13 mins
NEWS
Beauty and hair services contributed £8.5bn to the UK economy in 2023
In 2023, the UK beauty and hair services sector contributed £8.54 billion to the economy, a significant increase from £5.1 billion in 2022, according to the Value of Beauty Report by Oxford Economics for the British Beauty Council (BBCo).
The professional services sector accounts for 31% of the personal care industry’s GDP.
The overall UK beauty industry, which includes product sales, retailers, wholesalers and manufacturers, was valued at £27.2 billion in 2023, nearing pre-pandemic levels.
This marks an 11% growth from the previous year’s £24.5 billion.
Despite inflation driving much of the growth in 2023, a 3% growth rate is still predicted for 2025, well above the national economic average of 1%.
The rate of growth puts the personal care industry as a whole ahead of publishing, chemical manufacturing and the creative arts and entertainment industries.
The beauty industry now employs over 603,000 people, reflecting a 10% increase from last year, with beauty and hair services representing 224,000 of these jobs.
BBCo chief executive Millie Kendall OBE commended the sector’s dynamism and called on the Government to ease post-Brexit export restrictions.
“The adaptable and agile nature of the British beauty industry enabled us to surpass the biggest four members of the EU in growth across prestige beauty and skincare in the first half of 2024,” she added.
Beauty professionals lost £2.6m to no-shows in the last four months
Some 3.8% of all hair and beauty appointments booked for May to August resulted in no-shows, costing businesses an estimated £2.6 million, according to new data.
Software brand Fresha analysed over three million appointments, finding that August saw a slight improvement in attendance compared to the earlier months, but the cumulative impact of missed appointments remained significant.
Different sectors experienced varying no-show rates, with brow and lash businesses suffering with a 6.55% no-show rate.
Beauty salons and nail salons fared better, with lower no-show rates of 3.59% and 3.55% respectively, suggesting these clients stayed more committed to their appointments during the peak summer season.
Barbershops suffered the worst rate of missed appointments, reporting a 21.16% average no-show rate during summer, meaning one in five customers are not turning up or giving notice.
The financial toll of these no-shows added up quickly, with over 100,000 missed appointments across the four-month period, resulting in an estimated collective revenue loss of £2,638,277.60.
Sophie Vongkhamsao, in-house senior beauty specialist at Fresha, commented, “Missed appointments not only represent a significant financial loss for businesses, but they also disrupt the daily operations and growth of salons and independent professionals.”
News in brief
Celebrating her love of nails, and her love of green, singer and actor Cynthia Erivo has been announced as the newest brand ambassador for OPI. As part of OPI’s collaboration with Universal Studios’ Wicked, coming out in November (see page 91), Erivo has been sharing her creative process working with her nail tech Rose Hackle on Elphaba’s signature claws.
Elaine Beattie, owner of Newcastle salon All About You, has launched a consultancy business to help support the beauty and spa industries. All About You -Salon and Spa Consultancy is Beattie’s opportunity to share her 38 years' experience with fellow salon and spa owners, managers and teams.
LaserHQ clinic in Leeds has relocated to a larger location. The new site, in Norville Terrace, Headingley, offers modern facilities and parking outside. The team has created a welcoming environment with spacious treatment rooms, and a luxurious waiting area, and introduced new services such as laser facials using Sinclair lasers, and advanced skincare treatments.
Salon System will be discontinuing its Gellux nail range to focus on its key lash, brow and wax products. The nail range will be available until March 2025. In a statement, Salon System expressed gratitude for the loyalty and support of Gellux customers.
Wild Wellbeing Days, Wild Work Days, Nature Walks and Evening Bat Walks are just some of the new wellness initiatives being introduced by Wyboston Lakes Resort. The resort’s Begwary Brook Nature Reserve team has partnered up with the spa team to create these packages.
62% of Brits want to significantly alter their appearance, says new study
A survey of 2,001 UK adults revealed that 62% want to change their appearance, with only 20% feeling satisfied with how they look.
Commissioned by Karidis Clinic and carried out by Independent Media News, the study found that dissatisfaction is particularly high among young women aged 18-24, with 74% unhappy with their appearance, and nearly half (45%) considering cosmetic procedures like dermal fillers and botulinum toxin.
The study also highlights the prevalence of photo editing, with 20% of UK adults editing their appearance in at least half of their online photos. This rises to 36% among 18-24-year-olds and 43% for those aged 25-34.
Concerns about social media's impact on body image are widespread, with 51% of Brits worried about its effects on young people’s body confidence, and 44% disheartened by society's rejection of individuality.
Cosmetic surgeon Mr Alex Karidis commented on the growing pressure from social media, which promotes unrealistic beauty ideals, driving more people towards cosmetic procedures and contributing to the rise of the "Instagram face" – with only 28% of the survey’s respondents believing celebrities and influencers should not promote cosmetic products online.
World Spa and Wellness Awards 2025 shortlist announced
Following an intensive first round of judging, the finalists for the 2025 World Spa and Wellness Awards have been revealed.
Spanning 10 categories, the awards recognise excellence in wellness, treatments, customer care, business, leadership and sustainability.
