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SMALL BUSINESS PLAN INTRODUCED TO SUPPORT THE GROWTH OF SMES
The UK Government has announced a Small Business Plan to give small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) ‘the most comprehensive support package in a generation’. As part of its Plan for Change, the Government seeks to give SMEs the tools to thrive and drive economic growth via:
• Tackling late payments with its ‘most significant legislative reforms in 25 years – an issue that costs the UK economy £11bn a year and shuts down 38 businesses every day’.
• Enforcement of the toughest late payments laws in the G7.
• A £4bn finance boost, including 69,000 Start-Up Loans. A statement on the UK Government website reads: “Late payments are one of the biggest barriers to small business growth, causing cashflow problems that stop firms from scaling up and investing in their future. The Small Business Commissioner will be given new powers to carry out spot checks and enforce a 30-day invoice verification period to speed up resolutions to disputes. The legislation will also introduce maximum payment terms of 60 days, which will reduce to 45 days in the future. This will give firms certainty that they’ll be paid on time.” Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer comments: “Too many hard-working people are being forced to spend precious hours chasing payments instead of doing what they do best – growing their businesses. It’s unfair, it’s exhausting, and it’s holding Britain back. So, our message is clear: it’s time to pay up.”
Access to finance
Financial support to the sum of £4bn will be used to boost growth and help more small businesses start up and grow. This includes a £1bn boost for new businesses, with 69,000 Start-Up Loans and mentoring support to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs and small business owners. The remaining £3bn funds will be assigned to the British Business Bank, to help lenders offer more small business loans through the ENABLE Guarantees Programme. Under the scheme, the British Business Bank provides a Government-backed guarantee to help lenders feel safer when lending to smaller or newer businesses, so they can offer better loan terms with lower interest.
Millie Kendall OBE
Of the plan, Millie Kendall OBE, CEO of the British Beauty Council, comments: “The beauty industry contributes more than £30bn to UK GDP and is made up of entrepreneurial, successful and inspiring SMEs. The British Beauty Council welcomes the Government’s Small Business Plan, which sees policy makers put our businesses first. This plan is a much-needed step towards ensuring our industry – which bolsters social mobility and opportunities for underrepresented communities – can sustain growth.”
If you’re a small business seeking support, advice and funding, visit business.gov.uk
Salon workwear brand unveils ‘fresh identity’ via rebrand
Ireland-based workwear supplier for the beauty, health, corporate and hospitality industries, Buttercups Uniforms, has undergone a rebrand. The company, which has been providing workwear for over 35 years, has upgraded its website to ensure a faster, style-driven and seamless experience for its global customers. It has also revamped its logo and brand colour palette to create a ‘fresh identity’.
Alongside the rebrand, Buttercups Uniforms has launched the Med Couture Insight Collection, produced with performance and ‘polished precision’ in mind, and the Healing Hands 360
Collection, made with 56% recycled polyester. The styles are designed to be fashion-forward and comfortable, and boost the confidence of wearers. www.buttercupsuniforms.com
UK Government to crack down on unsafe aesthetic procedures
The UK Government’s Department for Health and Social Care has revealed its plan to regulate the aesthetic and non-invasive procedures sector. It follows a consultation, which was contributed to by industry bodies including the British Beauty Council, National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF) and BABTAC. The Government will introduce tiered, risk-focused measures whereby only qualified healthcare professionals, working within Care Quality Commission (CQC) registered providers, will be able to perform the highest risk procedures, such as non-surgical Brazilian Butt Lifts. For lower risk procedures, such as Botox, lip fillers and facial dermal fillers, a licencing scheme will be operated and enforced by local authorities.
The Government will introduce age restrictions for under-18s on high-risk cosmetic procedures, with treatments only permitted when authorised by healthcare professionals.
Caroline Larissey
Lesley Blair MBE
Caroline Larissey, chief executive of the NHBF, notes: “This represents a significant step forward in bringing clarity to the regulation of the aesthetics industry and protecting both practitioners and the public. We particularly welcome the tiered approach that recognises different risk levels across procedures, ensuring that legitimate, qualified practitioners can continue to operate, while addressing the serious safety concerns posed by unqualified operators.”
