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Rachel Reeves MP

©House of Commons

Autumn Budget 2025: 8 measures that impact nail & beauty pros

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, presented the Autumn Budget to parliament on 26 November, promising a ‘fairer, stronger, more secure Britain’.

The announcement detailed the following measures affecting employees and self-employed workers:

• Income tax thresholds frozen: Personal tax and employer National Insurance thresholds will remain frozen for an additional three years.

• Training for under-25 apprenticeships to be free for SMEs: The Chancellor announced funding so that training for apprentices aged under 25 will become free for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs).

• Tax on dividends to increase: Dividend tax will increase by 2% from April 2026, raising costs for limited companies that pay shareholders via dividends.

• Minimum wage increase: From April 2026, the minimum wage will rise to £12.71 per hour for workers aged over 21, £10.85 for ages 18-20, and £8 for 16 to 17-year-olds and apprentices.

• Tax on salary-sacrifice pensions: Pension contributions above £2,000 made through salary sacrifice schemes will become taxable from April 2029.

• Business rates cut for small companies: Retail, hospitality and leisure properties valued under £500,000 will benefit from permanently reduced business rates from April 2026.

Caroline Larissey

Caroline Larissey, chief executive of the National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF), comments: “The Budget delivers little for the small, people-focused businesses at the heart of every high street. If the Government truly wants to grow the economy, end low pay and keep high streets open, the announcement must be matched with serious support on National Insurance, business rates, skills and enforcement.”

Jessica Vartoughian

Gerrard International acquires Jessica Cosmetics

Hertfordshire-based nail and beauty distributor, Gerrard International, has acquired nail brand, Jessica Cosmetics. Founded by manicurist, Susan Gerrard, and her late husband, Ian, Gerrard International has been distributing Jessica products in the UK for 35 years. The acquisition follows the passing of Jessica Cosmetics’ founder & former president, Jessica Vartoughian, in April 2025. Nicknamed ‘The First Lady of Nails’ by the New York Times, Vartoughian founded Jessica Cosmetics based on the philosophy of treating the nail from the foundation.

Her daughter, Nadia Shamsi, comments: “Alongside my grief has been the heavy responsibility of deciding how best to honour the legacy my mother poured her heart and soul into. There was only ever one family and company I trusted to carry her legacy with the same love, respect and commitment. Susan and Ian Gerrard – and the Gerrard family – have been a key part of our lives for decades. Knowing that the brand my mother built will be cared for by people who truly understand it brings me immense comfort.” “[The Jessica brand] has shaped our company, values and relationships with thousands of professionals,” adds Susan Gerrard, founder of Gerrard International. “To be entrusted with Jessica Vartoughian’s legacy is both an honour and a deeply personal responsibility. We will continue to build on everything Jessica created, protecting the heritage she established while ensuring the brand evolves with the needs of modern professionals and their clients.” www.gerrardinternational.com / www.jessicacosmetics.co.uk

Susan Gerrard

REVEALED: Colour of the Year 2026

Global colour authority, Pantone, has announced PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer as its Colour of the Year 2026. It describes the shade as a ‘lofty white whose aerated presence acts as a whisper of calm and peace in a noisy world’. It highlights consumers’ desire for a fresh start and ‘[allows] all colours to shine’.

Image courtesy of Pantone.

Scan for nail art ideas inspired by Cloud Dancer.

Image courtesy of linkedin.com

Report reveals beauty industry’s financial fragility

A report released by booking and payments platform, Timely, and financial education provider, The Curve, has highlighted the financial state of Britain’s hair and beauty industries. It urges greater support for entrepreneurs and the 95% of beauty businesses classified as microbusinesses. The paper shares that an estimated two in five salons face closure in the next 12 months if they do not receive help. One ‘alarming reality’ shared is: ‘businesses are under-pricing their services to appear affordable, yet overheads, materials and unpaid administrative work are reducing earnings to less than minimum wage’. Focusing on nail technicians, data shows that those with back-to-back gel manicure bookings earn around £70 per treatment on average, but this falls close to minimum wage when costs and unpaid admin tasks are taken into account. Oliver Smith, Timely’s UK&I managing director, comments: “Our report reveals a stark picture of an industry on the brink, but the day-to-day realities won’t be a shock to the UK’s hair and beauty professionals. By upskilling and giving them relevant education, actionable tools and targeted support, this doesn’t need to be the way forever. This sector is a resilient one, and with the right intervention, we truly believe it will thrive once more.” Timely and The Curve have further collaborated to offer a seven-part financial literacy course, available via Timely’s platform. It equips beauty professionals ‘with the skills to price services sustainably, manage profits and build resilient businesses’. www.gettimely.com / www.thecurveplatform.com

