News

New financial support available to salons and spas as furlough ends

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has vowed to protect jobs during Covid-19 with an array of new financial measures outlined in his Winter Economy Plan. The biggest help available to salons and spas is the new Job Support Scheme, which launches on November 1 and replaces the furlough scheme.

The Job Support Scheme will give employers who face depressed winter demand the option of keeping people in jobs on shorter hours rather than making them redundant. Employees must be working at least a third of their normal hours and be paid for that work as normal by their employer.

The Government, together with employers, will increase those people’s wages, covering two thirds of the pay they have lost by reducing their working hours. The scheme will run until April 2021 and employers retaining staff on shorter hours can claim the Job Retention Bonus too. According to PB’s Digital poll this month, 55% of salons and spas plan to use the scheme when it launches.

For mobile and home-based therapists, the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme is being extended, but the payments are less generous than before. A first taxable grant at the start of November will cover 20% of average monthly trading profits, paid out in a single instalment covering three months’ worth of profits, with a limit of £1,875 in total. The second grant will cover a three-month period from February to April 2021, but details are yet to be announced.

Other measures include a 12-month interest-free payment VAT Deferral plan. Businesses who deferred their VAT will no longer have to pay a lump sum at the end of March 2021, instead they can split it into smaller, interest-free payments over 11 months.

A Pay as You Grow scheme has also launched for those who took out Government-guaranteed loans during the crisis. These loans can be extended from six to 10 years, which will nearly halve the average monthly repayment. Businesses can suspend payments for up to six months if they are in real trouble, and this won’t affect credit ratings.

Revealed: the UK cities with the most beauty salons per square mile

Salford has more beauty businesses per square mile than any other area in the UK, making it a beauty hot spot, found new research by supplier NicelyPolished.

Salford came out top with 264 beauty salons, equating to 32.59 per square mile, found the report, which used data from Yelp to find the number of beauty, nail, hair and tanning salon businesses operating within each city, with these figures then divided by the area of each city or borough in square miles to find the average number beauty businesses per square mile.

The top 10 cities for number of salons per square mile are:

1. Salford: 32.59 per square mile

2. Blackburn: 23.49

3. Oldham: 18.26

4. Burnley: 15.71

5. Watford: 15.54

6. Blackpool: 14.78

7. St Albans: 14.16

8. Portsmouth: 13.26

9. Bournemouth: 12.84

10. Birkenhead: 12.04

Salford’s numbers include 33 nail salons (4.07 per sq mile); 25 tanning salons (3.09 per sq mile); 36 hair-removal salons (4.44 per sq mile) and 170 hair salons (20.99 per sq mile), the report found.

Edinburgh and Glasgow came out first (95) and second (64) for the number of nail salons, followed by Brighton and Hove (60), Birmingham (52) and Leeds (51). Glasgow is first for the number of tanning salons (38), just above Liverpool (30), Manchester (29) and Sunderland (28).

New rules for spas in England as saunas and steam rooms reopen

Saunas, steam rooms and thermal facilities in spas across England were allowed to reopen from October 1 after six months of enforced closure due to the coronavirus pandemic.

However, the Government outlined a new set of rules for these facilities to operate in a Covid-secure way.

The protocols have been published in the “DCMS Guidance for Sports and Gym Leisure Facilities” and they include:

Maximum capacity restricted to 50%. For example, a sauna designed for four people can now only be used by two people at the same time

Facilities should operate with two-metre social distancing, including marked seating points in each room

Guests should be given fi xed times and staggered s lots to enter the sauna or s team room. For example, a sauna with a normal capacity of four people can offer an appointment time of 12pm–12:15pm, with up to two individuals able to book this slot. Clients must arrive at their set time. They may leave and re-enter the sauna at any time but must vacate by the end of their dedicated slot

Where technically possible, increase air flow and air changes to the maximum possible

Ensure that saunas, steam rooms and any equipment are cleaned regularly, at the beginning and end of the day, and at regular intervals in-between, determined by the risk assessment.

Half of UK women suffer with dry skin during the menopause

47% of UK women experience an increase in dry skin during the menopause, found a study of 1,000 menopausal women by specialist skincare brand Emepelle.

Just under half (45%) of those surveyed have also noticed an increase in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while others said their complexion has dulled (27%), that make-up no longer sits well on their skin (14%) and that their usual skincare products were not having the same effect as before (10%). 

46% said these changes have affected their confidence, the report found, but 48% have increased their skincare budget as a result so that they can invest in the right beauty products to address the issue.