The shortlist includes spas from Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, North and South America. There are also global awards for Spa Leader, Spa Team, Sustainable Spa and Worldwide Health & Wellness Destination of the Year.
Some of the UK spas to make the list include Bvlgari Spa, London, in the Spa of the Year: Europe category, and Hoar Cross Hall, Burton-Upon-Trent, for Sustainable Spa.
Spa Team of the Year has also seen a lot of UK success, with three spas shortlisted for the category: Fairmont Windsor Park Spa, London’s The Bath House – Banya and the Gleneagles Hotel, Auchterarder. Meanwhile in the Spa Leader category, Rebecca Doyle of Fairmont Windsor Park and Emma Pridding of Carden Park have both been shortlisted.
The finalists will meet in London on March 2, to celebrate their success at an awards ceremony that will run alongside the Professional Beauty Awards 2025.
News in brief
Gelida has signed aesthetic therapist William Foley for a residency at its private clinic at Gelida HQ, Lound Hall, Retford. Foley will offer body contouring and shaping treatments, alongside face, body, and skin rejuvenation. He will also provide customised recovery programmes for athletes and individuals looking to improve their appearance and performance.
Donnington Valley Hotel and Spa has partnered with Mediterranean-inspired British brand Temple Spa to bring guests a range of relaxing and results-driven treatments. This exclusive menu is designed to rejuvenate, restore, and help guests manage stress in a holistic and effective way.
The Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa is refreshing its amenities, becoming the first hotel outside of London to partner with English fragrance brand Jo Loves. Guests will be able to find the brand’s signature Pomelo scent throughout the hotel’s bathrooms and in a collection of luxury turn-down items.
Moddershall Oaks Country Spa Retreat in Staffordshire has introduced a seasonal spa package, the Moddershall Glow Spa Break. In September and October, the package is available as a spa day, evening, and overnight break with a choice of two 25-minute treatments, Golden Glow Massage or Golden Glow Facial.
The Peligoni Club’s House Party hosted make-up education brand Beam for two interactive workshops in September. The Creative with Colour and Beaming Skin workshops offered hands-on experience alongside a mini masterclass, Q&A and private consultations.
35% of Brits spend most of their disposable income on personal care
Brits are spending their disposable income on self-care and wellbeing, with 35% choosing to spend it on beauty products, exercise, and other self-care activities, according to new stats.
The survey by loan company Moneyboat showed that 20% of Brits prioritise beauty products, while 15% invest in exercise,
It also revealed that millennials lead the way in self-care spending, with 50% prioritising self-care (more than any other generation) and 22% directing the majority of their disposable income toward exercise.
Additionally, 30% of this age group choose to spend most of their discretionary funds on beauty products.
In terms of geographical demographics, Londoners are allocating the most significant portion of their disposable income to self-care.
Specifically, 19% of London residents invest in exercise, while 26% spend the majority of their discretionary funds on beauty products.
This spending pattern could be influenced by the capital’s vibrant social scene and the importance of staying fit and polished in both professional and personal environments.
Handpicked Hotels launches Channel Islands wellness retreats
Hand Picked Hotels, which runs spas in 13 of its properties across the UK, is launching wellness retreats in the Channel Islands.
The retreats will be held at Braye Beach Hotel in Alderney, Fermain Valley Hotel in Guernsey and L’Horizon Beach Hotel & Spa in Jersey.
They aim to revitalise body and soul in the unspoilt natural landscapes of the Islands. Guests will be able to take part in a variety of activities from pilates to cycling. Each retreat will serve local and seasonal produce, offering nutritious food and drink to nourish guests’ bodies while their minds relax. The retreats will also offer sea swimming in the clear waters of the Channel Islands.
The Mandrake unveils plans for innovative new spa
The Mandrake, the five-star boutique hotel in Fitzrovia, London, has announced the opening of its new spa in January 2025.
The spa will be called Damu and will feature a multi-sensory, immersive “Wavess Wellness Pool”.
This innovative experience combines the healing powers of sound and light therapy with waterhaptics, allowing the body to float in zero gravity for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Damu will also offer a specialist mud rasul experience, advanced treatment rooms, and a tranquillity space aiming to blend technology with wellness.
News in brief
The Vale Resort in Cardiff is celebrating its 25th anniversary with an investment of £100,000 to update and refurbish the Vale Spa. The renovation is expected to be completed by spring 2025 and will see all treatment rooms refurbished, new relaxation spaces created and the inception of a fire and ice experience, which will include both ice machines and a sauna.
Ruth Minoletti, who has been a facial therapist for almost 60 years, has gone into business with her two daughters, Katrina and Cristina Minoletti, opening a beauty salon in Henley. Skincare International will offer facials, massage, reiki and craniosacral therapy.
Transformulas Marine Miracle Crème has been chosen by Tatler as Best Moisturiser category winner in the 2024 Beauty Awards. The moisturiser uses the natural healing benefits of sea marine ingredients such algae, giant sea kelp and sea salt extract, combined with an advanced rejuvenating formula for de-ageing skincare results.
