At a time when European and global political and trade relations appear to be in a state of flux, it was reassuring to see tanning industry representatives from around the globe come together recently to share experiences, information and ideas, along with business and, importantly, friendship at SHINE, the UK’s annual industry event for professional tanning salon operators.
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Now in its third year, the one-day event held this year in Manchester in the north of England featured an outstanding line-up of speakers from Canada, USA and Europe. A full day of presentations gave operators from around the UK and Ireland an excellent insight into the trends, issues and opportunities that exist for professional operators both at home and around the world. A wide range of pertinent advice and information was presented to delegates, together with plenty of food for thought to take onboard and help ensure the future success of their businesses. An insight to the collaborative efforts of our industry’s various associations around the globe was also an eye-opener for many.
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As someone who has been in this industry for almost three decades, the SHINE event delivered an immense feeling of pride in every aspect, as it reflected the true professional status of our industry today, which is without doubt in a stronger position than it has ever been. A significant call to action has already generated a greater response that anticipated and, as such, there will be much more on the progress of this initiative in future columns.
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The recent SHINE reflected the true professional status of our industry
today, which is without doubt in a stronger position than it has ever been.
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Back in the salons, it’s great to see that the effect on salon footfall of one of the UK’s hottest summers on record has now well and truly passed and business is firmly back to normal. Indeed, so much so that we are experiencing an unseasonal spike in interest for new products, salon expansion plans and investment in new locations and acquisitions. This is a huge confidence booster for our industry and in turn, for the many thousands of people employed within it, as currently across many UK industry sectors, Brexit has generated a nervousness about future investment and development and, of course, the potential impact this could have on job security.
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When we’ve previously experienced potential and real economic challenges as a country, it has always been somewhat of a mystery to me that the investment in “me time” isn’t impacted as much as one might expect – which I have to say is a real boost for our industry. I suppose this could be ascribed to the Brits’ “stiff upper lip” mindset kicking in – and where appropriate, the putting on of a stoically brave face under the mantra “the show must go on!”
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So, in that context alone, there’s an awful lot to be said about being involved in an industry that makes you look good and feel great! Don’t we always feel better when the sun shines and in the guaranteed gloomy days ahead for many – metaphorically and meteorologically (yes that is a word!) – access to a daily dose of controlled summer sunshine for those able to tan will be a welcomed boost for all!
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