Launched in 2013, SB Awards have growing history as well as an exciting future
Published:Since its launch in 2013, the SB Awards has grown into one of the most respected accolades in the professional hair and salon industry, recognising not just creativity, but the strength, resilience and business excellence that sit behind truly successful salons.
As SB Awards founder Jo Charlton explains:
“From day one, the goal was to recognise the complete salon business, not just what happens behind the chair. The industry is built on passion and creativity, but it’s also built on resilience, leadership and smart business thinking. The SB Awards exist to celebrate all of that, and to inspire salons to keep evolving and striving for more.”
While many awards celebrate artistic achievement alone, the SB Awards were designed to reflect the full picture, rewarding salons that combine exceptional hairdressing with strong leadership, client experience, team culture and commercial success.
The Salon Business Awards 2021 held at Quaglino’s in London on 19 July 2021 Photography by DFphotography.co.uk/Danny Fitzpatrick Credit : DFphotography.co.uk
The Salon Business Awards 2021 held at Quaglino’s in London on 19 July 2021 Photography by DFphotography.co.uk/Danny Fitzpatrick Credit : DFphotography.co.uk
The Salon Business Awards 2021 held at Quaglino’s in London on 19 July 2021 Photography by DFphotography.co.uk/Danny Fitzpatrick Credit : DFphotography.co.uk
The Salon Business Awards 2021 held at Quaglino’s in London on 19 July 2021 Photography by DFphotography.co.uk/Danny Fitzpatrick Credit : DFphotography.co.uk
Over the years, the awards have evolved in step with the industry itself. Categories have adapted to reflect changing priorities, from sustainability and innovation to education and team development, ensuring the programme remains relevant in a fast-moving landscape. What hasn’t changed, however, is the commitment to credibility and rigour. The judging process has always been central to the awards’ reputation, bringing together respected industry figures and robust criteria to ensure that every win is truly earned.
At its heart, the SB Awards stands for progression. It champions those who push boundaries, invest in their people and continually raise standards, not just for their own businesses, but for the industry as a whole. Winning an SB Award is widely seen as a mark of excellence, but even entering has become a valuable exercise for many salons, offering a chance to reflect, refine and benchmark their business.
The introduction of initiatives such as the SB Awards Leaderboard has further reinforced this long-term vision, celebrating not just one-off success, but sustained achievement over time. It’s a reflection of how the awards continue to innovate while staying true to their founding purpose.
More than a decade on, the SB Awards remains a benchmark for excellence, celebrating the salons that are not only shaping trends, but defining the future of the industry.
