296 A Level Playing Field: The Fight for Fair Taxation in UK Hairdressing with Toby Dicker

I know that the bulk of our listeners are not in the UK, but the changes happening to the UK hairdressing industry have been getting a lot of attention on social media, and as a result, I’ve had a lot of questions from hairdressers elsewhere.So, in this week's episode, I talk with Toby Dicker, co-founder of the Salon Employers Association, to discuss the challenges facing the UK salon industry.Following the recent march on Parliament by hairdressers protesting the unfair tax system, Toby provides a clear explanation of how VAT disproportionately impacts labour-intensive businesses like hair salons.We explore the uneven playing field between employee-based salon businesses and self-employed models, and how this disparity threatens the future of training, apprenticeships, and business growth in our industry. Toby shares insights from his work lobbying the government for change and the recent historic parliamentary debate on hairdressing. This conversation isn't just about numbers, it's about gaining respect for our profession and ensuring the continued creativity and excellence of British hairdressing.IN THIS EPISODE:[0:47] Introducing Toby Dicker and the Salon Employers Association[4:03] Simple overview of the VAT tax system in the UK[8:07] Explaining how the VAT system creates an uneven playing field[11:36] Impact on recruitment and apprenticeships[15:05] The disincentive to grow businesses due to the VAT threshold[18:15] Possible solutions to level the playing field[24:03] The concept of "disguised employment" explained[31:50] How businesses avoid crossing the VAT threshold[41:07] The historic parliamentary debate on hairdressing[47:24] How salon owners can get involved in the campaignWant MORE to help you GROW?📚 Check out our Bestselling GROW Books https://growmysalonbusiness.com/books/🆘  Management overwhelm!? Download our free checklist! This checklist will help you get clarity on where you're at https://growmysalonbusiness.com/management-checklist/RATINGS + REVIEWS🙏Thanks so much for joining me this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show and help other people find my podcast.👉 Here's what you do:- On your phone, Click here  (Read steps below first)- Scroll down to 'Ratings & Reviews'- Tap on the empty purple stars and rate 5 stars- Click on ‘Write a Review’ I love to hear what’s been helpful and what you love about the podcast! Thank you for your support! 🙏Until next time!AntonyRESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:👉 FOLLOW USInstagram | Facebook | Website👉 FOLLOW TOBY DICKER - THE CHAPELInstagram | Website👉 FOLLOW SALON EMPLOYERS ASSOCIATIONInstagram | Website👉 FOLLOW BRITISH HAIR CONSORTIUMInstagram | Website