Susan Gerrard to open training academy

diary dates

// Natural and Organic Products Europe April 22-23, ExCeL, London Trade-only event for retail and salon buyers, focusing on natural and organic spa products. 01273 645154 naturalproducts.co.uk

// Scottish Hair & Beauty April 22–23, SEC, Glasgow Hair and beauty show for Scottish trade professionals. 01332 227698 scottishhairandbeautyshow.com

// UK Spa Association Spring Networking Event April 24, Armathwaite Hall, Keswick Daytime networking meet-up for spa operators and suppliers. spa-uk.org

// IMATS May 18-20, Olympia, London Make-up exhibition for trade professionals with education programmes. +1 360 882 3488 imats.net

// Beauty UK May 20–21, NEC, Birmingham A trade event with hair, barbering and holistic exhibitors. 01332 227680 beautyukshow.com

// World Spa & Wellness Asia May 21-22, JW Marriott Resort & Spa, Phuket, Thailand The first Asia event for the brand, with speakers and targeted meetings. 020 7351 0536 worldspawellness.com

// Professional Beauty Delhi June 4–5, Pragati Maidan, Delhi, India The largest of PB’s five India exhibitions. +91 (0)22 6171 3232 professionalbeauty.in

Gerrard International founder Susan Gerrard is opening an academy at the company’s Borehamwood head office on April 6, to offer VTCT-certified qualifications.

The Susan Gerrard Beauty Academy will offer a Level 2 Diploma in Beauty Therapy Studies and a Certificate in Nail Treatments, as well as make-up training courses in full- or half-day durations, which focus on bridal, evening and trending looks, among others. In the future, several short courses will be added. Trainees do not have to be stockists but the courses will use the beauty distributor and manufacturers brands: Jessica, Mii, Spongellé, BeautyLab and Scentered. The academy will be a rebrand of the current Gerrard International training facilities, which will still be used for the company’s product training.

Gerrard International’s educators have undergone teacher training to lead the academy’s new courses.

Gerrard said students will get opportunities for industry experience at “inspiring” spas and salons and at special events such as London Fashion Week. “With more than 50 years of experience, I have seen gaps in the professional market for a higher, more comprehensive training…we hope to give beauty therapists advanced skills, teach them how to interact with their clientele and improve the profit potential for their business”, she added.