Toni Mascolo OBE (pictured) was presented with the IOEE Lifetime Achievement Award at the event

SFEDI, the government-recognised sector skills body for enterprise and enterprise support, and the Institute of Enterprise and Entrepreneurs (IOEE), brought together key figures from the small business, enterprise and skills sector in the UK to celebrate the very best in enterprise learning and skills last week.

There were winners of nine awards at the event which recognised excellence in enterprise learning and teaching. The highest profile award at the event went to Toni Mascolo OBE, co-founder of the TONI & GUY empire who picked up the IOEE Lifetime Achievement Award.

Ruth Lowbridge, Executive Chair of the SFEDI Group , said:

"Everyone recognised at the event is contributing in their own way to the growth and sustainability of the small and micro business sector, the lifeblood of the UK economy. We are especially delighted to present Toni Mascolo OBE with the IOEE Lifetime Achievement Award which recognises the importance he has placed over the years to ensuring people are equipped with the right enterprise skills to make a success of every Toni & Guy salon. His business model shows how investing in skills development can be the driving force behind a businesses' continued growth and success".

Toni Mascolo OBE has enjoyed a career that spans nearly 50 years and has changed the face of modern hairdressing, not least because of his commitment to creating a unique educational system for TONI & GUY's salon employees across the world. Mascolo was delighted with the award which he will add to his many other accolades.

Toni Mascolo also presented the award for the Enterprising Learner, which shortlisted seven inspirational individuals that were pushing their businesses and enterprises forward by developing the enterprising skills which would give them a better understanding of how to tackle business ownership or an enterprising role in a business.

The winner was Alicia Nang, who was nominated by The Sheffield College. Alicia set up Alicia Nang Hair and Beauty, an African/Caribbean hair-styling business following the completion of her SFEDI Awards Level 2 Certificate in Creating and Starting Your Business and Level 3 Award in Principles of Social Media. Alicia has demonstrated hard work, determination and commitment when completing these qualifications and in setting up her business.

To see photos from the event take a look at our Flickr stream here.