The Just Cuts team celebrate two wins at the Approved Franchise Association (AFA) Awards.

It goes without saying that 2020 has been the year that came to test the hair and beauty industry. After two separate periods of forced closures spanning four months, salon owners have continued to grapple with the ongoing restrictions and are no doubt looking forward to starting a new year. For international hair salon brand Just Cuts, however, November 2020 was a month for the record books, as the team celebrated two national award wins.

The Approved Franchise Association (AFA) Awards, designed to reward and recognise the brightest stars from within the franchising sector, has named Just Cuts the Best New Franchise of 2020. And Holly Feltham, owner of the Just Cuts salon in Lakeside Shopping Centre, is Outstanding Young Franchisee of the Year. David Mathie, UK General Manager, who was also shortlisted for Franchise Leader of the Year, was over the moon to receive the news during a virtual awards ceremony on 12^th November.

“Since first bringing Just Cuts to the UK in 2018, we’ve celebrated some fairly significant achievements, but it has been during these last 12 months that I’ve witnessed such resilience and determination from our network. To have been recognised by a nationwide regulatory body is a real indication of our success and how our growth strategy has survived this challenging year. I’m proud to stand by such incredibly successful business owners and – albeit virtually – celebrate a job well done,” said David.

The Outstanding Young Franchisee award is an accolade given to determined individuals who showcase drive, dedication and growth within their business. Holly, who was just 25 years old when she invested in her own Just Cuts salon, has since increased footfall so much that she has had to expand into larger premises.

“I’ve been a part of the Just Cuts network since January 2018, when I started working as a Senior Stylist at the first company-owned salon,” said Holly. “Even in those early days, I knew I’d be with the brand for a long time and had hoped I might go on to manage a salon one day. But to own and run my own salon has been more than I could have ever hoped for. Owning a Just Cuts franchise has given me the opportunity to do more with my life – more than other people my age can imagine achieving. I’m so proud to have won this award and just a few weeks after opening my new salon. It’s been a challenging year but also the most professionally rewarding year of my life.”

Eager to excel, Holly has long-term plans for growth that will see her operating a network of salons before her 30^th birthday.

“Holly is the dream salon owner. She is extremely hard-working and committed to Just Cuts; she’s the poster girl for our brand! She’s a fantastic leader and a real role model for her team of Stylists. I can’t wait to see where she takes her business next year. With our support, I’m sure she’ll be on to some incredible things in 2021,” added David.