New Fellowship Chair and Vice-Chair Announced
Simon Shaw and Kerry Mather have been elected as Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson of the Fellowship for British Hairdressing.
Two new positions have been voted in at the Fellowship for British Hairdressing’s Council; Simon Shaw as Chairperson, and Kerry Mather as Vice-Chairperson. Both bring with them a wealth of experience within the industry, and a mission to push the Fellowship forward into a new age.
Simon Shaw, the new Fellowship Chairperson
The role will see Simon put his 40 plus years of salon experience to excellent use, as he provides business, financial and management advice, liaises with sponsors to ensure their continued support and generally helps the team maintain the smooth running of the Fellowship.
He started his career in the industry in 1975 and worked in various salons, including a two-year stint at Vidal Sassoon where he started as a vaderer. Along with a partner, he opened his first salon in Maidenhead in 1984. This company grew to a 13-salon group, employing more than 300 staff. Simon is also one of the hottest names in hairdressing education, having coached countless individuals and salons to success - most recently with Simon Shaw Education, where he teaches courses for L’Oréal both in the UK and abroad, as well as privately for individual salons.
I have worked within the hairdressing industry all of my professional life,” says Simon. “And have been connected with the Fellowship for more than a decade. I am so passionate about our industry and believe that the Fellowship is at the forefront of it all and continues to push in the right direction.
Kerry Mather, the new Fellowship Vice-Chairperson
Her new role as Vice-Chairperson will see Kerry support Simon and represent the best interests of the Fellowship with her extensive industry knowledge. She is particularly keen on developing opportunities for young hairdressers and maintaining the growth of the industry amongst school leavers.
Kerry, who owns and manages KJM Salons in Hampshire studied hairdressing at college straight after school, and has run her successful salon for more than 26 years. She is a former member of the Colour Project team, a Schwarzkopf Professional Colour Master and a three-time nominee for Southern Hairdresser of the Year. Her business recently won Salon Team of the Year at the British Hairdressing Business Awards; something she considers one of her greatest achievements.
Being in business on my own can sometimes be a challenge,” says Kerry. “For example I always want to stay up-to-date on things like employment laws or how other salons do things. The Fellowship is my extended family and I can go to them with any question or issue and they are able to give me solid unbiased advice. They also have so many events and people available to me that all of mine and my team’s training needs are always met.