Caught on camera: clarins

GOING

GOLD

Top names attended the Clarins Gold Salon awards.  Moira Paulusz reports

The prestigious Clarins Gold Salon of the Year Awards were held in the splendid grounds of historic Hampton Court Palace, just outside London, with the ceremony drawing some of the top names in the UK beauty industry.

Men are quietly making their mark on the industry, judging by this year's two winners. Raj Aggarwal OBE (LEFT), is owner of The Central Pharmacy, in Cardiff, Wales, and his business was named Best in the UK. Mark Chamberlain (BELOW RIGHT), owner of The Feel Good Centre, in Tenterden, Kent, won the Clarins Gold Salon of the Year Award 2007. Each received the Gold Salon trophy and a cheque for £3,500 and £3,000 respectively.

Making the presentations, Clarins UK MD Robin Vincent (BELOW LEFT) praised both businesses for the standard of practical treatment offered and the level of professional advice and care given to clients, along with the salons' ambience and business development. He went on to highlight the priorities for 2009.

Raj, who received an OBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours list for his pharmacy and charity work last year, said: "I am very proud to receive this award, which is a testament to the talent, hard work and dedication of the staff - and it's great to bring the trophy to Wales for the first time."

An equally delighted Mark commented: "I am thrilled to have won this award, not only for the recognition of the business, but also for the therapists whose professionalism and enthusiasm has meant we achieved Gold Salon status and can offer the highest standards to clients."

Clarins introduced the concept of Gold Salons 15 years ago, and there are now 79 nationwide. As part of any relationship with a beauty salon, the company provides beauty products and trains its staff to advise on Clarins treatments and homecare. The company recognises some salons give an exemplary service and, as such, awards them the highly-prized Gold Salon status.