Oliver Smith

Dr Emma Meredith OBE

CTPA wins award for commitment to consumer protection

The Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CTPA) won the Business Hero Award at the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) Hero Awards, held on 2 December in the House of Lords. The award recognises businesses, individuals and initiatives that show a strong commitment to consumer protection, and go beyond statutory requirements to ensure products are safe and consumers are well informed. CTPA has supported Trading Standards for many years on matters relating to EU, and now UK, Cosmetics Regulations. Most recently, the CTPA championed CTSI’s national ‘Cost of Beauty’ consumer awareness campaign to raise public understanding of safe and compliant cosmetic products and treatments. CTPA director-general, Dr Emma Meredith OBE, comments: “I’m immensely proud that CTPA has been recognised with the CTSI Business Hero Award. It recognises the commitment of a responsible and science-led cosmetics industry to consumer protection. Trading Standards officers do vital work on the frontline of consumer protection, and CTPA remains committed to supporting them with expert training and rapid, science-based advice so that unsafe cosmetic products have no place in our marketplace.” www.ctpa.org.uk

Lee Lucas

LCBT APPOINTS CAROLINE NEVILLE MBE AS FIRST PATRON

The London College of Beauty Therapy (LCBT) has appointed Caroline Neville MBE – founding member & long-time executive president of Cosmetic Executive Women (CEW) – become its first patron. Neville, who was honoured with an MBE in 2018 for her contributions to the UK beauty industry, becomes an LCBT patron as the college marks its 30th anniversary. Her patronage was announced at a special event celebrating three decades of LCBT’s impact on beauty education. Caroline commented: “I have witnessed first-hand the important role the LCBT plays in helping young people gain the skills to succeed in the beauty industry. I am honoured to become the first patron and delighted to continue supporting the future of the industry.” Lee Lucas, principal & CEO of LCBT, added: “Caroline Neville MBE is a figurehead of the beauty industry across the UK and beyond through her work with CEW, and we are privileged to have her as our patron.

“Her passion for the beauty industry and reputation for nurturing entrepreneurial talent make Caroline the ideal person to take on this role, as we seek to help young people get started in a sector where nearly two thirds of workers are self-employed.” www.lcbt.co.uk

Victoria Brownlie

Great British Beauty Clean Up to drive shift towards reusable product packaging

March will see the return of The Great British Beauty Clean Up (GBBCU): a nationwide collaboration between retailers, brands and professionals created by the British Beauty Council’s Sustainable Beauty Coalition, with the aim of reducing waste.

Around 120 billion units of packaging are produced each year, and The GBBCU is encouraging the beauty industry to ‘rethink its relationship with waste’. In addition, it seeks to drive a nationwide cultural shift toward reusing, refilling and rescuing surplus stock from landfill and incineration. Victoria Brownlie, chief of policy and sustainability at the British Beauty Council, comments: “We can and must do better. With the industry accounting for one-third of all landfill waste, simply recycling is no longer enough. The Great British Beauty Clean Up 2026 is focused on reimagining waste completely. Whether by donating surplus stock to companies like In Kind Direct to help those in need, or using MYGroup to turn compacts into construction materials, we are asking the industry to think more purposefully about closing the loop when it comes to packaging.” The GBBCU follows a three-tiered approach: ‘adopting refillable systems, donating usable surplus products to fight hygiene poverty and repurposing hard-to-recycle materials’. The 2026 campaign will kick off on 2 March to align with Global Recycling Day (18 March) and the UN International Day of Zero Waste (30 March).

