Barbering students from Solihull College & University Centre have won an outstanding six awards at the North of England Hair Awards.
Student Harry Poulter won first place in ‘Men’s Salon Style’ and Teon Cobo-Brown won ‘Barber of the Year’, while Emma Kelly secured the win in an impressive two categories: ‘Ladies Salon Style’ and ‘College of the Year’. William Thorley-Styler won third place in ‘Barber of the Year’ and Mehvish Ahmed impressed judges in the ‘Hair-Up or Extensions Styling’ category.
Barbering students and staff won an impressive six awards at the national competition
College Lecturer and owner of Hair Salon ‘The Barber and The Hare’, Amy Clayton, also competed and won second place in ‘Photographic Stylist of the Year’.
This is not the first time students and staff have blown judges away in the competition and brought awards back to Solihull. Barbering Lecturer, Clare Fanthome, shares: “Every year, I encourage my students and colleagues to enter the competition and I support them with the process, and every year we bring back lots of awards. The impact this has on their confidence and learning is exceptional. I am very proud of them all.”
Students worked extremely hard in preparation for the ‘Live’ competitions
Amy, a former student of Clare’s, kept in contact after completing her studies and setting up her own successful business. They came together again after Clare decided to work at The Barber and The Hare to keep up with industry-standard barbering techniques and continue her professional development. Amy now gives some of her time to training students at the College and this strong employer partnership brings a range of benefits such as work experience opportunities for students.
Congratulations to the Barbering staff and students for coming out on top against tough competition from all over the nation.
