BAW APPG Complementary Therapies Inquiry Session 2: Skills Gap and Growth in the sector

On the 26th November the Group heard from

• Caroline Larissey, Director of Quality and Standards, National Hair, Beauty and Barbering Federation  
• Yvonne Blake, President of the General Council for Massage Therapies 
• Emma Mackay, Industry Manager for Hair, Beauty & Retail   at City and Guilds 
• Wendy McKaig, Vice Principal at City Lit 
• Diane Hey, Chair of the National Occupational Standards Steering Group on Aesthetic Treatments, HABIA, and Vice Chair of the Beauty Professional Apprenticeship Group at the Institute for Apprenticeship 
• Dr Birinder, Vice President of the Federation of Holistic Therapists 
• Maria Mason, owner and founder of the Beauty Time in Bristol, also VP of the FHT 

To hear a recording of the session, please click here. The minutes of the session are available here

BAW APPG Complementary Therapies Inquiry Session 1: Industry Landscape

BAW APPG Cross-Industry Meeting: Mental Health and Wellbeing

The Group heard from:

• Caroline Larissey – National Hair and Beauty Federation (NHBF)
• Millie Kendall CBE – British Beauty Council and UK Spa Association
• Emma Meredith – Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CTPA)
• Abi Wright – Spabreaks.com
• Karen Young – Federation of Holistic Therapists

A video recording of the session is available on the APPG’s YouTube page here. The minutes of the session are available here.

BAW APPG Cross-Industry Meeting: Consumer Confidence

The Group heard from:

• Victoria Brownlie – National Hair and Beauty Federation (NHBF)
• Jack Tang – Urban
• Lesley Blair – BABTAC
• Millie Kendall CBE – British Beauty Council
• Candice Gardner, Dermalogica
• Sally Berkerey, CEW UK
• Ellie Tidy – Guinot
• Will Tricker – L’Oréal

A video recording of the session is available on the APPG’s YouTube page here. The minutes of the session are available here,

BAW APPG Cross-Industry Meeting: National Skills Gap

This session was the first meeting in the Group’s new inquiry into what the industry needs to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. This first session focused on education, training and the skills gap. Industry representatives presented evidence on the skills gap and future talent pipeline.

The Group heard from:

• Victoria Brownlie – National Hair and Beauty Federation (NHBF)
• Jack Tang – Urban
• Emma Meredith – Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CPTA)
• Judith Hadley – Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT)
• Alan Billington – City Lit
• Lesley Blair – BABTAC

A video recording of the session is available on the APPG’s YouTube page here. The minutes of the session are available here.

Panel Session: Covid-19 – Financial Measures for the Industry

On Thursday 21st January, the APPG on Beauty, Aesthetics and Wellbeing held the second session on Covid-19 – Financial Measures for the Industry, that reviewed the financial support provided to the hair, beauty and wellness industry throughout the pandemic and discussed what further support is needed from the Government.

The Group heard from from:

• Emma Meredith – Director-General, Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CPTA)Jack Tang – CEO and Co-Founder, Urban
• Madeleine Raynel – Managing Director, Treatwell
• Millie Kendall MBE – CEO, British Beauty Council
• Victoria Brownlie – Director of Policy and Public Affairs, NHBF
• Karen Young – Editor and Communications Manager, Federation of Holistic Therapists
• Hellen Ward – Beauty Ambassador, NHBF and Managing Director of Richard Ward
• Jane Bulbeck – Founder of Jane Bulbeck, The Specialists in Skincare and Beauty Salon
• Natalie Daley – Massage Therapist, Urban

Topics for discussion included:

• What impact have the coronavirus crisis and the multiple lockdown periods had on the beauty, aesthetics and wellbeing industry so far, and what are the expected long-term impacts if it continues?
• What short-term concerns do you have during this current lockdown period, and are there any measures that could help significantly if implemented quickly?
• How effective have the existing Government support measures been in supporting the industry during this crisis? (e.g. Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme, SME grants, Job Retention Scheme)
• What difficulties will the industry face in starting up again post-coronavirus and what support will it need from Government to do so?
• As the Government considers its exit strategy as the vaccine rollout amplifies, what further safeguards need to be in place to ensure the safety of staff and customers in the beauty, aesthetics and well-being industry?