More than half (51%) felt the condition of their skin prior to the change was excellent, whereas only 16% feel their complexion is at the same level during the menopause.

News in brief 

// CACI is now available in Bulgaria, having signed a deal with distributor Cellsoft BG, which introduced CACI Synergy to the market at its Beauty Woman Masterclass. Meanwhile, in the UK, CACI ran a Bounce Back Offer in October, to help boost salons’ revenue offering its Synergy device for £50 per month, with no capital outlay.

// Sue Harmsworth, founder of Espa, is collaborating with spa industry leaders to create the Standard Authority for Touch Cancer Care (SATCC) – a recognised standard of training for providing spa treatments to those living with cancer. “SATCC will create clarity for the spa industry and give confidence to clients,” said Harmsworth.

// Online booking platform Fvce has launched to enable consumers to book vetted medical professionals for treatments in clinic or at home. Clients can discover top aesthetic professionals, compare their credentials and see their previous work, prices and reviews.

// Made for Life Organics has launched Made for Life at Home – a series of at-home events guided by beauty therapists, who recreate the brand’s spa offering for the face and body at the client’s home. The initiative was created to empower women to run their own businesses.

// Celebrity manicurist Roxanne Campbell has launched mobile nail business Revarnish London. Operating mainly in the London area, Campbell will provide a menu of treatments for anywhere between £30–£115.

Cancer Aware Directory opens for spa and therapist registration

Spas, salons and therapists that offer treatments for people touched by cancer can now sign up to an international online directory that allows consumers to find them.

Cancer Aware Directory is a not-for-profit initiative that will offer a free listing to any business or individual, anywhere in the world, that treats cancer patients and has a qualii cation to do so, from an accredited training provider.

The project is being developed by the Professional Beauty Group in consultation with cancer-specialist training providers including Julie Bach, executive director of Wellness for Cancer.

The directory has been launched with the support of senior spa fi gures from major global hotel groups, including Anna Bjurstam, senior strategic adviser for Six Senses; Mia Kyricos, global head of wellbeing at Hyatt Hotels; and Jeremy McCarthy, group director of spa and wellness at Mandarin Oriental.

The directory is now open for registrations from all cancer therapywellness centres and individuals, online at cancerawaredirectory.com

Skincare sales boom during lockdown while make-up declines

Sales of skincare shot up during lockdown, as home working routines and an increased focus on hygiene prompted British women to invest, according to new statistics from analyst Mintel.

Cleansing products were among those that saw the biggest rise, with the percentage that use face wash rising to 55% in the year to May 2020, compared to 50% in the previous 12 months. Use of micellar water also increased, from 25% to 29%, and toner from 25% to 31%.

Moisturisers also saw a boost in sales, having declined in 2019 as women cut back on the number of products in their routines. 2020 brought a renewed loyalty for day creams/lotions, with the number of Brits using these up from 60% in 2019 to 67% in 2020. Night cream rose from 44% to 47% usage in the same period.

However, there was a decline in make-up purchasing, with 55% of female facial skincare users saying they have reduced how frequently they wear make-up.

Mintel’s head of beauty and personal care, Roshida Khanom, said: “ The mandatory use of face coverings in a number of public places in 2020 could boost prospects for facial skincare, with new product d evelopment (NPD) in skincare p roducts to soothe irritated skin.”

News in brief

// Skincare brand Dermalogica has announced new partnerships with e-tailer Escentual, Cardiff-based Central Pharmacy and Harrods spin-off H Beauty in Lakeside. At H Beauty, Dermalogica will offer its full range of skincare products, as well as its treatment menu, which includes FaceMapping and SkinSolver.

// The Hair and Beauty Charity has released a “Thank you” social media video. Filmed during Covid-19 lockdown, the video includes more than 70 individuals, including PB editor Eve Oxberry, thanking the industry for heping to keep the charity front of mind via donations, sponsorships and sharing the charity message.

// Jemma Ball, who owns Jemma Elizabeth Beauty Salon in Stoke-on-Trent, has set up a Facebook group to help self-employed individuals working in beauty in the Staffordshire area. Staffs Self Employed Hair & Beauty Coronavirus Support Group has more than 250 members and offers advice for those struggling during this time.

// Three UK spa locations have chosen the Eco Friendly Sustainable SmartSoft Range by BC Softwear for their resorts – the Bamford Wellness Spa in The Cotswolds, Dylan Coastal Resort in Carmarthen, and Champneys at Mottram Hall in Cheshire. The range features eco-friendly towels, bathrobes and footwear.

