Nail NATION news & views

Business

SPRING BUDGET 2024: Key points to note

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, presented the Spring Budget to parliament on 6 March. The focus was ‘a budget for long-term growth’, and the Chancellor pledged ‘more investment, more jobs, better public services and lower taxes’. Here are some of the measures that will affect employees and self-employed workers:

• National Insurance contributions cut by 2%. The reduction in contributions from 10% to 8% for employees and from 8% to 6% for self-employed workers means that the average employee will benefit from an additional £450 per year, and self-employed workers an extra £350.

• VAT threshold to increase. To ‘reduce the administrative and financial impact of VAT’, the VAT registration threshold increase from £85,000 to £90,000 on 1 April. The first increase in seven years, the hope is that this will encourage growth and help around 28,000 small businesses to avoid paying VAT.

• £200m funding to extend Recovery Loan Scheme. This will run until the end of March 2026, and offers a 70% guarantee on loans to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) of up to £2 million in Great Britain and £1 million in Northern Ireland, helping 11,000 SMEs access finance.

• Fuel duty freeze extended. The ‘temporary’ 5p per litre cut to fuel duty will remain in place for another 12 months, and fuel duty will not increase in line with inflation. This will save the average car driver £50 next year.

• Child benefit threshold to increase and free childcare pledge. The threshold has increased from £50,000 to £60,000. Hunt also confirmed ‘guaranteed rates’ to childcare providers supporting parents of young children accessing up to 30 hours of free childcare per week.

Caroline Larissey, chief executive of the National Hair & Beauty Federation, commented: “We’re pleased that the government has answered our call for changes to VAT by raising the VAT threshold, taking into account inflation. However, there’s more to do.

Caroline Larissey

We welcome further discussions with HM Treasury around future VAT reform to ensure a fairer system and to help level the playing field in the hair and beauty sector, including options for reduced rates and tiered rates around the threshold.

“Rhe silence was deafening on support for apprentices. With wages rising, few small and micro sector businesses can afford to take on staff and apprentices and grow the sector. We call on the government to support these businesses that are largely run by female entrepreneurs, who bolster the high street and champion wellbeing in the community.”

To read the Spring Budget in full, visit www.gov.uk

Fashion Retail Academy acquires London College of Beauty Therapy

The Fashion Retail Academy (FRA) has acquired beauty education centre, the London College of Beauty Therapy (LCBT), in order to expand its specialist education offerings. The FRA has trained over 13,000 students for entry-level roles in fashion and retail since 2005, and its acquisition of LCBT expands its commitment to providing industry-backed qualifications and experiences that prepare students for careers.

LCBT has been providing fully-funded beauty therapy, hair, make-up and aesthetics courses for students and adult learners since 1995. The alignment of these two specialist education providers helps diversify the FRA’s blend of vocational learning and academic excellence into other sectors.

Lee Lucas, principal & CEO of the FRA, comments: “I am delighted to welcome LCBT to the FRA family. This strategic acquisition reflects the dedication of both colleges to offer comprehensive and cutting-edge education that prepares students for success in the dynamic worlds of fashion, retail and beauty. Together, we will continue to elevate creativity, innovation and excellence across fashion and beauty and empower the next generation of industry leaders.” The two colleges will retain their individual identities and programmes and continue to operate independently. Over time, best practice from both will be integrated to provide students with enhanced learning resources, access to a broader industry network and increased opportunities to gain relevant experience.

Lee Lucas

Christianne Cavaliere

Christianne Cavaliere, CEO at LCBT, says: “This is an exciting next step for LCBT’s continued success. Following the legacy of our founder, Eileen Cavalier OBE, it was important to us that LCBT continues under the leadership of an organisation that has a strong focus on quality education for its learners, that delivers for industry and cares for its staff community. I look forward to seeing the future growth and potential realised with these two incredible colleges working together for the beauty and fashion industries.” www.lcbt.co.uk

THE FNP ANNOUNCES RELAUNCH

Not-for-profit industry organisation, The Federation of Nail Professionals (The FNP) has relaunched, in order to offer its members greater opportunities and benefits.

Founded in 2020 by a collective of industry experts, The FNP is committed to supporting the nail sector and representing its members’ interests through collaborations with industry bodies. The relaunch was celebrated with a prosecco reception at trade event, Professional Beauty London, on 4 March.

The FNP’s communications director, Clare Woodcock, comments: “The FNP website now offers a membership area, with benefits including trade discounts, educational webinars, business advice and resources, including technical and scientific content. It also offers guidance on how to improve your mindset around your business and tutorials on health, safety, diversity and inclusivity. “The FNP directors, also known as ‘The Feds’ are working on a number of projects, including the Salon Hygiene & Safety Rating Scheme, and a plan to support nail pros in upgrading to regulated qualifications. We will also launch a salon finder for consumers to locate trusted salons and mobile businesses.” www.the-fnp.co.uk

FNP directors: Denise Spragg, Marian Newman BEM, Liza Smith and Clare Woodcock.