Lesley Blair MBE, CEO & chair of BABTAC and CIBTAC, adds: “We believe that this decision will not only help to bring the clarity, protection and regulation that we have been campaigning for, but will reassure consumers navigating our industry.”
Modi Liu
AI nail machine wins Best Breakthrough Technology award
Umia Beauty, the Canadian tech company behind an AI manicure studio, was named winner of Best Breakthrough Technology (Supply Side) in the BeautyMatter Awards 2025. The awards serve to ‘honour the thinkers, makers and doers whose work pushes boundaries, raises the bar and defines the future of beauty and wellness’.
Umia Beauty’s manicure machine is designed to automate the most time-consuming steps of the nail process for techs, saving time and strain. It also compensates nail artists every time one of their designs is produced on a client’s nails using the technology.
On LinkedIn, a spokesperson for Umia Beauty writes: “This honour is more than an award: it’s a celebration of what we can achieve together, and an inspiration for the road ahead. We remain committed to pushing the boundaries of beauty and technology, shaping a future where innovation and artistry go hand in hand.”
Umia Beauty co-founder, Modi Liu, adds: “I’m so proud of our team for the years of quiet dedication, patience and determination to bring this vision to life. It’s a reminder that every late night, setback and win along the way, big or small, mattered.” www.umia.beauty
Heather & Tiffany Hughes
ONLINE WELLNESS COURSE AIMS TO ALLEVIATE PHYSICAL STRAIN SUFFERED BY BEAUTY PROS
Created for beauty therapists, aestheticians, hairdressers, lash and nail technicians, The Balanced Beauty Pro course recognises and provides science-backed solutions for physical strain. The course was developed by sisters, Heather and Tiffany Hughes. Heather, a somatic movement educator with 13 years’ experience in the beauty sector, and Tiffany, a lash artist of seven years, wanted to bridge the gap between career longevity and physical sustainability. “I have seen and experienced first-hand the physical demands of beauty services,” says Tiffany. “We learn the skills to offer our services, but are rarely taught how to maintain and support our bodies, even though they are vital to our careers.” The Balanced Beauty Pro course addresses common tension patterns for beauty professionals and aims to bring balance back to the body. It teaches a form of somatic movement, which is practiced consciously with the intention of focusing on the internal experience. It works with the nervous system to reduce tension and pain.
In addition to at-home exercises, the programme includes education on postural awareness, the nervous system connection and ergonomics. Just 15 to 20 minutes per day will allow pros to complete the course in four to six weeks.
“After completion, students will have a daily corrective routine they can use for life to protect their bodies and safeguard their careers,” says Heather. “We want to empower professionals to value their bodies and learn how to care for themselves, so they can continue doing the jobs they love with ease and comfort for as long as possible.” Visit www.thebalancedbeautypro.com this month to enrol on the course at its launch price of £200.
Celebrity manicurist launches HEMA-free ManiCure range
Jenni Draper
Jenni Draper, celebrity nail stylist & founder of nailcare and tool brand, PersoNAILity™, has unveiled ManiCure: a professional gel system. Three years in the making, ManiCure has been developed with clients’ nail health in mind, and launches alongside an accredited PersoNAILity beginners gel polish course. Jenni comments: “ManiCure products are made in the UK and EU, contain the Biotin vitamin and are free from HEMA, TMPTA and TPO. I want to create a ‘you can sit with us’ community – where everyone feels welcomed, supported and comfortable asking questions. Education has always been at the heart of everything I do.”
The first ManiCure collection features six Gel Polishes and two Fibre Builder Gels, with the on-trend shades selected by London-based session manicurists, including Marian Newman BEM, Jenny Longworth and Ami Streets. The products are named after the stylist they were chosen by. The launch also comprises base coat, Rubber Base – Bouncy; Diamond No Wipe Top Coat, and the cordless PersoNAILity™ Pro Cure Rechargeable LED Lamp.
Shop the ManiCure range via www.personaility.co.uk
TOP 25 PROS REVEALED IN
NORTH AMERICA’S STAR NAIL ARTIST
CONTEST
Nail professionals from the USA, Mexico and Canada were invited to enter Season Two of North America’s Star Nail Artist (NASNA) last month. The contest connects nail pros, brands and ambassadors through six monthly sponsored challenges.
