Nail NATION

BUSINESS

FOOTCARE MOGUL JOINS GLOBAL AIRLINES BOARD TO DEVELOP PARTNERSHIPS & STRATEGIES

Margaret Dabbs OBE, founder of foot, hand and nailcare brand, Margaret Dabbs London, has been appointed to the Global Airlines advisory board. Dabbs, who created her namesake brand in 2004, fuses medical science and podiatry with beauty to produce results-driven and luxurious treatments and products. These have featured in some of London’s most iconic department stores, including Harrods and Liberty, and the entrepreneur has nine clinics in the UK and four across Europe and the Middle East. She brings her extensive commercial and consumer experience to Global Airlines to develop its partnerships, passenger experience and commercial strategy, working closely with CEO, James Asquith, and CCO, Richard Stephenson, to ‘disrupt and innovate the aviation experience.’ The Margaret Dabbs luxury product range will also be introduced to all cabins of Global Airlines flights ‘to enhance the onboard passenger experience’. Of the appointment, she comments: “The story of my company proves that if you see a gap in the market and produce exceptional products and services, then it is possible to disrupt the market. I see a lot of parallels between Global Airlines and my company, and I am thrilled to be joining, as I can see an incredible scope to offer passengers a better experience when they fly.” www.margaretdabbs.co.uk

Vagaro platform helps pros build & update their business websites with ease

Global salon, spa and fitness booking and management software, Vagaro, has launched MySite, a tool to help businesses easily create a sophisticated website to increase brand visibility. MySite is a website builder with booking system that allows business owners, regardless of their web development skill, to customise the online customer experience with easy-to-use drag and drop templates. Or, if they need a helping hand, Vagaro website designers can be hired to provide support. A handy tool for busy professionals, MySite saves businesses time by automatically updating itself whenever users change settings such as their services, products, inventory, staff and hours of operation within their Vagaro accounts.

“MySite is a disrupter in the space where having an online presence for your business is a staple,” comments Charity Hudnall, Vagaro chief marketing officer. “The forward-thinking functionality that allows the site to update itself will help our users save time, so they can focus on doing more of the job roles they love.” MySite users can create a custom domain or transfer an existing one, and preview their websites before publishing. The platform also includes e-commerce tools, allowing businesses to sell product beyond geographical constraints, streamline transactions and reduce operational costs. www.vagaro.com

NHBF paper addresses VAT threshold issue for beauty industry

The National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF) has released a paper to prompt discussion about the UK’s VAT threshold across the hair and beauty sector, in government and via industry organisations. Avoiding the cliff edge: considering possible options for a VAT threshold smoothing mechanism explores how the current VAT rate of 20% makes growth challenging for businesses reaching the threshold of £85,000 per year, because there is no gradual transition to this rate. It identifies smoothing mechanisms to change the system:

• Non-fiscally neutral options, i.e. reduced VAT revenue for the government. Two options are modelled where graduated VAT could start at £85,000. With a moderately graduated option, HM Treasury would see a loss of £2.5 billion in VAT revenue, counteracted by an additional £2 billion in increased compliance.

• Five fiscally neutral options, i.e. the government would see no loss in VAT revenue, from ‘least graduated’ to ‘most graduated’ where VAT, starting from a lower rate, would increase in steps towards the current standard rate of 20%.

The paper estimates that an extra £25.2 billion in turnover would be declared. This would return an additional £2.2 billion in VAT revenue to HM Treasury, with at least £33 million coming from the hair and beauty sector.

