News

Registration now open for Dublin PB/HJ show in November

Registration is now open for the annual Professional Beauty/Hairdressers Journal Ireland show, which is taking place in the Simmonscourt Pavilion at the RDS in Dublin on 6-7 November.

After a three-year absence due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the 2022 event is a fitting way to reboot, reconnect and reunite with the industry. From product launches to live stages, it promises to be action-packed, and bigger and better than ever.

Over the course of the two days, industry professionals can explore all the top brands’ latest offerings, hear about emerging trends, network with fellow industry professionals, and learn new skills and techniques.

PB/HJ Ireland welcomes all trade professionals from the beauty, hair and spa industry, including senior buyers, salon owners, creative directors, nail technicians, make-up artists and spa professionals. Attending the show is a unique opportunity for everyone in the industry to elevate their careers and boost business.

Registration for the show is completely free – all you need to do is visit the Events section on our website professionalbeauty.ie. And for a sneak peek of what to expect this year, turn to page 36 to read our show preview.

After a three-year absence due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the 2022 event is a fitting way to reboot, reconnect and reunite with the industry

Digital training scheme for Irish SMEs

Google, Enterprise Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices have joined forces to launch a new digital training scheme for SMEs.

The You’re the Business initiative aims to provide online training and resources for all Irish SMEs to help them get online, and to grow their digital footprint.

According to a recent study from Google, carried out in partnership with Amárach, almost half of SMEs believe they could more than double their turnover and profitability with an investment in digital skills. The research also shows that SMEs believe that enhancing digital skills could increase environmental sustainability and reduce running costs.

Through the new You’re the Business digital platform, SMEs will have access to a series of live and on-demand training sessions, geared towards supporting businesses at all stages of their digitalisation journey, including those at early stages.

“The skills required for doing business in a digital-first world are constantly evolving, and it can be challenging for SMEs to stay ahead of the curve as they manage their day-today business needs,” said Damien English, Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail.

“Irish SMEs’ ability to adapt and thrive is both an inspiring and vital component of their success. To prosper on their digital journey, Irish SMEs need support and that is why I am encouraging businesses from across Ireland to engage with the You’re the Business initiative.”

Government reveals Budget 2023 to be announced in September

The Government has confirmed that Budget 2023 will be announced on 27 September, which is two weeks earlier than planned. It will include €5.65bn in spending, and just over €1bn in tax measures.

Spending next year will increase by 6.5%, according to the Summer Economic Statement, in what has been described as a ‘temporary once-off increase’, which breaches the Government’s own spending rule of 5%.

Of the total Budget package of €6.7bn, €3bn will be allocated to maintain existing levels of public services, leaving €3.7bn for decisions to be announced on Budget day, including the €1bn in tax measures. In addition, there will be another €4.5bn in non-core spending allocated to Covid-19 and assisting people from Ukraine.

“Budget 2023 – ACost of Living Budget will provide for an overall package of €6.7bn with additional public spending of €5.65bn and taxation measures amounting to €1.05bn,” said Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe.

“The tax package is double the amount set in the original strategy and reflects the need to adjust the parameters, given the higher-thanassumed inflation. A key objective of taxation policy in Budget 2023 will be to avoid workers paying additional tax, simply because they move through higher tax brackets because of inflation.”

Meanwhile, the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Leo Varadkar has outlined his proposal to introduce a living wage for all employees, starting from next year.

He will now consult with various interested parties, including employer and worker representative groups, unions and the public on the draft plan. Last year, the Tánaiste asked the Low Pay Commission to conduct research and report to him on how best the Government can progress to a living wage.

The new proposal is based on these recommendations and states that the living wage will be set at 60% of the median wage in any given year, which in 2022 would be €12.17 per hour. The national minimum wage is currently €10.50 per hour.

New research finds two-thirds of Irish people are open to trying Botox

Almost two-thirds of Irish people (62%) said they would be open to trying or have tried antiwrinkle injections such as Botox, according to new research from Phorest Salon Software.

A total of 11% said they have had or are currently undergoing injectable anti-wrinkle treatments, while 38% said they have never and would never try them.

More than half (51%) said they would be open to the treatment, with 29% saying they would like to, and 22% saying they were unsure, but curious to try.

“This reflects a real opportunity for Irish salons who are looking to get into the medi-aesthetic space,” said Verna Wall, lead researcher at Phorest. “The appetite is there among the Irish public to turn back the hands of time, so this is your sign to invest in that area of your business and give the people what they want.”

Of those who indicated they had not yet tried anti-wrinkle injectables, 12% said it was because they didn’t know where to go to find them, 36% considered them too expensive, while 34% didn’t know enough about them. Meanwhile, 34% said they were just not interested.

Phorest said this in contrast to the US, where 50% say they have never and would never try treatments such as Botox, with 43% of those saying it was because they were not at all interested.

L’Oréal Colour Trophy Ireland takes place in Mansion House

The L’Oréal Colour Trophy Ireland Grand Final 2022 has taken place in Dublin’s Mansion House.

Attended by hundreds of competitors and guests, the event was hosted by TV and radio presenter Jennifer Zamparelli.

Launched in the UK in 1954, the competition was held for the first time in Ireland in 1966. Championing professional excellence and hair artistry, the mission in 2022 was ‘to uncover talent from all corners of the Ireland’.

The judging panel included Alan Edwards, Paul Dennison, Sally Brooks, Nathan Walker and Adam Reed, with the evening featuring the ‘Pathways’ show from Darren and Jackie Ambrose ahead of the announcements of the winners.

Presented by Béatrice Dautzenberg, managing director, L’Oréal Professional Products Division UK and Ireland, and David O’Brien, market director, L’Oréal Professional Products Division Ireland, the L’Oréal Colour Trophy Ireland was won by Emma Marcey Collins from ODD in Limerick.

Lauren Murray and Ciara Haide, The Academy Barber, Kilcock, Co Kildare came second, while third place went to Shauna McGrath and Courtney Hennessy, Komb Professional Hairdressing in Dublin.

Meanwhile, Peter Mark’s Georgia Haverty won the L’Oréal Colour Trophy Star Award, which was presented by Paul Dennison and Alan Edwards.