The next chapter…

The year was 1980. Going Underground by the Jam sat at number 1, and Kevin Franks was in sixth form, working towards a future in accountancy – at least in theory. In reality, he was bored of studying. Much to his parents’ horror, Kevin made a bold decision: he left school to pursue a career in hairdressing (it seemed like a great way to meet girls and probably a fun job to have before settling into a ‘proper career’…).

Fast forward to 1983. After working in four salons over two and a half years – an apprenticeship of sorts – and completing his training at Vidal Sassoon, Kevin opened his first salon: Legend Hair. Located above the Bubble & Squeak boutique on Queens Road, Southend, it was a modest beginning. Five styling stations, carpeted floors (the cheapest option!), Habitat canvas director’s chairs, a £1,000 decorating budget, and a £30 advert in the Evening Echo and the business was launched.

Legend quickly became an iconic salon of its time, often staying open and styling hair well past midnight. Success soon demanded expansion, and in 1987 the salon moved to a larger premises across the road.

As hairdressing evolved into a more premium, client-focused industry, the business followed suit. In 1992, Legend became Salon KF – the second chapter. Over the next 12 years, Salon KF established itself as one of the most influential salons in the area. It became a training ground for exceptional talent, with many stylists going on to open their own salons, while others built long and loyal careers within the business.

Around 2004, Kevin accepted that this might just be a “proper job” after all. The salon was rebranded as novo hair, marking the third chapter. This era saw the emergence of another generation of talented stylists – many of whom remain with novo today. Expansion followed, with new salons opening in Hockley (2008) and Benfleet (2009). The group earned national recognition for Training and Development, Salon Design, and achieved Investors in People status in 2009. Above all, novo became known for its remarkable staff loyalty – a testament to the talent and dedication of its people, past and present, which has sustained the business for over 40 years.

Today, the landscape of the service industry looks very different to 1983, 1992, or even 2004. The traditional salon model is no longer viable in 2026. But with change comes opportunity – and novo is ready to embrace its fourth chapter.

The business has now become a collective, owned entirely by its employees. Kevin has transferred ownership into an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), similar to the John Lewis model. Every team member is now a partner, with a voice in shaping the future of the business – and the added benefit of sharing in its success.

“I am immensely proud of the people who have worked with novo, Salon KF, and Legend over the years. Their talent has defined the success of the business. There is no better way to reward that than by passing the business on to them. I am confident that, in their hands, novo will continue to grow and maintain the highest of standards.”

Kevin’s fantastically loyal clientele – many of whom have trusted him with their hair for 30 to 40 years – will be pleased to know that he will continue working as a hairdresser for at least the next five years, while also supporting the novo management team.

The future of novo is in safe hands. With a passionate, committed team excited to shape what comes next, the next chapter promises to be just as compelling as the last.

If you’d like to be part of the story, novo is currently recruiting stylists and apprentices – offering not just a role, but the opportunity to become a partner in the business.

Apply in confidence to: recruitment@novohair.co.uk