- 24 February 2026
- Employer Information & Recruitment &
Jo Hansford, Nicholas James, Winchmores and Brooks and Brooks
Since January 2025 and the opening of our flagship Kleek Academy in Camden, London, we’ve been supporting some of the UK’s luxury hair salons and industry trailblazers.
We sat down with Jo Hansford Salons, Nicholas James, Winchmores and Brooks and Brooks to find out about their experience of apprenticeship training with Kleek Apprenticeships and their importance to the industry. We also learned more about their training ethos and what makes a successful stylist in an ever-evolving hair and beauty industry.
How are you finding working with Kleek Apprenticeships for your apprenticeship training?
Jo Hansford of Jo Hansford Salons: Partnering with Kleek Apprenticeships has been a seamless and highly positive experience.
Their ongoing support ensures our apprentices receive not only outstanding hands-on training within the salon, but also structured, high-quality learning that aligns with our professional standards. This collaboration gives us full confidence that our apprentices are progressing consistently, both in technical skill and professional development, while working towards their national qualification.
Nick Bland of Nicholas James: Kleek Apprenticeships has made training so easy for Nicholas James, as they look after all our Level 2 and Level 3 apprenticeship qualifications.
The training provided by Kleek is on point and backs up the in-salon training we offer at Nicholas James.
Angela Barr of Winchmores: We are very impressed with Kleek Apprenticeships and have enjoyed working in collaboration with them to provide our apprentices with the best training possible.
Communication has been consistently clear, with tutors ensuring both the students and the salon are aware of expectations and future targets. Our apprentices enjoy their college days and are gaining valuable skills and knowledge that directly support their professional development.
Michelle of Brooks and Brooks: The experience has been all good!
Photo: Training at Winchmores
How important are apprentices to your business, and to the industry as a whole?
Jo Hansford of Jo Hansford Salons: Apprentices are at the heart of our business; they represent the future of both our salon and the wider industry. The apprenticeship pathway gives us the opportunity to nurture emerging talent, embed our values from the outset, and uphold the high standards of hairdressing for generations to come.
Without apprentices, the industry would risk losing the creativity, passion, and innovation that keep it thriving.
Nick Bland of Nicholas James: It is vital [to grow the next generation of hair stylists], and so it is essential that we continue to have assistants [who are training and learning the trade]. They are the future of the industry.
Angela Barr of Winchmores: Apprentices are absolutely vital to our business and to the future of the hair industry. Their presence is invaluable - not only do they contribute to the efficient day-to-day running of the salon, but they also deliver excellent client care and support. This allows our stylists to work smarter and accommodate more clients in their columns, knowing they have capable, reliable assistance throughout the day.
Apprentices are the next generation of hairstylists, and training them allows us to shape their development and ensure they meet the high standards our clients expect. For the industry as a whole, apprenticeships are essential in maintaining a skilled workforce, passing on knowledge and techniques, and supporting the continued growth and evolution of the hairdressing profession.
Michelle of Brooks and Brooks: They are very important in our business and extremely important in the industry. However, the government are making it increasingly more difficult for businesses to afford to have apprentices. This needs to change.
As a key player in the hair and beauty industry, what do you see as the most important qualities for a successful stylist?
Jo Hansford of Jo Hansford Salons: A truly successful hairdresser combines creativity, precision, and an exceptional eye for detail with the ability to connect on a personal level.
Communication and emotional intelligence are just as important as technical skill, building trust, understanding a client’s lifestyle, and creating a look that not only enhances their appearance but also elevates their confidence.
Passion, professionalism, and a commitment to continuous learning are the qualities that truly set a hairdresser apart.
Angela Barr of Winchmores:
As a salon, we believe that a combination of technical skill and personal qualities is essential for a successful stylist. Creativity, attention to detail, and a strong foundation in cutting, colouring, and styling techniques are key. However, communication and people skills are just as important. Being able to understand a client’s needs and offer personalised advice helps build trust and ensures a tailored experience throughout their visit. We believe this is what truly distinguishes great stylists from the rest.
A successful stylist should also be professional, reliable, and open to ongoing training and development. Our industry is constantly evolving, and continued learning is vital to staying current.
At Winchmores, we pride ourselves on making every client feel welcome and part of the salon family, while delivering the highest standard of technical expertise and care.
Michelle of Brooks and Brooks: Key qualities include dedication, passion, stamina, a willingness to learn and put the graft in to grow and develop, as well as personal drive and ambition.
What values are most important to your salon when training the next generation of stylists?
Jo Hansford of Jo Hansford Salons: We believe in inspiring the next generation to go beyond technical skill and embrace the artistry of hairdressing.
Excellence, creativity, and client care are at the core of our training; however, equally important are collaboration, professionalism, and vision.
Our aim is to develop hairdressers who not only master their craft but also have the passion and innovation to shape the future of the industry.
Nick Bland of Nicholas James: Someone that cares, someone that is forward thinking and progressive, and someone that most importantly listens [and asks questions].
Attention to detail and precision cutting are also key to our training, combined with suitability.
Angela Barr of Winchmores:
At Winchmores, we place a strong emphasis on professionalism, passion and a commitment to excellence when training the next generation of stylists. We believe in nurturing not only technical ability, but also personal growth, encouraging apprentices to be confident, respectful, and client focused.
We have high expectations of our apprentices from day one. Consistency, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn are essential. We also emphasise teamwork, clear communication and reliability as these qualities are key to the smooth running of the salon and ensuring both staff and clients feel supported and valued.
Above all, we want our apprentices to take pride in their work, strive for the highest standards, and genuinely care about the experience they provide - not just to their models, but to every client. These values are at the heart of everything we do and ensure our team continues to reflect the quality and ethos of Winchmores.
As our partnerships with Jo Hansford Salons, Nicholas James, Winchmores and Brooks and Brooks continue to flourish, one message is clear: investing in apprentices isn’t just good for business, it’s essential for the future of our industry.
At Kleek Apprenticeships, we are proud to stand alongside London’s top-tier salons, delivering structured, high-quality training that transforms ambitious individuals into TOP stylists.
If you’re a salon owner wondering what an apprentice could do for YOUR salon, get in touch with Kleek today - we'd love to talk you through it!
Photo: Training at Kleek Academy London
Article first published in Issue 4 of The Kleek Magazine, pg 12-13.
