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Google adds online security module to You're the Business initiative
Google has added a new online security module to its You’re the Business initiative, a digital training scheme launched last year to help upskill Irish SMEs.
You're the Business is a collaboration between Google, Enterprise Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices, and aims to accelerate Irish SME growth through digitalisation.
Recent research conducted by iReach Insights on behalf of Google found that 77% of SMEs agree that having a secure online presence is a priority for their business, with 42% strongly agreeing that it is a priority.
Just 20% are very aware of the specific measures or tools required to protect their data/digital assets, while 64% know a little, but not much.
“We are introducing a new cyber security module as our research informs us that while Irish SMEs understand the importance of cyber security, they are not always aware of the measures required to protect their data and digital assets,” said Marie Davis, Google head of SME retail, UK and Ireland.
Alfaparf Milano acquires Xpert Professional
Alfaparf Milano has announced the acquisition of Irish-owned Xpert Professional Ireland and UK.
Founded in 1997 by David Donnellan, Xpert Professional is a distributor of professional hair and beauty cosmetics in Ireland, Northern Ireland and Great Britain. The company has distribution centres in Naas, Co Kildare in Ireland and Manchester in the UK, along with the Accademia education centre in Dublin.
With Donnellan remaining on as managing director, the acquisition will see Xpert Professional joining Alfaparf Milano, which consists of 15 professional hair and beauty brands, including haircare brand Alfaparf Milano Professional, beauty brand DIBI Milano and aesthetics brand APG Tech.
“We are thrilled to have Xpert Professional as part of the Alfaparf Milano family,” said Lisa Marangon, European sales manager, Alfaparf Milano.
“Our aim is to support and nurture the Irish and UK industry as it navigates the exciting new opportunities presented by the changing face of hair and beauty.”
L’Oréal Colour Trophy Ireland 2023 takes place in Dublin
The L’Oréal Colour Trophy Ireland 2023 grand final has taken place in Dublin's RDS.
Entrants were asked to create a wellexecuted, inspirational and modern colour look on any model, of any gender or any gender identity of any hair type. It had to be complemented by a beautiful style, finish and total look, taking inspiration from upcoming trends.
Zeba Hairdressing won the top prize on the night, with Mark Sherwood and Augusto Miranda from the Dublin salon being named the overall winners. Owned by husband-and-wife team Paul and Angie Dromgoole, Zeba has branches in Dublin and in Maynooth, Co Kildare.
Ciaran Cannon from The Hair Artist in Dublin came second, while James-Desmond McMahon and Catherine McElligot from The Hair Shop in Dundalk came third.
Meanwhile Nadine Brady from La Mode Hair & Beauty Boutique in Dublin won the L’Oréal Colour Trophy Star Award.
L’Oréal Colour Trophy is one of the world's longest running hairdressing competitions, and was first held in Ireland in 1966.
IN BRIEF
■ Dromoland Castle in Co Clare has reopened its spa, following a refurbishment. The Castle Spa includes six treatment rooms, a twin suite, an amber and quartz crystal bed, and The Whisper Room relaxation space. The new spa has joined forces with three premier skincare brands – Dr Barbara Sturm, Oskia and Seabody, which is an Irish company based in Co Kerry. This is the first spa partnership for Seabody, which was founded in 2017 by a group of biotechnologists and ICT entrepreneurs with a shared passion for the marine environment and natural products. Taking a science-led approach to health and beauty, the brand uses native Irish seaweeds to create a range of skincare products.
■ FaceTherapy NI has opened a new clinic on Antrim Road in Belfast, creating 13 jobs. Offering non-invasive cosmetic and beauty treatments, it is spread over three floors and includes seven treatment rooms, along with a training academy. FaceTherapy NI is owned by qualified nurse Lisa Waring and her wife Geri Duffy. Founded in 2016, the business began in Waring’s utility room. “As an advanced aesthetics nurse and nurse trainer, I moved the business online during Covid and continued to carry out consultations and industry training for other professionals,” she said. “The demand for my services has enabled me to generate the funds we needed to grow the business and invest it into our new clinic.”
■ Recent data collected by Irish-owned cosmetics brand Ayu found that Monaghan is the most pampered county in Ireland with 47 salons per 10,000 people. Clare is the least pampered with eight salons per 10,000. Ayu compared the population of each county to the number of hair and beauty salons in it. Mayo came in as the second most pampered with 36 salons, followed by Waterford (34 salons), Sligo (30 salons) and Leitrim (29 salons). The other counties making the top 10 were Galway (28.7 salons), Limerick (27.6 salons), Kerry (26.4 salons) and Donegal (26 salons). Despite being the home of the capital city, Dublin was behind other counties, coming in at number 10 with 25.6 salons per 10,000 people.
This article appears in the SEPT/OCT 2023 Issue of Professional Beauty & HJ Ireland
If you would like to view other issues of Professional Beauty & HJ Ireland, you can see the full archive
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This article appears in the SEPT/OCT 2023 Issue of Professional Beauty & HJ Ireland