The NATION’S BEST

The Professional Beauty Regional Awards are now in their third year, and continue to shine a light on the amazing work that goes on in every corner of the UK, giving more businesses more opportunities to prove they outshine their local competition.

The awards are judged by a panel of experienced industry experts, who really understand what it takes to make a business work, so the winners and finalists are all salons and spas that excel in treatment delivery, customer experience and industry innovation.

In total, 21 winners were announced at the black-tie gala dinner, which took place at the Principal Hotel Manchester on October 21. The spas and salons that won will now go through to the finals of the national Professional Beauty Awards 2019, held at The Brewery in London on February 24. Book your tickets at professionalbeauty.co.uk/awards

NORTH WEST SPA OF THE YEAR

WINNER | The Spa Hotel at Ribby Hall Village, Lancashire

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Ribby Hall’s 122-strong team is dedicated to delivering an exceptional service, which is why the spa has taken home this award. With bespoke training plans and monthly treatments for employees, staff retention levels are at a healthy 98% and this culture of happiness has translated into all facets of the business. Treatments and aftercare advice were given top marks, while our judges commented that the consultations given were of an extremely high quality.

“It’s fantastic and overwhelming to win this award. Thank you to our staff and our owners, the Harrison family, who continually invest in people and facilities which is key to our success”

Jane Tregonning, spa manager

“We won this last year as well and so to win it again is a special honour. I’d like to thank all our team; this award is for them. It’s a big team effort”

Diane Nettleton, director

SOUTH WEST & WALES SPA OF THE YEAR

WINNER | Gaia Spa, Plymouth

Gaia Spa was described as “magnificent” by judges, who also commended the “very attentive” staff. The 12-treatment-room spa scored top marks in several areas, with customer service, marketing, safety and hygiene just some of the standout features. The hotel and spa teams work together smoothly and efficiently to make guests feel as though they’ve been away longer then their stay, leaving them relaxed and recharged.

“I’m so happy that Thai Square Spa has won London Spa of the Year. There is such stiff competition within the capital, and for our spa, an authentic taste of Thailand, to be rewarded in this way, is truly special. My team and I are honoured”

Wallika Clark, spa manager

LONDON SPA OF THE YEAR

WINNER | Thai Square Spa

Offering Eastern luxury in the heart of London, Thai Square Spa continues to evolve. This year, the business has introduced corporate membership, boosted sales through upselling initiatives and increased brand awareness by working with bloggers. Judges were particularly impressed with the ambiance at the spa and the attitude of the therapists, who focus on making each client feel valued from the moment they walk in.

NORTH EAST SPA OF THE YEAR

WINNER | Seaham Hall Serenity Spa, Co. Durham

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Seaham Hall Spa is set in 37 acres of landscaped gardens in a striking clifftop location. The spa’s recruitment strategy concentrates on personality, work ethic and pinpointing customer service-driven candidates, resulting in a highly skilled and motivated team. Judges commented that the spa had a true wow factor and created a feeling of total escape from the outside world, adding that attention to detail and customer service were both top notch.

“It feels really good to win this award. I’d like to say thank you to everyone at the spa and to our team; everyone right from the bottom up to the top. All of their hard work has really paid off”

Sarah Thornton, head therapist

SOUTH EAST SPA OF THE YEAR

WINNER | The Spa at Pennyhill Park, Bagshot

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With 21 treatment rooms and eight pools, Pennyhill Park has a reputation as one of the most extensive spas in the UK. This year, it’s developed by creating a concept called Life in Balance, which takes into account that some guests visit for wellbeing and health, whereas others visit for indulgence. Our judges described the winner as a well-designed, maintained and evolving spa, delivering excellent quality services.

“The team are overwhelmed with the win and it’s nice for them see that all we do is so worthwhile and their hard work is so well appreciated”

Lucy Graham, head therapist

“We’re massively overwhelmed to have won as there was lots of strong competition. I just want to thank the team – the most amazing team… this award is for them”

Phil Murphy, director of leisure and spa

MIDLANDS SPA OF THE YEAR

WINNER | Hoar Cross Hall, Burton-Upon-Trent

Hoar Cross Hall has been open since 1991 and boasts an impressive 34 treatment rooms. The “immaculate grounds” were one of the elements that stood out the most for judges. Therapists were praised for executing fantastic-quality treatments in line with brand protocol. Training for spa staff is high on the agenda, with employee qualification records and training plans kept up to date and frequently revisited to identify areas of improvement and progression needed by each staff member.

