16 mins
NEWS
Inflation and rising energy costs: the impact on small businesses
New data has revealed that 87% of ownermanaged businesses fear inflation will impede their growth in 2022, with 24% predicting it would impact growth “to a great extent”.
The data, taken from a survey of 335 small businesses conducted by the Association of Practising Accountants (APA), also found that 64% of SMEs (small-to-mediumsized enterprises) are finding it difficult to deliver their services as a result of the rise in energy costs, as the energy price cap increased by £693 on April 1.
The survey also investigated staff recruitment and retention, with 59% of SMEs reporting that they are finding recruitment and retention more challenging than it was 12 months ago, while just 3% are finding this less of a challenge.
Brexit has also greatly impacted the operation of UK businesses, with 43% of those who took part in the survey stating that Brexit had either had a negative or very negative impact on their business, compared to just 4% who reported a positive impact.
The survey also shed light on how businesses are coping as a result of the pandemic, with 81% of ownermanaged businesses reporting that they are in better shape for the future than before the pandemic, and 79% stating they think that, overall, the UK Government response to Covid-19 has been either very or quite effective.
Martin Muirhead, chairman of the APA, commented: “Having navigated Brexit and the pandemic, ownermanaged businesses are now confronted with the double challenge of rising inflation and increased energy costs.
“Many of these businesses have done well to survive the past two years. Having looked forward to a period of economic stability post-Covid-19 they are confronted with the opposite.
“It is imperative that the UK Government takes a more realistic view of our future trading relations with Europe recognising that labour shortages coupled with an altogether more challenging export environment pose a real threat to recovery.”
Boom in vegan product sales helps make-up sector bounce back
UK sales of premium vegan make-up grew 28% last year as consumers sought out products that fit their plant-based lifestyle choices.
Prestige vegan make-up sales were valued at £58 million in 2021 and accounted for 12% of total make-up sales in the prestige beauty market, according to analyst The NPD Group.
17% of all prestige eye shadow sales were vegan and 16% of lip colour sales were from vegan brands. Sales of vegan foundation increased 29% last year and accounted for 16% of all prestige make-up foundation sales.
Foundation is the most popular vegan product, accounting for 31% of vegan make-up sales.
NPD UK’s beauty account manager Emma Fishwick said: “Consumers are increasingly choosing to follow a vegan lifestyle…
It’s only natural that these consumers would want to opt for vegan beauty products.
“The prestige make-up market has been challenged over the past few years, but the growth in vegan make-up sales is an interesting. development, and will shape the course of the market in years to come.”
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News in brief
Therme Group has revealed plans for its much-anticipated city-based wellbeing resort at TraffordCity, Therme Manchester. The £250 million project, in partnership with Peel L&P, will feature a waterpark, thermal bathing and wellbeing spa.
Cidesco has announced that its Global Awards 2022 will welcome applications for the following categories: Beauty Therapy; Beauty & Spa Management; Make-up; Spa; Massage; and Nails. Submissions will be open until October 3, 2022. Interested professionals can contact info@cidesco.com.
Gharieni Group is convening a Scientific Advisory Board to provide an objective, external perspective on the studies the company carries out on its wellness technologies. Joining the board are Dr Sergio Pecorelli and Professor Christophe Hausswirth, who will work with Gharieni to conduct scientific research into the efficacy of its products.
UK workers miss out on almost £100,000 in their lifetime, as they work the equivalent of approximately 22 working days of unpaid overtime each year, according to data collated by Small Business Prices. Women work on average 4.5 hours overtime a week, compared to 2.8 hours for men.
University Arms hotel, Cambridge, has partnered with Aromatherapy Associates to provide its new wellbeing offering. The bespoke treatment menu of massages, facials and wellbeing experiences will be offered in the hotel’s two new treatment rooms.
Superdrug to launch marketplace for start-up brands to “democratise” beauty market
Superdrug is set to launch a health and beauty marketplace which will showcase hundreds of new premium beauty brands as well as giving a platform to more sustainable, gender-neutral and black-owned companies, in a bid to help democratise the beauty market.
Superdrug Marketplace is set to launch in September and it will be a “space for diverse innovators and [will] remove barriers to entry”, said the company, helping those brands without suitable infrastructure to sell their products nationally.
The health and beauty retailer will work with independent creators to help bring these new and under-the-radar beauty brands to their customers on a nationwide platform, which will be integrated into Superdrug’s existing website.
Superdrug is asking brands that may have dismissed the possibility of a listing to get in touch to discuss featuring on the marketplace, and the company says it will focus on working with female-owned, gender-neutral and black-owned brands – as it continues to build on its “Shades of You” commitment to diversity and inclusion in retail.
