Editor’s Comment

Creating a sense of community is a core goal for most salons and spas. Traditionally, this means nurturing therapist-client relationships and hosting the odd charity event but, increasingly, UK beauty businesses are going one step further, giving back to the clients who support them, with a range of initiatives aimed at bringing people together, boosting mental wellbeing, caring for the elderly and much more. We explore just a few of these innovative schemes in our feature on page 77, looking at three businesses that have maximised their position at the heart of the local community to bring people closer.

Supporting local businesses is also key for many salons and spas, particularly with growing pressure to cut our environmental impact by sourcing from local suppliers. Add to that the as yet unclear impact of Brexit on the supply chain and it’s obvious why some businesses are beginning to look closer to home when seeking out new brands.

Our focus this month on British brands takes an in-depth look at some of the companies flying the flag for UK manufacturing, alongside others that outsource production internationally but have their heritage and head office here, allowing them to supply direct.

While no one would advise an insular approach that cuts us off from the diversity and specialisms that international brands bring to the UK beauty scene, there are undoubtedly benefits to adding at least one local brand to your mix this year. We profile 45 of the biggest in our special feature on page 51, from tried-and-tested spa favourites to the new kids on the block that have their sights set on shaking up the professional market in 2020.