A video recording of the session is available on the APPG’s YouTube page here. The minutes of the session will be available soon.

Panel Session: Holistic Therapy – Covid 19 Reflections and Opportunities Ahead

On Thursday 15th April, the APPG on Beauty, Aesthetics and Wellbeing held a panel session reviewing the crucial work that holistic therapists have provided during the Covid-19 pandemic, supporting healthcare professionals and local communities during an extremely challenging time. It also looked forwards, to see what role holistic therapists can play in tackling emerging problems such as ‘Long Covid’, burnout, depression and PTSD.

The Group heard from from:

• Karen Young, Editor and Communications Manager, FHT
• Dr Michael Dixon, Chair of College of Medicine for Integrated Health
• Gwyn Featonby, Education Lead at the NHS Natural Health School
• Farrah Idris, Complementary Therapist and Social Prescribing Link Worker
• Peter Mackereth, Honorary Lecturer and Researcher at The Christie NHS Trust and Volun-teer Complementary Therapist

Topics for discussion included:

• How does holistic care reduce patients’ reliance on medical support? What can holis-tic therapists do to ensure that clients are able to self-manage or improve their own care and quality of life?
• How can holistic therapy be used to take further pressure off health professionals and the National Health Service
• Can they help to ensure appointments are attended and medical intervention is only sought when needed etc?
• What role can holistic therapists play in a preventative approach to healthcare?
• What role can holistic therapists play in helping to support patients with long Covid?
• What role can holistic therapists play in helping to provide supportive treatments for front line NHS staff/essential workers?

A video recording of the session is available on the APPG’s YouTube page here. The minutes of the session will be available soon.

Panel Session: Covid-19 – Financial Measures for the Industry

On Thursday 21st January, the APPG on Beauty, Aesthetics and Wellbeing held the second session on Covid-19 – Financial Measures for the Industry, that reviewed the financial support provided to the hair, beauty and wellness industry throughout the pandemic and discussed what further support is needed from the Government.

The Group heard from from:

• Emma Meredith – Director-General, Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CPTA)Jack Tang – CEO and Co-Founder, Urban
• Madeleine Raynel – Managing Director, Treatwell
• Millie Kendall MBE – CEO, British Beauty Council
• Victoria Brownlie – Director of Policy and Public Affairs, NHBF
• Karen Young – Editor and Communications Manager, Federation of Holistic Therapists
• Hellen Ward – Beauty Ambassador, NHBF and Managing Director of Richard Ward
• Jane Bulbeck – Founder of Jane Bulbeck, The Specialists in Skincare and Beauty Salon
• Natalie Daley – Massage Therapist, Urban

Topics for discussion included:

• What impact have the coronavirus crisis and the multiple lockdown periods had on the beauty, aesthetics and wellbeing industry so far, and what are the expected long-term impacts if it continues?
• What short-term concerns do you have during this current lockdown period, and are there any measures that could help significantly if implemented quickly?
• How effective have the existing Government support measures been in supporting the industry during this crisis? (e.g. Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme, SME grants, Job Retention Scheme)
• What difficulties will the industry face in starting up again post-coronavirus and what support will it need from Government to do so?
• As the Government considers its exit strategy as the vaccine rollout amplifies, what further safeguards need to be in place to ensure the safety of staff and customers in the beauty, aesthetics and well-being industry?

A video recording of the session is available on the APPG’s YouTube page here. The minutes of the session will be available soon.

Panel Session: Beauty Battling Skin Cancer

On Wednesday 15th July, the APPG on Beauty, Aesthetics and Wellbeing held the second session in its ‘Power of Beauty’ Panel series, on Beauty Battling Skin Cancer: Prevention through raising awareness.

