The British Beauty Council has published its 2021 Annual Report, outlining all the integral work and contributions it has made to the beauty industry in three of its key pillars: Reputation, Education, and Innovation. From backing women within the sector and supporting beauty businesses during the pandemic, to accelerating sustainability efforts and calling for greater inclusivity within the cosmetics. 

Highlights from the 2021 Annual Report include:

• COVID Support: Supporting beauty businesses during the pandemic by winning an extra £500 million of Government-backed support. The British Beauty Council also worked in collaboration with various associations to influence Government to invest in the beauty industry. 

• British Beauty Week: In September 2021, the British Beauty Council launched British Beauty Week, titled Beauty Reimagined, which showcased five days of live and virtual panel discussions, fireside chats, and makeup masterclass demonstrations. 

• The Sustainable Beauty Coalition: Formed in July 2021, the Sustainable Beauty Coalition was launched on the back of the British Beauty Council’s sustainability report Courage to Change.

• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: The British Beauty Council continues to champion for greater diversity and inclusivity in beauty. This year’s initiatives included the Beauty Town Hall Meeting: “Breaking Down Barriers”, which served as a successful introduction to topics around diversity, equality and inclusion as well as the inclusion of afro and textured hair cutting and styling practices in the National Occupational Standards (NOS).

• Career Insights: Part of National Careers Week in March 2021, the British Beauty Council launched a ‘Student Zone’ and the ‘Career Insights’ podcast series, to provide students and young people free access to a range of paid-for membership offerings as well as a behind-the-scenes look at the career development of some of the industry’s most well-known figures.

• Mental Health & Wellbeing: The importance of beauty treatments and the benefits of touch therapy for mental health and wellbeing was highlighted in a report co-authored by the British Beauty Council’s Chief Operating Officer, Helena Grzesk.

The full report is available to download here.