Entrepreneurs Forum

Trevor Sorbie is a businessman who needs no introduction, renowned worldwide as the individual who changed the industry’s agenda and placed England back in the forefront of hairdressing.

 

A great mentor within his industry, this visionary entrepreneur has successfully made his name into a phenomenally well-known brand.  A down-to-earth and unassuming man, Trevor has quite simply become a hero to both contemporaries and competitors alike.

 

The Entrepreneurs’ Forum are both privileged and delighted to welcome Trevor to our region, to share with our guests his experience and views on business and life as he tells the story of his brilliant career.   From barbershop boy to Buckingham Palace, Trevor will focus on the steps he has taken, using a combination of original thinking with superb technical ability, setting him apart from the ordinary to become extra-ordinary.  He will also outline his vision for the future.

 

During this open event and Q&A, Trevor will also discuss candidly with our guests his latest passion, a non-profit initiative he is spearheading to help people suffering from medical hair loss in regaining their confidence.  This campaign offers advice and wig customisation through a national network of hair professionals called My New Hair www.mynewhair.org

 

This event will be introduced and facilitated by Entrepreneurs’ Forum Board Member Simon Heptinstall.

 

As the evening draws to a close guests can enjoy a light supper and tap into the experiences of fellow guests, as well as having the opportunity to ask further questions of Trevor and Simon more informally.

 

The son and grandson of barbers, Trevor John Sorbie was born in Paisley, Scotland.  The family moved south when Trevor was 11.  Dropping out of school at just 15, his dreams were of becoming a famous artist rather than following into the family business.

 

However, he began working as an apprentice in his father’s two-chair salon in Essex, six days a week – which was to be the beginning of something special and very quickly hairdressing became his passion.

 

Aged 20, Trevor opened his own barbers in North London in 1969.  In 1972, he became a stylist at Vidal Sassoon and the following year, was appointed their Artistic Director.

 

In 1979, putting his home up as collateral at the time to raise the funds, Trevor opened his first salon in Covent Garden, London and in 1985 was named “British Hairdresser of the Year”, a title he was awarded an unrivalled four times.

 

The following year, Trevor launched his innovative Professional hair care product range to the high street.

 

Forty years on, Trevor Sorbie has achieved phenomenal success, witnessed his products go global and diversified into a male grooming product line and long hair range.  He has won every award in his chosen field, including;

 

1985     British Hairdresser of the Year

1986     British Hairdresser of the Year

1992     British Hairdresser of the Year

1993     Best Education Award (USA)

Living Legend Award New York

            World congress Hall of Fame

            Most Newsworthy Male Worldwide (IBS Award)

2001     World Hairdresser of the Year

2002     Aveda Master of the Arts

2003     The Fellowship for British Hairdressing Inspirational Leader

2003     First Patron of Honour for the Fellowship of Australian Hairdressing

2003     Most Wanted International Hairdresser

2004     Most Wanted Influential Hairdresser

2004     Listed in the international edition of Who’s Who

 

In 2004 Trevor’s achievements were further recognised when he was awarded an MBE and that same year he opened up his second salon in Brighton.

 

Trevor is the only hairdresser to have become so well known that his vocation has been a question on “Who wants to be a Millionaire” and “The Weakest Link”.

 

 

A light supper will be served following the main panel discussion, allowing further time to chat with our panel members and guests.

Venue: Brewin Dolphin, Time Central, Newcastle