The Group heard from from:

• Geoff Holmes, Chair of the Dermatology Council for England
• Karis Betts, Health Information Manager, Cancer Research UK
• Marie Tudor, CEO of Skcin
• Victor Ktorakis, Senior Environmental Health Officer, Enfield Council
• Gill Morris, Chair of National Advisory Committee for Beauty at City & Guilds
• Dr Bav Shergill. British Association of Dermatologist representative and Chair of the Skin Cancer Prevention Committee

Topics for discussion included:

• What is skin cancer?
• What increases someone’s risk factor in getting skin cancer?
• What are the benefits of early detection?
• How has the beauty industry helped with prevention through early referrals?
• How can the Government improve awareness of skin cancer symptoms? Can the beauty industry also support with awareness raising?
• Can premises with sunbeds be better regulated?

A video recording of the session is available on the APPG’s YouTube page here. The minutes of the session are also available here.

Panel Session: The Impact of COVID-19 on the Beauty, Aesthetics and Wellbeing Industry

On 7^th May, the APPG on Beauty, Aesthetics and Wellbeing held their first virtual panel session on the impact of COVID-19 on the industry. The APPG members heard from industry representatives about the immediate and longer term impact that COVID-19 has had on the industry, whether the existing Government business support measures have been effective and what support the Government can provide to ensure the long term health of the industry

The MPs heard from:

• Caroline Larissey, Director of Quality and Standards at National Hair and Beauty Federation (NHBF),
• Ian Egerton, NHBF President and London-based hair and beauty salon owner,
• Helena Grzesk, General Manager at the UK Spa Association,
• Lesley Blair, Chair of the British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (BABTAC),
• Lisa Gerrard, Managing Director of Gerrard International and Chair of the Beauty Companies Association,
• Kerry Stuart, owner of an Ilminster-based hair, beauty and aesthetics practice.

The lack of clarity around PPE guidelines

All of the panellists raised concerns around the lack of clear guidance on health and safety procedures that the industry would have to adhere to once the lockdown restrictions are eased. Caroline Larrisey, Director of Quality and Standards at the NHBF, said in her opening remarks that many of their members, comprised mainly of small and micro-businesses, are concerned about the provision of PPE that would be available to them and how small salons can comply with social distancing requirements.

Salon owners, Ian Egerton and Kerry Stuart, echoed these concerns. In particular, Kerry Stuart highlighted that as a small salon owner, she has been actively reviewing her salon layout, operating hours and the working patterns of her staff. She acknowledged that these measures, while necessary, will ultimately increase her overheads.  

In addition, Helena Grzesk from the UK Spa Association highlighted that their survey showed that almost 80% of participants believed the use of face masks and PPE will need to be introduced, with many participants concerned about the costs of PPE.

The uncertain future of Government support measures

The panellists also raised their concerns about the financial viability of many businesses in the industry and what Government support will be available in future. Lesley Blair, Chair of BABTAC, praised the Government’s Bounce Bank Loans Scheme, citing that many of BABTAC’s members have received payment within 24hrs of the initial application. However, she also pointed out that many businesses are not eligible for schemes such as the Job Retention Scheme, meaning that businesses that were once thriving may not be able to survive in future.

This was emphasised by Ian Egerton, President of NHBF and London-based salon owner, who explained that his business has struggled to benefit from Government support as his rates exceed the scheme threshold.

In addition, Helena Grzesk said that the UK Spa Association’s survey also showed that of the 92.4% of participants stating that COVID-19 has had a severe impact on their business, a third anticipated they would need to make redundancies without the appropriate financial support.  

Rogue practitioners

The panellists were also concerned about the small minority of mobile practitioners continuing to operate and how their actions poses a risk to public health. The panellists were united in their views that this activity is unlawful and a system needs to be established to report non-compliance.

