Professional Beauty Awards 2026

Meet the winners

Find out more about the winners of the Professional Beauty Awards 2026 and what made them stand out to our judges

The UK’s leading beauty businesses were celebrated at the Professional Beauty Awards 2026, recognising innovation and skill across salons, spas, clinics and individuals

The winners were announced at a glamorous black-tie ceremony on March 1 at Royal Lancaster London, celebrating the country’s most outstanding beauty professionals. From boutique salons to large spas, and mobile therapists to outstanding teams, the event highlighted skill and dedication across the industry.

The entries for the awards were judged by a panel of experienced industry professionals, bringing real insight and understanding to the process. With judges who work day-to-day in salons, spas and clinics, the results reflect genuine expertise and hands-on experience.

Having run for over 25 years, the Professional Beauty Awards are widely respected across the industry, and it’s this peer-driven approach that gives them their credibility, celebrating excellence where it really counts.

Professional Beauty editor Eve Oxberry said, "We received an incredible number of entries this year, and the standard was exceptionally high, meaning our judges had some tough decisions to make. So, the winners really are setting the benchmark for this industry and inspiring others to raise their game." Turn the page to find out more about all 15 winners.

LARGE SALON OF THE YEAR

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Winner: Beauty and Aesthetics at The Gate,
Holton-le Clay

“This is our eighth time as finalists so to finally pick up this award is fantastic. We won Boutique Salon in 2016 and we've continued to grow with the success and kept standards high so we’re delighted”

Paul Beatty, owner

Operating since 2013, Beauty and Aesthetics at The Gate has evolved into one of the region’s most comprehensive large salons, housing eight treatment rooms and a 13-strong therapist team. Its strategy centres on continual investment in advanced technologies, training and menu innovation, ensuring clients can access cutting-edge treatments locally rather than travelling further afield.

The business has strengthened profitability through strategic service development, increasing average appointment value while refining efficiency. Extensive annual CPD, structured career pathways and the forthcoming launch of its own academy demonstrate a long-term commitment to raising standards. The judges were impressed by the salon’s clear structure and strong focus on training, which ensures the team consistently delivers the highest standards.

BOUTIQUE SALON OF THE YEAR

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Winner: Mayflower Spa, Dorking

“We are so excited to win. It feels amazing. It’s all about the team and, for us, it’s also all about the clients, so thank you to them”

Victoria Magnani, owner

Mayflower Spa is a three-room boutique salon that combines clear commercial strategy with a structured client experience. Following a recent relocation, the business reduced overheads and strengthened profitability while investing in team development and incentives that drive rebooking and retention. A clearly mapped client journey – from prompt enquiry responses and digital consultations to personalised aftercare and retail recommendations – ensures consistency at every touchpoint. The salon partners with B Corp-certified brands and has introduced energy-saving initiatives. Judges commended the salon for impeccable attention to detail and therapists whose expertise shines through.

NAIL SALON OF THE YEAR

Winner: Brazilian Soul Beauty, London

“To win feels incredible. It means so much to me. I'm proud of being able to deliver the best to my clients but also for my team – my aim is to deliver for them what I always wished for myself in a professional way”

Ligia Lima, founder

With a heritage rooted in Brazilian technique and over a decade in business, Brazilian Soul Beauty has established a clear identity within London’s competitive nail sector. With four treatment rooms and six nail stations, the salon is known for precision-led services, specialising in the Brazilian cuticle method and prioritising natural nail integrity through systems such as IBX and carefully selected professional brands. Operational upgrades, including the introduction of streamlined digital booking and targeted campaigns, have strengthened both bookings and revenue over the past 18 months. Ongoing in-house education, clearly defined hygiene standards and the development of its own branded products reflect a business that invests in control, consistency and long-term reputation rather than short-term trends. Judges said the salon displayed outstanding passion for both clients and staff, with excellent treatments, a dedicated team, and exceptional customer care.

LARGE SPA OF THE YEAR

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Winner: Glass House Retreat, Bulphan

“I have the best team and no manager is a good manager without a good team, so I'm so grateful. We were up against some huge names and it means so much to win”

Charlotte Karbaron, general manager

Glass House Retreat is an 11-room hotel spa built around a fully integrated wellness concept, combining fitness, nutrition and advanced therapies. Facilities range from cryotherapy and microneedling to a Himalayan salt sauna, meditation dome and holistic studio, allowing guests to follow structured wellbeing journeys rather than standalone treatments. Personalisation underpins the model: booking coordinators establish each guest’s objectives pre-arrival, followed by welcome consultations and end-of-stay reviews to ensure measurable outcomes. Supported by renewable energy systems and zero-waste kitchen practices, the retreat balances growth with environmental commitment. Glasshouse impressed the awards judges with its truly client-focused concept and exceptional standards of care, with every team member working with genuine pride and passion.