Get involved by downloading the Campaign Toolkit via www.britishbeautycouncil.com

Hara Professional crowns Gel Polish Artist of the Year 2025

Nail brand, Hara Professional, has unveiled Wigan nail pro, Alyx Olivia Mills, as the winner of its 2025 gel polish contest – and a prize worth £2,500. The search for Hara Professional’s Gel Polish Artist of the Year 2025 began on 1 September 2025. Techs from the UK and Ireland were invited to claim a free Hara Professional Starter Kit and create two nail styles using the included products: a builder gel mani with a French finish, and a bold gel polish overlay. Over 50 nail professionals submitted before and after photos, plus Instagram Reel-style videos of their application processes, before the 9 November deadline. These were then assessed by the team at Hara Professional and Scratch’s editorial & partnerships director, Helena Biggs.

Alyx Olivia Mills of Alyx Olivia Beauty in Wigan amassed the most points, and was praised by the judges for ‘a great showcase of application skills and Hara products, with an engaging video’. Alyx comments: “I entered Hara’s Gel Polish Artist of the Year competition because I wanted to challenge myself creatively and step outside my comfort zone. I’m incredibly passionate about perfect prep and creating flawless nail styles, so felt that the competition was a great opportunity to showcase my skills and grow as an artist.”

The nail pro was informed of her win in early December. “I felt a mix of excitement, disbelief and pride,” Alyx smiles. “It has validated my skills, boosted my confidence, and is my biggest career achievement to date.”

Alyx’s prize includes Hara Professional brand ambassadorship, plus furniture, equipment or products to the value of £2,500 and a double page feature in a future edition of Scratch. She chose a Hara beauty salon bed, a selection of Hara gel-based products and nail tools. “I do a lot of pedicure treatments, so the beauty bed will get plenty of use,” Alyx shares. “I can’t wait to show clients my goodies!”

Claire Lebrun

Claire Lebrun, head of Hara Professional, comments: “We launched the Gel Polish Artist of the Year competition because we believe in the incredible talent within the UK nail industry and wanted to shine a light on it. At Hara Professional, we’re passionate about supporting techs who push boundaries and set new standards in nail artistry, and we want to elevate careers, build confidence and foster a strong, inspiring community.”

Follow Alyx on Instagram : @alyx.olivia.beautywww.haraprofessional.com

Kirsty Meakin announces distribution of AI nail lamp

The namesake brand of award-winning nail artist & educator, Kirsty Meakin, has added the O NAIL AI Nail Lamp to its distribution portfolio. This makes Kirsty Meakin the exclusive seller of the product, as well as its accessories and a mini iteration of the device. The lamp is designed to ‘raise the bar for tech-led tools in the nail industry’, and marks a significant step in the fusion of beauty and technology. It uses advanced AI technology to precisely target the nail area and optimise curing times, resulting in ‘an enhanced client experience’. Featuring 109 high-power LEDs and an integrated AI computer, the lamp ‘gets smarter the more you use it’, continually adapting to deliver increasingly accurate performance. www.kirstymeakin.com

NAIL & BEAUTY BITES

Nail brand, Leighton Denny, has introduced limited-edition nail polish, Emerald Envy. The jewel-toned green shade boasts luminous shimmer and a glossy finish that ‘instantly commands attention’. www.leightondenny.com

Salon software company, Phorest, is marking the 10th anniversary of its Client Experience Awards (CEAs). Accolades are based on verified client reviews collected through the company’s system, and an unprecedented number of salons were recognised in 2025. www.phorest.com

The Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CTPA) has launched SkinCare Simplified - A Parent’s Guide with consultant dermatologist, Dr Anjali Mahto. Designed to help parents navigate discussions around skincare trends with children aged eight to 14, it shares how to care for skin in an age-appropriate way. www.thefactsabout.co.uk/SkinCareSimplified

The Kirsty Meakin nail brand is moving to a new premises in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire. It will comprise a product distribution centre, nail academy and content studio. www.kirstymeakin.com

Permanent make-up (PMU) expert, Karen Betts, has launched a ‘virtual clinic’: a digital platform to guide and reassure clients considering PMU services. It features pre-recorded videos including step-by-steps and treatment footage. www.karenbetts.com/virtual-clinic

Industry expert unveils eyeCHAINZ – ‘a new era in jewellery’

Nail sector icon & lash expert, Sue Marsh, has launched eyeCHAINZ: a collection of eye jewellery ‘designed to frame the eyes and redefine self-expression’.

eyeCHAINZ claims to ‘reimagine fashion accessories by blending timeless elegance with comfort and durability’. Each piece is carefully engineered to move with the eyelid, ensuring a lightweight, comfortable fit while delivering striking style. Offering a piercing-free alternative to traditional face jewellery, eyeCHAINZ are simple to wear: apply with the included adhesive and remove with warm water. Each piece is then reusable.

