UK Government recognises barbering industry under new Personal Care sector

After tireless campaigning from our industry, Personal Care has been recognised by Government as a specific sector, meaning hair, including barbering, beauty and spa will no longer be grouped with retail, hospitality or any other sector when the Government makes decisions.

Led by British Beauty Council, Hair and Barber Council, UK Spa Association, British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (Babtac) and the National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF), the campaign has led to the Government granting a newly formed, sector-specific team dedicated to supporting Personal Care.

These organisations worked closely with the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) to overcome the challenges of the past year and to highlight the size and scope of the personal care sector as the major UK force it is.

 

What does the government's recognition of the Personal Care sector really mean?

 

Keith Conniford, Registrar/CEO - The Hair and Barber Council said: "Having engaged closely with BEIS during the pandemic, challenging them on the needs and concerns of the industry, I am delighted that this new division within the department has been set up. This will put our sector on an equal footing with the other sectors that BEIS looks after and hopefully will ensure a more sustainable future for our industry in terms of Government support. We have initiated contact with the people in the new department and will be virtually meeting with them shortly to fully introduce our great industry whilst discussing what we all need in terms of ongoing support."

British Beauty Council chief executive Millie Kendall MBE said: "When the British Beauty Council formed in 2018 there was no government representation. 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.”

Helena Grzesk, chief operating officer at British Beauty Council and former general manager of the UK Spa Association, added: "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.”

Babtac and Cibtac chair Lesley Blair said: “As one of the largest contributors to the UK Economy, our sector deserves 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.”

NHBF chief executive Richard Lambert added: “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.”

Looking for financial aid for your hair business? Read our Financial Guide For Barbers to find out the support available for your business.

 

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