MARKETING/SOCIAL MEDIA AWARD

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Winner: Aqua Sana Forest Spa

“I’m delighted to see this as a category because I think it's so important that we continue to tell stories about all the great work that we're doing. Aqua Sana has been on an incredible journey and our growth wouldn't have been possible without everybody in the team”

Nadine Judd, head of brand and marketing

Aqua Sana Forest Spa has undergone a major brand evolution over the past 18 months, repositioning itself through an integrated, multi-channel strategy designed to drive both awareness and conversion. Its first external brand campaign, Leave the World Behind, combined broadcast media, paid social and influencer partnerships. The impact of these marketing initiatives has been measurable.

With a structured annual marketing investment supporting broadcast, digital optimisation, CRM and influencer collaborations, the brand continually measures KPIs across awareness and conversion. Judges were impressed with the way the highly polished campaign reflected Aqua Sana’s ethos, bringing the luxury of its work to mainstream channels.

THERAPIST OF THE YEAR

Winner: Kelly Maria Edges, Kelly Maria
Skin Health & Beauty

“It feels amazing, I can’t believe it. I entered not expecting to win at all, not even expecting to get to the final six. I have a treatment room at home and it's gone from strength to strength and I just feel that this is a great achievement for someone that works by themselves”

Kelly Maria Edges

With almost three decades in the industry, Kelly Edges has built a reputation on continuous education and results-led skin expertise. Working primarily from a home-based setting, she has strengthened her practice through advanced training in microneedling, chemical peels and light therapy, achieving Platinum Partner status with Dermalogica and investing in technologies such as Dermalux Flex MD. Her introduction of exosome microneedling and a Dermalux home-rental service has diversified income while delivering measurable outcomes for clients. Retail growth has followed a more consultative, 360-degree skincare approach, incorporating supplements, devices and makeup. Alongside commercial success, Edges remains committed to industry development and charity work. Judges said she demonstrates passion and dedication, and that her exceptional care for clients is matched only by her unwavering support of the local community.

ELECTROLOGIST OF THE YEAR

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Winner: Debbie Wilkins, Advanced Cosmetic Procedures

“It feels incredible to win, I’m so shocked. The whole experience has been amazing right from day one. Just for this award to exist puts electrolysis back up where it belongs and gives it recognition and I'm proud and honoured to win”

Debbie Wilkins

With over 25 years in electrolysis, Debbie Wilkins has built a dual-clinic presence across Milton Keynes and Harley Street, combining technical precision with a strong ethical framework. A member of the British Institute & Association of Electrolysis (BIAE), she operates with advanced equipment and maintains rigorous clinical standards supported by ongoing CPD. Her specialist focus includes advanced electrolysis, blemish removal and transgender treatment pathways, reinforced by regular BIAE workshops, Sterex training and dermoscopy education. Beyond client work, Wilkins contributes to the profession through demos at industry events and mentoring emerging electrologists. Medical-grade sterilisation systems and detailed aftercare underpin her practice. Judges noted that Wilkins performed treatments confidently and with excellent results, demonstrating strong knowledge and client care.

EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR

Winner: Kelly Louise Clark, Orbital South Colleges

“I've been teaching for 15 years and I've been in the beauty industry for over 24 years so I'm just really proud of bringing what I believe in, my ethos, to my teaching and achieving this, it's amazing”

Kelly Louise Clark

Driven by a belief that connection comes before curriculum, Kelly Clark delivers beauty therapy education, combining technical training with strong professional standards. Teaching practical salon skills, treatment protocols and assessment preparation, she supports learners in developing both hands-on competence and the confidence required for industry progression. Her qualifications include a PGCE, Assessor’s Award, IQA certification and Independent End-Point Assessor status, enabling her to influence teaching, assessment and quality assurance at multiple levels. Clark’s learner-centred model blends multimodal delivery and experiential learning to embed knowledge beyond the classroom. Individual plans and structured assessment ensure measurable progress. Judges said Clark demonstrates a brilliant training philosophy and approach, driven by true passion, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to education.

MOBILE/HOME-BASED BEAUTY BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Winner: Nourish Skin + Wellbeing, Louth

“I am just so proud. Thank you Professional Beauty for actually making home salons part of these awards and recognising that we're such a massive part of the industry now. Thank you to my clients, who are just amazing, my biggest cheerleaders”

Rachael Nurrish-Walker, owner

Nourish Skin + Wellbeing is a home-based business led by Rachael Nurrish-Walker, combining advanced, science-led skincare with a deeply personal client experience. Established in 2022, the studio operates with a clear focus on long-term skin health, microbiome-led treatments and ethical brand partnerships, including Esse Skincare and other sustainability-driven ranges. Working independently, Nurrish-Walker blends clinical knowledge with holistic techniques such as buccal and intentional massage, underpinned by continuous professional development, including international microbiome training. A structured skin-scanning consultation service and education-led retail model have strengthened client loyalty and retail sales. Judges described the home salon as a beautifully designed treatment room run by a therapist with an outstanding attitude to ongoing professional development.