MZ Skin has announced an exclusive collaboration with Claridge’s Spa, debuting MZ Skin facials, and previews of upcoming MZ Skin products.
Developed by founder Dr Maryam Zamani, the four facial services blend technologies such as LED light therapy with science-based ingredients, techniques and sensorial details.
Hoar Cross Hall has launched Autumn Glow experiences, offering guests the chance to unwind with the Autumn Spice Back and Leg Ritual, or Autumn Spice Body Ritual and Facial.
Wholesaler Ellisons transitions ownership with a management buyout
Beauty wholesaler Ellisons has confirmed a change of ownership via a management buyout led by existing management team Matthew Champney, Lee Farmer and Nadine Meakins.
Managing director Geoff Morris has stepped down from the role, to transition ownership to a new generation, with the existing management team acquiring a significant equity stake.
Paul Faulkner, former chief executive of Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest and the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, has joined the business as chairperson, while Geoff Morris will remain as a substantial shareholder and advisor to the business.
David Tucker, partner at Jasper Equity, who originated and led the transaction, will also join the Ellisons Board.
Matthew Champney said, ”The changes ensure that the culture of independence and entrepreneurship, which has always been a hallmark of Ellisons, remains in place.
Founded in Birmingham in 1930, and now based in Coventry, Ellisons ships over 2.5 million items annually to more than 50,000 salons, spas and other customers across the UK and internationally.
Lynton signs Anthea Turner as brand ambassador
Lynton has signed a deal with TV presenter Anthea Turner as its new brand ambassador.
Turner has been a long-time user of Lynton’s treatments and will be sharing her Lynton story with clinics and clients across the UK as a brand ambassador.
At 64 years old, Anthea credits her 10 years of Lynton treatments with maintaining her youthful appearance, and Lynton said her story reflects the brand’s commitment to real results, grounded in science.
Smart Group competitions give Salon Beauty visitors a chance to win big
Smart Group will be holding competitions for Salon Beauty visitors, giving them the opportunity to win a Smart Diode Compact, as well as a Smart experience including tea at The Ritz, a meal for two at the Gherkin, and a Fortnum and Mason hamper.
To enter for the Smart Diode Compact, after registering, visitors will need to check out the Smart Group showcase on Showhub and visit the stand at Salon Beauty.
Visitors can enter the Smart Experience via social posts on PB’s Facebook and Instagram, as well as visiting the Smart Group stand. For an extra entry, visitors can connect with the Smart Group on Showhub and request a meeting.
Diary dates
// October 10–11 CCR Excel London
Trade show featuring education, networking and aesthetics brands. 020 3196 4370 ccrlondon.com
// October 13–14 Salon Beauty Excel London
London’s biggest autumn event for beauty, formerly known as Olympia Beauty, with stages and competitions.
020 7351 0536
professionalbeauty.co.uk/salonbeauty
// October 21–23 Business Owners Retreat The Pembroke Hotel, Kilkenny
Liz McKeon’s Business Owner’s Retreat helps professionals to reset goals.
0131 202 0659
lizmckeon.com
// October 23–27 British Beauty Week Nationwide
British Beauty Week 2024 will run under the theme of “A Beauty Industry that Looks Like You”, to highlight the importance of representation and inclusion.
britishbeautyweek.co.uk
// November 9 Aesthetic Medicine Ireland RDS, Dublin
The show returns to Ireland, offering a conference, stages, demos and more.
020 3841 7365
aestheticmed.co.uk
// November 10 Babtac and Cibtac Awards The Fairmont Windsor Park
Awards celebrating individual practitioners, salons, spas and educators.
babtac.com
ESK launches online hub to educate consumers on hormonal skin problems
Evidence Skincare (ESK) has launched Hormonal Hub, a new online resource dedicated to addressing and improving education around the complex science of hormones and their impact on skin health.
The hub will offer expert insights, practical advice and evidence-based information designed to support individuals through every hormonal phase, including puberty, pregnancy and menopause.
Dr Ginni Mansberg, co-founder of ESK, said, “Our goal is to empower people with scientifically-backed information so they can achieve and maintain their best skin at every stage of life.”
Image Skincare appoints Kay Pennington brand ambassador
Image Skincare UK has appointed spa and wellness professional Kay Pennington as its newest brand ambassador.
Pennington had a 25 -year career in the spa and wellness industry, most recently as group spa manager for Aqua Sana at Center Parcs. Since leaving, Pennington set up her own business, a leadership workshop programme called Resilience & Power.
As Image Skincare’s new ambassador, Pennington will help to grow the brand, providing insights to B2B accounts, and inspiring the next generation of skincare professionals with workshops and tailored training.
Phorest launches into aesthetics sector with Treatment Plans feature
Software brand Phorest has launched a Treatment Plans feature aimed at the medispa and aesthetic clinic market.
The customisable Treatment Plan Templates are designed to precisely record every aspect of client interaction, with a new function that allows for multiple signatures to allow clients, practitioners and supervisors to authenticate treatment plans.
The Galleries function allows practitioners to document client journeys through before-andafter photos, markup and comparison images, and to record treatment specifics such as laser settings and patient progress.