It’s always good to try something new and president of the Fellowship for British Hairdressing, Karine Jackson, did just at the annual Presidents Night. In place of the traditional sit-down dinner, Karine held the President Network, an evening of chat, champagne and nibbles.

Held at Skylon on the River Thames, some 300 hairdressers and manufacturers networked like crazy while the sun set over the capital, despite the rainy weather ruining the stunning views.

The new-style Presidents Night was a breathe of fresh air, as hairdressers and manufacturers mingled and networked in beautiful surroundings and new faces had the opportunity to talk to established names.

Andrew Barton also hosted the Live Lounge, a star-studded stage that has toured the UK, making its debut at Pro Hair Live in Manchester in February. Andrew, along with Karine and chair Jo Martin, talked to some of the industry’s top stylists -- former British Hairdresser of the Year Darren Ambrose spoke about winning awards; TV hairdresser Jamie Stevens talked about how his career has progressed and chairman Jo Martin explained how the Fellowship has been part of many stylists' journey.

It can be a big decision to make a change to something that is established and has 'always been done that way', so hats off to Karine and the team for turning a traditional event into something that is relevant and relaxed.