BBA Newsroom

British Barbers Association (BBA) launches search for tomorrow’s stars

The UK’s leading association for barbers and men’s hairdressers is launching a high-profile search for the stars of tomorrow with a national barbering competition.

The British Barbers’ Association (BBA) has launched the National Student Barber of the Year 2018, competition supported by VTCT and Mr Barber, to discover who’s got what it takes to be ranked amongst the next generation of British barbering talent.

The competition will give learners the chance to develop their skills and demonstrate their technique to their peers, as well as be recognised for their exceptional achievement.

Entrants will be able to compete in three separate categories - basic haircut and finish (level 2), basic facial hair design (level 2) and precision, creative cut and finish (level 3) - by submitting two photographs (front view and side view) of work they have done, unassisted, by 13 March 2018.Winners will then be chosen at a specially convened judging day by a select panel of BBA judges, with the first-placed entrant in each category receiving their awards, plus a prize of £500, on stage at Barber UK, Birmingham NEC on 21 May 2018, in front of BBA members and the press.

Second and third place runners-up will also receive a certificate of merit, a trophy and a good bag of industry products.

Paul Davenport, Director of MR. Barber, said, ‘This competition is a fantastic opportunity for us to work with our industry association, the BBA, and have the chance to help shape the next generation of barbers coming through. Education is the cornerstone or MR. Barber, our foundation, and we are currently in the process of establishing two training centres, demonstrating out commitment to learning’.

Lynda Whitehorn – VTCT Apprenticeship Manager said ‘VTCT is proud to be working with the BBA on the ‘National Student Barber of the Year Competition’. If you are a barber with impeccable technical skill and precision when working then this competition is for you. To win a competition like this can launch a career. Good luck!

Training providers or employers must apply on behalf of their learners and be BBA members while their learners must be undertaking a formally accredited barbering qualification at level 2 or level 3.

Cost of entry is free, as is membership of the BBA for those not already members.
To request an application form, contact the BBA at competitions@britishbarbers.com For more information, go to http://britishbarbers.com/annual-competitions

The British Barbers Association

The British Barbers Association (BBA) is the leading association for the barbering industry in the UK.

Supporting barbers, male grooming salons and men's hairdressers across the country, the BBA works with government-appointed organisations and agencies to ensure the development of high-quality training and qualifications that meet the industry's needs.

Our Mission...The British Barbers' Association (BBA) is the voice of barbers, male grooming salons and men's hairdressers, and works with government departments, sector skills councils and trailblazers to shape the future of the industry, education and training. We represent our member’s voices, bringing together like-minded professionals dedicated to continual development and high standards to ensure the barbering industry is 'BBA - better beyond all'.

Our vision The BBA represents all sectors of the barbering industry and is recognised by the wider sector as the 'go to; authority for barbers, trainers, learners, manufacturers and other industry stakeholders.

We will continually research latest trends, issues and requirements and communicate with our members to ensure that the barbering industry is shaped by barbers, for barbers, and we achieve and maintain the highest standards and levels of professionalism.

MR Barbers has grown out of 25 years of hard work and experience in the industry. It is the fastest growing Barber group in the world and the largest Barber group in the UK. It is a movement within the industry that will change the face of barbering forever.

Our philosophy at MR. is simple:
HAPPY BARBERS + HAPPY CLIENTS = HAPPY MR

We pride ourselves on growing a family of the best barbers in the industry. We provide the environment, platform, and support network, that allows every barber to fulfill their ambitions and dreams. Every client that visits MR. do not only leave with just an incredible haircut (we pride ourselves on the quality of our cuts), they will leave having had a complete barbering experience. From consultation and engagement to education on their hair, we aim to deliver the complete package whilst at the same time keeping the fun. For us at MR. it is about delivering a modern, high quality barbering experience at a price that’s accessible to everyone.

Vocational Training Charitable Trust (VTCT) is a specialist-awarding organisation (AO). It offers vocational and technical qualifications, including the new Professional Apprenticeship Standards, in a range of service sectors from hair and beauty to finance.

More than 800 approved centres have worked with VTCT since it began awarding in 1962, and the ever-expanding list extends across the UK, Ireland, and internationally. Its acquisition of internationally recognised AO and examination board ITEC, in 2016, added to VTCT’s specialist offering.

VTCT aims to advance education, research and the public dissemination of knowledge, helping to introduce new initiatives into the education system. It acquired education technology specialists Digital Assess in 2016, adding value for training providers with technology that can digitally capture and assess learners online, amongst other innovations.