Nail salons revealed as the most common beauty businesses in the UK

Research from Money.co.uk Business has revealed that nail salons are the most common beauty trade in the UK. The company analysed the type of beauty businesses that are most frequent in 20 of the UK’s biggest cities, with findings recording 2,106 nail salons. In second place are hair salons (1,873 businesses recorded), followed by lash technicians (1,170), skincare clinics (1,147), waxing salons (770) and make-up artists (537).

The study found that London is the best city to ^ open a beauty business, with the area having the highest gross disposable household income (GDHI) at £31,094 per person. The capital city is also revealed as the best location to open a nail salon, with a score of 9.74 out of 10, when assessed on factors including GDHI, average salon review score, quantity of searches and number of nail salons. The research names Bristol as the second best location to open a nail salon (scored 7.11 out of 10), followed by Coventry (6.97) then Sheffield and Birmingham, both with a score of 6.45. www.money.co.uk/business-insurance

Pleasure

Tyler, The Creator & Pharrell Williams collaborate on nail polish launch

Longtime friends and music artists, Tyler, The Creator and Pharrell Williams (‘Pharrell’), have brought their respective brands, le FLEUR* and Humanrace, together to create a limited edition nail polish.

The addition to the le FLEUR* line of clothing and accessories is a cruelty-free, highly pigmented nail shade in Humanrace’s signature green. It is packaged in a matching green carton and housed in a flower-capped bottle, and joins the existing le FLEUR* lacquer hues: Geneva Blue, Onyx, Georgia Peach, Jade, Blonde, Rose, Glitter, Matte (a texturising top coat) and Glossy (a high gloss top coat). le FLEUR* nail polishes and top coats are assembled in Los Angeles, California, from global ingredients and components. The collaboration complements Humanrace, an all-gender skincare and bodycare brand founded in 2020 by Pharrell Williams. www.golflefleur.com / www.humanrace.com

The GelBottle Inc serves up spring shades & chromes

Daisy’s Diner has launched, delivering 10 spring-friendly gel polish shades and four Studio Effects chrome powders to create playful nail designs this season. Inspired by much-loved treats, hues include soft yellow, Banana Split; rich red, Ketchup; punchy pink, Doughnut, and bold Orange Soda. The four Studio Effects powders: Lustre, Spectrum, Prism and Iridescent, can be applied over a thin coat of non-wipe TGB Top Coat, rubbed over the nail with an applicator, and cured for 60 seconds. Seal the effect with another layer of Top Coat to create a dazzling finish.

Shop Daisy’s Diner via www.thegelbottle.com

Create nail designs that rock with 6 edgy gel polish hues from Glitterbels

Professional nail product provider, Glitterbels, has launched the Rock Chick Collection: six Hema-free Gel Polish shades inspired by leather jackets, ripped jeans and studded belts. Ideal for amping up spring and summer nail looks, shades are:

• Break The Rules – a grungy, deep green hue suited to timeless block colour looks and playful nail art.

• Ripped Jeans – a denim-inspired dark blue crème that is bold but versatile.

• Girly Goth – inspired by Glitterbels co-founder & nail artist, Annabel Maginnis, this shade embraces feminine and gothic vibes in a dark silver glitter.

• Stage Lights – reminiscent of the shimmer of stage lights, this dark, glitzy hue serves to inspire wearers to take centre stage.

• Fan Girl – a fierce and flirty hot pink glitter that is sure to make a statement.

• End Of The Show – a bright, multi-coloured confetti-like glitter featuring pink, blue, red, green and white sparkle.

The Rock Chick Hema-free Gel Polish Collection is available via www.glitterbels.com

NAIL & BEAUTY BITES

In the lead-up to this year’s BAFTAs, skincare treatment provider, CACI, hosted a week-long pop-up with Hollywood day spa, Carasoin of Beverly Hills, at London’s Corinthia Hotel. Carasoin founder & master aesthetician, Lena Bratschi, chose CACI Synergy as the skincare service for BAFTAs guests including Anya Taylor Joy and Ryan Gosling. www.cacibeauty.com

RefectoCil educators, Lisa Stone and Ruth Atkins, have been appointed as head trainers for the professional brow and lash product brand. With over 30 years’ combined experience, they bring a deep understanding of eyelash and eyebrow tinting, as well as RefectoCil’s products and treatments, to the roles. www.refectocil.international

The British Association of Beauty Therapy & Cosmetology (BABTAC) has appointed Caroline Hirons, skin expert & founder of Beauty Backed and Skin Rocks, to its board of directors. Within the role, she will bring awareness to BABTAC’s work within the industry and input her knowledge to help raise standards. www.babtac.com

Reviews platform, Feefo, has released its Consumer Trends Report, revealing that 96% of UK consumers are using reviews in some way and 64% are reading them before making a purchase. 270% of those surveyed noted that they are more likely to purchase a product from a business with reviews. www.feefo.com

Nicki Minaj enters the press-on nail market with Pink Friday Nails

Rap star, Nicki Minaj, has launched Pink Friday Nails: a press-on nail brand that aims to serve women and men with social media-worthy designs that reflect her style. The Trinidadian-born artist is renowned for her flamboyant outfits and extravagant nail enhancements, and has often been papped with long, bejewelled talons.

