Saks Conference Launches 2024
Salon owners who love a good get together choose Saks. Reportage from when our salon owners and managers converged for our annual conference in London to recap on 2023 and launch all-things 2024. Held at L’Oréal Professionnel’s uber cool HQ and academy at White City *we were one of the first through the doors* with afterparty activities at All Star Lanes, this time was a no holds barred business update and unveiling what’s next. Speaking of which. 2024’s super special as we’re also be celebrating 50 years of Saks. There’s. A. Thing.
BIZZY WITH IT
Key speakers gave a deep dive into what we’ve achieved this year and all-things 2024, Jezz Ellis, head of operations, on business updates, Janet King, head of marketing, launched plans for 2024, showcasing the new brand campaign and announced that we’ll be jetting out overseas for the Saks Conference ‘24. To kick off the SAKS 50 celebrations no less.
We’ll test you later
Key collaborators included Adam from SalonSpy sharing insight on the importance of customer reviews and Georgie from L’Oréal Professionnel on the education opportunities available for the forthcoming year.
Saks Creative Director, Luke Pluckrose, arrived fashionably late daaaarlings, having to duck out of the morning session to tend to Charlotte Tilbury’s tresses for an Elle China cover shoot with pal Kate Moss.
Jezz Ellis says “Conference sounds quite official, it’s more of a friends get together. An amalgamation of our Saks HQ team, Saks salon owners and L’Oréal Pro, launching plans for 2024. With a big birthday year incoming, our Saks marketing team and Luke created an exciting campaign to celebrate this milestone, and it all comes back to our values of transforming the way our customers look and feel, summed up with one word, special.
“Complimentary to this comes solid simple business guidance and an education calendar to develop, inspire and motivate. It’s a pretty darn special year ahead and we’re looking forward to spending it with our fabulous salon owners, teams, customers and all who work alongside Saks.
Georgie Mathers, National Accounts Education Manager at L’Oréal Pro, says: “The annual conference is a way to connect with and celebrate the success of Saks, as well as allowing us to really understand the needs of their salons to help them grow and develop and to cement our longstanding relationship with them.”
Nicola, Payam and Zoe with Georgie from LP
BEHIND THE SCENES
There was a tour of the L’Oréal HQ, home to over 1,000 employees and 36 international brands where L’Oréal Groupe has upsized its UK headquarters to mark a historic milestone – 90 years in the UK!
(Sings) lollypop… lollypop
UNTIL THE EARLY HOURS
The group converged at All Star Lanes for drinks, eats, mingling, bowling and karaoke. Ever the competitive lot, a fierce bowling competition took place with most joining in on the fun.
Salon owner Payam Pourkarimi (Heston and Hampton), warmed up the mic belting out Wonderwall. Although the golden mic award had to go to managing director, Stephen Kee and Hexham owner, Andrea Currah for a sweet rendition of Dolly and Kenny’s Islands in the Stream.
With turns from Simon Folkes (Barnard Castle) and John Goddard (Skipton), Janet King (HQ Team) and Zoe Pourkarimi (Hampton) and even Philip Harkins (Aberdeen) and Luke Pluckrose taking a turn. And hello Nikki from Chester and your powerhouse voice!
AND OUR SURVEY SAYS…
Post-event we asked our salon owners to comment on their key takeaways…
Andrea Currah, Saks Hexham: “Ain’t nothing like a Saks bash. You don’t fully understand the bond between salon owners, the big boss and HQ team until we’re all brought together. You realise exactly what you get for being a Saks franchisee.
“Training, campaigns, photo shoots, great career paths and rewards for our teams… being part of a wider network that helps each-other’s growth and recognises individual hard work. And we love a good party!”
Our three – Shannon, Lynn (South Shields) and Andrea
Shannon – Andrea’s daughter and new co-owner, says: “This was my first Saks Conference and what a time! A day overviewing everything we’ve achieved this year, fab work that marketing has done as well as plans for 2024! We got a sneak preview of the new Saks campaign, they look great! And then who doesn’t love bowling (howling?) and karaoke. Any party with Saks people is always a good time!”
Lee (Ripon) and Nikki and CHEERS
Nicola Hughes of Saks Chester says “I always love the Conference. It reaffirms the friendships and support available within the network and helps create a clear cohesive action plan for our future. I feel very fortunate to have such a strong, forward thinking HQ team!”
Andrea concludes: “If you’re a salon owner who’s dreaming big – believe in yourself and consider if you would like to grow within a company that not only provides loads of support to help you succeed but also genuinely cares and makes you feel extra special.”
FANCY OPENING YOUR OWN SALON?
This is a taster of what you get when you open a Saks salon. The brand, HQ, expertise, support, network, FRIENDS, parties, and more. If you want information or to start a conversation about opening your own salon, or converting your salon to Saks, let’s chat. Get in touch via Messenger, email ownasalon@saks.co.uk or call 0845 678 0290.