Nail Nation

Business

Josie Buck

Millie Kendall OBE

British Beauty Council secures investment to ‘support extraordinary & diverse beauty founders’

The British Beauty Council (BBCo) has collaborated with Venrex, a London and New York-based venture capital firm, to support ‘extraordinary and diverse beauty founders with exceptional drive, vision and ambition’ via the Venrex BBCo I fund. The fund ‘has the potential to seek out the next problem-solving cosmetic product, supply chain time-saver or planet-friendly packaging solution of the future’. Initial investment will be focused on founders building businesses with high growth potential, that have unique visions and ambitions.

“British beauty is known globally for its creativity and wealth of start-up businesses,” comments Josie Buck, principal of Venrex Investment Management. “While not all beauty businesses will suit venture capital’s high-growth business models, we feel this fund can complement the already significant leadership role that the British Beauty Council plays in the hugely impactful UK industry.” Millie Kendall OBE, CEO of the British Beauty Council, adds: “The beauty industry is unique in that it sits at the intersection of creativity, innovation and commerce. By combining Venrex’s expertise of the funding environment with the Council’s industry insight, I am confident that we will support businesses from across the wellness and personal care sectors, that are pushing industry boundaries when it comes to formulations, environmental impact and entrepreneurship.” Founders already linked to the British Beauty Council, and those existing outside of its network, will be able to apply for the fund. For more information, visit www.britishbeautycouncil.com

Caroline Larissey

Nail salons report 8% growth in 5 years

The number of nail salons that have opened in the UK since 2019 is 1,680 – an 8% growth in five years. The nail salon brand with the highest growth is three-time Scratch Stars Award-winning enterprise, Townhouse, which has expanded to over 40 locations across the UK: most recently in Chelmsford, Essex and Gloucester Road, London.

According to figures provided by the Local Data Company and shared by the National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF), beauty salons have also seen growth, with 4,490 businesses opening during the same period. “Despite an unbelievably challenging context, our sector is growing, and it’s great to see this success,” comments Caroline Larissey, chief executive of the NHBF. “However, it’s sad that only just over half of businesses are making it past the five-year mark.”

Beauty salons saw the largest decline in five-year survival rates, with only 54.4% of businesses reaching this milestone. However, the overall survival rate for businesses has improved slightly to 91.9%, with independent businesses making up 99% of the sector. www.nhbf.co.uk

Alan Woods OBE

VTCT rebrands following merger with skills developers

Vocational education company, VTCT, has rebranded to VTCT Skills. For over 60 years, VTCT has worked to transform careers, by offering a wide range of qualifications within the personal services and people sectors, including hairdressing and barbering, nail and beauty therapies, wellbeing and holistic therapy.

The rebrand to VTCT Skills celebrates a refreshed identity, which merges VTCT with qualifications developer, SkillsFirst, and training specialist company, Skills for Logistics. The unified company’s pre-existing mission remains unchanged: to ‘set a new standard for skills worldwide’, guided by its core values of partnership, expertise, ease, collaboration and energy.

Chief executive of VTCT Skills, Alan Woods OBE, comments: “Skills are the foundation that both learners and industries rely on, no matter how much the world changes. This rebrand isn’t just about a new name – it’s reinforcing our commitment to equip learners with the skills that endure, bringing real value to the industries they shape.” www.vtctskills.org.uk

Lesley Blair MBE

Autumn Budget 2024: 5 measures that will impact nail & beauty pros

Rachel Reeves, Chancellor of the Exchequer, presented the Labour Party’s Autumn Budget to parliament on 30 October. With a focus on economic stability and investment, the Budget saw taxes rise by £40 billion, with measures announced that affect employees and self-employed workers: 1. National Minimum Wage will increase for workers of all ages.

The National Minimum Wage, known officially as the National Living Wage, will increase from April 2025 by 6.7% for those aged 21 or older: from £11.44 to £12.12 per hour. Those aged 18 to 20 will see a 16.3% increase to £10 an hour, while apprentices will experience the largest increase, with their hourly rate rising from £6.40 to £7.55. 2. National Insurance to increase for employers.

Employers’ National Insurance contributions will rise by 1.2% from April 2025: from 13.8% to 15%. The current £9,100 threshold at which businesses start paying National Insurance on each employee’s salary is set to be lowered to £5,000. To support smaller businesses, Reeves announced that Employment Allowance will increase from £5,000 to £10,500. 3. Business rates relief lowered & system to be overhauled in 2026.

The business rates relief scheme for retail, hospitality and leisure properties will fall to 40% for 2025/2026, up to a £110,000 cap. 4. National Insurance, Income Tax, Corporation Tax and VAT remain unchanged.

While there will be no change in April to to workers’ National Insurance, Income Tax or VAT, Reeves announced that she will not extend the freeze on Income Tax and National Insurance thresholds. This means they will continue to rise in line with inflation in 2028. 5. Fuel duty freeze to be extended.

