The show is back and bigger than ever, returning to Manchester on October 13–14 at new venue EventCity. Leading salon and spa owners reveal why attending Professional Beauty North is essential for their business

1 You network withlike-minded people

“PB North is the beauty show in the North. I always enjoy myself and it’s because it’s a great opportunity to make new connections, especially at the salon and spa owner’s networking forum [relaunched this year as Salon and Spa Connect]. I’m looking forward to attending it this year and discussing key issues.”Becky Woodhouse, chief executive of Pure Spa & Beauty, which has sites across the UK

2 It’s a chance to learn and upskill

“In our ever-evolving industry, it’s important to be up to date with the latest trends because clients are now much more educated on beauty. At the show, you can listen to inspirational speakers on the Live Stages, who can help grow your business, and there’s lots of information I’ve gained from previous seminars that I still use in my business today.”

Clare Pearson, owner of Clare Pearson Hair & Make-up, Oban

3 All the beauty brands are under one roof

“The exhibition is great because it has all the biggest beauty brands in one room. So, if you’re looking to take on a new product range then you can speak to all the companies you’re interested in on the same day, enabling you to make the best choice. My top tip is to plan your day in advance because it goes by in a flash.”

Emma Ginever, manager of The Essentials Beauty Salon, Birmingham

4 It’s great for team-building

“It’s an event that brings your team together, allowing you to make joint decisions on the new treatments and equipment to choose for the forthcoming year, and it’s a brilliant incentive for making them work that little bit harder at Christmas to fund such items. Where else in the country can you purchase everything you need? My business can’t afford to miss it.”

Gemma Holt, owner of Lily’s Beauty Salon, Shropshire

5 There’s face-to-face contact with suppliers

“I’ve been going to Professional Beauty since it started and what I’ve found is you’re never too old or wise to keep learning. It’s a great day out because you get to speak to industry colleagues and suppliers face-toface, which is priceless. My top tip is to download the show app before the event so you have to hand the stand numbers of the exhibitors you want to meet.”

Samantha Humberstone, owner of Lotions n Potions, Sheffield

6 It’s ideal for time-poor business owners

“It’s important for my business that I remain at the forefront of the industry so I can continue to educate my team and clients. New products and treatment innovations are all presented in one space at the show, which saves precious time, while also allowing you to draw comparisons in an effective way.”

Louise Caithness, managing director of three Zest Skin Spas, Edinburgh

7 You make friends for life

“I remember attending my first PB North when I was at college many moons ago and to this day I’ve only missed one show (it was my daughter’s wedding). Over the years, I’ve met amazing business people who have become good friends and we still make the show our yearly catch up, meeting in the Exec Club Lounge.”

Sophia Patel, manager of Beauty at Noggi’s, Bolton

8 It shows the industry at its best

“I feel as though Professional Beauty always takes a substantial amount of time to ensure that everyone is looked after and there is always someone on hand to point you in the right direction for your needs. The show is highly educational and it is always a delight to communicate with industry pros who ensure quality and care is at the top of their list for clients.”

Sally Fox, business development manager at Tinkable Aesthetic Clinic, which has sites across the West Midlands

9 You can win amazing prizes

“It’s essential to know about the trends and fads affecting the industry, and PB North is the place to be to check out what’s new. I bring as many of my team with me as possible and plan ahead so I can personalise the day to suit each of their positions and passions. It’s also worth entering the show competitions – last year I won CACI’s Synergy system, which is amazing.”

One visitor is guaranteed to win a CACI Synergy by visiting the brand’s stand this year. Full competition details on page 76.

10 The education is out of this world

“You’re getting two days of industryleading speakers giving talks on everything from marketing and finance, to make-up and hair removal. If you go anywhere else in Europe you pay anything up to 50 euros to attend these types of shows, while we get to come to PB North for free. Plus, the education is only £3 a seminar, it’s a fantastic bargain. I think it’s fair to say, nobody can pull it off quite like Professional Beauty can.”

Andy Rouillard, owner of Axiom Men’s Grooming Salon in Basingstoke