British beauty & spa awards

Published 07th Mar 2008 by akesha

ROLL OF HONOUR The Golden Globes were cancelled, and the Baftas and Oscars have been given out, but there’s still a chance to win a coveted statuette – by entering the British Beauty & Spa Awards. Now in their 12th year, these awards have become the professional beauty industry’s very own Oscars designed to recognise and reward excellence, innovation and professionalism and the glamorous awards ceremony is a highlight of the beauty calender. AWARDS%20TROPHY.jpg

COVETED AWARDS Receiving an award at the presentation dinner is the ultimate accolade for many salons and the specially-commissioned trophies can be proudly displayed to reflect the highest standards of work achieved. Winning, or even gaining a position of finalist, will earn you the respect of your peers and clients, so read on and become part of the awards ceremony that showcases excellence within the beauty industry. READ ON TO FIND OUT HOW TO ENTER...HOW TO ENTER The only entry requirement is a passion for the industry – the awards are open to all salon and spa individuals and teams in the UK. To enter, you need to submit a written presentation that meets the criteria for the category (or categories) you are entering. Most categories request an opening statement of around 500 words, allowing you to provide a summary of what sets you apart from your competition, it’s a chance to really sell yourself. THE JUDGING The judging panel is made up of key independent industry figures and representatives from the sponsoring companies. It is an intense, two-day process. Further rounds of judging will comprise mystery shoppers and telephone calls; and in some categories finalists may be required to attend a practical session. THE FINALISTS After the judging, finalists will be asked to supply photographs for the audio-visual presentation to be shown on the night. GETTING STARTED Entering the awards is simple, but you must ensure you meet the criteria and supply all the relevant information/material to avoid being disqualified. * Choose the most appropriate category/categories * Read the entry form thoroughly * Ensure you understand/meet the criteria The next stage is putting your entry together. * Keep your entry simple, try to keep it in an A4 format * Attract the judges’ attention in your opening statement * Check your entry to ensure you’ve provided all the information/material necessary TOP TIPS Your entry needs to reflect you and your salon – professionally presented, clear, and neat – but allow your character and personality to shine through. A picture is worth a thousand words, so use good quality photographs and attachments to back-up any statements you have made. Finally, make sure you don’t miss the deadline – 13 June 2008. SAVE THE DATE

The British Beauty & Spa Awards 7 September 2008 The Royal Lancaster Hotel, London Entry deadline: 13 June Contact: Dan Eversfield, tel: 020 8652 8845, email: [email protected]

ADVICE FROM PREVIOUS WINNERS

"Some people use professionals to help with their entries, which may deter some from entering, but I put my own portfolio together without any assistance (apart from my 13-year-old who knew how to arrange pictures in Word). If I can do it, anyone can – just take your time and answer the questions thoroughly. “You just have go for it, but not too many of you please, as I don’t want too much competition for 2008!”

Manicurist of the Year: Linda Butler from Just Nails, Poole, Dorset

“My advice to anyone thinking of entering is DO IT and use it as an exercise to look at your business in a fresh, new way. Be sure to respond honestly, fully and succinctly to the subject areas being judged. Awards are about maintaining high standards and the guidelines given by the judging panel are always helpful in establishing benchmarks.”

Destination/Hotel Spa of the Year: Lina Lotto, SenSpa, Hampshire

“There is not getting away from the fact that putting together an entry is hard work and time-consuming, but taking that aside, be yourself and 100% honest. Don’t try to be something or someone you’re not, just be yourself.”

Beauty Therapist of the Year: Margo Robertson, Beauty Network, Hamilton

“Create something that completely sums up everything you are. We designed our own entry. It was themed, thorough and something we felt would get the judges’ attention. Most of all, we loved doing it – a chance to be creative and perhaps add a little bit of humour.”

Day Spa of the Year: Sam Pearce, Eastthorpe Hall Health and Beauty Spa, Mirfield, West Yorkshire

“If you are thinking about entering the awards this year, just go for it. Have the confidence to shout about your business and your attributes, you never know, you might just win it! We felt it was really important to make our entry stand out from the rest. Don’t be afraid of trying something different and making your entry unique to business and personality.”

Day Spa of the Year: Nicola Foleher, Eastthorpe Hall Health and Beauty Spa, Mirfield, West Yorkshire CATEGORIES