British beauty & spa awards 2007

Now in their 11th year, the British Beauty & Spa Awards are designed to promote excellence, innovation and professionalism in the industry, as well as to recognise the hard work and commitment of all the finalists - individually and collectively. So who stepped on to the podium to receive their accolade? Read on to discover the winners...BODY THERAPIST OF THE YEAR Sponsor: Dr Hauschka Presenter: Sebastian Parsons, chief executive Winner: Jamie Chalmers, One Spa, Edinburgh

“To win is amazing - and it validates my belief in treating clients holistically. It’s when you look at the ‘whole’ person that you get real results,” said One Spa senoir therapist, Jamie Chalmers.

Judges’ comments: “The winner clearly demonstrated exceptional skills and inspired the judges with both the portfolio and the practical stage of the judging.”

MARKETING AWARD Sponsor: The London College of Beauty Therapy Presenter: Tina Kemp, head of training Winner: Titanic Spa, Linthwaite, Huddersfield

Spa director, Warrick Burton, attributes the spa’s success to its eco-philosophy and being clever with a tiny budget to introduce the spa to what is a traditionally industrial North. “The team will be delighted with our win. This award is a powerful thing -- and it means a lot to us all.”

Judges’ comments: “Marketing is a key element of any business. This year’s winner was professional, succinct, intelligent and credible – a beautiful marketing portfolio.”

REGIONAL SALON OF THE YEAR, WALES & SOUTH WEST Sponsor: Salon Secure Presenter: Marc Loud, commercial sales Winner: Cedars Health & Beauty Centres, Gloucester

“We are very excited - and it’s all down to teamwork,” said Debbie Moore. “We’ve been established for more than 13 years, but we can’t afford to be comfortable, and must continue to up our game with new treatments and experiences.”

Judges’ comments: “The winning salon showed it had an active marketing and promotional calendar and demonstrated great skills in the day-to-day running of the salon.”

FACIAL THERAPIST OF THE YEAR Sponsor: Guinot Presenter: Ros Grace, managing director Winner: Lynn Daniels, Haven on the Loch, Balloch, Loch Lomond

“I can’t believe it - it’s overwhelming,” said owner, Lynn Daniels. “To me, being a good facial therapist is all about listening to your client and together deciding what they are looking for from a treatment that day.”

Judges’ comments: “This year’s winner showed great all-round skills -– a passion for skincare and great business acumen. She also proved her knowledge and technical skills in the practical round of judging.”

MANICURIST OF THE YEAR Sponsor: Jessica Presenter: Susan Gerrard, founder and managing director Winner: Linda Butler, Just Nails, Poole, Dorset

“I’m speechless -- my clients will be thrilled,” said owner, Linda Butler. “Manicure is often seen to be second rate to nail extensions, but I think there’s a place for all – we do an equally excellent job.”

Judges’ comments: “The winner is not only a very skilled manicurist, but also has great business acumen. Her practical skills at the judging were of an exceptionally high standard.”

REGIONAL SALON OF THE YEAR, MIDLANDS & NORTH EAST Sponsor: Vibro Tone Presenter: Irving Milsom, managing director Winner: Esque, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire

“It’s always difficult once you’ve won once to win another, but we always want to improve standards year-on-year, with attention to detail,” explained Sally Rees managing directors. “We try to do something new every year and make sure clients get exactly what they want.”

Judges’ comments: “This winning salon had a very strong marketing plan with an excellent bonus structure for the team.”

RETAIL SALON OF THE YEAR Sponsor: The Skincare Sanctuary Presenter: Andrew Bagley, managing director Winner: Glow, Wrexham

“I’m stunned at the win. I believe so strongly in retailing to clients. I feel it’s our duty to retail as selling just one product can make a difference to a person’s life,” said salon director, Sara Shoemark.

Judges’ comments: “One judge commented this is a fantastic retail salon that creates a shopping experience -- superb attention to detail, and great use of the web and mail-order.”

NAIL PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR Sponsor: Grafton International Presenter: Jon Hardwick, managing director Winner: Sophy Robson, Sophy Robson Nailcare Clinic, London

Shaking with shock, owner Sophy Robson said: “I can’t believe it. I’m over the moon. It’s been an amazing year -- and this award is the icing on the cake. To me, being a good nail professional is about attention to detail, passion, loyalty and integrity.”

Judges’ comments: “This year’s winner was really impressive from start to finish, with some fantastic images. Amazing magazine work coupled with a high quality of regular salon work made this entrant a winner.”

REGIONAL SALON OF THE YEAR, LONDON & SOUTH EAST Sponsor: Health & Beauty Salon Presenter: Jayne Lewis-Orr, publisher/editor-in-chief Winner: The Chapel, Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Toby Dicker, managing director, attributed the salon award to his “brilliant” staff. “Every single person in the team wants to take the client on a journey.”

