Industry Testimonials
I have visited Burghley Academy on two occasions during 2013 as part of the VTCT external verification process during which time I have verified the work of therapist/ lecturer/assessor Alexa Hillier as well as the centre as a whole.
Alexa has impressed me on a number of counts but most especially in the way in which she balances her multi-faceted role within the Burghley business.
As a lecturer and assessor she demonstrates a professional approach to all aspects of training and delivery offered to a wide range of students of varying ages and abilit- ies taking them through levels 2 & 3 beauty and holistic therapies. The emphasis is clearly placed on standards and the fact that she practices all that she preaches is also very evident.
As a therapist, Alexa shows a commitment to her career with a thirst for learning. She carries out an impressive amount of continuous professional development annually in an attempt to not only progress, but also to strengthen her skills. Her client list and treatment menu are testament to her care and dedication and are an inspiration to staff and students alike.
Finally, her role as junior partner in the business has seen her make use of excellent management skills and strategic planning for the salon and training school and has this year introduced a complete re branding which is set to take the whole business into the next stage of its 32 year history.
Alexa is an exemplary therapist – a true ambassador for the beauty industry.
Adrienne Pye,
External Verifier VTCT
I have known Alexa for a few years now and know that she is one of the most professional therapists I have come across. It’s so nice to still see a therapist that still has traditional work ethics and standards. She has outstanding qualities as a therapist and you can see this through everything she does.
Caron Boughton,
Area manager Gerrard Int.
I have worked with Alexa for several years whilst designing and now subsequently managing her company websites. Of all the small business owners that I have worked with; Alexa is one of the most professional and focussed but also one of the nicest and kindest. Alexa is passionate about engaging with her clients and has a clear vision of how a Hair and Beauty Salon should be managed. I have found Alexa to be very open to new ideas and suggestions, each of which she carefully assesses before deciding whether they are right for her business and her clients. I wish all my clients were like Alexa.
Jay Allsopp,
Send.Blue Limited
Tina and Decleor have enjoyed a strong and loyal partnership or many years. During this time, Tina always demonstrates great dedication and commitment to developing therapists through her training and we are privileged to work so closely with such an industry professional.
With Tina’s holistic approach and calming influences her advice and direction within the beauty industry is unparalleled.
Martine Archer – Decleor and Carita UK
Commenting on Tina being awarded Tutor of the Year 2012, the Federation of Holistic Therapists had this to say:
With an incredible CV spanning more than 30 years in the beauty industry, a natural career progression led Tina to find her place in the industry – educating the therapists of the future.
Tina set up and managed the beauty therapy department at the Peterborough Regional College before creating her own training school, Burghley Academy, quickly becoming well-known for her high standards and attention to detail. She became a consultant for Habia, writing new standards for beauty and holistic therapies, and worked closely with the Prince’s Trust as a mentor for young people entering the world of business.
Gaining recognition from the industry, Tina won a number of awards including a National Training Award, Investors in People Award, Community Therapist of the Year at the National Beauty Awards, and the Evening Telegraph Customer Care Award. Her engaging and stimulating teaching style also culminated in her producing four educational books published under Thomson Learning. Although Tina has seen much change in the industry, she has held firm her values and ethos, offering the highest standard of training to ensure the continuation of an industry she is proud to be a part of.
Federation of Holistic Therapists