“The Professional Beauty Awards are the most respected in the industry, so this is the best award to win. We’re so honoured. We’ve got amazing people. They deserve this”

Kfirsty MacCormick, director of spa

SCOTLAND SPA OF THE YEAR

WINNER | Kohler Waters Spa at The Old Course Hotel, St Andrews

Judges awarded high marks for the 13-treatment-room spa’s slick operation, with the official awards visitor saying it was “exceptional – from the moment I entered until the moment I left”. The customer journey was noted as first-class, with a clear ethos – health through water – and vast range of facilities. Judges were particularly impressed with spa director Kfirsty MacCormick, giving her leadership style 10 out of 10, adding: “she has a wealth of knowledge and it shows”.

NORTHERN IRELAND SPA OF THE YEAR

WINNER | The Spa at Slieve Donard, Newcastle, County Down

The Spa at Slieve Donard was awarded high marks across all sectors, with the judges commenting on the in-depth treatment consultation and comprehensive skin knowledge of the therapists, who they said are “trained above and beyond the treatments offered in the spa”. The 15-treatment-room resort also offers an extensive range of nourishing food options from a juice bar to a sit-down meal in one of three restaurants.

“We’d like to thank our fantastic team for the dedication they show our spa every single day. These awards are everything, it’s a huge achievement and I’m very proud”

Cathryn O’Neill, spa manager

NORTHERN IRELAND SALON OF THE YEAR

WINNER | Urban Beauty and Skincare Centre, Belfast

All therapists are trained to expert level in this popular salon, which specialises in enhancing skin. In-house training is carried out once a month to ensure that high standards are maintained, in addition to regular external training and team-building events. Overall business practices impressed our judges, who said: “This is a very well-run salon where the owner is passionate about therapist progression.”

“It’s an amazing feeling to win. I would like to thank the girls who work for me and I’d also like to thank my family. We’re just a small salon in Northern Ireland and to get this is insane”

Helen Alcorn-Hayes, owner

“I’d like to thank all of the team, my mum, who is my baker, and my best friend, who has done all of our marketing, PR and events planning”

Stefannie Larkman, owner

MIDLANDS LARGE SALON OF THE YEAR

WINNER | The Little Retreat, Owthorpe

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Described by our judges as a “hidden gem”, the Little Retreat was founded in 2013 and has gone from strength to strength. The aim is to offer a comprehensive customer experience and the salon’s Gin Nail Parlour concept really differentiates the business. Other personal touches are evident throughout, such as tables reserved in the client’s name in the relaxation area and the serving of nutritious food.

“We’re a small salon that a year ago didn’t exist - to win this award gives hope to any new business that anything is possible when you’ve got the passion for it”

Yassmina Denideni, salon manager

MIDLANDS BOUTIQUE SALON OF THE YEAR

WINNER | nkd () Leicester, Leicestershire

Judges were impressed with the “calming and relaxing” environment at nkd () Leicester, with high marks being awarded for comfort and enjoyment levels during the treatment, and relaxing décor, ambience and temperature. The judges commented on the friendliness of the staff who gift new clients with product samples to take away, as well as the “excellent” in-depth consultation given prior to the treatment.

SOUTH WEST & WALES LARGE SALON OF THE YEAR

WINNER | Hazelwood, Chippenham

Hazelwood moved to a new purpose-built salon in 2017 and has continued to grow the business since then with the support of independent experts such as a financial planner and a business coach. The team at the sixtreatment- room salon work hard to manage clients’ expectations with thorough consultations and treatment plans from the first visit. The PB judges commented that this salon was a real “industry leader”, due to its innovative approach and excellent customer service.

“It’s fabulous to have won this award. There has been such a lot of hard work which has come to fruition this year. These awards are massive, they help to keep you sharp, professional and above all else, striving to be the best”

Samantha Francome, managing director

SOUTH WEST & WALES BOUTIQUE SALON OF THE YEAR

WINNER | The Secret Spa, Wrexham

From warmed slippers to home visits for treatments, personal delivery of products and flexible opening hours, the devil is in the detail at this boutique salon, where strong client relationships have been forged by staff going the extra mile. Our judges praised it as an outstanding salon with a strong emphasis on the client experience, and were particularly impressed with the highly motivated team who “perform at a consistently high level”.

“I think we have stayed constantly focused this year and strived for improvement because ultimately you know you want to win that trophy. My staff are absolutely amazing, I couldn’t have done it without them”

Rebecca Griffiths, owner

“The things we’ve achieved in the last three and half years have had the most amazing impact. For any independent business that has survived for 17 years, as we have, this award is for them”

Karen Shirlaw, owner

SOUTH EAST BOUTIQUE SALON OF THE YEAR

WINNER | Beautique Medispa, Dorking

Beautique Medispa was commended for its professional yet homely feel and friendly, welcoming team. Judges were particularly impressed with the dedicated salon manager and forward-thinking business owner, who have a focus on clear industry training and development, as well as providing “commitment to quality stafing and professionalism”. The high levels of customer service are relected in the “no hard-sells’” policy, ensuring retail sales are a by-product of the expert advice offered to each client.