Caroline Larissey

Caroline Larissey, chief executive of the NHBF, comments: “93% of hair and beauty sector businesses are below the VAT threshold, some of which engage in cash in hand work, split the business or engage self-employed workers to avoid having to register and pay VAT. The presence of the cliff edge within the current VAT regime incentivises businesses to remain below the threshold, forgo much needed growth and produce a lower tax yield for HM Treasury.” www.nhbf.co.uk

Study reveals where small & medium-sized UK businesses are most likely to succeed

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are thriving most in Ceredigion, Wales, and struggling in Bromsgrove, according to research by finance platform & software company, Qardus. Data from the Office for National Statistics was analysed to compile the results, with factors including the change in the number of openings and closures of new enterprises and their survival rate across three to five years. Bromsgrove, in the West Midlands, recorded a 30.22% drop in SME enterprises being registered between 2021 and 2023, with just a 5.81% survival rate of SMEs recorded in the last five years. Ranking second and third for SME struggles is Rochdale and Worcestershire respectively.

At the other end of the scale, SMEs in Ceredigion had a three-year survival rate of 67.44% and five-year survival rate of 55.81%, closely followed in success by Selby, South Staffordshire and South Hams.

“The findings of this study ultimately indicate that some local authorities are better equipped to host new SMEs than others,” comments Hassan Daher, founder of Qardus. “What is interesting to note is that no London-based ´ local authority ranked in the top 10, suggesting that it is difficult for SMEs to retain success in the capital.” www.qardus.com

Phorest Salon Software marks 20th anniversary with Dublin summit

Irish-founded & global salon software provider, Phorest, marked its 20th business anniversary at its eighth annual flagship event, the Salon Owners Summit, in the Royal Dublin Convention Centre. Over 600 salon owners from salon business communities across Europe, Australia, Canada and the USA gathered over two-days to hear talks about industry trends, opportunities and Phorest’s technology innovations, and take part in software and social media workshops. Speakers included David Meade, an award-winning researcher & speaker who delivered a collaborative session on ‘Growth Mindset’, and Sharmadean Reid MBE, founder of WAH Nails & women’s empowerment platform, The Stack World. Reid delivered a keynote on ‘Finding the Human Story in the Data’, exploring how salon owners can utilise client data to create the ideal customer persona for teams to embrace.

Sharmadean Reid MBE

Ronan Perceval

Phorest founder, CEO & event host, Ronan Perceval, comments: “To have our customers, partners and industry speakers in one room, celebrating, sharing and networking, was electric. We also invited over 100 members of the Phorest team to immerse in the experience, spend quality time with our customers and soak up valuable customer insights, needs and ambitions for 2024. “Our mission is to empower and inspire our customers to grow fantastic businesses, while attracting and delighting loyal clients and talented staff. This event celebrates the courage and camaraderie of this industry and promotes thought leadership. I am so proud of what we have achieved collectively to date – and excited for what’s still to come!” www.salonownersummit.com / www.phorest.com

OVER HALF OF PROFESSIONALS THINK EMPLOYERS SHOULD DO MORE TO SUPPORT WORKFORCE WELLBEING

Employers should be doing more to help with employee wellbeing, according to 55% of UK&I professionals polled by international recruitment firm, Robert Walters. The research also found that over two-fifths of senior leaders feel that their increased spending on wellness benefits is largely unnoticed. “We are seeing that the onus has shifted in recent years, from professionals asking ‘what can I do for a company?’ to ‘how can my company help me?’,” comments Chris Poole, MD of Robert Walters UK. “The rise in awareness of employee wellbeing has not only caused employees to become more outspoken in terms of their own expectations in the workplace, but shifted the spotlight onto employers, increasing expectations around what the leaders of companies should be doing to help their employees. While budgets may be tight, 2024 is evidently not the year to turn a blind eye to money being spent on employee wellbeing.”

