A STRONGER VOICE FOR OUR INDUSTRY. The Australian Hairdressing Council (AHC) is proud to announce that CEO Fiona Beamish has been appointed to the Board of the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA), marking an important milestone for the representation of Australia’s hairdressing and barbering industry at a national level.
It’s an exciting development for the AHC and the wider industry, providing an opportunity to ensure the challenges and priorities of salon owners, barbers and small business operators are heard in the conversations shaping Australia’s small business future.
What does this mean for our industry?
COSBOA is Australia’s peak body representing small business, working closely with government, industry and key stakeholders to influence policy and advocate for a stronger, more sustainable small business sector.
For hairdressing and barbering businesses, this representation matters.
From rising operating costs and workforce shortages to complex employment regulations and changing consumer spending habits, salon owners are navigating an increasingly challenging business environment.
Having Fiona on the COSBOA Board means our industry’s experiences and concerns can be brought directly into broader national discussions, alongside those of other small business sectors facing similar pressures.
Bringing industry experience to the table
With more than 30 years of experience in hairdressing, both in Australia and internationally, Fiona brings a wealth of industry knowledge to her new role.
Beginning her career as an apprentice hairdresser, she has worked across education, training, business development and industry leadership, giving her a firsthand understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our profession.
Fiona sees the appointment as an opportunity to strengthen the industry’s influence while working collaboratively to achieve positive outcomes for Australian small businesses.
“Hairdressing and barbering businesses are an important part of Australia’s small business community. They create jobs, train apprentices, contribute to local economies and provide essential services to communities right across the country.
“But like so many small businesses, our industry is facing significant challenges. Rising costs, workforce pressures and increasingly complex regulations are placing enormous demands on business owners, many of whom are already wearing multiple hats just to keep their doors open.
“Being part of the COSBOA Board gives me an opportunity to contribute to the bigger picture of small business advocacy, while ensuring the experiences and needs of our industry are part of those important national conversations.”
Stronger together through advocacy
The AHC has a longstanding relationship with COSBOA, contributing to national discussions around workforce development, apprenticeships, employment regulation, business sustainability and the economic pressures affecting small businesses.
Fiona’s appointment strengthens this relationship and creates further opportunities for collaboration and advocacy on the issues that matter most to our members.
As Fiona explains:
“There is so much common ground between industries when it comes to the challenges small businesses face. By working together, sharing knowledge and advocating for practical solutions, we can help create a stronger environment for small businesses to succeed.”
AHC Chair Luca De Lorenzo also welcomed the appointment, recognising Fiona’s leadership and the importance of industry representation at this level.
“Fiona brings an exceptional understanding of our industry, a genuine commitment to small business and a strong ability to connect the challenges faced by business owners with the broader policy conversations that matter.
“Her appointment is wonderful recognition of her leadership, but more importantly, it’s a positive step forward for the hairdressing and barbering industry. Having that representation at a national level is incredibly valuable, and we’re proud to see Fiona take on this important role.”
A win for our entire industry
While Fiona’s appointment is a significant professional achievement, it also represents something bigger for the AHC and the businesses we support.
It’s about making sure hairdressing and barbering have a meaningful voice when decisions are being made that affect our industry’s future.
Whether it’s addressing workforce shortages, advocating for practical employment regulations or supporting the long-term sustainability of small businesses, the AHC remains committed to representing the interests of our members and the wider industry.
We congratulate Fiona on her appointment and look forward to the contribution she will make to COSBOA and the broader Australian small business community.
A stronger voice. Greater representation. A better future for our industry.