Powered by Scratch, and in partnership with Premiere Orlando, NASNA is an opportunity for nail artists to raise their profiles, expand their product knowledge and put their skills to the ultimate test. Each challenge presents an artistic brief with products from a sponsor, which encourages participants to push the boundaries of their talents, while exploring new materials.
The challenges are judged by a team of esteemed pros, and the lowest scoring contestants each month are required to fight for their place in the contest via a three-day, smaller nail challenge. Eliminations take place each month until a top three are unveiled, with the champion crowned at the Scratch Social at Premiere Orlando on 30 May 2026.
Season Two is sponsored by Jan Arnold, LECHAT Nailcare Products, Glitterbels, The GelBottle Inc. and Gelish. Nail pros submitted entries 1-28 August, including a variety of photos of their nail artistry and a video introduction. The top 25 contestants are listed at www.scratchmagazine.co.uk/nasna and commence the first challenge on 1 October.
Turn to page 30 to read the column of reigning champion, Anastasia Totty.
Takeaway inspires fortune cookie nail art experience
Do you or your clients struggle to make decisions about nail designs at appointments? Nail Fortunes™ is an edible fortune cookie experience that delivers inspiration to the nail desk. Founders, Chris and Tiffani Cordoza, have produced a creative way to beat nail art indecision, designed with nail techs, content creators and mani lovers in mind. “This started as a random idea that I threw out to my husband over dinner,” says Tiffani, a nail tech turned beauty brand creator. “Now, it’s a full-on experience. Nail Fortunes™ is fun, inspiring and meant to bring something fresh to the nail world.”
Chris & Tiffani Cordoza
Nail Fortunes graphic design: Kirsty Fenlon (@kobdesignuk) Photos by Gabriella Rose (@lovealwaysrosexo)
Each Nail Fortunes™ set includes 12 edible cookies, packaged in two pink takeaway-style boxes. Crack one open and inside, you’ll find a nail art prompt, colour combination suggestion or design challenge, to spark creativity and inspire a mani moment.
The quirky packaging makes for Instagrammable posts, with each box blending ‘play, polish and purpose’. Also available from the Nail Fortunes™ brand are liner brushes and a gold thumb mixing palette to aid creativity.
Shop via www.nailfortunes.com
NAIL & BEAUTY BITES
Margaret Dabbs London won Best Spa/Salon (Skin, Body and Nail) at TheIndustry.beautyThe Innovators Awards 2025. The brand commented on Instagram: “This win is for our amazing teams across all clinics and spas who deliver results-led, luxury care, day in and day out.” www.margaretdabbs.co.uk
Salon software company, Phorest, visited Bull Island, Dublin, for its annual beach cleanup in partnership with Clean Coasts, as part of Plastic Free July. The Phorest team was joined by industry friends and salon customers in its mission to drive positive change. www.phorest.com
The British Beauty Council has appointed Josh Wood as vice chairman. Founder of global haircare brand, Josh Wood Colour, Wood’s insights will help to drive the Council’s focuses on talent and growth. www.britishbeautycouncil.com
Dr Bhasha Mukherjee, NHS doctor & former Miss England beauty queen, has been appointed an ambassador of British luxury cosmetics company, Cetuem Cosmetics Ltd. A user of the products, Mukherjee brings medical and beauty experience to the role. www.cetuem.com
Nailcare and tool brand, Navy Professional, has launched in six Space NK stores: Manchester Trafford Centre, Kingston (Surrey), Canary Wharf, Meadowhall (Sheffield), Hans Crescent (London) and Birmingham Bullring. Each stocks a curated edit of 16 products, from the Hand & Cuticle Serum Pen to cuticle tools. www.navyprofessional.com
Wellness coach & illustrator, Sarah Hartley, has unveiled a planner for nail techs under her brand, Time To Blossom by Blossom Tree Social.