Crafted from hypoallergenic metals with gold or silver-tone finishes and sparkling Austrian crystal accents, eyeCHAINZ debuts in the UK with the Classic Collection. This includes four signature styles: Skye, Misty, Ocean and Luna, each available in four vibrant colours. “With eyeCHAINZ, jewellery becomes more than adornment – it becomes identity,” says Sue Marsh. “I wanted to create something exciting and versatile, that allows people to showcase their characters in bold, unforgettable ways.” www.eyechainz.com

Sue Marsh

YORK NAIL TECH EVENT RAISES £2,050 FOR CHARITY

North Yorkshire nail pro, Maisie Jackson, hosted the winter iteration of Maisie’s Nail Tech Soirée, welcoming 150 nail techs to the Manhatta bar in York.

The tech held her first event in Leeds in November 2022 and has since hosted a number of functions to bring together pros and raise money for charity. The winter edition featured a raffle of products such as ‘ultrasonic cleaners and nail lamps to desk lights, nail art bundles, gel polish collections and masterclasses’, from brands including Glitterbels, Roxi and HONA. The event raised £2,050 for Maisie’s chosen charities: Cancer Research and St Michael’s Hospice, both of which are meaningful to her.

“Cancer affects so many lives and Cancer Research is a charity I hold very close to my heart,” Maisie shares. “I also chose to donate to St Michael’s Hospice as my great grandmother and friend’s mum passed away there.”

@maisiejacksonbeauty

Maisie Jackson

Beauty pros recognised in BABTAC & CIBTAC Awards

The 16th annual awards from BABTAC (British Association of Beauty Therapy & Cosmetology) and CIBTAC (Confederation of International Beauty Therapy & Cosmetology), returned to Fairmont Windsor Park for a night of celebration and recognition in November. Sponsored by notable names such as Hara

Lesley Blair MBE

Professional, Timely and Dermalogica, and hosted by skincare expert, Caroline Hirons, the awards ceremony awarded 21 winners – ‘from individuals and educators to spas and salons’. Winners included Jenny Storey and Kate Berry of Urban Retreat in the Employer category; British Beauty Salon Suffolk, which claimed the top spot in the Individual Salon category, and Scratch Stars Award-winning Beauty and Aesthetics at the Gate, which triumphed in the Large Salon category. CEO & chair of BABTAC & CIBTAC, Lesley Blair MBE, commented: “Announcing our winners is always such a joy – it’s a true celebration of the outstanding talent and excellence that define our beauty sector. These annual awards continue to honour the dedicated individuals and teams who go above and beyond each day to deliver exceptional service and training. They are shining examples of the passion, skill and innovation that continue to drive our remarkable industry forward.” www.babtac.com / www.cibtac.com

DATES FOR THE DIARY

25-26 January

Phorest Salon Owners Summit

Phorest is hosting its 10th annual Salon Owners Summit in Dublin. The event, themed ‘Thrive: The human experience powered by technology’, is set to welcome hundreds of salon owners. With speakers including Caroline Hirons and Katie Piper OBE, the summit serves to demystify how technology and AI can support and elevate businesses. www.salonownersummit.com

1-2 February

Nailympia Anaheim

The first Nailympia competition of 2026, Nailympia Anaheim, takes place at Premiere Anaheim, California, USA. It features six live arena competitions, from The Joy of Nails to Salon Nails, and eight turn-in categories including To Stiletto & Beyond and AI Nail Vision Poster. The event will bring together global nail pros and judges, and conclude with an awards ceremony. www.nailympia.com

1 February-15 March

Entry open for the Scratch Stars Awards 2026

Entry opens for the ‘Oscars of the nail industry’: the Scratch Stars Awards, in February. Nineteen categories are on the roster for 2026, open to nail techs, businesses and teams across the UK&I. These include Nail Salon of the Year, L&P Tech of the Year and new category: Builder Gel Tech of the Year. Interested pros are required to submit an online form demonstrating their business prowess and passion for client care before 15 March 23:59 (GMT).

Find out more from page 24 and via www.scratchmagazine.co.uk/scratchstars