Fringe Benefits and La Bella Beauty in Gloucester have been shortlisted for the Customer Service Award, sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional, at HJ's British Hairdressing Business Awards 2023.

Fringe Benefits and La Bella Beauty reached the finals following an intensive judging process. The 25th British Hairdressing Business Awards will be held on Monday 3 July at London's Park Plaza Westminster Bridge.

Marina Hodgins, founder said: 'I still can't believe it! The awards are so respected across the industry, so just to reach the finals is a huge honour. We're up against some incredible competition but just hope that the judges see our drive and passion - we're keeping everything crossed!'

Jayne Lewis-Orr, executive director of the British Hairdressing Business Awards said: 'HJ's British Hairdressing Business Awards are an annual celebration of business acumen, and the people and companies going the extra mile to ensure that creativity and commercial success go hand in hand. Once again, our judging panel was overwhelmed with the standard of entries. To make the shortlist for this category, nominees need to demonstrate an outstanding commitment to customer care and proof of a consistent five-star salon experience from start to finish. Fringe Benefits and La Bella Beauty should feel incredibly proud to have achieved that and finalised alongside such impressive talent.'

In 2019-2020, the hair and beauty industry generated over £5.5 billion in turnover for the UK economy. Despite the effects of the pandemic, the number of hairdressing, barbering and beauty business continues to grow year on year and there are now over 46,000 hair and beauty businesses in the UK (source: NBHF 2021 industry report).

This welcome news is a big boost for Marina and her team who tragically lost Hollie Gazzard in 2014.

Marked as the industry's hairdressing flagship event, the awards recognise those who have achieved business brilliance, helping to uphold Britain's reputation as a world leader in hairdressing expertise.