// To support Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, Sensory Retreats donated 10% of profi ts from its lavender-infused Divine Eyes Self-Heating Mask to the Pink Ribbon Foundation.

Marian Newman recognised in Queen’s Birthday Honours List

Marian Newman has been awarded a Medal of the Order of the British Empire in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list for services to the beauty industry during Covid-19.

Newman, who is best known as a session nail artist and nail industry education leader, was instrumental in advising Government on the guidelines for close contact services during the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly with regard to nail treatments.

She also supported nail techs, therapists and salon owners throughout lockdown via her Facebook Group, and continues to do so since beauty services have resumed.

This year, the Queen’s Birthday Honours list was postponed from June to October in order to include people who have been instrumental in the nation’s Covid-19 effort.

Made For Life Organics offers Cancer Touch Training to students

Skincare brand Made for Life Organics has partnered with White Rose Beauty Colleges to give students the opportunity to undertake its Cancer Touch Therapy training, which will provide a deeper understanding of what cancer is and the skills needed to perform treatments for clients with the condition.

The course has been developed with advice from trained oncology massage teachers and advisors at the Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust and Macmillan, is SATCC-approved and accredited by the Complementary Medical Association.

Karen Lee-Cooke,  principal of White Rose Beauty Colleges, said: “ Our industry’s awarding organisations recognise  cancer as a condition usually contraindicated to massage. We are committed to changing these practices ensuring all clients are able to access spas and salons”.

Richard Lambert takes over as CEO at NHBF as Hilary Hall retires

Hilary Hall has retired from her role as chief executive of the National Hair and Beauty Federation (NHBF) after seven years, replaced by Richard Lambert.

Lambert, who previously led the National Landlords Association, said, “I look forward to working with such a vibrant, forward-thinking industry. I’m committed to understanding our members and their concerns, shaping the organisation’s services and communications, and creating an open, empowered culture from which we will continue to lobby Government for change.”

Hall announced her decision to retire to the NHBF board earlier this year but delayed the move due to the coronavirus pandemic.

News in brief 

// CND helped create some innovative designs for Gareth Pugh’s SS21 catwalk collection, which was presented as a “visual concept album”, featuring 13 iconic looks inspired by songs. Nail tech Lauren Michelle Pires said: “I chose to partner with CND because their colour range is so extensive and it’s great for layering to create bespoke colours.”

// Towie star Jess Wright is Crystal Clear Skincare’s fi r s t ever celebrity ambassador. Wright will showcase the brand’s hero products, new launches and signature salon facials. She said: “I just love the results you get with Crystal Clear, so it’s amazing to be working with the brand.”

// Husband-and-wife duo Ryan and Hollie Power, founders of salon consultancy company Salonology, were named Family Business Entrepreneurs of the Year for the South West at the Great British Entrepreneur Awards 2020. The Powers offer mentoring for those working within the beauty industry.

// Make-up brand Bobbi Brown’s Pretty Powerful Campaign has raised more than £500,000 for Smart Works, a charity that provides interview clothes, training and make-up application skills to unemployed women in need. The aim is to give women confi dence and practical tools to transform their lives.

// Salon System supported the 2020 Let’s Nail Breast Cancer campaign in October by donating 100% of profi ts from the Gellux In the Pink collection to the Future Dreams Charity, which supports those touched by breast cancer. The shades include You Can Can, Flirty Fuchsia and Pop Pink.

PHAB Service Star launches to recognise top beauty professionals

PHAB Standard has relaunched The PHAB Service Stars – an award that provides beauty and hair professionals with a measurable benchmark for performance, to help their career progression and business reputation.

Salon professionals apply for a PHAB Service Star online by providing evidence that they meet a set of criteria, including key performance results and customer testimonials, along with their manager’s support. If you are performing at a higher level than the industry average and pass the verification processes then you will gain the PHAB Service Star, which is then renewed annually. 

You will also receive a certificate, personalised window decal and social media graphics to use to promote your accomplishment. “I’ve always believed that if we recognise and reward exceptional service providers and find some way to drive business to their doors,then will we raise standards of service and performance,” said Nergish Wadia-Austin, creator of PHAB Service Stars. Apply for a PHAB Service Star at phabservicestars.com

3D Aesthetics helps salons during Covid-19 with business initiative

Aesthetics device manufacturer 3D Aesthetics has been helping accounts affected by the Covid-19 pandemic to adapt their beauty businesses during these uncertain times. The company’s Business Stimulation Initiative has been a success with accounts as it is designed to help owners create a strong level of business in new, creative ways.

