“The beauty industry is the best of British business”

Chancellor Rishi Sunak opened the British Beauty Week 2021 on Wednesday (September 8) with a speech celebrating the industry.

“If anyone ever doubted, the pandemic brought home that the services you all provide are essential,” Sunak told attendees.

“What you give people is something that is impossible to measure in all the spreadsheets that I see – confidence, self-esteem and a sense of wellbeing. Beauty parlours, hairdressers or nail salons are places where people can come together for a chat and catch up while you get your hair cut or your nails done. That is no small feat and I applaud you for it.”

He added: “Thank you for everything you have done to keep going over the last year. The beauty industry is the best of British business, you are creative, you are entrepreneurial, and you are innovative – no wonder you are worth £30 billion to the UK economy.”

Since its inception three years ago, the British Beauty Council has provided financial guidance and support to thousands of businesses and workers, of which 88 per cent are women, and was even able to secure £500m in financial aid from the government to support the industry through the pandemic.

Millie Kendall, CEO of the British Beauty Council, said: “Since the creation of the British Beauty Council, we have been coming into the political consciousness as a driven, entrepreneurial and world-leading dynamic sector. Our relationship with the government has gone from strength to strength.”

She continued: “As we recover from the pandemic, the industry must put a greater focus on embracing sustainability, championing diversity and inclusion – and showcasing opportunities for fulfilling lifelong careers. British Beauty Week is an awe-inspiring vessel for all these issues as the British Beauty Council takes the conversation forward in its ongoing work with government.”

Paul Scully, small business minister said: “After an incredibly testing year and a half, it is so encouraging to see the beauty industry doing what they do best and bouncing back in style.

“British Beauty Week is a powerful celebration of the incredible contribution which the beauty industry makes to the UK economy and society, boosting mental health, championing inclusion and providing an incredible range of opportunities, especially to women and young people.”