Navigating Trade and Export Regulations in the Middle East
The Middle East and particularly the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries offer great export and growth opportunities for UK beauty firms. The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region’s beauty market was worth circa $60 billion in 2025, although its growth and value are likely to now be significantly impacted by the events in the region. Brands should be realistic about the risks and operational challenges that such disruption brings.
New Late Payments Rules Announced
The Government has unveiled a series of reforms to late payments described as “the toughest crackdown on late payments in 25 years”, intended to help small businesses improve cashflow. This comes as government data suggests late payments cause 38 business closures daily, costing the UK economy a staggering £11 billion a year.
Aesthetics Regulation – What Practitioners Need to Know
The British Beauty Council, together with the Department of Health & Social Care and other leading industry bodies have come together to provide practitioners within the aesthetics sector with all the information we currently know regarding the future of regulation for non-surgical cosmetic procedures in England.
Rebuilding the talent pipeline: What can the Youth Guarantee deliver for beauty?
The UK Government has announced a £1 billion Youth Guarantee to help more young people into education, employment, or training. This follows growing concern in the industry about the sharp decline in apprenticeship starts—particularly among small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs).
The Trade Guide: Selling in the European Union
Despite Brexit, the EU remains the most natural and accessible export market for British beauty. With over 440 million consumers and an established appetite for British brands, it presents British businesses with significant growth and outreach opportunities. 70% of UK beauty product exports in 2024 were purchased by EEA countries, with Ireland being the largest single buyer at £625 million.
A landmark moment for our industry: New SIC codes for hair, beauty and spa are announced
After seven years of determined lobbying, the British Beauty Council has secured the first change to the beauty industry’s Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes since 1948. A milestone that defines and legitimises the different professional hair, beauty and spa services sectors at government level.
Exporting Beauty: Your Need To Know Trade Guide
The UK beauty industry is a powerhouse contributing over £30 billion to the UK economy, over £22 billion of which is accounted for by personal care goods. According to our Value of Beauty Report, produced in collaboration with Oxford Economics, exports by UK beauty and personal care manufacturers totalled £4.3 billion in 2024, making up 1.3% of UK good exports.
British Beauty Council Welcomes Scotland’s Landmark Legislation on Aesthetics
For years, The Council has championed the necessity of rigorous standards around aesthetics in order to professionalise the sector, with this legislation representing a definitive step toward raising the reputation of the industry and safeguarding the public.
This Bill introduces long-overdue regulations for high-risk non-surgical procedures, including Botulinum Toxin, dermal fillers, and other advanced aesthetic treatments. By requiring these procedures to be performed by or under the supervision of designated healthcare professionals within registered, regulated premises, Scotland is setting a high bar for clinical excellence.
Thinking of Exporting to China? Start With This Guide
China has a strong consumer base with interest in premium skincare and appetite for Western brands as demonstrated at the recent launch of the British Beauty Festival in Shanghai. The Chinese market presents great opportunities for British beauty brands with the Department for Business and Trade valuing this at £60 billion. However, the regulatory environment for cosmetics is quite dynamic and requires careful consideration.
The Future of Beauty Employment: Have Your Say on Employment Rights
Following the passage of the landmark Employment Rights Act (ERA) 2025, the most significant modernisation of workers’ rights in a generation, the Government has officially opened five key consultations.
From salon owners to retailers and brand headquarters to therapists, these changes to employment rights will touch every sector of the beauty industry. More than just a legislative update, it is your opportunity to ensure the unique needs of businesses operating in our sector are heard, before these rules are formalised.
