Martin Daubney praises 'absolutely magnificent' speech as hairdresser warns high street faces collapse

On December 29, 2025, GB News presenter Martin Daubney praised an 'absolutely magnificent' speech delivered by Toby Dicker, co-founder of the Salon Employers Association. Dicker, a hairdresser, delivered an emotional warning about the future of the UK high street, citing years of financial pressure that has left small employers 'desperate.' He highlighted how rising taxes and operational costs are driving salon closures and threatening the survival of independent businesses across the country. His testimony, described as powerful and compelling by Daubney, underscores growing concerns about the economic viability of small businesses in the face of ongoing financial strain.