, but owning a hair salon in Guernsey can be even harder because of the nature of the island's businesses.

'It's very difficult having a business in such a small island. You really have to keep up with your service levels,' she added.

Mrs Gaudion has a five-year plan for the salon's future, including consolidating the business and continuing to push the boundaries of success.

'I have been doing it for 28 years and I still enjoy hairdressing as much as I did the first day I started,' she said.