Furthermore, the panellists and MPs were alarmed at the news of some salons continuing to operate despite the Government’s announcement that non-essential businesses must remain closed. The panellists wanted to see clearer mechanisms in place over which public body is responsible for ensuring that salons remain closed for business. Additionally, Carolyn Harris MP raised an important point about how the Government can better safeguard workers against the risks of modern slavery, particularly from the operations of rogue salons.  

Call to Action

As a result of the concerns raised during the panel session, the BAW APPG calls on Government to:

1. Provide clear instructions and advance warning on when beauty and wellness business can reopen and what treatments they can offer, including for services within hospitality businesses such as hotels, and what grades of PPE must be used.

• Ensure industry access to affordable PPE, being crucial to protect staff and customers.

• Provide clarification on the future of Government support measures and how the Government will continue to support both small and large businesses in the industry as restrictions are eased.

• Crack down on the emergence of the black market of rogue operators continuing to sell services behind closed doors risking public health, and how to report non-compliance.

• Better protect against risks of modern slavery as businesses reopen.

The panel session is available to watch in full on the APPG’s YouTube page here. The minutes of the session are also available here.

Panel Session: Beauty and the (Plastic) Beast

On Tuesday 11^th February, the APPG on Beauty, Aesthetics and Wellbeing held a panel event in Parliament to hear from experts about what the beauty industry is doing to be more sustainable and to discuss what more can be done and where Government can help.

The Members of the Group heard from Nathalie Bleach, Operations Director of UK & Ireland at L’Oréal, Jenny Collins, Beauty Standards at the Soil Association, Dominic Winter, Campaigns and Sustainability Manager at Neal’s Yard Remedies, Professor Denise Baden, Professor of Sustainable Business at Southampton University and Founder of Eco Hair & Beauty, and Emma Meredith, Director of the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association.

Top ten things we’ve learnt

1. The UK’s legislation mandating the ingredients that can be used in cosmetic products is a gold standard around the world, covering all products on the market, no matter how they are made, what ingredients they use, or where they are sold.

2. Legislation does not set standards for the sustainability of beauty products; however independent industry standards exist covering the criteria companies must meet to label their products as organic or natural cosmetics produced to the highest feasible sustainability practices – such as the Soil Association’s COSMOS-standard.

3. While the use of the term ‘organic’ is protected for food and drink products, is it not protected for cosmetics so anyone can label their products as organic or natural, even if they do not meet independent industry standards.

4. Improving recycling of beauty products is crucial to tackling waste in the sector. While the industry must do more to reduce its packaging and ensure it is recyclable, the Government and local authorities must address the varying recycling policies across the country to help brands ensure their products can be widely recycled and help consumers improve their sustainability practices.

5. To date in-store bottle refill and return schemes have had relatively low take up among consumers, and there is a further issue that even if a product is recyclable, most beauty products are thrown away in the bathroom. The beauty industry and consumers need to embark on this journey to improve sustainability practices together to have a real impact.

6. There is an issue with ‘greenwashing’ in the beauty industry, where companies make people believe that they are doing more to protect the environment than may be the case in reality, such as labelling a product as organic while using some non-organic ingredients.

7. Some organisations in the beauty industry claim to be environmentally friendly by putting money into a sustainability ventures that are not core to their business operations, however it is crucial that businesses take bold steps to improve their own sustainability practices.

8. One of the biggest issues around product ingredients that consumers are concerned about is the use of palm oil and mica, being two of the most common ingredients in cosmetics. However, it is not yet clear what impact the use of alternative ingredients will have on the environment. Therefore, the beauty must increase the use of sustainable palm oil and responsibly mined mica.

9. Consumer insights from across the industry show that consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable products and those using natural and organic ingredients. Change in the industry needs to be consumer driven and education is key to this as consumers need to be given the tools to act in more sustainable ways. However many ‘green’ products cost the same or less to produce than standard products and therefore price discounts could help foster greener consumption.

10. While consumers are interested the benefits of organic beauty products and more environmentally friendly packaging, at the end of the day the products must work, or consumers won’t buy them.