For most people, starting a new business is a daunting prospect, particularly if the business type is in an unknown sector or one with which you personally have little experience. And with so much information available from so many different sources online – and indeed so much misinformation – one of the biggest challenges must surely be how to determine and ensure the right decisions are being made.
Research is a key factor in any business planning, of course. But as I have just mentioned, reliable information is not always guaranteed online and, it goes without saying, there will be countless companies you can approach offering utility services, software solutions, lotions, accessories and tanning beds, salon cubicles and furnishings – in fact, whatever you will need to get your salon up and running. Many of these companies will promise the Earth; but, unfortunately, we all know of situations in which the reality turns out to be something really quite different.
Sourcing access to input from like-minded salon operators can also be a bit of a minefield, as every salon operates somewhat differently. There is no “one size fits all” approach, not least because operators generally like to have their own “stamp” on their salon business. Wading through all this information to find the genuine nuggets may even have the potential to put someone off their business plan altogether.
So, it was a great pleasure to witness an exceptional melting pot of indoor tanning professionals networking, engaging and purchasing at the recent SHINE event – Europe’s only dedicated indoor tanning event, organised by the industry body The Sunbed Association for UK and Ireland (TSA), of which I happen to be Chairman.
it was a great pleasure to witness an exceptional melting pot of tanning professionals networking, engaging and purchasing at the recent SHINE event.
This year’s event was once again held in Birmingham, England and was, without any shadow of doubt, by far the best yet. The expo element had doubled in size showcasing the latest full LED tanning beds, lotions and other salon services. Delegate numbers were up by around 50% and this all helped deliver a palpable level of excitement that permeated the entire day and evening’s proceedings.
Tremendous feedback received since the event is a very firm indicator that SHINE has the real potential to continue its growth trajectory. This no doubt is further evidence of the stability of our sector. Another very interesting “first” for the event was the number of delegates attending who had not even opened their first salon! Some of them were well on their way and had premises, but were attending the event to continue and back up their research and, naturally, check out all the latest products the industry has to offer.
These delegates also fed back how supportive and helpful other established operator and supplier delegates had been in sharing information and advice – how many business sectors does that happen in, I wonder?
As I journey toward the end of my chapter as Managing Director of the JK Group UK and Ireland, the SHINE event was indeed perfect timing to affirm my decision to continue in my role as Chairman of TSA, having been asked by the Board to stay. Not that any affirmation was needed; but it was a timely reminder of my indefatigable passion for this wonderful industry in which we are all very lucky to work alongside an amazing wealth of very talented and dedicated professionals.
