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Downing Street hosts event to show support for beauty industry

To close British Beauty Week, 11 Downing Street opened its doors to beauty professionals and innovators for a reception celebrating the ‘significant contribution that the beauty industry makes to the UK economy’.

Before the event, which was hosted in collaboration with the British Beauty Council, Millie Kendall OBE, CEO of the Council, and Laurence Newman, founder & CEO of The Beauty Tech Group, met with James Murray MP, chief secretary to the Treasury. They discussed the Future of Beauty (the theme for British Beauty Week 2025), including ‘technological innovations driving business success in the sector’.

Rachel Reeves

©House of Commons

Backing the beauty sector, Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said: “The beauty industry is a British success story: a high-growth sector demonstrating the best of British enterprise and innovation. From high street salons at the heart of our communities to pioneering businesses like The Beauty Tech Group listing on the London Stock Exchange, this sector is driving growth, creating good jobs and raising living standards across the country.

“We are backing the entrepreneurs, small businesses and innovators that make our beauty industry world-leading, because when they thrive, so does our economy.”

Millie Kendall OBE

Millie Kendall OBE added: “Our industry is resilient, entrepreneurial and diverse, with the majority of beauty businesses being women-owned SMEs. Many of our businesses have strong success stories, showcasing the influence of beauty for the future of business.

“We know, though, that there are unique challenges facing the hair and beauty sector, and will continue to work with the Chancellor and business teams to mitigate challenges across the industry.”

www.britishbeautycouncil.com

BEAUTY ORGANISATIONS PARTNER WITH UK GOVERNMENT TO TACKLE EMPLOYEE ILLNESS

Caroline Larissey

More than 60 UK employers are joining forces with the UK Government to reshape how health issues and disabilities are managed in the workplace. This follows Sir Charlie Mayfield’s Keep Britain Working review, which revealed that one in five working-age adults are out of the labour force: 800,000 more than in 2019. It also reported that the cost of ill health preventing work equals 7% of GDP, with employers losing £85 billion per year from sickness, turnover and lost productivity. A three-year partnership between the Government and employee-led ‘vanguards’ will focus on preventing ill health, building healthier workplaces, supporting people to stay in and return to work, and boosting disability inclusion. Vanguard organisations include British Airways, Google UK and Tesco, as well as beauty-focused companies: the National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF), RE:NEW Beauty and Adam Reed Hair. They have committed to embracing Keep Britain Working review‘s healthy working lifecycle, in order to build an evidence base prior to the Government developing a voluntary certified workplace standard by 2029.

Caroline Larissey, chief executive of the NHBF, says: “We understand the concerns small businesses may have about additional burdens, which is why this voluntary programme is so important. It’s about developing practical, cost-effective solutions that work for employers of all sizes. We’ll ensure that the voices of small businesses are heard. “By sharing what already works in our sector and learning from others, we can help shape support that’s genuinely achievable for small employers – including potential incentives and tax relief – while keeping our talented workforce healthy and thriving.”

Piercing provider, Studex, earns prestigious brand status

Studex, supplier of professional ear piercing systems, has announced the renewal of its endorsement from HABIA (the Hair and Beauty Industry Authority). In addition, the brand has been awarded Endorsed Brand Training status: a mark of excellence that recognises outstanding training provision within the hair and beauty sector.

“We’re delighted that our training has once again been endorsed by HABIA,” comments Kathryn Darwin, MD, Studex UK. “This annual review of our material, content and structure reinforces our commitment to maintaining training that meets the highest industry standards. Our piercing partners consistently recognise the excellence of our training team, and this renewed endorsement is a testament to their expertise, dedication and unwavering support for piercers.”

www.studexuk.com

Cosmetics industry updates & future explored at CTPA International Seminar 2025

Dr Emma Meredith OBE

The Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CTPA) hosted its International Seminar 2025 at BMA House, London, coinciding with International Trade Week led by the Department for Business and Trade (DBT).

The biennial, two-day event is dedicated to providing CTPA members with updates about worldwide developments in the cosmetics sector, as well as what to expect in the future. This year’s programme included discussions on international cosmetic regulation, the impact of additional EU allergen requirements and US tariffs, and global ingredients compliance. Speakers hailed from organisations including the UK Government’s Department for Business and Trade, the International Collaboration on Cosmetics Safety and Cosmetics Europe.

