Summit for success
The Leeds Regional Growth Summit, organised by Professional Beauty and Hairdressers Journal, brought together salon leaders for a day of business insight, inspiration and meaningful networking
The Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds provided the perfect backdrop for the Leeds Regional Growth Summit on June 8, as salon, spa and clinic owners, managers and industry professionals gathered for a day dedicated to strengthening, growing and future-proofing their businesses.
Created to bring Professional Beauty and Hairdressers Journal closer to professionals across the UK, the Regional Growth Summits offered a more intimate, boutique experience than larger national exhibitions, creating space for meaningful conversations, practical learning and valuable networking. Judging by the energy in Leeds, the concept resonated with business owners in the North. Throughout the day, the Main Stage was packed, with standing-room-only audiences for many sessions and lively discussions continuing long after presentations had ended.
From profitability and leadership to marketing and AI, the agenda tackled the key challenges and opportunities facing salon businesses in 2026. Delegates heard from industry experts, exchanged ideas with peers and connected with leading professional brands and suppliers, all while gaining practical strategies they could take back to their businesses.
Learning for growth
Education sat firmly at the heart of the event. Sessions explored everything from the KPIs that drive genuine profitability to building stronger teams, improving pricing strategies and making social media work harder for business growth.
Matthew Sutcliffe and Bailey Snowden opened the day by demonstrating how salon owners can move beyond simply staying busy and instead focus on the numbers that truly impact profitability. Later, Lesley Caster, Robert Eaton and Louise Howard-Long shared practical advice on creating clear career pathways, building loyalty and empowering teams to succeed.
Marketing remained a key theme throughout the day, with Chris Taylor highlighting how salons can transform social platforms into revenue-generating channels, while the closing panel explored the content and marketing strategies that convert followers into paying clients. One of the standout sessions came from AI strategist Marnie Wills, who broke down the role of generative AI for salon leaders in an accessible and practical way, helping attendees understand how emerging technology can support decision-making, marketing and business operations rather than replace them.
An industry coming together
Alongside the education programme, networking proved to be one of the event's biggest draws. The smaller format encouraged open conversations, collaboration and the sharing of experiences between professionals facing many of the same business challenges.
Jodie-Leigh Davidson-Joyner, owner of the Come Spa With Me home-based business in Castleford, West Yorkshire, said, “I loved the Growth Summit in Leeds! Firstly, because it was more local to me, and secondly the event was in a great and convenient location, and it was easy to navigate. It was so lovely to catch up with everyone and meet some new local faces too. The stages were packed with a full audience and the energy was amazing.”
Lesley Caster, owner of the City Retreat salons in Newcastle, added, “It was fantastic to see so many industry professionals gathered to network and share their experiences. The presentations were both educational and inspiring; it was encouraging to hear how other salon owners are navigating current challenges and to see that passion in our industry is still thriving. It was also great to see the exhibitors available to assist with our business planning. We had plenty of time to discuss new treatments, training opportunities, and ideas for future promotions.”
If Leeds demonstrated anything, it's that the appetite for collaboration and business education across the industry remains stronger than ever. For those looking for even more inspiration, and opportunities to grow, the next major date in the calendar is Professional Beauty London, taking place alongside Salon International at Excel London on October 4–5, 2026, where thousands of beauty, spa, hair and aesthetics professionals will come together for the industry's biggest event of the year. Register for PB London at professionalbeauty.co.uk/london