The Beauty Industry Recognized with UK Government Team

The four UK organizations worked to overcome the challenges of the past year and highlighted the size and scope of the personal care sector.
The four UK organizations worked to overcome the challenges of the past year and highlighted the size and scope of the personal care sector.

The British Beauty Council, the UK Spa Association, the British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology, and the National Hair and Beauty Federation have been granted a newly formed, sector-specific team within government dedicated to supporting the personal care industry in the United Kingdom.

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These four industry organizations worked closely with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) to be recognized at a government level, which creates the first working definition of the beauty industry. 

The creation of a dedicated sector team:

  1. raises awareness outside of the industry
  2. allows government to improve its understanding of this dynamic, economically valuable and innovative sector
  3. paves the way for future financial support

Millie Kendall MBE, CEO, British Beauty Council, said, “When the British Beauty Council formed in 2018 there was no government representation. Fast-forward two years and we have achieved this major milestone, and look forward to shining the light on the beauty industry to further showcase and improve this amazing sector in which we all work.” 

Helena Grzesk, COO, British Beauty Council and former general manager, UK Spa Association, said, “As General Manager at the UK Spa Association when this was announced I was absolutely delighted to hear the news. The creation of a designated sector team for personal care within government is a monumental moment for the industry, clearly demonstrating the newly attained credibility, reputation and valued economic contribution we have worked so hard to highlight. It’s wonderful for the sector to receive the recognition it rightfully deserves and exciting for the future.” 

Lesley Blair, CEO and chair of British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (BABTAC) and Confederation of International Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology, said, “We are delighted to have secured a designated sector team within government for personal care, a huge milestone and the direct result of the dedication, passion and cooperation of the four key industry organizations and BEIS over the challenges of the past year. As one of the largest contributors to the UK Economy, our sector deserve to have a strong dedicated voice in government, something BABTAC has campaigned and worked towards for many years, and we look forward to the opportunities and credibility this will provide our industry going forward.”

Richard Lambert, CEO of the National Hair and Beauty Federation, said, “We are delighted that BEIS is giving the sector the recognition it deserves. Our work now continues to secure urgent and vital support for hair and beauty as lockdowns and restrictions continue and we look forward to positive discussions with BEIS to secure the best possible deal for the personal care industry.”

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