“This launch will make a listing with Superdrug now possible for more up-and-coming brands and give our customers a wider range to enjoy, from luxury to trending beauty and wellness hacks,” said Matt Walburn, customer, marketing, and online director at Superdrug.
48% use selfie editing apps before posting to social media to “feel less self-conscious”
The pressure many feel to “look good” on social media is back in the spotlight after new research has revealed that almost 19 million Brits edit their selfies.
Just under half (48%) are using selfie editing apps to “feel less selfconscious” and “enhance their best features”, found research from vision care company Lenstore, while 44% edit their selfies to hide their perceived “imperfections” from others, such as birthmarks and freckles
It also seems that men are now feeling the pressure to look flawless on social media more than women, with 52% of men stating they can’t post a selfie without applying a filter compared to just 43% of women, the report found.
Additionally, 60% of men say they can’t post a photo without altering the shape of their face, compared to just 43% of women. Other reasons Brits stated they edit photos of themselves before posting to social media include “to appear more attractive to others” and “to reflect how we see ourselves”.
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News in brief
Armathwaite Hall Hotel & Spa has announced a partnership with seaweed skin and bodycare brand Voya. The wellness destination has also launched an animal mindfulness experience, combining forest bathing, wellness and mindfulness with animals.
Research from Champneys has shared the wellness influencers to watch in 2022. Rhiannon Lambert (nutrition), Hannah Barrett (health and fitness), Megan Rose Lane (spirituality) and Simone Powderly (body positivity) have all been named as rising influencers in each wellness category.
Global wellness company Lycored is encouraging people who work in the nutrition and beauty industries to send messages of support to the Ukrainian people, which will be translated, printed and included in food parcels.
For each one written, Lycored will make a financial donation to a charity providing humanitarian support.
Finnish payment and booking service provider Book Salon has raised $3 million (£2.3 million) to bring its all-in-one payment processing and booking platform to European beauty and wellness salons.
Ronald Britton has launched a fresh-water biodegradable holographic glitter. Four years in the making, Bioglitter Holo is available in both cosmetic and craft formulations, and is the third fully biodegradable glitter from the brand.
Rise in social media influencers promoting dangerous nasal tanning sprays
“Dangerous” tanning products, such as nasal sprays that claim to accelerate tanning, are being promoted by influencers on social media sites TikTok and Instagram.
Many of the products contain untested drug melanotan-II, which can’t legally be sold in injectables or nasal sprays.
The unlicensed drug works by replicating naturally occurring melanocortin peptides, acting as a catalyst to stimulate the production of melanin throughout the body, darkening the skin colour.
The BBC sent off samples of the products to a lab to be tested, where it was discovered to contain around 100 unidentified ingredients – 10 times the expected 10 ingredients in most licensed medicines.
Side effects include increased moles and freckles, vomiting, loss of appetite, flushing of the face, involuntary stretching and yawning, and even spontaneous erections.
One influencer admitted that she promoted a nasal spray on her TikTok without knowing they were illegal.
BCAM launches sustainability initiative to encourage change in aesthetic clinics
The British College of Aesthetic Medicine (BCAM) has launched an initiative to help its members to make their clinics more sustainable.
The association announced sustainability as one of its key issues for 2022, and the new initiative involves advice and support to help its 400-plus members make small changes that have a big impact, including recycling waste, employing non-paper-based clinic systems, and choosing suppliers who use ethical packaging.
BCAM trustee Dr Bhavjit Kaur said: “We also plan to encourage suppliers to offer greener options with their packaging, and it’s encouraging that there is already a handful of pharma companies that are taking sustainability seriously.”
BCAM is collaborating with Consulting Room founder Ron Myers, who launched the “Sustainability in Aesthetics” group earlier this year to share best practice. Myers said, “Clinics that successfully incorporate sustainability practices into their business model can benefit by using this as an additional differentiating factor in their marketing.”
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News in brief
Oskia has partnered with Carnegie Club at Skibo Castle, Scotland, to offer nutriceutical face and body treatments at Skibo Spa. From warm oil massage to LED facials, the treatments aim to detoxify, improve tone and texture, and restore mind, body and soul.
The London Business Hub, supported by the mayor of London, has announced the launch of Wayfinder. The service helps businesses (including those in the beauty industry) to access trusted expert advice and free support, launching in Wandsworth, Southwark and Lambeth. visit businesshub.london
Voya has repackaged its awardwinning Bright Eyes antioxidant eye cream. Now available in a sleek tube with a slim nozzle to dispense the right amount of product, the cream’s packaging is made using recycled plastic and is recyclable.
