business
£1 BILLION DRIVE AIMS TO TACKLE UK YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT
A major UK employment drive, backed by £1 billion, has been launched to create 200,000 jobs for young people and help combat high levels of unemployment. The Office for National Statistics recently revealed that 16.1% of 16-24-year-olds are unemployed – the highest figure in 11 years. Similarly, apprenticeship starts amongst young people are down 40% in the last decade, with almost one million young people ‘not earning or learning’. The ‘New Deal’ announced by Work and Pensions Secretary, Pat McFadden, includes:
• A Youth Jobs Grant. Businesses will receive £3,000 for every young person they hire aged 18-24 who has been on Universal Credit and looking for work for six months.
Pat McFadden
©House of Commons
• Expansion of the Jobs Guarantee from 18-21-year-olds to those aged 18-24. This will help create more than 35,000 extra subsidised jobs.
• An apprenticeship initiative. This will grant SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) £2,000 for each new employee aged 16-24.
• Further reforms to the Growth and Skills Levy. This will ‘prioritise young apprentices, secure value for money and give school and college leavers more opportunities than ever to build careers in cutting-edge industries’.
Pat McFadden MP comments: “These measures will give life-changing opportunities to young people and significantly reverse the increase we inherited in those not in education, employment or training. These reforms will give young people a vital first step on the career ladder and help business leaders recruit the talent that will grow their companies.”
Caroline Larissey, chief executive of the National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF), shares: “Hair and beauty is one of the most powerful vehicles we have for getting young people into skilled, fulfilling work. We welcome any policy that lowers the barrier for businesses to say ‘yes’ to a young person who is ready to learn.”
Lesley Blair MBE, CEO & chair of the British Association of Beauty Therapy & Cosmetology (BABTAC), adds: “Beauty is not a fallback; it’s a profession with real skills, income potential and career longevity, and apprenticeships are one of the fastest ways to get there. The Youth Guarantee will offer the chance to expand these opportunities nationwide.”
www.gov.uk
Caroline Larissey
Lesley Blair MBE
NHBF event unites industry voices to shape sector future
The National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF) has hailed its Respect Live 2026 – The State of Our Sector event in March as a ‘major success’. Held at London’s Bloomsbury Ballroom, it comprised networking and discussion opportunities and panel talks, bringing together salon owners, educators, industry advocates, stakeholders and media. Centred around the results of the NHBF’s latest State of the Sector survey, Respect Live ‘created a powerful platform for open discussion around the current challenges, opportunities and future direction of the UK hair and beauty sector’.
The event also saw panels of expert speakers share real-world insight and perspectives, and explore the ‘collective responsibility and opportunity to shape a stronger, more resilient future’. The NHBF comments: “The event made clear that meaningful representation starts with listening.
The NHBF exists to champion its members, ensuring their challenges, priorities and ambitions are heard where it matters most. The strength and impact of that representation is directly shaped by the voices within the industry.
“The more our members engage and share their views, the stronger and more accurate our representation becomes – whether that’s influencing Government, shaping support or driving the future direction of the sector.” www.nhbf.co.uk
Beauty SIC codes to transform sector classification
The British Beauty Council has announced changes to the hair and beauty industry’s Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes, helping professionals to define their roles in official documents. SIC codes are used to describe what a business does, and allow Governments and agencies to measure and understand different sectors of the economy. Until now, the hair and beauty industry had a single SIC code, which grouped the sector with ‘other personal services’ such as laundry, dry cleaning and funeral services. This meant that the industry has been ‘overlooked politically, economically and socially, despite a significant, combined £30.4bn contribution to UK GDP,’ shares the Council. Hair, beauty and spa activities will now be individually recognised under a new group: ‘Hairdressing, beauty treatment, day-spas and similar activities’ (962). Within this, three distinct classifications have been created:
9621: Hairdressing and barber activities.
9622: Beauty care and other beauty treatment activities.
9623: Day spa, sauna and steam bath activities. The British Beauty Council has provided explanatory wording for the codes, and shares that nail treatments are included within the 9622 code. “This class includes beauty treatment activities not performed by medical specialists, for example by cosmetologists, such as facial massage, manicure, pedicure, permanent make-up, depilations, tanning,” the wording explains.