Judges’ comments: “This year’s winner put forward a fabulous portfolio, capturing the essence of the salon. An innovative approach to team work showed this is clearly a business that knows what it is about.”

TRAINING AWARD Sponsor: The International Dermal Institute Presenter: Clair Buttery, international training manager Winner: Serenity Spa at Seaham Hall, County Durham

“The company invests a great deal of time and money in training the team to deliver excellence and to develop them as individuals. Winning is wonderful - and it means all our hard work has been worthwhile,” commented training manager, Beverley Brown.

Judges’ comments: “One judge said this was an outstanding training entry. The training manuals clearly set goals and objectives. The team were obviously motivated, enjoying their jobs and fulfilling their potential.”

REGIONAL SALON OF THE YEAR, NORTH WEST & SCOTLAND Sponsor: Darphin Presenter: Stephanie Sherman, UK General Manager Winner: Celeste Beauty Spa, Edinburgh

“I’m really, really pleased -- it’s been a real team effort,” said owner Louise Nolan. “I think our relationship with our clients sets us apart from other spas. We make them our friends, and know what they want. We’re also not frightened of introducing new products and treatments to keep their interest.”

Judges’ comments: “This regional category is always closely contended, and this year’s winner has introduced a great number of innovative marketing strategies that worked. The salon is young and funky while retaining a grace to put the older clientele at ease.”

BEAUTY THERAPIST OF THE YEAR Sponsor: Decleor Presenter: Carolyn Taylor, managing director Winner: Margo Robertson, Beauty Network, Hamilton

So what makes a good therapist? According to Margo, “It’s in the blood. As well as passion and dedication, you need experience, a wide range of treatments, and must treat every client as an individual.”

Judges’ comments: “All finalists in this category have shown incredibly high standards in beauty therapy, especially in the practical round, as commended on by all the judges. The winner had good all-round therapy skills and was a very intelligent, caring therapist. She also presented a very interesting case study in her portfolio.”

CUSTOMER CARE AWARD Sponsor: Health & Beauty Salon Presenter: Jayne Lewis-Orr, publisher/editor-in-chief Winner: The Chapel, Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Toby Dicker, managing director, explained that all new clients get a follow-up letter after visiting The Chapel. “If someone’s not happy, we always make sure we get a second chance to make a first impression.”

Judges’ comments: “This salon showed paramount attention to detail, a fantastic environment with phenomenal client testimonials – making you want to go there. Clients are treated on a very personal level.”

SALON DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR Sponsor: Health & Beauty Salon Presenter: Jayne Lewis-Orr, publisher/editor-in-chief Winner: Sara Shoemark, Glow, Wrexham

A second consecutive win for Sara Shoemark, she said: “It’s not just about me -- I couldn’t do it without a great team. It’s my team and my clients that drive me.”

Judges’ comments: “The winner this year shows great ambition and drive and also takes her business development skills outside of the salon. The business is very well structured and her team clearly have the utmost respect for her. She is supportive, modest and humble, said one judge – a great combination.”

SALON OF THE YEAR Sponsor: Comfort Zone Presenter: Dianne Dalgliesh, senior business manager Winner: The Chapel, Tunbridge Wells, Kent

According to a beaming managing director, Toby Dicker, the salon’s win is all down to dedication and hard work. “We have invested heavily in training our amazing front-of-house team - and it’s paid off. Our belief is you have just one chance, and, if for any reason you mess it up, you must do your utmost to make good.”

Judges’ comments: “It was agreed the winning salon exuded professionalism and quality and showed great team spirit.”

DAY SPA OF THE YEAR Sponsor: Espa Presenter: Jackie O’Hare, national sales manager Winner: Eastthorpe Hall the Health & Beauty Spa, Mirfield, West Yorkshire

“This is overwhelming - I can hardly speak as I’m so overjoyed,” said Sam Pearce, partner in the family business. “We are dedicated to doing the best for our clients, and believe in delivering genuinely holistic therapies with consistency.”

Judges’ comments: “The judges took into account the target market of each spa to assess its success. The winning spa was said to be deliciously enticing, with outstanding feedback from its clientele.”

DESTINATION/HOTEL SPA OF THE YEAR Sponsor: Espa Presenter: Charlie Harmsworth, brand director Winner: Senspa at Carey’s Manor Hotel, New Forest, Hampshire

According to spa director, Lina Lotto, the spa’s win is down to its unique concept, dedication to customer care, and team effort. “It’s fantastic to win and we are delighted,” she said

Judges’ comments: “This spa offers impressive facilities and service and had a wonderful spa philosophy. The warm, relaxed presentation demonstrated a carefully planned customer journey that would meet all expectations.”