New online platform On Beaute aims to change the way consumers research and shop for beauty products. Powered by aggregated and scored industry reviews from a range of industry experts, the platform connects consumers with reviews from the experts.
Aesthetics tech start-up Faces Consent has secured £500,000 Series A funding from investor Social Money. Faces Consent, based in Stafford, is an app that houses consent forms for private aesthetic clinics and has 45,000 registered users. It was founded by Ben O’Brien and Ashley Simpson-Davies.
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Élan Laser Clinics Group launches with plans for 10 UK sites this year
The Élan Laser Clinics Group, founded by former HydraFacial senior director of global partnerships Anna McCartney, has unveiled plans to open 10 clinics by the end of 2022, following multimillionpound investments.
The group will aim to combine the medicalgrade technology with a luxury spa-like experience, bringing together advanced skin treatment technology with the skills of highly trained therapists, and is expected to create 70 jobs in the industry this year.
The business opened its first UK site in Leeds at the end of March and currently also has one clinic in Parramatta, Australia, which opened in October. The 1,500sq ft Leeds site, at The Springs, Thorpe Park, houses five treatment rooms.
All the new UK clinics will offer a range of aesthetic treatments, including laser hair removal and tattoo removal, facials, skin rejuvenation, fat freezing and body contouring.
McCartney said she wants to create a luxury experience that is accessible to all clients, sharing that, “As well as being completely inclusive with treatments suitable for everyone, regardless of gender or ethnicity, we will also simplify pricing, offering complete packages for specific skin conditions, giving our therapists the freedom to offer bespoke treatment plans to meet the needs of our clients without incurring additional costs.”
What the Chancellor’s Spring Statement means for beauty businesses
Chancellor Rishi Sunak delivered his Spring Statement on March 23 and within it outlined measures to help with the cost of living.
Employment allowance: from April 2022, this will increase to £5,000 –a tax cut worth up to £1,000 for half a million small businesses.
National Insurance Threshold: the threshold people earn before they pay National Insurance (NI) is rising. From July 2022, people can earn £12,570 per year without paying a single penny of income tax or NI.
Income tax: before the end of this parliament in 2024, Sunak said the basic rate of income tax will be cut from 20p to 19p in the pound.
“A £5bn tax cut for more than 30 million people,” he explained.
Fuel duty: Sunak announced a 5p cut, which will be in place for 12 months (until March 2023).
Household Support Fund: the Government is doubling the Household Support Fund to £1bn pounds to support vulnerable households.
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News in brief
Sales for Sensory Retreats’ awardwinning Luna Eyes mask hit a record high after the product was featured on ITV’s This Morning. After one minute on the show in March, where presenters Dermot O’Leary and Alison Hammond wore the masks, the company did two months’ worth of sales in two days.
Timely business management software has released a feature where salon teams and clients can select their pronouns. The Timely Pronoun Feature allows client to self-identify their pronouns when they book, helping salons create a more comfortable and welcoming experience.
CACI enjoyed a visit to its head office and training centre in Hertfordshire from former CACI Philippines distributor Helen Jocson. The visit was in honour of CACI’s 30th anniversary, and Jocson has even dedicated a section of her new book Let’s Age Gracefully, Live Life to the Fullest to CACI microcurrent technology.
Phorest Salon Software hosted its Brave New World Gala Dinner in London on March 21, celebrating courage and camaraderie of the beauty community.
The company also spoke about The Phorest Growth Fund, where Phorest accounts can apply for funding to assist business growth.
Salon business expert Liz McKeon has announced dates for her Business Owners Retreat in 2023. Titled Your Best Year Yet, the event will take place on January 14–21 at the Princesa Yaiza Resort in Lanzarote and will include workshops, mentoring, wellness sessions and networking.
Novalash to sell direct to UK market after ending partnership with distributor
Novalash is taking distribution of its professional lash products and training in-house and selling directly to the UK and European markets after ending its partnership with Sarah-Anne’s Beauty Distribution.
The US-based lash company is dissolving its UK distribution contract with Sarah-Anne’s Beauty Distribution within 90 days (from the end of March 2022), before becoming fully responsible for its own sales and training.
The change brings the end to a four-year partnership with Sarah-Anne’s Beauty Distribution, which took on sole UK distribution of Novalash in 2018.
During the changeover period, lash artists can purchase products directly from the brand’s new online shop and shipping platform, ensuring a smooth transition without interruption to the supply chain.
Sarah-Anne’s Beauty Distribution confirmed that customers can also still purchase Novalash products from them within the 90-day period by emailing contact@novalashuk.co.uk
Beauty mogul Huda Kattan invests in Fresha salon software
Salon software brand Fresha has announced a partnership with Huda Kattan, founder of cosmetics brand Huda Beauty, via investment from her company HB Investments.
