From 12 to 25 October, we celebrated British Beauty Week, a chance to recognise one of the UK’s most important, and often overlooked, industries.
As Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Beauty, Hair and Wellbeing, I see first-hand just how much this sector gives back. The beauty industry contributes £28.3 billion to UK GDP and supports 595,000 jobs, many of them in small, independent businesses.
Here in Neath and Swansea East, salons, barbers and beauty businesses are at the heart of our high streets. They bring footfall to our town centres, create local jobs and give people a reason to shop local.
But the industry’s value goes far beyond the economy. For many people, a trip to the salon is about much more than a new hairstyle or treatment. It is time to relax, a chance to talk and, for some, a lifeline that supports their mental health and wellbeing.
I was delighted to visit a local salon and hear from the people who make our beauty businesses such a success.
I will continue to champion the beauty industry in Parliament and make sure it gets the recognition and support it deserves.