SKIN CLINIC OF THE YEAR

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Winner: Elite Skin Studio, Newport

“I started the business in my garden 25 years ago then grew it into a clinic in my local town. My daughter joined me 10 years ago and we’ve just worked hard and have an amazing team so it’s all about hard work, devotion, loving what you do and wanting to do the best for clients”

Anne Ashton, founder

Established in 2000, Elite Skin Studio is a family-run clinic delivering advanced, non-invasive skin treatments within a medically supported framework. Now in its second generation, the business combines heritage with continual innovation, working alongside a Level 7-qualified advanced nurse practitioner who provides weekly injectable clinics to ensure clients can access a full spectrum of aesthetic care under one roof. The clinic specialises in laser and light-based therapies, microneedling, radiofrequency, advanced blemish removal and medical-grade peels, with every journey beginning with detailed skin analysis to create long-term treatment plans. Retail contributes strongly to turnover, reflecting a skin-health-first philosophy that integrates professional treatments, homecare and nutrition. Ongoing investment in technology, team development and client communication has sustained growth, positioning Elite Skin Studio as a trusted, results-driven clinic.

EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR

Winner: B-unique Beauty and Aesthetics, Durrington

“This means so much to me. I have worked so hard over the years so to be recognised as Employer of the Year is life changing. Everything I do is for my team, so thank you”

Jamie-Lee Jones, owner

B-unique Beauty and Aesthetics operates with a clear people-first ethos, supported by a defined management structure and transparent career pathways. The business has introduced tiered roles from junior therapist through to head therapist and assistant manager, creating visible progression routes and promoting three team members within the past year. A commitment to development underpins the culture, with therapists completing a minimum of 100 CPD points annually, funded specialist qualifications including Level 4 Laser and IPL, and monthly one-to-one appraisals to set personalised goals. Flexible working, structured induction programmes and access to external HR and wellbeing support provide stability and security. Judges were impressed by the salon’s outstanding policies and procedures, its thorough induction process and careful documentation.

BOUTIQUE SPA OF THE YEAR

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Winner: Calcot & Spa, Tetbury

Highly commended: The Spa at Carden, Chester

“This is such an amazing industry with so many incredible spas doing amazing things so we feel so proud to win. It is definitely the team that put the heart and soul into Calcot so this is for them”

Francesca Rowland, spa director

Calcot Spa blends hotel luxury with comprehensive wellness. A recent multi-million-pound investment transformed the guest journey, introducing the Grain Store fitness space, expanded relaxation areas and a Recovery Garden dedicated to contrast therapy. With a thriving 900-strong membership community and a programme of high-profile wellbeing talks and international collaborations, the spa operates well beyond a traditional treatment model. Structured training pathways and an in-house apprenticeship scheme reinforce operational strength. Judges described Calcot as professional and welcoming to all generations, led by a passionate director with a clear vision.

SPA TEAM OF THE YEAR

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Winner: Riverhills Health Club & Spa, Ipswich

Highly commended: The Bath House – Banya London

“We're really proud that we have rebuilt the spa having had a disastrous fire, building the team and creating an atmosphere where everybody works really well. There are always difficulties and challenges for businesses but it's moments like this that make it worthwhile”

Dave Courteen, managing director

Riverhills Health Club & Spa’s team has demonstrated exceptional unity and resilience, particularly following the fire in 2023 that led to a full redevelopment of the spa. Throughout the two-year rebuild, therapists adapted to delivering treatments in temporary locations, including a partnership with Suffolk New College, ensuring continuity of care despite significant disruption. Collaboration has been central to the spa’s relaunch, with the team contributing to new concepts such as the flexible “Book Time, Not Treatments” model, which requires strong consultation skills and communication across all therapists. Team meetings, shared training sessions and participation in the Mustard staff development programme have strengthened cohesion. Judges noted that the team works together to overcome every challenge, meaning that their supportive ethos shines through.

Salon Team of the Year

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Winner: Polished Nail and Beauty Boutique, Marske-by-the-Sea

Polished Nail and Beauty Boutique’s five-strong team operates with a shared vision centred on professionalism, collaboration and client care. United by respect and clear communication, each therapist works to individual development plans, with senior members mentoring newer recruits and encouraging peer shadowing to strengthen skills. The team has combined continuous professional development with community engagement, training together in advanced treatments while fundraising collectively for charities. Meetings incorporate wellbeing initiatives, open discussion and idea-sharing, fostering trust and creativity. Judges said the team exemplifies what a truly successful and cohesive salon team should look like.

THE RETAIL EXCELLENCE AWARD

Winner: Hoar Cross Hall, Burton upon Trent

Hoar Cross Hall has positioned retail as a core pillar of its spa journey, achieving 9% year-on-year growth in product sales. Retail forms a significant proportion of overall revenue, driven by an experience-led strategy that integrates in-depth consultations, expert-led workshops and immersive brand activations into the guest experience.

Supplier partnerships with Elemis, Voya and Grown Alchemist underpin performance through structured training, seasonal campaigns and collaborative events. The annual Christmas Retail Event alone welcomed more than 150 guests and generated over £9,000 in a single evening, while also strengthening community engagement through charity fundraising. Merchandising standards, tester-led displays and coordinated digital campaigns ensure a seamless retail experience across all touchpoints. Judges said the spa has an exceptional “guests first” approach to retail, demonstrating excellence in strategy, events, and brand partnerships.