She hired nail designer, Yvett G, to design the brand’s products and oversee production, and launches with 11 press-on nail designs in a range of colourways.

Minaj comments: “When I became a mum, I couldn’t spend as much time getting my nails done as when I only had to worry about me, so it became a necessity to create fly, quality press-on nails.

“I told my team when we started Pink Friday Nails that if I don’t want to wear them, I’m not going to even attempt to sell them, because our customers aren’t stupid. Pink Friday Nails are the actual nails I wear, designed by my nail tech. And I have very small nail beds, so normally press-ons are way too big and don’t hit the same. Our nails range from short to the longest length I wear, in all shapes, sizes and polishes.”

Vegan and cruelty-free, the press-on brand has been over a year in development. The launch collection includes nails with matte and chrome bases, camo patterns and a recreation of a press-on set that famously fell off during the MTV VMAs and was later sold on eBay for $55,000. Four custom shapes have been created: stiletto, coffin, square and almond – in five lengths: short, medium, long, XL and XXL. The shapes are curvy with a high apex, and are thick and durable. Each nail pack comes with nail glue, adhesive tabs (for short-term wear), a cuticle pusher, file and buffer and alcohol pad. A set typically lasts two weeks when applied with glue, and application time is 10-15 minutes.

www.pinkfridaynails.com

DATES FOR THE DIARY

10-11 April Nailympia Vietnam

The first Nailympia Vietnam nail competition takes place at the Grand Palace Convention Centre in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Artistic categories include Mixed Media Art and Invent A Nail Shape, and there are eight arena categories, covering L&P Acrylic Nails, Gel Polish Manicure and Salon Nails. Judges include Sandy Cheung, Akira Laccio, Olena Oezman, Catherine Wong and Mino Vo. www.nailympia.com

15 April Scratch Stars Awards 2024: Finalists revealed

Five finalists in each of the 18 Scratch Stars Awards categories for 2024 are to be revealed on Scratch’s website and social media platforms. These finalists will then undertake a second and final round of judging, before the winners are announced at The Scratch Stars Party on 21 July. www.scratchmagazine.co.uk/scratchstars

23-24 April SME XPO

The Evening Standard’s SME XPO is back for 2024, with a diverse range of exhibitors and over 60 speakers, hosting workshops and talks for small business leaders and founders. These will focus on four themes: starting up, scaling up, money talks and future tech, helping SMEs to foster growth, innovation and collaboration.

Register for a free ticket via www.sme-xpo-2024.reg.buzz

1-3 June Premiere Orlando, Nailympia Orlando & The Scratch Social

Beauty trade exhibition, Premiere Orlando, returns to the Orange County Convention Center, serving up inspiring education, exhibiting brands and exciting events – including the first Scratch Social on 2 June: a networking event for nail pros, hosted by Scratch. On the show floor, 2-3 June, Nailympia Orlando will return for a fourth year, welcoming competitors from across the globe to work for coveted titles and trophies. Turn to page 78 for more information. www.premiereorlandoshow.biz / www.nailympia.com

4 June HBSA Golf Day

Trade organisation, Hairdressing & Beauty Suppliers Association (HBSA), is hosting a golf day at the Hellidon Lakes Hotel, Daventry, Northamptonshire, in aid of the Hair & Beauty Charity. Individuals (at a price of £150) or teams of four (at £600) can enter, and an awards ceremony will follow the golf, as well as a three-course dinner. Sponsorship opportunities are available for branded tees and awards. www.hairandbeautycharity.org

21 July The Scratch Stars Party

The infamous nail industry party will return to stunning venue, The Underglobe in London, where the winners of the Scratch Stars Awards 2024 will be announced. Attendees can enjoy entertainment, cocktails, canapés and a goody bag, and mingle with friends in the UK&I nail sector and beyond.

Click here to purchase a ticket

THRONE PEDICURE STATION SERVES TO TREAT CLIENTS LIKE ROYALTY

UK-based nail and beauty salon furniture provider, Monarch Salon Supply, has added the opulent Throne Pedicure Station to its portfolio of nail desks, stools, pedi stations and reception desks. Designed to enhance the pedicure experience by combining regal detailing with plush cushioning for comfort, the item is available in white, pink, grey and nude finishes.

Qualities include an LED accent lighting base, upon which sits the throne chair, that features crystal buttoned acetone and fire- resistant vegan leather upholstery. The pedi station also features adjustable footrests and an iridescent crystal glass basin with LED lighting, an autofill function and pipe-free whirlpool jets.

The Throne Pedicure Station is available for an introductory price of £2,495 inc VAT and delivery, via www.monarchsalonsupply.co.uk