The tax levied on petrol, diesel, natural gas and other UK fuels, which has been frozen since 2011, will remain frozen at its 5p per litre cut, and maintained for another year. Of the measures, Lesley Blair MBE, CEO & chair of BABTAC & CIBTAC, comments: “For small businesses continuing to navigate the current financial climate, the continuation of business rates relief, which was set to finish at the end of March 2025, is positive (although it will decrease to 40%, as opposed to the previous 75%). The increase in Employment Allowance will certainly help to temporarily lighten the load for smaller beauty businesses.

“However, the increase in National Insurance payments for employers to 15% is likely to cause a further strain for some, increasing employer costs – which may have a knock-on effect for not only employees, but customers. As employer overheads increase, we may see lower wage increases affecting day-to-day spending and disposable income, potentially resulting in more people feeling the pinch and cutting back on non-necessities. For some businesses, they may feel the need to increase the prices of their services, in order to cover any losses.”

Paul McLintock

ANDREIA PROFESSIONAL PARTNERS WITH SALLY BEAUTY TO OFFER NAILCARE PRODUCTS IN 423 STORES

Portuguese nail, hair and make-up brand, Andreia Professional, has partnered with Sally Beauty and Salon Services to make its nail products available in 423 stores in the UK, Ireland and central Europe.

Renowned for offering colourful collections for over 35 years, Andreia Professional’s goal is to combine innovative nail products and manufacturing excellence with educational support, to empower a broader market of nail professionals. The launch sees Andreia Professional’s key collections available to professionals via Salon Services: Gel Polish, True Pure, Hybrid Gel, Builder Gel and Lab Range. Paul McLintock, Andreia Professional’s country director for the UK & Ireland, comments: “Andreia Professional has a rich heritage of expertise in nails, and we are thrilled to bring this to Sally Beauty and Salon Services. Our partnership is a fantastic opportunity to showcase our quality products, while also providing the education and resources professionals need to succeed. We look forward to supporting Sally Beauty customers in creating exceptional results with Andreia’s trusted products.”

Dara Goolsby, senior director of marketing at Sally Europe, adds: “We’re excited to introduce Andreia Professional to Sally Beauty and Salon Services. Together, we are committed to supporting both professionals and beauty enthusiasts, with premium cruelty-free products to elevate their nailcare experiences.” Read more about the brand on page 38. www.andreiaprofessional.com /www.salon-services.com

BNTUK directory launches to connect Black nail techs, salons & suppliers in the UK

London-based entrepreneurs, Rachael Palmer and Selina Charmaine, have launched Black Nail Techs UK (BNTUK): an online directory that connects Black nail technicians, salons and suppliers. The platform seeks to elevate Black excellence in the nail industry, providing clients with ‘a reliable resource to celebrate and support Black beauty professionals nationwide’.

Rachael is founder of consultancy, BlackMaven CIC, and of Black Female Founders Collective. She is co-host of The Business Mix Show on Colourful Radio & general manager of co-working space, Impact Brixton. Selina is the owner of boutique creative agency, Charma Communications, of Idea to Launch Academy & founder of The Meraki Entrepreneur Society – a networking platform for small businesses and entrepreneurs.

They comment: “BNTUK is more than a directory platform: it’s a movement to empower Black nail techs and increase their visibility nationwide. We wanted a space where Black nailcare professionals can gain visibility, connect with new clients and feel supported in a community that values their creativity and services.”

Clients can search for Black-owned businesses by location, service type and product to find their perfect match. Beyond personal services, BNTUK caters to corporate companies looking to engage Black nail professionals for wellness events or team building activities, as well as film, TV and media companies committed to diversity and accurate representation. The platform offers an accessible list of professionals for companies committed to diversity and authentic representation. www.blacknailtechs.uk

Pleasure

TGB adds drama to nails with 10-piece winter collection

The GelBottle Inc has revealed 10 energy-themed gel polish shades for winter. The Drama collection is ‘designed for those who live to make a statement’, adding flair and sparkle to the season. Shades include 24 carat-inspired shade, Goldie, which shimmers with silver and gold glitter, and navy blue hue, Dramatic – which is packed with blue and silver glitter. Two cat eye offerings also feature: the silk-effect silver Rumour, and holographic Extra.

Shop the TGB Drama collection at www.thegelbottle.com

Consumer search behaviour for beauty products shows generational shift

Digital content agency, Greenpark, has found that while Google is still the primary search engine for beauty products (used by 57% of consumers), platforms such as YouTube, Instagram and TikTok are supporting spending habits.

Research by the company reveals that YouTube is rapidly gaining ground, with 45% of respondents revealing it to be their choice for learning about beauty products, followed by Instagram (39%), Facebook (35%) and TikTok (33%).

