With 2021 shortly to be succeeded by 2022, I have been reflecting on the past 12 months and the continuing Covid situation following 2020. Although, we are now thankfully able to trade, there is no doubt that the pandemic has taken a serious toll on many of us as individuals and our industry.
We are all hoping for a much better 2022, but Covid is still amongst us with infections having risen these past months, so we must all be cautious whilst still caring for our staff and customers the very best way we can. Never has there been a time when good hygiene and health and safety issues have been more important.
With restrictions having been eased, the Government are still asking us all to respect social distancing, wearing a face mask on public transport, keeping our premises well ventilated as best we can, and in general to be mindful and respectful of others.
Our industry has shown remarkable resilience this past year but nonetheless, the pandemic has appeared to bring out the best and in some cases the worst in us. Social media has taken an even greater hold on our sector, and in many cases, it has worked powerfully to support us through these difficult times. However, and unfortunately, it has also bought the worst out in some of us. The anger and aggression we have all seen on social media is not only potentially damaging to any individual or business, but also hugely detrimental to our industry.
If I had one plea for our industry for the remainder of this year and into next, it would be to be more tolerant of others’ views and opinions, respect their position even if you don’t agree with it, and ask questions rather than becoming aggressive because you don’t support their issues and concerns.
The Hair & Barber Council is here for you, our members, and will continue to do all that we can to support you, your business and our industry moving forward. Sadly, our sector is still hugely fragmented, but let me reassure you that we won’t give up, will continue the journey towards achieving mandatory registration and to do our very best to finally unify our great industry.
With Christmas fast approaching, I sincerely hope your November and December trading will be busy and profitable, and whilst spending patterns appear to have changed somewhat, you are able to see a more lucrative 2022.
If there is anything at all you think we can help you with, please do not hesitate in contacting us. In closing our sincere thanks for your continued support for which we are extremely grateful, and on behalf of myself, Susan, our Chair, Vice Chair, Barber Council Chair and all our Hair & Barber Council committee members, we wish you, your family, and friends a very happy and healthy Christmas and a hopefully prosperous new year.
Warmest regards,
Keith
Keith Conniford
Registrar – The Hair and Barber Council The Hair and Barber Council are the go to voice to/for Government and our APPG (All Party Parliamentary Group) is the only parliamentary representation group fighting for and representing the hairdressing and barbering industry! www.haircouncil.org.uk
