Berkhamsted businesswoman named Outstanding Entrepreneur in Global Business Excellence Awards

Berkhamsted-based entrepreneur Haylee Benton has been named winner of the Outstanding Entrepreneur award at the 2021 Global Business Excellence Awards.

CEO and Founder of The Silver Fern Group, a portfolio of hair, beauty and aesthetic business based in the UK and New Zealand, Haylee has been championed for her unique approach to the Personal Care sector.

Driven to turn ordinary services into extraordinary experiences, Haylee has been disrupting the high street with her unique concept salons. She boasts a resilient, growth-focused mindset that has driven her business and team towards success.

The Global Business Excellence Awards pride themselves on having a large panel of independent expert judges who select winners according to strict criteria for each category and sector, focussing on financial results, innovation, customer, employee, investor and community benefits.

Commenting on Haylee Benton, the judges said: “Haylee is a talented entrepreneur who has disrupted the personal care business with her unique portfolio of hair and beauty salons.

“After achieving success with several brands, including Alchemy & I, Cecily Spa and Koha Skin Clinic, Haylee now has a salon investment programme which is being used to support other salon owners in need of guidance.

"She has the skills and knowledge to give failing salons a make-over and get them back on track. She’s also suffered from unforeseen disasters yet has bounced back.

“Congratulations to Haylee for her incredible staying power and business intelligence, and her brilliant accomplishments with The Silver Fern Group.”

Haylee said: “I am over the moon to have been awarded the title, but I would not have been able to do it without the help and support of my incredible team.

"Together, we’ve faced plenty of challenges, but to have them by my side throughout has been the thing that truly has pushed us through.

“From surviving multiple closures during the pandemic to opening a brand-new salon on the other side of the world in New Zealand during lockdown, there have been plenty of ups and downs, and everyone at The Silver Fern Group has shown incredible passion, resilience and dedication.”

The Global Business Excellence Awards is focused on quality of work above all else.