It features the slogan, ‘Spreading joy one manicure at a time’. Sarah has also launched a Monthly Motivation Membership: a monthly digital bundle designed to support productivity and wellbeing. blossomtreesocial.square.site
Somerset-based nail brand, Nailchemy, has launched the Pixi Full Cover Tip System to help nail pros craft effortless, high-quality nail enhancements quickly. It features a foot pedal-operated, portable lamp and Soak Off Soft Gel Tips in Square, Stiletto, Round, Ballerina and Almond shapes. Short, Medium and Long sizes are available via www.nailchemy.co.uk
ROXI ENTERS NAIL MARKET WITH 68 PRODUCTS
Founded on 32 years of industry experience, the Roxi nail brand has launched with a selection of gel polishes, builder gels and prep and finishing products. The formulas have been developed and tested with safety, quality and salon success in mind, and are HEMA and TPO-free.
Roxi Gel Polishes are available in 8ml and 15ml bottles in over 25 shades, from deep sea green Lagoon to milkshake pink Dream. Pink and beige-toned nudes, shimmering baby pink and a milky white are available in its Builder Gel range, which delivers ‘reliable strength, smooth application and long-lasting wear with no chipping, fading, smudging or cracking’.
The brand also offers two matching LED lamps: wired and wireless to support the needs of salon-based and mobile nail pros. The lamps include a 99-second low heat mode, 60-second and 30-second timers, and an auto shut-down after 30 minutes of inactivity.
Roxi recommends using its prep and finishing products for best results. These include two primers, a dehydrator, two top coats and a blooming gel.
Purchase Roxi products via www.nsinails.co.uk and www.roxinails.co.uk
£2,500 prize up for grabs in Hara Professional gel polish competition
After an overwhelming response in 2024, UK nail brand, Hara Professional, is running its Gel Polish Artist of the Year competition for a second year. The 2024 winner, Viktoriia Malipatil of @get.lucky.nail.academy, took the top spot by wowing judges with her slick product application, photos and video skills. Read more about her win from page 42.
Head of Hara Professional, Claire Lebrun, with 2024 winner, Viktoriia Malipatil.
How to enter:
1. Claim a free Hara Professional Gel Polish Starter Kit by emailing info@haraprofesssional.com.
2. Create two nail styles using Hara Professional products: a French overlay with a builder gel base, and a bold or bright nail finish to showcase full-colour application with impact. 3. Submit before and after photos of the two styles from a variety of angles, alongside a short Instagramreel-style video showing the application process on one fingernail.
The winner of the Hara
Gel Polish Artist of the Year
competition 2025 will receive:
• A grand prize worth £2,500. The winner can choose from Hara Professional salon furniture, professional-grade equipment and products.
• The role of Hara Professional brand ambassador.
• A feature in Scratch magazine.
Submit your entry by 31 October 2025 via bit.ly/hara-competition or by scanning here
DATES FOR THE DIARY
14 September
The Beauty Business Summit
The Beauty Business Summit will be held at Bournemouth’s Nici Hotel, celebrating 20 years of Beauty Boss, founded by business mentor, Layla Tourh. Attendees can expect to walk away with new skills, ideas, contacts and confidence, and can listen to talks by expert speakers, including Scratch columnist, Zoya Mac. The day will end with an afterparty to celebrate Beauty Boss’ milestone.
To purchase tickets, visit www.beautybusinessacademy.co.uk
28 September
Nail Order Sunday Service Event
The Nail Order brand is to host its second Sunday Service Event in Birmingham. The day will welcome guest speakers and educators, including celebrity manicurist, Robbie Tomkins; nail content creator, Zoya Mac, and nail artist & Scratch Stars Awards finalist 2025, Megan Heppinstall. There will also be an opportunity to shop a range of nail brands, before a party in the evening, where RuPaul’s Drag Race star, Awhora, will perform. To purchase tickets, visit www.nailorder.co.uk
28-29 September
Nailympia San Antonio
The Premiere San Antonio trade exhibition in Texas will host the third Nailympia San Antonio competition, welcoming nail pros from the USA and beyond to compete in categories including Reality Nails, Stiletto Nails and UV Gel Competition Nails. For more information, visit www.nailympia.com
12-13 October
Nailympia London
The final Nailympia competition of 2025 will take place at the PB Autumn exhibition, ExCel London. Techs from across the globe are invited to register to compete in up to nine arena categories: including Gel Polish Manicure, French Twist and L&P Acrylic Competition Nails. The awards event on 13 October will announce this year’s Global Cup winner, as well as the winners of online categories.
Register to compete by 26 September via www.nailympia.com