29 April 2024

 The National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF) attended a Ministerial roundtable meeting with government leaders to address pressing issues and policies impacting the UK's Personal Care industry.

At the roundtable, on 22nd April NHBF our chief executive, Caroline Larissey, spoke directly with Minister Kevin Hollinrake, his advisors and senior representative, to voice the concerns and proposals of the NHBF's thousands of member businesses across the hair and beauty sector.

Key issues discussed included sector proposals for reforms to apprenticeship and funding incentives for employers, training and education, caution about further minimum wage rises, ongoing business costs pressures like energy bills, and the need for more robust actions to tackle skills shortages.

Caroline Larissey stated: "We appreciate the government taking the time to listen to the voices of our sector at this important roundtable. The Personal Care sector generates billions for the UK economy and employs hundreds of thousands of skilled professionals. However, we face significant policy challenges that must be addressed through constructive dialogue." 

The NHBF aims to secure commitments from ministers on reducing administrative burdens on small businesses and increasing funding for apprenticeships and staff training initiatives.  

"Our members have been loudly voicing their struggles amid the cost-of-living crisis," added Caroline. "This roundtable allowed us to propose tangible solutions directly to policymakers to safeguard the future prosperity of our sector."

The roundtable is a further milestone in addition to the NHBF's lobbying efforts and Campaign agenda in 2024. The NHBF welcomes this opportunity for the sector to come together and communicate common goals to Government.