Millie Kendall OBE
Millie Kendall OBE, CEO of the British Beauty Council, comments: “This has been an issue close to my heart and a core focus of our work since the conception of the Council. The classifications were outdated and no longer represented the breadth of the multi-faceted industry. “We have been told time and time again that it’s near impossible to change how our industry is listed as it was a global coding system, but we persevered and developed a strong argument for change with the support of our stakeholders.” www.britishbeautycouncil.com
TOWNHOUSE BRINGS LUXURY SERVICES TO CHAMPNEYS SPAS
Luxury nail salon brand & Scratch Stars Nail Salon of the Year finalist 2026, Townhouse, has partnered with Champneys Wellness Spa to introduce its award-winning nail offerings to Champneys’ spa estate. Founded over a century ago, Champneys Wellness Spa is a renowned provider of spa resorts and health clubs. Its partnership with Townhouse allows guests to ‘enjoy world-class nailcare alongside the restorative, luxury experiences for which Champneys is known’. For the Townhouse brand, which has won multiple Scratch Stars Awards, the collaboration marks a natural evolution of its offering – and its first entry into the luxury spa category. Founded in London, and ‘the largest operator of premium nail salons globally’, Townhouse has built its reputation on high hygiene standards, continual training and elevated interiors. The brand ‘continues to expand its global footprint through carefully selected partnerships’ that complement its values.
Juanita Huber-Millet, founder & creative director of Townhouse, comments: “We are delighted to partner with Champneys to bring the Townhouse experience to its exceptional spa estate. Townhouse was created to elevate the nail salon experience, so partnering with a brand that shares a strong commitment to quality, care and guest experience feels well-suited.” Laura Sheridan, group spa director at Champneys, affirms:
“We are delighted to welcome Townhouse to the Champneys spa estate. Its elevated approach to nailcare, combined with a shared commitment to high standards and experience, makes Townhouse a natural partner for Champneys. We look forward to introducing this exciting new offering as part of our guests’ wellbeing journeys.” www.townhouse.co.uk / www.champneys.com
Juanita Huber-Millet
Laura Sheridan
pleasure
Scratch
to host industry networking event & party in Orlando
On Sunday 31 May, Scratch will take over the Tangerine Room at the Orange County Convention Center, Florida, to host an unmissable evening of industry networking and celebration as part of Premiere Orlando 2026. The Scratch Social promises a lively atmosphere with a DJ, drinks and small bites: the perfect setting to connect with nail professionals, brand owners and manufacturers. What’s more, the highly anticipated champion of North America’s Star Nail Artist – Season 2 will be revealed live on stage. Since October, 25 talented nail pros have been competing across a series of monthly themed challenges. Eliminations have taken place after each round, and the top three will meet at the event to discover who scoops the winning title. Sponsored by a stellar lineup of industry icons including Jan Arnold, Glitterbels, MelodySusie, The GelBottle Inc, Gelish and LECHAT Nail Care Products, competitors have been tasked with creating show-stopping nail designs to a brief set by each brand. The Scratch Social 2026 will be hosted by Scratch, with a drinks reception sponsored by salon software brand, Timely. It’s an event not to be missed!
Scan to purchase a ticket:
Nail students elevate skills in Greater Manchester college competitions
Stockport College, part of the Trafford & Stockport College Group (TSCG), hosted the Greater Manchester Colleges Skills Competitions 2026, welcoming 102 hair, beauty, make-up and nail students from 10 colleges in the region. They participated across 13 competitions, including Level 1 Beauty, Level 2 Nails and Level 3 Nails. Jacqueline O’Sullivan, competition director, head judge & TSCG nail tutor, comments: “The atmosphere was charged with energy, as tutors helped competitors to showcase their dedication and skill, while being assessed by esteemed judges. This event marked a significant milestone for the colleges, as it provided a platform for learners to show their emerging talent and demonstrate their abilities.” Tasks involved nail art designs and manicures. Judges for the nail competitions included Scratch’s Helena Biggs; nail artist & brand owner, Kirsty Meakin, and NAILMAIL founder, Gaynor McCann. “The quality of artistry and professionalism on display was truly impressive,” Jacqueline continues. “It was inspiring to see so many passionate individuals engaged in highlighting the brilliance of the colleges in Greater Manchester. This competition was a celebration of talent, commitment and the shared spirit that brings us together.”
Winners included:
Level 1 Beauty
: Jess
Batesnutsy – Worsley College. Level 2 Nails: Lina Cao – Stockport College. Level 3 Nails: Safia Lloyd – Wigan & Leigh College. GMC College of the Year: Worsley College.
For more information about Trafford & Stockport College Group, turn to page 78.
