Expert Advice: Using this time to revive your hair & beauty space

It's no secret that the hair and beauty industry has been affected by the restrictions put in place throughout this pandemic. From immediate closures to adapting environments to make them COVID safe and back to complete closures again, it's not been an easy run for any business big or small. 

However, all that being said there is light on the horizon! Recent Government guidelines identify the personal care and beauty services as its own sector, instead of what was previously grouped with hospitality and non-essential retail. And whilst salons and barbers in the UK are still closed to clients, we are now starting to get indicators from devolved governments that restrictions will ease. 

In keeping with this positive tone, we have constantly adapted the way we do business so that salon and barbershop owners can use this closure time as an invaluable opportunity to really invest in their spaces without causing absolutely any disruption to clients. As professional creatives, it's important to think creatively and focus on the things that can be done during this pandemic and not dwell too much on the things we can't. 

So many hair and beauty professionals have used this pandemic as an opportunity to revive and recreate their spaces, set up their own business ventures from home, and put their businesses in the best position for when doors are set to re-open.

Here at the Salon Equipment Centre, we have also made changes with the way we do business during this pandemic. We felt that it was our responsibility to be there for beauty and hair professionals, so right from the very start, we've been listening to what our customers want from us and working hard behind the scenes to make it happen. 

Whilst the doors of our showroom had to close for instore visits, we began offering a full service online so that those who were using this time to invest in their businesses didn't miss out on the range of services and exclusive collections we have to offer. 

This is a hot topic at the moment and due the whole host of support schemes available; it can often become too overwhelming to understand and decide: a) what you qualify for and b) what's best for you and your business.

The most recent schemes to be introduced are generally administered through local councils and are distributed at their discretion, so what is available to you may vary from one region to the next. With so many applications being submitted daily, please bear in mind that it may take some time to be processed, so our advice is, don't leave it too late to get those applications in!

When it comes to understanding your options, we've done the hard work for you, with the aim of simplifying it as much as we can, so that you can then decide what would be best for you to apply for.

From furlough schemes to Government-backed low interest loans through to tax-free cash grants available, it's important that if you're looking for that additional financial support that you qualify for, then it's wise to act quickly and get applications in as soon as possible. It's never been a more attractive time to invest in your business. The Salon Equipment Centre team can help you to better understand it all, simply get in touch to learn more.

We've tried to always keep the focus on the positives of this pandemic but that doesn't mean we don't understand the difficulties that many are faced with both professional and personally through these very unprecedented times. Where we do find comfort is in the fact that we are all in this together and, as an industry, we will pull through. 

Whilst we are hopeful for things to re-open sooner rather than later, we can only use this time wisely; make every day count and make sure that the focus is on all the things we can do and work hard to achieve every goal we set, no matter how big or small that may be. It's important to see this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to really make a difference to your brand, your business space and really invest in the future of your business.

No matter what budget you're working to, or what ideas you have in mind, there's lots of assistance available to help you to make it happen for you within reachable means. This time won't come again, these opportunities won't be around for long, make every day count towards achieving the best your business can. If you're looking for inspiration, check out our social media where we feature the hard work of salons and barbers that have either upgraded areas of their salon or shop, undergone a complete transformation or set up completely from scratch at home.

Imogen Murrison is Sales & Marketing Manager at Salon Equipment Centre with six years' experience of helping business owners realise the full potential of their space and seeing new and innovative designs come to life in salons and barber shops across the UK.