A resounding 70% of professionals polled stated they now expect more from their employers, such as benefits, working culture, empathetic leadership and environmental, social and governance contribution, compared to 18 months ago. Findings also revealed that almost two-fifths (39%) of managers feel that employees are becoming more vocal when it comes to getting their needs met. Poole continues: “Upscaling wellbeing interventions can be as easy and inexpensive as improving access to mental health resources, setting up mental health employee resource groups (ERGs), offering paid sabbaticals, or even adding plants or introducing more natural light into the workplace.” www.robertwalters.co.uk

PLEASURE

52% of Gen Z view nail appointments as ‘essential’

In the Future of Beauty and Wellness Report 2024, compiled by salon booking platform, Fresha, research revealed a shift in attitudes towards beauty treatments being seen as a necessity. Having traditionally been associated with indulgence or as a treat for special occasions, the report shows that nail appointments and other beauty treatments are now seen as an essential everyday need, with younger generations leading the way in the shifting attitudes.

It details that over half of Gen Z (52%) and millennials (51%) see beauty services as a necessity, but the trend began with Gen X, with 54% having the same view. In contrast, boomers, born between 1946 and 1964, are more likely to view beauty treatments as an indulgent treat, with only 37% calling them ‘a necessity’. The research highlights an increase of 18% in the number of beauty appointments taking 30-90 minutes, reaching 70% in total. It indicates that younger generations are more likely to enjoy longer appointment times, with 58% of Gen Z and 60% of millennials stating that they don’t mind having a longer treatment.

Steve Rodgers, CMO at Fresha, comments: “It’s interesting to see that beauty treatments have become a necessity in peoples’ lives, with much of the Gen Z and millennial age range preferring a longer appointment time.

“The beauty and wellness experience allows consumers to switch off from social media, work emails and phone calls, and completely focus on prioritising themselves. Time away from technology is crucial and wellness appointments allow an excuse for this, which could be why people now no longer consider wellness a treat – but a life essential.” www.fresha.com/insights/trend-report

REVEALED: THE CELEBRITIES WHO DOMINATED BEAUTY TRENDS IN 2023

Instagram.com/taylorswift

Singing sensation, Taylor Swift, had the most talked-about beauty routine of 2023, according to research by beauty and wellness marketplace, Fresha. Online articles were analysed, with celebrity names searched alongside terms such as ‘skincare’, ‘beauty routine’ and ‘make-up’ to providing a ranking.

Swift is often pictured sporting red lipstick and sharp eyeliner, and references to her make-up, skincare or haircare were found in 135,932 articles. The celebrity with the second most talked-about routine was Beyoncé, followed by Barbie actress, Margot Robbie. Kendall Jenner and Dua Lipa completed the top five respectively.

On the findings, a spokesperson for Fresha commented: “It’s common for people to be interested in the beauty routines of celebrities, as they often set trends and influence beauty standards across the globe. Crowned Time magazine’s 2023 ‘Person of the Year’, Taylor Swift’s impact on 2023 has been unmatched, with her influence transcending from the music industry into the beauty space. As such, it comes as no surprise that Taylor Swift’s beauty regimen generates huge buzz online, as many ‘Swifties’ are eager to learn her secrets to flawless skin and effortless make-up.” www.fresha.com

NAIL & BEAUTY BITES

Joanna Tompkins, winner of the Scratch Stars Nail Business Mentor Award 2023, is offering free access to her Nail Business Success Club’s Social Media Content Planner, as well as a 15% discount on the first month’s membership and any courses, with code SCRATCH15. www.nailtechtribe.com

Professional nail product provider, En Vogue, has revamped its European website, making it easier for pros to shop its products. It will also launch an online education platform. Visit www.envoguenails.eu

Rebecca Orme, UK distributor of Mystic Nails products, has appointed nail salon owner, Barbara McDermott, as sub-distributor of the brand. McDermott will cover Scotland, making Mystic Nails’ range of nail art, gel polish, builder gels and L&P products more accessible across the country. Order via www.facebook.com/acrylicnailsdenny

Award-winning nail artist, Nickie Rhodes-Hill, has launched an annual planner and appointment book for salon owners. Available in a choice of three covers, each book includes goal-setting, budget and review pages, as well as a diary and pages for jotting staff birthdays and monthly reviews. Search for Nailmania Publishing via Amazon to purchase.