The scheme allows salon and clinic owners to introduce new 3D Aesthetics equipment into their businesses at heavily discounted prices, while paying just £50 per month for the first six months.

It also includes a free 30-minute consultation with industry marketing expert Kris Trinity on “How to double your appointments and profits in 30 days with Facebook ads”.

More than 120 clinics have taken advantage of this initiative, which has ensured that many have bounced back to good fortunes. Founder and managing director Roy Cowley (above, left) said: “It’s time to fight with everything that we have to get our businesses thriving again in this difficult climate.”

3D Aesthetics is also meeting customer demand for more training, extending its level of customer service and support, as well as making the company resources more accessible to salons and clinics across the UK due to no geographical boundaries when using its new remote training and business facilities.

The company’s training facility alone can cater for up to 100 beauty therapists per week, in addition to hosting free online demos in the company’s new online showroom.

Diary dates

// November 8–11 Global Wellness Summit 2020 The Breakers Palm Beach, Florida

The theme for this year’s health and wellbeing gathering is “Resetting the world with wellness”.

+1 212 716 1199

globalwellnesssummit.com

// February 28–March 2, 2021 Professional Beauty World Online

The online event returns with a series of conferences spanning the beauty, hair and spa markets plus a host of demos and special offers.

020 7351 0536

professionalbeauty.world

// May 16–17, 2021 Professional Beauty London ExCeL London

The flagship show from the PB Group will return bigger and better than ever, with conferences for beauty, spa, manufacturing and more.

020 7351 0536

professionalbeauty.co.uk/ london

// September 26–27, 2021 Professional Beauty North Manchester Central

The largest beauty exhibition in the North is back next year with hot launches, education, competitions and more.

020 7351 0536

professionalbeauty.co.uk/ north

// November 7–8, 2021 Professional Beauty & HJ Live Ireland CityWest Dublin

Join Ireland’s biggest beauty, hair and spa trade show, with industry awards alongside.

020 7351 0536

professionalbeauty.ie

Professional-grade beauty supplier Shop Beautiful launches

Shop Beautiful – a single-source supplier of premium, professionalgrade brands for salons, spas and clinics – has launched into the industry.

The online platform showcases new skincare products and equipment from the likes of Teoxane and Exuviance, and exclusive brands NutraKOS and BioRePeel, as well as delivering webinars and online resources on how to attract new clients and grow a business.

The platform is part of the DD Group, which has more than 45 years of healthcare expertise and product knowledge. Shop Beautiful is also supported by Med-fx, the distributor of aesthetic and skin rejuvenation supplies, meaning the team has a good understanding of pharmaceuticals and ingredients.

“We’re using all of our experience and knowledge to seek out and bring professional-grade products to the UK beauty market – the best products we could fi nd – and then offering all the training and support that practitioners need,” said Shop Beautiful’s product development and national account manager Kelly Tobin.

“If we, as professionals, have a better understanding of ingredients and how they work, then we can shift our practice from offering customers a set range of products – one-size-fi tsall – to a more fl exible, customised approach.” Shopbeautiful.co.uk has no minimum order spend.

Image Skincare to launch Business University for salons and spas in 2021

Image Skincare is launching Image Business University in January 2021 to help beauty salons and spas boost their revenue during these unprecedented times.

The two-day class will cover fi ve KPIs owners need to address to encourage client spend and boost revenue – staff retention, average service price, retail per client ticket, client retention, and productivity – as well as how to effectively communicate with different personality types in your team.

“A salon’s revenue should grow every year because its bills increase every year, so this university will look at how to achieve that 85% productivity benchmark as a service provider,” said Graham Clarke (pictured), Image Skincare’s sales director.

Image Business University will be free for Image Skincare partners but is open to non-Image Skincare accounts too for a small fee. The brand is looking to have an option for online webinars if physical education cannot go ahead. Salon owners interested in joining the the waiting list for the university can call Image Skincare on 0345 504 0461.

Meanwhile, on October 4–5, Image Skincare hosted two-day event Image Live – a virtual trade show which showcased the brand’s Christmas launches, as well as delivering education on sculpting the face and treating maskne.

“[The event] allowed us the opportunity to reach a wider audience we would otherwise have not been able to because of the current Covid-19 crisis. Both the engagement and messages we’ve received since have shown me that there is still great strength in the industry that has suffered greatly in recent times,” added Clarke.