Throughout her career, Brownlie has worked steadfastly to support an array of industries in recognising their worth and ensuring equitable access for minority communities. This dedication to bettering the working environment for all has been epitomised in her work advocating and campaigning on behalf of the British beauty industry.

From advocating on behalf of female owned businesses, to challenging misconceptions of the beauty industry, Victoria has been instrumental in securing much needed support for the sector.

Brownlie’s commitment to future proofing the beauty sector was typified when she played a vital role in securing £500m of targeted support in the wake of Covid-19. The Personal Care Emergency Fund saw HMT provide grants to keep the industry afloat. Without this, thousands of high-street businesses would have closed resulting in thousands of job losses.

On receiving the accolade, Victoria Brownlie said:

‘It’s an absolute honour to receive such recognition for a role I love and take so much pride in. Much of my life has been spent fighting for the underdog, those often dismissed out of turn, and the industry I represent now is no exception.

‘This award gives much needed recognition for the beauty and personal care sector as a formidable and relevant industry with a lot to say for itself.’

Before these influential roles in the beauty sector, both now with the British Beauty Council and her prior role as Director of Policy and Public Affairs at the National Hair & Beauty Federation, she worked in legislation for animal welfare and the construction industry.

Brownlie also worked alongside Liberal Democrat MP Annette Brooke in Mid Dorset and North Poole and acted as a political advisor within Brighton and Hove City Council during the EU Referendum.

In her role as Chief of Policy & Sustainability at the British Beauty Council, Brownlie continues her work supporting the 550,000 people employed by the sector.

Meribeth Parker, Chair of the British Beauty Council said:

‘This well deserved honour reflects the incredible impact that Victoria and the British Beauty Council have had in delivering policy change and impact for the important Beauty and Personal Care industry.

‘The sector offers unique career opportunities, supports enhanced wellbeing and an influential impact to the UK’s GDP – thus, we are delighted to see Victoria’s significant contribution rewarded in this way.’

Over her time at the Council, Victoria has been successful in:

• Securing an earlier reopening of the industry post-lockdown and an £18,000 ‘restart grant’ (link to “COVID-19: Restart grants available” if transferred) – a £12,000 increase on the previously proposed grant, which amounted to an additional £350m in total.
• Launching the Sustainable Beauty Coalition (link to new Sustainable Beauty Coalition page)to accelerate the sustainability efforts in the beauty industry and working with government representatives to support the Race to Net Zero campaign.
• Representing the industry at COP26 in Glasgow – the British Beauty Council was the only NGO within the beauty sector to achieve observer status at the summit.
• Working with the UK government on initiatives to support and champion women in the sector and help enable positive social mobility.
• Securing the ban on injectables for under 18s and a government commitment to introduce regulation in the aesthetics sector.