Haringtons are Finalists and Winners at The Sapphires 2009 Salon Awards for Franchising Intelligence

Presented by Salon Business Magazine

The Sapphires-Franchising Awards

Glitz, glamour, passion and competitive edge collided recently at a new event, The Sapphires, held at London's Dorchester Hotel and presented by top glossy hairdressing trade monthly title, Salon Business magazine.

The Sapphires, salon awards for franchising intelligence, represent the first opportunity for the hairdressing industry's franchise sector - the fastest-growing area of business - to be acknowledged, rewarded and applauded.

In its inaugural year, The Sapphires embraced 11 franchise categories (six for franchisees, five for franchisors) attracting an outstanding number of initial entries, which, after a three-round judging process, led to 44 finalists in the 11 individual categories.

Haringtons were outright winners of the 'most effective website' and finalists in two other categories - 'Best Corporate Marketing' and 'Best Corporate Image'.

"We're overwhelmed by the terrific response to this brand new event," says Salon Business' Editorial Director, Maria Weijers. "An outstanding number of entries in every category and a packed house at The Dorchester. Clearly there was a hunger for hairdressing franchising to be recognised and thanks to everyone for so enthusiastically getting involved."

Hosted by Maria and Red or Dead founder and designer, Wayne Hemingway, the event mixed entertainment with elegance, sophistication with serious business.

"There were 84 entries in one section alone so we were delighted to have been chosen as finalists in two categories and winners of Most Effective Website. We feel particularly proud of our achievement!" Commented Haringtons Business Development Director David Lambert.

"For our client Haringtons to win Best and most effective website judged by business experts, including Professor Roy Seaman of the British Franchise Association and a panel of consumers who actually tested the websites for ease of use and overall design and navigation is a huge accolade and acknowledgement for our team at Rage Design" said Rick Gaskell of Rage.