The beauty industry in the UK is a hot bed for inspiring entrepreneurs – in fact, according to the Value of Beauty report, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) characterise the beauty industry with 25% more SMEs were registered in 2022 in comparison to 2015.

That’s why the British Beauty Council is pleased to be collaborating with Growth Studio on its new accelerator programme, offering its unique expertise throughout the judging process and the winners’ training programme. This initiative builds on the Council’s work in investment, innovation and technology which is a pillar dedicated to sustaining the future of beauty for the next generation.

On the launch of the initiative this morning, Millie Kendall OBE, CEO of the organisation says: ‘The beauty industry is a certified growth sector and this will only be sustained if the innovative and pioneering brands of tomorrow are given opportunities to scale and develop. This new initiative is an exciting collaboration offering tangible access to capital and business support. I am excited to see the next generations of brands pitch and the breakout businesses grow.’

The programme is being supported by British Beauty Council Ambassador, Trinny Woodall as well as Mitchell Halliday, founder of Made by Mitchell.

Woodall says: ‘The beauty industry is thriving; in fact, it’s growing four times faster than the wider economy. That’s why I am so excited to be involved in finding the freshest brands that are driving this growth and the future of the industry. Over the last nearly ten years, I have built Trinny London and understand the determination it takes to build a successful brand and I can’t wait to share my insights with the Breakout Beauty founders.’

Winners of Breakout Beauty UK will win scalability and exposure opportunities worth over £350,000. Two of the most promising brands of tomorrow will win:

• Boots Partnership: 12-month online listing on boots.com, in-store activation in 10 biggest stores, expert mentorship, event space at Battersea Power Station
• TikTok Shop Benefits: Platform mentorship, discounted fees, advertising training, subsidised marketing, promotional features, creator matchmaking

How does it work?

Open from today until 19th September, the application process asks founders about what sets their brand apart from the rest of the market. These applications will then be screened by experts from the Council and other programme partners.

Ten of the best entrepreneurs will then be pushed to reach their highest potential via a six-week intensive training programme which will help them to refine their pitching skills and master their brand story.

At the end of this process, they will face a panel of leading beauty business leaders at an event in early December where they will choose two winners.

Interested in finding out more? You can visit the website here. Applicants should be market ready with a minimum annual turnover of £150,000.