British beauty & spa awards 2008 winners announced
The 12th annual awards were an evening of glitz and glamour hosted by GMTV's Entertainment Today roving reporter Michael Underwood and Health & Beauty Salon Publisher and Editor in Chief Jayne Lewis-Orr.
With a room packed full of excited professionals from the beauty industry, product manufacturers and spa owners, everyone was hoping to be recognised with a much coveted Award.
And the winners were...
Body Therapist of the Year
Sponsored by Health and Beauty Salon
Winner: Rebecca Livings, The Serenity Spa at Seaham Hall, County Durham
What the judges said: Lovely testimonials which really demonstrate this therapist's holistic approach. The winner is a thorough therapist with great client understanding and a huge commitment to their wellbeing.
Marketing Award
Sponsored by London College of Beauty Therapy
Winner: Zen Lifestyle, Edinburgh
What the judges said: An excellent strategic marketing plan is in place at the winning salon, with a month by month plan being executed to a very professional standard. Great promotional activity and excellent media coverage has been achieved.
Regional Salon of the Year Wales & South West
Sponsored by Salon Secure
Winner: Utopia Salons, Menai Bridge, Anglesey, North Wales
What the judges said: This well established salon exceeded all the areas of the criteria and was very strong on marketing its brand and the training and motivation of all team members. With its annual turnover increasing hugely year-on-year, this salon was described as excellent in all areas.
Facial Therapist of the Year
Sponsored by Guinot
Winner: Lynn Daniels, The Haven on the Loch, Balloch, Loch Lomond, Scotland
What the judges said: A committed and passionate therapist, her understanding of the practical and personal elements of a facial treatment is second to none. Constantly developing her skills personally, this therapist also understands the importance of educating her clients.
Manicurist of the Year
Sponsored by Jessica
Winner: Heather Brown, Glow, Wrexham
What the judges said: Outstanding is how one judge described this entry. A complete understanding of the importance of homecare and client care during the treatment, together with a passion to continue learning, made this manicurist exceptional.
Regional Salon of the Year Midlands & North East
Sponsored by Health and Beauty Salon
Winner: Pretty Woman, Oakwood, Leeds
What the judges said: The winning salon has it all, with a great promotional and marketing strategy, excellent training policy in place, and a real focus placed on client needs being met. Time is clearly spent on maintaining standards the industry can aspire to.
Retail Salon of the Year
Sponsored by Health and Beauty Salon
Winner: Zen Lifestyle, Edinburgh
What the judges said: The winning salon has an excellent approach to retail, with a clear policy on link-selling and staff training being a priority. This business clearly recognises the growing importance of retail.
Nail Professional of the Year
Sponsored by Grafton International
Winner: Clare Durtnall-Holland, Perfect Elegance, Eastbourne, East Sussex
What the judges said: A really inspirational and skilled professional, this individual has high business acumen and is making a mark to inspire and develop others around her. She is a creative and experienced individual.
Regional Salon of the Year London & South East
Sponsored by Vibro Tone
Winner: Epitome Health & Beauty, Bushey Heath, Hertfordshire
What the judges said: The winning salon has a phenomenal team and a clear vision of where the business is going and how the successes of the team are measured. This sets them apart from their competitors.
Training Award
Sponsored by International Dermal Institute
Winner: Revival Retreat, Glasgow
What the judges said: The owner of this salon puts her heart and soul into the training and development of her team utilising all methods of training available. She is creative in motivating staff and passionate about their education.
Regional Salon of the Year North West & Scotland
Sponsored by Health and Beauty Salon
Winner: Zen Lifestyle, Edinburgh
What the judges said: A fantastic vision in every area - from customer service to the standards of treatments offered, this salon is constantly observing the changing needs of its clients. Described by one judge as 'a sanctuary in the city'.
Beauty Therapist of the Year
Sponsored by Decleor
Winner: Roisin Eadon-McKenna, Glow, Chester
What the judges said: "When you read the opening statement of this therapist, you want to go and see her immediately," said one judge. She constantly strives for perfection and is entirely client focused and was described by a practical judge as, "the most passionate therapist I have ever met."
Customer Care Award
Sponsored by OPI
Winner: Utopia Salons, Menai Bridge, Anglesey, North Wales
What the judges said: An outstanding customer care policy that is 100% client focused ensures this salon epitomises what customer care should be about -- setting new standards in this area.
Salon Director of the Year
Sponsored by Carita
Winner: Sara Shoemark, Glow, Wrexham
What the judges said: This year's winner demonstrated an enormous enthusiasm and commitment for her business and how important her team are to her and the salon's success. The written dossier even exuded a positive energy and she was described by one judge as, "exuding happiness, harmony and a lovely soul." Her passion for the industry was evident throughout.
Salon of the Year
Sponsored by Health and Beauty Salon
Winner: Zen Lifestyle, Edinburgh
W
hat the judges said: It was agreed the winning salon exuded professionalism and quality in all areas - from customer care to outstanding treatments, by a fantastic team of therapists who are motivated and exceptionally trained.
Day Spa of the Year
Sponsored by Payot
Winner: Chessgrove Day Spa, Hanbury, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire
What the judges said: This day spa takes the client on a fantastic journey from the moment they enter the premises with great attention paid to every detail of the visit. Passionate and warm, the team share the same caring philosophy.
Destination/Hotel Spa of the Year
Sponsored by Espa
Winner: The Spa at Gleneagles Hotel, Auchterarder, Perthshire, Scotland
What the judges said: Five-star standards and a welcoming approach to clients sets this spa apart, with tempting hero treatments and a philosophy that describes a visionary spa that would appeal to the most discerning clientele.