The partnership was revealed as Fresha launched its online shopping experience Fresha Store.
Fresha co-founder Nick Miller shared how “Huda’s wealth of industry experience and passion for beauty, along with her inspirational story of entrepreneurship, makes her the perfect fit for Fresha”.
He added: “We’re thrilled to be working with Huda and her team on new ways to leverage technology and unlock real value for beauty professionals and customers around the globe.”
Kattan commented: “I have witnessed the positive impact Fresha has for beauty entrepreneurs first-hand. The company is a force for good in the rapidly expanding community of beauty professionals around the world.”
Premier Software partners with sites Wowcher and LivingSocial
Spa management system Premier Software has partnered with e-commerce platforms Wowcher and LivingSocial, giving its accounts access to a wider audience.
Many spa operators find it challenging to fill their diaries via direct sales and marketing alone, so Core by Premier Software’s integration with these sites will help spa businesses run performancebased marketing campaigns to its 24 million subscribers. Each year, Wowcher sells more than 250,000 spa packages and introduces 180,000 new clients to UK spas.
Oliver Cahill, chief commercial officer at Premier Software, said: “Operators will be able to maximise their capacity while introducing their services to a brand-new audience. We believe this will… strengthen operators’ abilities to grow their business long term.”
Diary dates
// April 28–May 2
Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna Fairground District, Bologna, Italy Exhibition with separate dates for packaging, perfume and beauty. +39 02 796420 cosmoprof.com
// May 6–8
Beauty Düsseldorf Messe Düsseldorf Fair for cosmetics, nails and spa. +49 211 4560 7602 beauty-dusseldorf.com
// May 20–21
Aesthetic Medicine Live Olympia London The medical aesthetics show returns with new product launches and education. 020 7351 0536 aestheticmed.co.uk/london
// June 11
Global Wellness Day Worldwide The annual event is a not-for-profit day that aims to raise awareness about living well and increasing motivation. +90 216 571 49 00 globalwellnessday.org
// June 19–21
Spa Life UK Convention Cotswolds Water Park Hotel, Gloucestershire The convention offers activities to help spa professionals grow their businesses. 01268 745892 spa-life-international
// September 25–26
Professional Beauty North Manchester Central The largest beauty exhibition in the North is back with hot launches, education, competitions and more. 020 7351 0536 professionalbeauty.co.uk/north
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The Spa at Coworth Park partners with Germaine de Capuccini
The Dorchester Collection’s luxury country house hotel and spa Coworth Park has announced a partnership with Spanish brand Germaine de Capuccini.
Guests at The Spa at Coworth Park can enjoy a luxury menu of Germaine de Capuccini treatments, including the bespoke Elements Inspired Massage and the Mediterranean Candle Massage.
Germaine de Capuccini’s managing director, Clare Dickens, commented: “We’re absolutely delighted to partner with The Spa at Coworth Park, a stunning, multi-award-winning spa with a progressive outlook in terms of health and wellness.”
Teresa O’Farrell, spa director at The Spa at Coworth Park, added: “The collaboration came through a shared value of providing a bespoke experience to our guests.”
Gharieni Group celebrates 30th anniversary
Spa equipment brand Gharieni is celebrating 30 years in the industry. During this time, the company has expanded into international markets, with offices in the US, Dubai, the Netherlands, and Germany.
It now has a far-reaching distribution, present in more than 120 countries. This year saw Gharieni become the Forbes Travel Guide’s “Official Spa and Wellness Technologies and Equipment Brand” too.
To celebrate the milestone, the Gharieni Group said it is now poised to become one of the leading players in mind/body wellness technologies.
“In the foreseeable future, we will see a new generation of wellness mind/body technologies, and the creation of verified wellness experiences through the translation of the latest science and ongoing clinical studies,” said chief executive and founder Sammy Gharieni.
The Hair & Beauty Charity Scottish Golf Day fundraising event returns
The Hair & Beauty Charity’s Scottish Golf Day is returning for the first time in two years on May 23 at The Burnside Course at Carnoustie Golf Links in Angus, Scotland.
Hair and beauty pros can trade in their industry tools for nine irons to help raise money for the charity – so they can provide help and financial support for beauty and hair professionals in need – at one of the most respected golf destinations in the world.
Entry costs £175 per person, £350 per pair, or £700 for a team of four, or you can sponsor a hole for £250.
The 2022 Charity Golf Day is being held in memory of long-time charity supporter Peter Belcher. Book your ticket: hairandbeautycharity.org/golf