Exporting to India? Read This Guide On What You Need Know
India is a highly attractive market for UK beauty, with a growing middle class with increasing disposable income. UK exporters have seen rapid recent rises in Indian sales. The 2025 Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement signed between the UK and India makes this an even better time to consider entering the Indian market. Although still awaiting ratification, the deal is projected to increase bilateral trade between the two countries by £25.5 billion by 2040.
British Beauty Council recommendations are included in Women and Equalities Cosmetic Procedures Report
The British Beauty Council’s recommendation for a regulated aesthetics industry looks to be one step closer as The Women and Equalities Committee publishes its 11th Report on Cosmetic Procedures.
The Government publishes its PFAS Plan to tackle ‘forever chemicals’
Forever Chemicals or PFA’s have caused much debate on their potential environmental and health risks, and in response the Government has published the UK’s first ever plan to tackle these chemicals. The PFAS Plan attempts to strike a balance between addressing public health and environmental concerns and not undermining economic growth and innovation.
The Consumer’s Need to Know Guide on Aesthetics Regulation
With aesthetic regulation expected to be outlined within this parliament, how will this affect consumers who undergo aesthetic procedures? The British Beauty Council, along with the Department of Health & Social Care and other leading industry bodies have come together to provide the public with current information regarding the future of regulation for non-surgical cosmetic procedures in England. For information on Scotland read here.
British Beauty Council welcomes landmark report calling for urgent SME reform
The House of Commons Business and Trade Committee, a cross-party group of MPs tasked with scrutinising the policy, spending, and administration of the Department for Business and Trade in Westminster, has today published a comprehensive roadmap for the future of UK small businesses. It echoes many of the urgent calls for reform championed by the British Beauty Council, says Victoria Brownlie MBE, the Council’s Chief Policy and Sustainability Officer.
Beyond the salon: reimagining beauty careers for National Apprenticeship Week
The UK beauty industry is a multi-billion pound powerhouse built on service, creativity and innovation. As we enter National Apprenticeship Week, we’re speaking to Sue Fox, British Beauty Council Board Member and former President of Estée Lauder UK & Ireland to discuss the Government’s recent transition to the Growth and Skills Levy and how businesses big and small can get most value from apprenticeships.
British Beauty Council stands up for beauty businesses on the high street
Hair, beauty and nail businesses are a cornerstone of the British high street, consistently accounting for the top three retail categories on our high streets (according to the Local Data Company) and generating essential footfall for other businesses. “As a sector of 266,000 workers, the majority of whom are women and small business owners, hair and beauty salons provide equal social value to hospitality and must be granted the same level of protection as the pubs,” says Millie Kendall, CEO of the British Beauty Council, who wrote to Rachel Reeves, Chancellor of the Exchequer. “On behalf of the industry, I raised concerns about the significant impact of the recent changes to business rates for hair and beauty salons up and down the country, following our contribution to the consultation. I urged an immediate extension of the protection being shown to the hospitality sector. This is vital to protect the thousands of hair and beauty SMEs that keep our high streets vibrant.”
Income Tax Goes Digital – Are you Ready?
This will apply to small business owners, salon owners, hairdressers, beauty professionals, and freelancers, whose gross income from self-employment (and/or property) exceeds £50,000, shaping how they run their business and finances.
The British Beauty Council hosts parliamentary drop-in showcasing industry impact
On the 26th of January, the British Beauty Council hosted its first parliamentary drop-in of 2026. The event was aimed at showcasing the economic and cultural contribution the beauty industry makes to the UK and to give attendees an experiential demonstration of hair and beauty services, alongside key industry insights. Hosted with Carolyn Harris MP, Chair of the Beauty and Wellbeing APPG, the drop-in saw record attendance, with 40 MPs and one peer present, with a further 28 MPs represented by their staff.
Scotland takes a step toward regulating aesthetic treatments
For years, the British Beauty Council has campaigned for a regulated landscape in aesthetics that prioritises public safety. Last year, the Scottish Government published ‘The Non-surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers (Scotland) Bill’, leapfrogging the UK Government in its commitment to tackling the unregulated landscape of invasive non-medical treatments and procedures.
