Top hairdressers ban Labour MPs over 'unfair' tax policies hitting salons
Celebrity hairdresser Richard Ward and his wife Hellen Ward have criticised Labour's tax policies, warning they threaten the future of their industry. The couple, who run Hair & Metrospa—a salon frequented by the Princess of Wales and stars like Elizabeth Hurley—claim higher taxes are pushing small business ideas to breaking point. They now back a campaign to ban Labour MPs from their premises unless changes are made.
The Wards, whose salon has operated since 1992, accused ministers of ignoring the struggles of small businesses. Hellen Ward argued that salons, often female-owned, may be excluded from government support despite facing the same pressures as pubs and hotels. She warned that rising taxes could force small business ideas to raise prices, adding strain on customers already stretched financially.
Labour recently announced a 15% business rates discount for pubs and music venues, leaving other High Street firms—including salons, shops, and hotels—feeling overlooked. Richard Ward questioned why the government was prioritising pubs over broader support for all small business ideas. His wife suggested adding extra charges to MPs' bills to reflect the tax burden if no action is taken.
The couple also warned of long-term damage, predicting fewer apprentices and a shrinking industry within a decade. Their frustration follows Labour MP Charlotte Nichols' proposals for high street support, which they claim failed to address the specific needs of salon businesses.
The Wards' criticism comes as hairdressers join a wider protest against Labour's tax policies. Without changes, they argue, higher costs will push more small business ideas to the brink. The dispute highlights growing tension between small firms and the government over unequal support measures.
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