NAIL & BEAUTY BITES
Vegan spa care brand, VOESH Professional, has launched the Noble Diamond Collection: diamond powder-infused treatments ‘designed to elevate salon services with sophisticated shine and radiant results’. The collection includes Pedi in a Box, Collagen Gloves & Socks, Hand & Cuticle Elixir and Hand & Body Crème. www.voeshpro.com
The SeeMe Inclusivity Index has revealed that inclusive US beauty brands grew 1.8 times faster than less inclusive brands in 2025. Selena Gomez’s Rare Beauty took the top spot in the index of inclusive beauty brands, followed by Haus Labs by Lady Gaga and MAC Cosmetics. www.seemeindex.ai
A staggering 49% of people receive beauty recommendations from generative AI, according to The 2026 Beauty Reset report from membership organisation for the beauty industry, CEW UK, and consumer intelligence company, NielsenIQ. The report states that ‘AI has reshaped how consumers are discovering products’. www.cewuk.co.uk / www.nielseniq.com
Eight punchy, highly-pigmented shades have been added to the HD Professional Nail Systems Colour It!™ gel polish range. Neon Nights features electrifying hues, including bright yellow Highlighter Hype and hot pink Funky Fuchsia, The collection is perfect for festival nail looks and summer holiday styles. www.hazeldixonnails.com
Instagram.com/ ozzys_nail_and_beauty_studio
NORTHAMPTON TECH TAKES ON 24-HOUR CHALLENGE FOR AUTISM CHARITY
Northamptonshire-based beauty therapist, Rozeta Duda, has completed a 24-hour challenge in aid of EnFold – a local charity supporting families affected by autism. The owner of Rozzy’s Nails and Beauty Studio, who specialises in nails and semi-permanent make-up, has been working in the beauty industry for over 12 years. The motivation behind Rozeta’s 24-hour endeavour was deeply personal. “Autism is something very close to my heart, and I want to use my business and skills to do something meaningful,” she says. “[EnFold] provides important support, resources and opportunities for families who need it most. I chose a local charity because I want the money raised to stay in our community – helping families who need support close to home.” Beginning at 9am on 17 April, Rozeta powered through back-to-back nail appointments. Though her repertoire spans a wide range of beauty services, she made the considered decision to focus solely on nails for the duration of the challenge. “I wanted to keep the services focused so I could maintain a consistent pace, while achieving high-quality results,” she says, noting that she delivered gel polish, builder gel and gel extension services. The response from the public was overwhelming. Before the challenge had begun, Rozeta had raised over £1,200. “It shows how powerful the community can be when people come together for something meaningful,” she smiles. Follow Rozeta:
@rozzys_nail_and_beauty_studio
NailKnowledge launches MyNailEra tutorial app
Nail education platform, NailKnowledge, has launched the MyNailEra app – a comprehensive learning hub designed to take nail professionals and enthusiasts ‘from inspiration to confident execution’. Bringing together ‘expert nail education, award-winning artistry and guided learning tools’, the app sits alongside NailKnowledge’s suite of courses, which cover nail science, product chemistry and safe professional practice. MyNailEra offers nail art tutorials, personalised critique and coaching, and interactive education tools to create a well-rounded learning experience for users at every stage of their journeys. All educational content is built on verified NailKnowledge resources and reviewed by industry experts. Pros can learn from the step-by-steps of award-winning nail artists, known for their work in the fashion, editorial, celebrity and competition realms, while ‘guided designs’ showcase how to recreate nail looks from inspiration images. Users can also upload photos of their work to benefit from personalised feedback. If they have a question about products, techniques or terminology, they can ask it directly in the app and receive answers based on NailKnowledge’s content library. Contributing to the app’s nail art offering is Scratch Stars Educator of the Year 2025 and finalist for 2026, Michelle Brookes. A post on her Instagram account (@michellebrookes_nailacademy), revealed her passion for the project: “MyNailEra is aimed at everybody from enthusiasts to beginners, to those who are more advanced in the industry. I was really proud to be asked to create some designs for the app. It’s a very exciting time and there’s lots more to come.” www.nailknowledge.org/mynailera
Michelle Brookes
DATES FOR THE DIARY
20-22 May
Nailympia China
The second iteration of Nailympia in China invites nail professionals from around the world to compete in Shanghai across three divisions. Hosted by Muzer, on-site categories include The Joy of Nails, French Twist and Gel Competition Style Nails. Pros can also take part in four hand-in categories and two poster competitions. www.nailympia.com/china
30 May
International Nail Tech Day
An annual, global celebration of the skill and creativity that nail techs bring to their clients, businesses and the industry every day, International Nail Tech Day takes place this month. It’s a perfect opportunity to celebrate the nail craft and community via in-person events and online initiatives. Keep an eye on Scratch’s social media accounts to mark the day with us.
31 May-1 June
Nailympia Orlando
Nailympia returns to the Premiere Orlando trade show in the Orange County Convention Center, Florida, welcoming global nail professionals and esteemed international judges. Alongside arena competitions such as Gel Polish and L&P Acrylic Competition Nails, hand-in categories include Reality Nails and Extreme Nail Styling Poster. www.nailympia.com/orlando
5 July
The Scratch Stars Party
It’s the industry event that’s not to be missed! Party late into the night with members of the nail community at The Scratch Stars Party, hosted by dancer & singer-songwriter, Aston Merrygold. The event will feature live entertainment from Big Brovaz & Booty Luv, and the winners of the prestigious Scratch Stars Awards for the
UK&I nail sector will be unveiled. Each ticket includes a goody bag, one-hour prosecco reception and two hours of complimentary house drinks.
Get your hands on tickets by scanning here.