Nail & beauty names recognised in New Year Honours List

Jane Boardman

Image courtesy of Lezli & Rose Photography

His Majesty The King’s New Year Honours List marks the achievements and service of extraordinary people across the UK, and the 2024 list includes two names from the beauty industry.

Founding chair of the British Beauty Council (BBCo) & CEO of communications agency, M&C Saatchi Talk, Jane Boardman, has been appointed an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to fashion and beauty. Throughout her career, the communications strategist & PR entrepreneur has been committed to raising the profile of the UK fashion and beauty industries, becoming an advisor to the British Fashion Council (BFC) in 2008. Ten years later, she co-founded the BBCo, to represent the voices, opinions and needs of the British beauty industry. Jane stepped down as chair of the British Beauty Council in 2022 but retained the title of founding chair, having provided strategic support across four years of the organisation’s campaigns.

She comments: “I am immensely honoured to have been awarded an OBE for my services to fashion and beauty. I feel privileged to have played a small role in elevating the work of the leaders of these incredible industries. I will continue to champion the industries I love, supporting businesses that make a difference and break new boundaries in their field.”

Beauty entrepreneur, Tajinder Banwait, has been appointed a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to business and the beauty industry. She founded luxury fragrance, home, bath and body brand, Urban Apothecary London, in 2012, which serves 34 international markets. In 2022, Tajinder received a

Tajinder Banwait

Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade, before launching nail brand, Palette London, last year. The brand offers nail lacquer shades, a base coat, top coats and a cuticle oil, all of which are vegan, cruelty-free and made from a minimum of 70% plant-based ingredients. The brushes for its Nail Paints are produced from castor bean oil. Tajinder comments: “I am honoured to receive an MBE for services to business and the beauty industry. When I think back to Urban Apothecary’s humble beginnings at my kitchen table over 10 years ago, I wouldn’t have imagined receiving such recognition for the positive impact of my work.” www.britishbeautycouncil.com / www.palettelondon.com

Hair & Beauty Charity supports industry professionals with fundraising raffle

The Hair & Beauty Charity raised almost £11,500 in its 2023 raffle, in support of beauty industry professionals who have fallen on hard times. Tickets were sold throughout 2023, both online and at industry events, and winners were revealed across the charity’s social media platforms by charity supporter, Errol Douglas MBE, on 8 December.

The prize draw included £1,000, a Monica Vinader gold diamond tennis bracelet, £500 worth of Selfridges vouchers, a spa day at Carden Park Spa and products from brands including BaByliss, Hot Tools, L’Oréal Professionnel Paris, Procare, Alfa Italia, Wella Professionals, Fudge and Osmo. Charity manager, Natalie Merola, comments: “The amount of money raised is a testament to the generosity and support of the hair and beauty industry. Thank you to everyone who bought raffle tickets and, of course, the sponsors who donated prizes. Your support allows us to continue providing assistance to those in the industry who need it most.” www.hairandbeautycharity.org

Charity manager, Natalie Merola, with beneficiaries executive, Sarah Hashim.

She’s Bossed It podcast launches to inspire & empower beauty businesses

Beauty Business Academy founder, Layla Tourh, has launched the She’s Bossed It podcast on all major podcast platforms, to share motivational talks, inspirational stories and the secrets and strategies to industry success.

Tourh boasts experience as a salon owner, distributor and founder of professional beauty products. She also has a coaching business for industry members and is using the podcast to celebrate achievements and provide insight and advice for beauty professionals and entrepreneurs looking to achieve success in the industry.

She comments: “The launch of the She’s Bossed It podcast was a long time coming. I have welcomed listeners from across the world, and it’s exciting to see the podcast being well-received so early on. I’m very honoured that people want to listen to my stories, and I look forward to inviting high level achievers in business to the podcast to share their stories, too.”

Check out She’s Bossed It on all major podcast platforms, including Spotify & Apple Podcasts. www.beautybusinessacademy.co.uk