Oxford salon Studio E named county’s best team

The team at Studio E in Oxford has been recognised as the county’s best team at a recent industry awards event, underlining the growing importance of collaboration, service and consistent training in independent salons. The accolade highlights how strong team dynamics and a clear salon culture can elevate both client experience and local reputation.

Why team awards matter for salons

Awards that celebrate teams rather than individual stylists acknowledge a wider set of strengths: operational excellence, client care pathways, staff training and a unified brand identity. For clients, a cohesive team signals reliability — from consultation to aftercare — and gives confidence that results are the product of shared standards rather than a single standout stylist.

For salon owners and managers, team-focused recognition does three things: it validates investment in staff development, it boosts morale across the floor, and it creates a tangible story to share with prospective clients and local press.

What judges typically look for

While details vary by awards organiser, judges assessing a ‘best team’ entry usually consider a combination of qualitative and measurable factors. Salons aiming to enter should be prepared to demonstrate the following:

• Consistent client feedback and testimonials showing high satisfaction rates.
• Clear evidence of ongoing training and skills development across the team.
• Visible commitment to inclusivity, professionalism and health & safety standards.
• Business practices that support strong client retention and team wellbeing.
• Innovative approaches to service delivery, whether that’s consultation, bespoke colour systems or memorable client journeys.

How salons can build an award-worthy team

Winning a team award rarely happens by chance. It’s the result of deliberate leadership, investment and a culture that prioritises people as much as profit. Below are practical steps salons can introduce to strengthen their team offering.

• Create a consistent induction and mentoring programme: New starters should follow a structured onboarding plan so service levels remain uniform across the team. Pairing juniors with mentors accelerates skill transfer and builds confidence.
• Invest in regular skills training: Set quarterly technical and consultative sessions to keep everyone up to date with trends, colour techniques and healthy, sustainable practices.
• Standardise client consultations: A predictable consultation checklist ensures every client receives tailored recommendations and accurate aftercare advice — irrespective of which stylist they see.
• Measure and act on feedback: Use client surveys and mystery shopper programmes to spot patterns and areas for improvement. Celebrate wins and tackle recurring issues promptly.
• Foster team wellbeing: Consider rota flexibility, time for CPD and spaces for staff to decompress. Teams that feel supported perform better and stay longer.
• Document your journey: For awards entries, maintain a portfolio of case studies, before-and-after photos, training logs and client testimonials that tell your team’s story.

Community and reputation: the wider benefits

Being named the best team in a county has immediate local PR value, but its effects go further. The recognition can strengthen referral networks — from local bridal planners to stylists in other towns — and attract ambitious talent who want to work within a recognised, supportive team. It also signals to clients that the salon invests in standards, which can justify pricing and reduce churn.

Takeaway

A team award is more than a trophy: it’s an endorsement of a salon’s culture, training and service consistency. Studios like Studio E that secure such recognition demonstrate that investment in people — through learning, supportive leadership and structured processes — pays dividends in client trust and local standing.