“We’re just a little salon and winning this award will give us greater opportunities. I would like to thank owner Rebecca Dunleavy – she has built such a fantastic business”

Tammy Pettet, spa manager

SOUTH EAST LARGE SALON OF THE YEAR

WINNER | Red House Spa, Amersham

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The beauty salon’s ethos to create a wellbeing space for locals and tourists alike set it apart from the competition, with judges wowed by the range of “high-quality” facilities, including a luxury yoga studio and outdoor relaxation area, as well as on-site specialists such as relexologists. Judges also scored the salon well for its luxury interior design, stating it had a “very high standard of furniture and good retail displays, utilising the space perfectly”.

NORTH WEST BOUTIQUE SALON OF THE YEAR

WINNER | Prestige Health and Beauty, Morecambe

Prestige has focused on raising its profile online and these efforts have paid off, with judges impressed by the salon’s “effective marketing practices” – especially its fun and informative interaction with clients on social media. The salon’s retail offering was also standout, with our official visitor awarding high marks for the range of facilities available – free face mapping, tasters and mini services, as well as the knowledgeable staff on hand.

“These awards are important for the industry and for us to be recognised when we’re just a salon in a small town means everything. I want to thank my team and my husband, who have been so supportive”

Kelly Murgatroyd, director

NORTH WEST LARGE SALON OF THE YEAR

WINNER | The Potting Shed Spa, Batley

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Known for its tongue-in-cheek approach and cheeky treatment names, The Potting Shed has a loyal regular clientele. New initiatives this year included the creation of an own-brand organic product line, which had a waiting list before launch, and the introduction of the “One Hot Beech” menopausal range of treatments. The PB Judges were particularly impressed with the way the Potting Shed team strived to exceed customers’ expectations and meet their individual needs.

“It’s amazing to win; the best feeling ever. We’re so happy. I’d like to thank the team, my husband – absolutely everyone, including our dog!”

Sam Pearce, director

“I never thought it would be us. I want to thank my family. It’s such a special award. I’d also like to thank my team - they’re fantastic”

Elaine Beattie, owner

NORTH EAST BOUTIQUE SALON OF THE YEAR

WINNER | All About You – Urban Beauty Retreat, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne

Sponsored by:

The luxury boutique feel of All About You is in keeping with the salon’s mission to make the client feel relaxed and welcomed in an oasis of calm with high-quality treatments. Judges picked up on owner Elaine Beattie’s spa background in the style and ambience of the salon. Open for just over a year at the time of judging, the salon has built up a strong database of clients, fuelled by successful marketing initiatives such as monthly events for corporate clients.

“It’s really satisfying to win because we’ve been recognised for growing from a small salon to a large one, thanks to all the hard work of our team and our amazing clients. Winning this award is fantastic”

Paul Beatty, managing director

NORTH EAST LARGE SALON OF THE YEAR

WINNER | Beauty and Man at the Gate, Holton-le-Clay

Beauty and Man at the Gate stood out to the awards judges for its attention to detail in interior design, with the male and female areas separated via individual entrances and “quirky and modern” design features, which complemented the high quality of the treatments. The bespoke Consult with Conidence software developed by the owners also impressed the judges and ensures that therapists all work to the same standards.

SCOTLAND BOUTIQUE SALON OF THE YEAR

WINNER | Zen Lifestyle, Edinburgh

Innovation, training and staff loyalty were among the many things the awards judges praised about Zen Lifestyle. Since winning at the national Professional Beauty Awards in February, the salon has invested in new technologies to broaden its treatment menu and offer skin rejuvenation and thread vein treatments. Another key initiative has been the introduction of retail masterclass workshops, which prompted a huge increase in sales.

“I am so passionate about the beauty industry that to win this award is such a tremendous feeling. We have been winners in the past, but every award is special and I’m delighted and overwhelmed to be taking this back to the team”

Fiona Fowley, director

SCOTLAND LARGE SALON OF THE YEAR

WINNER | Peaches Wax Bar, Glasgow

Specialising in waxing, Peaches wowed judges with its consistently impeccable standard of treatments and training. Judges noted how Peaches’ use of technology embraces the digital age and helps execute the salon’s clear vision, which staff are passionately on board with. Extremely clean, well-lit treatment rooms make for a high standard of professional waxing.

“We were absolutely shocked to hear our name when the award was called. The business has changed so much for the better over the past year, and the whole team has been so behind the changes that this award is for them”

Kerri-Ann Angus, director