- 16 April 2026
- Apprentices & Employer Information &
For many salon owners in England, balancing rising costs, client demand and maintaining high service standards is an ongoing challenge. At Tonics Hair in Horsham, investing in apprentices has proven to be a powerful solution, supporting day-to-day operations while building a skilled, future-ready team.
Managing Partner Carla shares how working with Kleek Apprenticeships has helped transform her salon, and why she believes more businesses should consider bringing apprentices into their teams.
Kleek: How has having an apprentice changed the day-to-day running of your salon?
Carla: Apprentices are essential to the smooth and efficient operation of our salon. They not only help us maintain a full schedule, but their support also allows our stylists to focus on delivering exceptional services without compromising on quality. Without apprentices, we’d struggle to fill about a third of our appointments, leading to longer service times and significantly higher prices for our clients. In a time when the cost of living is already putting pressure on households, we believe apprentices help keep our services affordable and accessible, while also contributing to the growth and development of the next generation of talented stylists. Their presence is truly invaluable to the success of our business and the satisfaction of our clients.
Kleek: How long have you worked with Kleek, and how have we supported you throughout?
Carla: Since partnering with Kleek in 2023, Tonics has seen a marked improvement in the efficiency of our apprentice training. We’ve received excellent support for our level 2 apprentices' education, and now two of our staff members are advancing their skills with level 3 training. Communication with the Kleek team has never been better, and they've even played a key role in helping us recruit new team members. Their ongoing support has been invaluable to our growth and success.
Kleek: If you could give one piece of advice to another salon thinking about taking on an apprentice, what would it be?
Carla: Hiring an apprentice and investing in their thorough training and career development offers an incredible return for the business. It ensures a future workforce that is already aligned with your company values, ready to seamlessly integrate into your team and uphold the high standards your clients expect. There’s no better way to build a strong, skilled team that truly reflects your vision.
Kleek: Looking back on your apprentice’s journey so far, are there any standout moments you'd like to share?
Carla: One of our apprentices, Annie Bristow, recently achieved her level 2 qualification with a distinction and, shortly after, secured a place on the prestigious Fellowship for British Hairdressing Project Colour 2026. She’s also set to begin her Level 3 Advanced Hairdressing Apprenticeship with Kleek. Achieving such high standards wouldn’t have been possible without Kleek’s invaluable support and guidance.
Photo: Apprentice Annie Bristow pictured with Tonics Hair Salon Owner, Marco.
A Proven Model for Salon Success
Tonics Hair’s story highlights the real, measurable impact apprentices can have, not just on developing future talent, but on improving efficiency, supporting teams, and keeping services accessible for clients.
For salon owners feeling the pressure of growing demand and rising costs, apprenticeships offer a practical, long-term solution.
With the support of Kleek Apprenticeships, salons can recruit, train and retain talent that’s fully aligned with their values, creating stronger teams and a more sustainable future.
Now more than ever, investing in apprentices isn’t just about training; it’s about future-proofing your salon.
Watch this space...
With rising star Annie Bristow now securing a place on the Fellowship for British Hairdressing Project Colour 2026, there’s even more to come, and we’ll be sharing her journey soon.
