Govt recognises beauty industry with dedicated ‘personal care sector’ team

Following a steadfast campaign from the British Beauty Council, the UK Spa Association, BABTAC and the NHBF, the government has formed a sector-specific team dedicated to supporting personal care.

These four key organisations have worked closely with the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) to overcome the challenges of the past year and, through their relentless passion, energy and dedication, have highlighted the size and scope of the personal care sector as the major UK force it is.

The creation of a dedicated sector team is a major milestone for UK hair, beauty and wellness, with far-reaching positive implications. It will help raise awareness outside of the industry, allow government to improve its understanding of this dynamic, economically valuable and innovative sector, and pave the way for future financial support.

Millie Kendall MBE

“When the British Beauty Council formed in 2018, there was no government representation,” comments Millie Kendall MBE, CEO, British Beauty Council. “This government recognition cements one of the key goals of the British Beauty Council – which from its inception, set out to have the beauty industry recognised at government level; creating the first working definition of the beauty industry and also commissioning an exhaustive report aimed at valuing the contribution of the beauty industry to the UK economy.

“Fast-forward two years and we have achieved this major milestone as an industry, and look forward to shining the light on the beauty industry to further showcase and improve this amazing sector in which we all work.”

Marian Newman BEM

Marian Newman comments on behalf of The Federation of Nail Professionals: “This is amazing news for the sector! Those associations have worked so hard for this. The FNP has been aware of the negotiations and, when it officially launches its membership (happening soon, it’s only holding off due to the lockdown situation), the team will be in there joining the conversations. At this moment in time we do have access to the newly formed team. This has never happened before for the sector. At last we are being recognised!”

Helena Grzesk

“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,” adds Helena Grzesk, COO, British Beauty Council & former general manager, UK Spa Association. “It’s wonderful for the sector to receive the recognition it rightfully deserves and exciting for the future.”

Lesley Blair

Lesley Blair, CEO & Chair of BABTAC & CIBTAC, adds: “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 organisations 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

“We are delighted that BEIS is giving the sector the recognition it deserves,” comments Richard Lambert, CEO of the National Hair & Beauty Federation. “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.”