Dr Emma Meredith OBE, CTPA director-general, comments: “I was delighted to see so many members and stakeholders attend the 2025 CTPA International Seminar. We were treated to a wealth of incredibly important information and advice from around the world and on key global markets.”

www.ctpa.org.uk

SWEET SQUARED ADDS SPARITUAL® SELF-CARE BRAND TO DISTRIBUTION PORTFOLIO

Award-winning product and training provider, Sweet Squared, has taken on exclusive distributor rights of the SPARITUAL® brand in the UK and Ireland. Founded by Shel Pink, author of Slow Beauty: Rituals and Recipes to Nourish the Body and Feed the Soul, SPARITUAL® encourages users to slow down, reconnect and create intentional rituals that restore balance and wellbeing. The product range includes body and nailcare crafted from ancient healing ingredients, intentionally designed to promote relaxation, nourish the skin and encourage a sense of wellbeing. Products are made with vegan ingredients and packaged sustainably, offering beauty professionals and consumers ‘an eco-conscious choice that doesn’t compromise on quality’. Scent stories within the product selection include Citrus Cardamom, Jasmine Tuberose and Geranium Cedarwood.

“SPARITUAL®’s commitment to slow beauty feels more relevant than ever, offering professionals and their clients a true sense of wellness and mindful escapism,” shares Samuel Sweet, CEO of Sweet Squared, which distributes CND™ and Footlogix products across the UK and Ireland. “In a world that’s moving faster every day, SPARITUAL® provides the kind of purposeful, restorative experience that today’s salons and spas are longing to deliver.”

www.sweetsquared.com

The GelBottle Inc expands access to products across Europe

Daisy Kalnina

Nail brand, The GelBottle Inc (TGB), has launched TheGelBottle.shop: a website that allows nail technicians across Europe to purchase directly from the brand. The platform offers all products in the TGB range, with shipping to the doors of customers within six working days. Access to TGB Academy’s educational content is also available, as is a salon tool allowing clients to search for TGB salons in their area.

“We’re thrilled to bring The GelBottle Inc directly to nail technicians across Europe,” says TGB CEO & founder, Daisy Kalnina. “Our community has been asking for easier access to our products, and TheGelBottle.shop delivers exactly that: the full range of professional-grade products that techs rely on, shipped directly to their doors.”

TheGelBottle.shop / www.thegelbottle.com

pleasure

Townhouse nail salon brand debuts product lines

Townhouse, the multi Scratch Stars Award-winning luxury nail salon brand, has unveiled The Flawless Collection. Featuring gel and lacquer formulas, the collection signals a new era for the brand as it expands into product development. Townhouse’s debut gel polish, Flawless Gel, was developed and tested over two years.

The TPO-free formula delivers ‘up to three weeks of chip-free wear’, with a strengthening, flexible base coat also available.

“Every shade in the Flawless Gel collection has been personally curated to reflect the Townhouse aesthetic – timeless, polished and effortlessly wearable,” says Juanita Huber-Millet, Townhouse founder & creative director.

Juanita Huber-Millet

“The formula locks in strength and shine for up to 21 days, so nails stay looking fresh and flawless.” The brand has also launched 40 Townhouse Flawless Polish shades. Designed for both salon and at-home use, the nail polish delivers a ‘high-shine finish which, when paired with the Extended Wear Topcoat, lasts up to 14 days’. Boasting a vegan and cruelty-free formula, Townhouse Flawless Polish reflects the brand’s dedication to ‘beauty without compromise’. “Polish should feel as luxurious as it looks,” Juanita shares. “That glossy, refined finish is a Townhouse signature – modern, minimal, but always elevated. Even something as small as the curve of the brush makes a difference; it allows for cleaner, closer application.

“This launch represents so much more than product innovation – it’s the start of a new era for Townhouse.”

The Townhouse Flawless Collection is available in Townhouse salons and via www.townhouse.co.uk

HOME OF NAIL ART RECEIVES MP VISIT TO CELEBRATE WELSH BEAUTY INDUSTRY INNOVATION

Jessica Morden, Labour MP for Newport East, visited the headquarters of nail brand, Home Of Nail Art (HONA), as part of British Beauty Week’s mission to highlight the impact of the UK beauty industry on the economy.

During her visit, Morden was given a tour of the HONA lab in Newport by brand founders, Charlotte and Michael Henson. Here, the team focuses on product development, and the MP created a custom-scented cuticle oil. The session offered an insight into the precision, creativity and innovation driving HONA’s products.

Michael Henson discussed ways small manufacturers and beauty entrepreneurs can be better supported through innovation grants, education partnerships and recognition of the sector’s contribution to employment and wellbeing. As part of the conversation, he shared the company’s approach to employee wellness and details about the HONA Foundation, which helps women facing hardship to retrain as self-employed nail technicians, giving them independence and opportunity.