When examining the types of content people seek on various channels, the data shows that 47% turn to Google for information about different products. TikTok is favoured for tips and hacks, closely followed by Instagram. YouTube is the preferred platform for product reviews, with 30% of users choosing it for this purpose. The consumer insights reveal distinct preferences among different generations when searching for products and information. Gen Z shoppers are likely to search on TikTok and YouTube, while millennials tend to use Google, followed by YouTube and Instagram. In contrast, Gen X shows a clear preference for Google, with 64% choosing it for their searches.

Sam Barker, head of omnichannel search & insights at Greenpark comments: “Consumer search behaviour has shifted. Traditional search methods are no longer easily defined, and this survey is a clear signal that brands must recognise the opportunities presented by social search and cross-channel engagement.” www.greenpark.digital

NAIL & BEAUTY BITES

Rebecca Orme, co-founder of the Be Creative nail brand, has unveiled The Green Brush: a triangular-shaped tool to aid one stroke nail artistry. Ideal for creating leaves and petal shapes in a single sweep, the brush is made with 100% kolinsky sable hairs and has a green Preciosa crystal on the cap, courtesy of a collaboration with Crystal Parade. www.becreativenails.com

The global wellness economy has reached a peak of $6.3 trillion, and is forecast to hit $9 trillion by 2028, according to the Global Wellness Institute (GWI). Its research found that this value is 26% more than it was pre-pandemic, and projected growth leaders are wellness real estate, mental wellness and wellness tourism. www.globalwellnessinstitute.org

Multi award-winning nail salon brand, Townhouse, has opened premises in Chelmsford, Essex, and Gloucester Road, London. The destinations join over 40 Townhouse nailcare venues across the UK, which provide a stylish sanctuary for those who seek precision manicures and pedicures, bespoke nail art and gel enhancements. www.townhouse.co.uk

Salon software provider, SalonIQ, has announced its first distributor in Ireland as Digital Salon, a website and digital marketing company specialising in beauty and wellness. John Donnelly, MD at Digital Salon (pictured), comments: SalonIQ’s software is incredible, and we are delighted that we will be able to offer salons and clinics in Ireland a comprehensive and affordable package to help them grow their businesses.” www.saloniq.com

Photo by Ed Cooke

Rita Ora, singer-songwriter & co-founder of haircare brand, TYPEBEA, has been announced as global ambassador for the British Beauty Council for the next year. Within the role, she will help raise awareness of the British beauty industry and work with the Council to spotlight its efforts to future-proof the sector. www.britishbeautycouncil.com

WINNER ANNOUNCED IN SCRATCH SNAP NOVEMBER NAIL ART COMPETITION

The winner of Scratch’s nail art challenge for November is Mia Murray, a nail pro based in Kinross, Scotland. In a showcase of talent, techs created nail designs to fit an Enchanted Forest theme, in the bid to win a prize from INK London. Entries were judged by INK London educator, Jessica Hinds, and Scratch’s deputy editor & Scratch Snap organiser, Rebecca Hitchon.

Mia (@_painted_by_mia) has scooped an INK London bundle, featuring the Thriller and Slay iLac Gel Polish collections, alongside a variety of nail essentials.

For details of December’s Scratch Snap competition, visit www.scratchmagazine.co.uk/scratch-snap

Canto Nail Bar from Hara combines style with function

Professional hair and beauty product supplier, Aston & Fincher, has released the Hara Canto Nail Bar. The nail station combines beauty with practicality, featuring two spacious drawers for storing tools and products.

Other features include a built-in dust extractor and four illuminated display shelves for showcasing nail colour collections.

A spokesperson for the company comments: “The Hara Canto Nail Bar is ideal for enhancing service quality and the client experience, and adds a professional finish to any salon space.”

The Hara Canto Nail Bar is £450 + VAT and available via www.astonandfincher.co.uk

Haverhill nail tech unveils Nail Surgery: a membership community for pros

Theresa Foddering, a nail technician, salon owner & educator from Suffolk, has launched Nail Surgery: The Naildresser® Community, an inclusive space to uplift and educate nail and beauty professionals. Fondly named ‘The Naildresser’ by a client’s son over 10 years ago, Theresa has a no-nonsense approach to services and education. She Theresa Foddering

has launched Nail Surgery to share her experiences and provide fellow pros at any stage of their careers with guidance, unbiased advice and a positive environment to thrive within. “Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of connecting with talented nail and beauty professionals from all corners of the industry,” Theresa comments. “From seasoned veterans to those starting out, I receive messages on a weekly – often daily – basis, asking for advice. The Nail Surgery allows me to streamline demand, while providing the same quality of support I’ve always offered.”

Membership to The Nail Surgery includes non-brand bias advice, access to weekly, live Q&A sessions and guest speaker interviews, monthly group coaching and more. www.thenaildresser.co.uk/nailsurgery