“We Did It!” Charter Cutting Company Has Been Named One of the Best Salon Teams in the UK
I still can’t quite believe I’m writing this. Charter Cutting Company has been named one of the best salon teams in the whole country, placing 21st nationally in the Best Salon Team category at the UK Hair and Beauty Awards, out of a shortlist of just 50 salons. I have read that sentence back about ten times now and it still gives me butterflies.
I wanted to share the full story, not just the headline. How we ended up entering, the bits that nearly stopped us, and what it has genuinely done for this team, because that is the part I am proudest of.
Why We Decided to Enter
Believing We Had a Story Worth Telling
If I am honest, entering a national award felt like a big leap. There are salons up and down the country who have been established for decades, and here we are in Emsworth wondering if we even belonged in the same conversation. But when I actually sat down and thought about what this team has built together, the culture we have, the way we show up for our clients and for each other, I realised we absolutely had a story worth telling.
Getting the Application Together
The application itself was no small task. It asked for real detail: how our team works together, the fundraising we have taken part in, and genuine reviews from our clients. Writing it all down properly, some of it for the first time, was actually a lovely exercise in itself. It made me stop and appreciate everything this team quietly gets on with every single day.
The Challenges Along the Way
A Fully Booked Diary on Awards Day
Here is the bit nobody tells you about award ceremonies. The event was held in Manchester, and our diary was completely full that day. Not a single gap. As much as I would have loved to be there in person, walking away from a fully booked salon was never going to happen.
Watching Together From a Garden Party
So instead, we did the next best thing. The whole team gathered together at a garden party and watched the ceremony on a livestream, hosted by Jake Quickenden and Katie Price. Honestly, the production quality was brilliant, it felt like we were right there with everyone else. And in a strange way, watching it together like that, all of us in one place, made the moment feel even more like ours.
What This Win Has Meant for Our Team
The Moment We Found Out
I will never forget hearing our name called out at 21st place. The whole garden erupted. There was cheering, a few tears, and a lot of very tight hugs. Months of hard work, and years of building this team, all landing in one moment.
A Genuine Confidence Boost
What has stayed with me since is what this has done for everyone’s confidence. This team works so hard, day in and day out, and it can be easy for that to go unnoticed in the middle of a busy week. Having it recognised nationally, by people completely outside our own little bubble, has given everyone a real lift.
Inspiring the Team to Aim Even Higher
The best part? Some of our stylists are already talking about putting themselves forward for individual Rising Star categories next year. Watching this win spark that kind of ambition in the team has honestly meant more to me than the placing itself.
Sharing the News With Our Clients
Our clients have been just as thrilled. Word travelled fast, so we sent everyone a personal update to share the news properly. So many of you have been part of this salon’s story for years, and it felt only right that you heard it from us.
To every single member of this team, thank you. This award has your name on it just as much as it has the salon’s. And to our clients, thank you for trusting us with your hair, your time, and your support over the years. This one is for all of you.