“Our industry is not only creative and dynamic, but provides a significant contribution to the UK economy and supports communities across the country,” said Michael Henson. “It was a privilege to host Jessica Morden MP during British Beauty Week and share how small Welsh businesses like ours are driving innovation, raising industry standards and helping professional nail technicians thrive.”

www.homeofnailart.com

BRITISH BEAUTY COUNCIL ANNOUNCES ENGLAND RUGBY PLAYER AS FIRST SPORT AMBASSADOR

Image courtesy of Marie Claire and Maggie Joyner for British Beauty Council.

The British Beauty Council announced the appointment of its first sport ambassador during British Beauty Week, 20-26 October.

Tatyana Heard, who was part of the England Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 winning team and is a Six Nations champion, has partnered with fashion and beauty campaigns to help lead a shift in how athleticism and beauty are represented.

The Council notes in a statement that Tatyana ‘represents victory, resilience and reinvention: qualities that reflect the unstoppable growth of both women’s sport and the modern beauty landscape’. “I’m incredibly proud to be joining the British Beauty Council as its first sport ambassador,” Tatyana comments. “Beauty, for me, is about feeling powerful in my own skin, confident and ready to tackle the game or everyday life.

“Rugby has taught me so much about teamwork, discipline and expression. I want to help show that beauty isn’t confined to a single definition. It’s in every girl and woman who steps up, stands tall and pushes boundaries.”

www.britishbeautycouncil.com

‘Nail obsessed’ pro unveils stationery & cuticle oil range

Donna Dennell, nail pro & podcaster, has founded The Nail G: ‘a place for the nail obsessed’. She offers cuticle oil pens in various scents, alongside stationery items including eco-notes for ‘really important nail notes’ and greetings cards.

“The Nail G is an extension of my longstanding nail business, as I was ready for a new era and challenge,” Donna shares. “The Give Love greeting cards range encompasses the journey between a nail tech and a client, and the life events they go through together: from engagements and birthdays to grief and hardships.” The cards are sold individually or as a multipack of 10. They are currently available to purchase via Instagram, with a webshop pending.

@thenailghq

Celebrity manicurists partner with Star Touch Agency to mentor the next generation of nail artists

Photo courtesy of Danya Morrison.

Celebrity nail stylists, Tom Bachik and Julie Kandalec, have partnered with Christina Aviles Aude, founder of Star Touch Agency, to ‘set a new industry standard for artistry, professionalism and mentoring’.

The agency, which specialises in representing parts models and manicurists in LA and New York, is offering personalised training to its artists courtesy of Tom – an LA-based ‘man-icurist’ whose clients include Jennifer Lopez and Selena Gomez; Julie – a regular at New York Fashion Week who boasts Emily Blunt as a client, and Christina – a manicurist and body parts agent who has worked with global brands including Apple, Coach and Coca-Cola.

The trio has over 80 years’ combined experience across beauty, fashion, film and education, and their mentorship programmes aim to ensure that every Star Touch Agency artist ‘is equipped to deliver exceptional client experiences’. These will combine technical mastery, on-set professionalism and high-quality products.

“This partnership is our way of giving back to an industry that has given us so much,” says Christina Aviles Aude. “By uniting our experience and shared vision, we are creating a community where artists can grow fearlessly, refine their craft and achieve lasting success with confidence and integrity.”

Tom Bachik and Julie Kandalec are exclusively represented by Star Touch Agency. Bachik, who tends to celebrity nails for the Oscars, Grammys and MET Gala, comments: “Together, we’re building a platform where artistry meets innovation, empowering creators to turn their passion into a profession and redefine the future of beauty and brand representation.”

www.startouchagency.com

NAIL & BEAUTY BITES

Beata Aleksandrowicz, an expert on massage, healing and women’s wellbeing, has launched Beata Digital Academy: an online learning platform that offers internationally accredited training, community support and resources for beauty and holistic therapists. The Academy operates as an app, so learners can access content at any time. www.beatadigitalacademy.com

Buff Browz and Buff Lashes has launched The Divine Collection: three products designed to enhance the experience and results of professional brow and lash treatments. The Gloss is a nourishing treatment oil, Renew is a daily aftercare elixir, and Camo is a skin-perfecting corrector. www.buffbrowz.co.uk

Enki, a provider of eco-friendly towels, is celebrating its 10-year anniversary. Popular with salons, spas and barbershops, the brand’s offerings include Hand & Face Towels, Body Towels, Hair Towels and Couch Covers – all made from 100% plant fibres. www.enkitowels.com

Salon software company, Phorest, has released Better Marketing, Together: How partnerships are reshaping salon & spa marketing. The free eBook is designed to help business owners better understand the benefits of partnership marketing, and how it can be implemented. Download at www.phorest.com