Raising the Bar: The Journey to Aesthetics Regulation
For decades, the UK’s non-surgical cosmetic sector operated with minimal oversight, leaving both consumers and professional practitioners vulnerable. The tide began to turn in 2013 with the landmark Keogh Report, which famously described dermal fillers as a “crisis waiting to happen.” Since its inception in 2018, the British Beauty Council has been the primary engine for change, working with the Government to ensure that the recommendations of the past become the laws of today.
How will The European Accessibility Act affect beauty?
The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is an EU directive that aims to improve access to digital and physical services for people with disabilities or other impairments.
Be A Part of British Beauty Week 2026 “The Impact of Beauty”
British Beauty Week returns this October, and we’re pleased to announce this year’s theme: “The Impact of Beauty”.
UV Safety – leading the conversation on a national strategy
Rising cases in Melanoma mean that skin cancer is now the UK’s 5th most common cancer, with 17,500 new cases annually, according to Cancer Research UK. Yet, 86% of melanoma cases are preventable through simple measures like using SPF30+, making it one of the UK’s most pressing public health challenges.
With no national strategy on UV safety and NHS data suggesting skin cancer treatment is costing the Health Service approximately £720 million every year, the All Party Parliamentary Group for Beauty, Hair & Wellbeing (APPG), supported by the British Beauty Council in its role as Secretariat, launched the UV Safety Inquiry in May 2025.
Have Your Say On The Future of Sunbed Regulation in England
Despite being classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the World Health Organisation, sunbeds are used by approximately 6 million people in the UK, with almost half of them being 18-34-year-olds. The industry is governed mainly by the Sunbeds (Regulation) Act 2010, which prohibits use by under-18s and, in conjunction with other regulation, sets a maximum UV output equivalent to the midday Mediterranean sun.
Backing the Future of Beauty with the Venrex X British Beauty Council Investment Fund
Launched in 2024, the partnership between The British Beauty Council and Venrex and the fund (Venrex BBCo I) is designed to support ambitious early-stage beauty founders shaping the future of the industry.
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).
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.
