Salon Growth Summit 2026
Smarter growth in 2026
The Salon Growth Summit delivered practical insight, honest discussion and meaningful networking, with top professional brands on hand to reveal the latest products and trends
With leading brands such as IIAA, Dermapenworld, Matis Paris, Zemits, Nouveau HD Beauty Group, Smart Group, Skeyndor, Thalgo and more in attendance, the event focused on building strong business connections, networking with like-minded individuals, and gaining new skills to help achieve success in 2026 and beyond.
Profit, positioning and partnership
Pricing, retail, tech and trends were under the spotlight at the Salon Growth Summit, with beauty leaders urging owners to lead with confidence. On pricing, Kelly Shaw, owner of K Spa, highlighted a gap in industry education. “We’re taught how to deliver these incredible treatments, but not how to price them for profit – and that education is missing from our industry,” she said. Elle Winslow, founder of Winslow Skincare, advised salon owners to frame price rises positively. By spotlighting new treatments, enhanced retail and team growth, businesses can reinforce value rather than focus on increases.
When it came to performance, Jessica White, founder of Blanc Studios, urged owners to look beyond simply filling gaps in the diary. “Sometimes the best approach is to nurture the clients you already have. Increase customer spend by a slight percentage, and if you do that across your whole client base, you’ll see improvement,” she said.
On social strategy, Francesca Otote, co-founder of Cactus Laser Clinic, cautioned against chasing trends for the wrong reasons. “Sometimes people think that trends will equate to bookings. Trends can be great for exposure and awareness, but they don’t necessarily lead to sales, so that’s something to watch out for.”
Fergal Doyle, owner of Fergal Doyle Hair, highlighted how AI can enhance – not replace – personal service, from logging client preferences to prompting reminders ahead of appointments, freeing therapists to stay fully present. Clare Porter, owner of The Fountain Beauty Therapy, added that automated prompts can be invaluable for new team members, helping to maintain consistency and uphold standards at every appointment.
Meanwhile, IIAA co-founder Tracy Tamaris noted that clients are more educated than ever on ingredients, formulations and techniques. Partnering with the right product house – one that aligns with client expectations and provides robust training – is essential to confidently recommend both treatments and retail.
“The event allowed us to connect with lots of viable customers, and we had some really valuable conversations. It was great to introduce more people to the brand.”
Leanne Roche, national trainer, Matis Paris
“The openness in the room, the honesty around the realities of growth, and the focus on operational leadership rather than surface-level motivation felt refreshing and aligned with the direction our industry needs to move in.”
Ami Coutts, owner, Halo Hair Design, Basingstoke
“It was lovely to meet with like-minded professionals, salon owners and clinic owners – we had some great conversations. If I could describe the Salon Growth Summit in one word, it would be innovation.”
Kelly Tobin, country director, Dermapenworld