How to Start a Beauty Business in the UK

The beauty industry in the UK is booming and ripe with potential. Market research shows that the cosmetics market value in Great Britain has been steadily increasing for over a decade. In fact, the growth of the beauty industry in 2021 reached a substantial level. The health and beauty market size in the UK was a staggering £36.7 billion in 2021 and is projected to keep growing at a rate of over 2% annually until 2026.

The UK beauty industry has many exciting segments to consider. Cosmetics, skincare, haircare, toiletries, and fragrances have grown consistently, providing opportunities for established brands and emerging players.

One important thing to note is the significant role that online sales play in the UK beauty market. By the end of 2023, online sales are predicted to reach 44.2% of the total revenue in the beauty and personal care market. This means that digital platforms and eCommerce channels are crucial for businesses in the beauty industry.

Overall, the growth and potential of the UK beauty industry are driven by shifting consumer preferences, focusing on personal well-being and the convenience of online shopping. Businesses in this industry can tap into this growing market and explore different segments to drive their success.

Getting Started

Are you considering starting your own beauty business? It can be an incredibly rewarding and profitable venture, but it’s also important to go into it with realistic expectations. You won’t become a millionaire overnight — and in some cases, the hours you will need to work can far exceed those of other jobs. One pitfall that many aspiring beauty business owners struggle with is burnout.

We spoke with Claire Kettell, founder of renowned beauty and hairdresser salon supplier SalonServe, established in 1994, for her views. She told us,

“It’s critical to pace yourself, especially when you’re developing and pushing for growth, which is particularly demanding and can take your life over. It can lead to burning out, and then you lose your enthusiasm.”

The industry is highly competitive, fast-paced, and ever-changing, which can be overwhelming and exhausting when you are just starting in the field. To maximise success and ensure long-term sustainability, you need to take time to put in proper systems. Subsequently, learning and developing your beauty business management skills should be at the top of the list when you start. Not only to meet customer needs but also to prevent burnout from occurring.

Beauty Business Management Skills

Beauty therapy expertise is undoubtedly vital, but it’s equally important to possess strong business management skills. Why? Let’s break it down:

Client satisfaction and retention: By honing communication, customer service and interpersonal skills, beauty therapists can truly understand and meet the needs of their clients. Building strong relationships, enhancing experiences, and ensuring satisfaction become second nature.

Business growth and profitability: Understanding business principles like economics, financial accounting, and data analysis empowers beauty therapists to make informed decisions that contribute to the growth and profitability of their practice. These skills are crucial to success, from setting competitive prices to identifying profitable services.

Efficiency: Organisational skills and time management are essential to schedule appointments efficiently and ensure you always have the necessary stock and fully functioning equipment.

Entrepreneurial opportunities: With business management skills, a beauty business can network and secure PR to establish and build a successful brand.

Choosing a Beauty Business Niche

Discovering your niche is critical in a competitive market. A niche refers to a specific segment or target audience within a larger market where a business can establish a unique position and effectively meet the needs of a distinct customer base.

Here’s why finding your niche is vital:

Stand out: In a crowded and cut-throat market, finding your niche allows you to set yourself apart from competitors. By narrowing your focus to a specific segment, you can tailor products, services, and marketing efforts to cater to your target audience’s unique needs and preferences. This differentiation helps you stand out and attract customers who are actively seeking the solutions you offer.

Targeted marketing: Understanding your niche enables you to develop targeted marketing strategies. You can create personalised messages and deliver them through the most effective channels by identifying your niche’s characteristics, interests, and pain points. This targeted approach increases the chances of reaching the right customers, leading to higher conversion rates and customer loyalty.

Competitive advantage: When you find your niche, you gain a competitive advantage by focusing on a specific market segment that may be underserved or overlooked by larger competitors. By becoming an expert in your niche and offering tailored products or services, you can establish a strong position and attract customers seeking specialised solutions.

Final Thoughts on Starting a Beauty Business

Starting a beauty business in the UK is a great way to realise your entrepreneurial ambitions and use your creative skills. There are many potential niches to explore, and developing strong business management skills is essential. You should also ensure you have a niche that resonates with you and devise a marketing plan. Doing so will help your business be well-positioned for success.

Will you be the next great entrepreneur in beauty? It’s time to stop dreaming and start building!