Reuniting THE INDUSTRY

After a three-year hiatus, PB North returned to Manchester on September 25-26, reuniting the northern beauty industry for two days of launches, education, networking and competitions

Professional Beauty North returned to Manchester on September 25-26, bringing together 9,883 professionals from the beauty and aesthetics industry for two days of learning, networking, competing and discovering the latest trends.

The event hosted key exhibitors from all areas of the beauty industry, including skincare, aesthetic devices, nails, make-up, lashes, waxing, spa, tanning and more as the brands showcased their latest product launches and demonstrated their newest innovations.

“It’s lovely to be back at PB North after three years,” said visitor Gemma Holt, who owns Lily’s Beauty Salon in Shropshire. “There’s nowhere else you can get every single brand in one place.”

Exhibitors and visitors alike commented that the show had a professional feel, with business owners and therapists visiting with a purpose to meet suppliers and expand their treatment offering, as well as to expand their industry knowledge and contacts.

“We’ve had a lot of talks with people. Good quality, I have to say,” commented 3D Aesthetics managing director Roy Cowley. “It’s been a phenomenal success. A lot of people have signed up for deals. It’s proven to be an extremely good show.”

Kirsty Jones, business development manager for Guinot UK and Ireland, added, “It’s been non-stop. We’ve met a lot of amazing people and had lots of interesting conversations.”

Charles Mills, head of operations at Gelida Medica, said, “We’ve made a lot of new connections, including a lot of people who are starting new businesses.”

Latest launches

Many brands chose PB North as the launchpad for their new products and equipment.

3D Aesthetics launched its personalised skincare brand Lesielle, for example, while Image Skincare, Janssen, Dibi Milano and many others launched their Christmas collections. Image Skincare business development manager Clare Antcliffe said, “The reception has been fantastic. I’ve seen so many new faces here and we’ve generated a lot of new leads.”

Zemits launched two new LED treatments, Oxygen LED and Hydro LED. Director Ulyana Danyleyko said, “The show was brilliant. I haven’t stopped talking. We’ve met so many excited therapists. The beauty industry is about to blow up with all of the new exciting technology. Everyone is so passionate and interested to find out more.”

Marcus Adshead, managing director at Sculpt Pro, said the event had been “a huge success”, adding, “We’ve launched two new devices, the CoolShaping 2 and HydraTouch H2, and will be back next year on March 5-6 at PB London.”

Kimberly David, owner of Etre’Belle Beauty Clinic in Halifax, commented, “I’ve had my salon now for 20 years, and I like to come to PB North every year to see what’s the next big thing, and network with other salon owners. I’m interested in seeing what’s new, and what’s out there.”

“It’s LOVELY to be back at PB NORTH after three years. There’s NOWHERE ELSE you can get EVERY single BRAND in ONE PLACE„

Strong education

PB North brought some of the industry’s leading experts to Manchester to deliver exclusive education sessions across three action-packed live stages: Trends & Techniques, Skin & Advanced Treatments, and Business & Digital Skills, allowing visitors to brush up on their knowledge and learn how to take their business to the next level.

From Skin Professionals UK sharing why skin consultations are so important, to business coach Kris Trinity giving insight into how targeted ads on social media can double your sales, the sessions provided those who attended with a wealth of knowledge, tips, and tricks they otherwise wouldn’t have access to.

Special thanks to the stage hosts – session tech and educator Kirsty Meakin, business coach Philip Elder and aesthetic practitioner and educator Andrew Hansford – all of whom were on hand to ensure visitors got the most out of their sessions, as well as stage sponsors Gelida Medica and the NHBF.

Nurse practitioner Michelle Worthington, who runs Michelle Worthington Aesthetic Health, said, “It’s great to come and meet likeminded business people, see what’s new to the market and what you can add to your business to make it the best it can be. I also particularly came to see the talks on the Skin & Advanced Treatments stage.”

Trainee beauty therapist Hafsa Qureshi added, “I booked in for some of the education sessions because I’m finding out what’s out there.

“DEFINITELY come to the SHOW – even if you’re COMING on your own. It’s GOOD to MEET NEW people, see what BR ANDS are out there and GET INSPIRATION„

“I’d say to people definitely come to the show – even if you’re coming on your own. It’s good to meet new people, see what brands are out there and get inspiration.”

New for nails

There was a huge buzz around nail stands including Glitterbels, INK London, new brand Dali Artistic, and Gelish distributor the Georgie Smedley Group, whose director Jazz Christodoulou commented, “We’re based in the South so it’s really nice to see some of our customers from up North in person, and just to interact and give them a chance to see our products and experience them for themselves.”

INK London’s educator Simone Radley added, “It’s been buzzing. We got to meet people we wouldn’t necessarily get to meet normally – they can come and see the products in the flesh, which is fantastic because, when it’s done online, they don’t get that opportunity.”

Nail technician Sarah Kay, who travelled from Ireland to attend PB North, said “I had a great time at the show and have just registered for Professional Beauty and Hair Ireland in November.”

The show also saw the return of PB’s Nail Competitions, in association with the Federation of Nail Professionals, with nail techs and students competing in seven categories. Turn to page 72 to see who won.

Aesthetic crossover

The Aesthetic Medicine North show ran alongside PB North at Manchester Central, allowing visitors to access aesthetic and technology-focused brands such as HydraFacial, 3D Aesthetics, Opatra, Endospheres and more.

The reception given to aesthetic brands by beauty professionals highlighted the industry’s shift towards more tech-led and results-driven treatments and allowed visitors to learn how these brands can aid them in taking their business to the next level.

Darren Wood, marketing director of HydraFacial, said, “Having the Professional Beauty and Aesthetic Medicine shows running alongside one another worked really well. We saw some great people crossing over from the PB side of the show, at the higher end of the market.”

Successful return

Speaking on the success of PB North’s return, Mark Moloney, managing director of the Professional Beauty Group, commented “After three years, it was great to be back at Manchester Central; we’re building the event back up sure and strong, ensuring the ‘professional’ in Professional Beauty means something.

“The show looked great and had a wide selection of brands with something for everyone including skincare, aesthetic devices, nails, waxing and lashes, and attendance was positive at 9,883.

“It’s very encouraging but plans are already underway to do more – more training, more networking, and more exhibitors, which the team and I are focused on delivering for 2023. Thank you to everybody who came or exhibited over the weekend, it was really good to see you.”

Skincare and aromatherapy brand Eve Taylor have exhibited at the show for many years, and brand and education manager Matt Taylor said, “We keep coming back because Professional Beauty always puts on a great show, there’s always great footfall and a great crowd of people to meet and talk to.”

Professional Beauty North will be back at Manchester Central on September 24-25, 2023. Register your interest now at professionalbeauty.co.uk/north