Errmm – where has this year gone? A perennial question perhaps; but undoubtedly 2022 has sped past at the speed of light! I always give pause for thought and reflection around this time of year but quite frankly, this year it will simply have to wait as I am so busy, time continues to elude me!
There can be no doubt that 2022 will be memorable for many, many reasons – not least the recent passing of our most glorious Queen Elizabeth II. Whether you are a monarchist or not, there can be no denying that she provided a lifetime of loyal and dedicated service that will forever be a challenge to emulate.
And may I suggest that she carried out her duty even beyond her passing. It seems clear to me that Her Majesty’s final “duty’’ was in fact bringing together a nation of individuals struggling with the impact of global events. The rising cost of living, increasing interest rates and soaring energy prices were at the forefront of everyone’s mind. Yet, millions put these thoughts to one side as they watched her funeral, with many thousands spending up to 30-hours waiting in line to pay their respects in person, all resulting in a united display of respect, grief and thanks across nations, religions and politics.
Now more than ever, the successful tanning salon is about the customer experience they provide.
With the period of national mourning over, this united feeling was fortunately further buoyed by a timely and welcomed announcement from the UK Government on the launch of a new scheme which will help to protect businesses – and ergo jobs and livelihoods – from rising energy costs. With energy consumption being one of the largest overheads for an indoor tanning facility, this announcement could not have come at a better time for our sector and indeed many other business sectors.
The Government will provide a discount on wholesale gas and electricity prices for all businesses, with the amount varying, depending upon the type and timing of individual contracts. It will apply initially to energy usage from 1 October 2022 to 31 March 2023 during which time business sectors will be monitored to see where ongoing support may be required.
Tanning salon owners and operators will undoubtedly have sighed with a huge sense of relief at this announcement. Notwithstanding the fact that 2022 has been an exceptionally busy and successful year for our sector, the financial impact of the pandemic will still remain a concern for some. Business leaders and small business owners alike have voiced concern that the impact of the soaring energy prices could very well be a greater challenge for businesses than the pandemic and I suspect across many sectors, this may be the case.
As always, I come back to the resilience and determination of our industry’s professional element who continue to furrow a well-considered pathway to success. Now more than ever, the successful tanning salon is about the customer experience they provide. From salon location, the service level from trained staff, access to the best tanning equipment and lotions and, increasingly important – the salon’s social media profile. All of these elements combined, and more, help build the tanning experience for your guests. The result is a strong customer connection and loyalty to a brand – your brand.
No doubt, we could all learn a thing or two from Her Majesty’s exemplary commitment and dedication to service. Long live the King!
