Business

The Fellowship For British Hairdressing Announces New Executive Board Members

Chris Foster, Marnie Williams and Marcus Allen will bring their expertise and knowledge.

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“We’re delighted to have three new exceptionally talented individuals joining the Fellowship Executive Board. Chris Foster, Marnie Williams and Marcus Allen will bring their expertise and knowledge to the Executive Board to help nuture and develop the skills and talent of Fellowship Members. This Year, the Fellowship’s Executive Board will continue to encourage the growth of those who are new to the industry and those who have worked in the industry for many years. The Fellowship will be collaborating and bringing the industry together from all over the UK – with a focus on inspiring, educating, and encouraging salon stylists, salon owners, freelance stylists, and barbers,”
– Ashleigh Hodges, President of the Fellowship.

Chris Foster

An internationally recognised, multi-award-winning barber with a career that spans the worlds of grooming, fashion, education, and digital innovation. Chris was the first to create a dedicated barbering app for barbering education, breaking new ground in how industry knowledge is shared and scaled. He went on to establish his own academy and develop signature digital products designed to help barbers and hair professionals grow their influence and income. Chris is deeply passionate about bringing the tools and mindset of the digital world—such as automation and AI—into the hair industry, while always preserving its unique creativity and craftsmanship. Through his company, The Profile Guy Digital Agency, he equips professionals with systems that help attract, convert, and retain clients on autopilot—freeing up time so they can focus on what they love most. Chris Foster joins the Fellowship Executive Board as the Head of Technology. His role will explore how technology is shaping the industry and how to keep the Fellowship’s members informed on all things related to technology.

Marcus Allen

An internationally experienced Salon Management Professional and Educator, offering a proven track record of maximising profits and consistent growth in high end salons and businesses. Marcus co-created Paramount Business, a platform delivering advanced salon business education across the U.S., Canada, UK, Ireland, and Australia. Upon returning to the UK, he continued to shape the industry, supporting Urban Retreat before moving to The Refinery, a multi-award-winning men’s grooming brand. Alongside these ventures, Marcus remained active in London, Milan, and Paris Fashion Weeks over the last five years. His focus on innovation and business transformation led him to become General Manager of Electric Space, a premium co-working salon, photography studio, cinema, and member’s space, redefining how creative professionals work and collaborate. Marcus Allen joins the Fellowship Executive Board as the Head of Business, where he will facilitate the best practices, innovation, new technology, and business tools to hairdressers, salon owners, and educators – strengthening the industry with a greater understanding and foundation.

Marnie Williams

The Head of Hair and Beauty at West Suffolk College with over 42 years’ experience in the hairdressing industry – starting out as a Stylist in the best Dublin salons, then working for L’Oreal as a Technical Consultant, ultimately becoming an educator in both the private and public sector. West Suffolk College is a 3 Star Fellowship Centre of Excellence, which was awarded for the achievements of their students and the opportunities that the college has created for their students. The college was awarded ‘outstanding’ in all 4 area of OFSTED measures, including ‘strong’ for the newest skills category. Marnie has worked alongside The Fellowship for almost 4 years helping to create the Centre of Excellence project, modelling, piloting, re-working, and developing a programme that will recognise excellent education for 16–19-year-olds leaving school and into industry. Marnie joins the Fellowship Executive Board as the Head of Education and Centres of Excellence, aiming to help bridge the gap between education and employment, whilst giving the next generation the support and preparation for succeeding in to industry.

“As the Fellowship moves towards its 80th Anniversary, and the industry continues to shift on its axis, we are delighted to have three new dynamic members joining us on the Executive Board. The plans we are putting in place today will benefit the whole industry of the future, both creatively and commercially. These new positions will help us gather and analyse business critical data, as well as attracting “Best in Class” Business, Technologyand Education Partners for the direct benefit of our members and the wider hairdressing community,” – Barry Stephens, The Fellowship for British Hairdressing’s CEO.

For more info visit www.fellowshiphair.com.

Eco

FELLOWSHIP – CONCEPT LEARNER OF THE YEAR 2025

The competition provides a national platform for up-and-coming hairdressers and barbers.

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The 2025 final took place at Telford College on the 20th of March with 54 Finalists from across the country coming together to flaunt their skill and artistry. The event is not just a competition, but a chance to celebrate the future stars of the industry and put a spotlight on their amazing creations, network, and to learn from industry-leading brands and peers.

ClubStar Art Team Members, Amelia Krasinki from KH Hair and Yasmin Snowden from Versus Hair Team worked on stage alongside Fellowship Vice-President Michelle Griffin and Fellowship Youth Board Members, Olivia Brady, who mentored the project through their very first live stage demonstration.

The team showcased various method of installing hair extensions and were given the opportunity to work through their looks in-front of a live audience. The Fellowship Youth Board members, Olivia Rose Brady, Jordan Heyes and Molly Raynor answered questions and shared insightful experiences.

Foundation Award

The Fellowship for British Hairdressing Foundation Award was awarded to Condola Dennis from Walsall College, and presented by Fellowship Hair President, Ashleigh Hodges.

“When I was announced as the Fellowship Foundation Award winner, I thought I was dreaming! I had worked so hard and put in a lot of effort and time into my preparation – so to have been recognised openly and publicly was a dream come true. I would like to say a massive thank you to Ashleigh and the Judges, the Fellowship team, the sponsors, and everyone for this opportunity!”
– Condola Dennis.

 

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“It was an absolute honour to present the Fellowship for British Hairdressing Foundation Award. What an incredible day – the level of talent that was demonstrated was truly breath-taking. To see the amount of time, effort and dedication that went into each entry was truly special. It was amazing to see the future of our industry demonstrating their immense talent, vision, and skills. This competition is at the forefront of recognising and nurturing the newest potential talent in our industry, broadening their horizons, and shining a spotlight on their creations,”
– Ashleigh Hodges.

More Information
Online: Fellowshiphair.com
Instagram: @fellowshiphair