Carlton Professional has relaunched its training centre and opened a trade-only Beauty Store in the hopes of becoming a one-stop shop for salon owners, discovers AMANDA PAULEY

AMANDA PAULEY

Woodhead (centre) with brand representatives at the open day

Brand View

Beauty equipment supplier Carlton Professional has relaunched its training centre with an in-house commercial salon and complementary Beauty Store at its headquarters in Lancing, in a bid to become the go-to place for therapists looking to train in new disciplines.

The 3,000sq ft Carlton Professional Training Centre, which opened on May 15, offers a range of short courses in collaboration with professional brands in a salon-style environment – from microblading and waxing, to nails, skincare and facials. “Our centre is going to be used as a flagship training venue in the South East for brands like OPI, Monu, Star Nails and Hive of Beauty,” says Chris Woodhead, managing director of Carlton Professional, who took over ownership of the company in January this year. Woodhead is a well-known name in the industry, having previously run companies including Your Salon Store, Hive of Beauty and Bellitas.

“We have also taken on the exclusive UK distribution for Italian skincare brand Dibi Milano and machines provider APG Tech, allowing us to offer more specialist equipment such as laser and radiofrequency which we are not in the position to manufacture right now,” he adds.

There is Level 3 training on all Carlton Professional equipment, but Level 4 on laser and radiofrequency, and the company will host monthly experience days for salon owners to come in and try the treatments before investing in the training. It’s a different approach which Woodhead hopes will generate more business interest.

Collaborative approach

The Beauty Store is a trade-only shopping opportunity for industry pros showcasing Carlton Professional products as well as the brands that have engaged to work with the company. “Therapists will come to the centre for training, then shop with those brands in store and follow up with the full service available on our e-commerce shop. We see the two working in tandem, helping us to engage with the beauty professional,” says Woodhead. This push to reposition the company as a leading training provider for salons is the next step in Woodhead’s rebrand, following the launch of a new logo, URL, and use of modern and fresh imagery across all platforms.

“Carlton Professional is supplied in more than 300 colleges for both equipment and furniture; it’s a trusted brand,” explains Woodhead. “My mission is to take that heritage that has grown up in the educational sector and translate it into today’s commercial salon and spa market. Salon is the market we need to work on.” Woodhead is also in discussions with awarding organisation VTCT to accredit some of the company’s electrical courses and a new Carlton Professional machine is on the way, pipped to be a combination of electric operation and microcurrent. PB

Carlton Professional Training Centre courses: July/August

July 2 – Just Wax Intimate Waxing

July 3 – Nailux Manicure & Pedicure; Hi Brow and Lash FX

July 4–5 – Microblading

August 13–17 – Complete Nail Technician