I got into this type of work [CEO of UK beauty industry body The British Beauty Council] because I was frustrated with the long-term structural challenges the beauty sector faced.
We were seen as economically weak and ‘fluffy stuff that girls play with’ – not important, relevant or serious.
It reeked of a lack of understanding and some historical bias, as well as misogyny.
It has been a true uphill battle – from defining an industry that had been compartmentalised and underestimated, to ensuring we had dedicated civil servants championing the cause at the highest levels of Government.
However, I often say working with the Government is much like working with UK beauty and health retail chain Boots.
We are a fast-moving industry that is adopting technology at record rates
I had a [make-up] brand [Ruby & Millie] at Boots for many years, and what worked [with them] was diplomacy, as you never get what you want when you scream and shout.
It took me years to learn the art of getting what you want… and the people working on your brand and advocating for you need to be part of the journey and the solution.
So, seven years on from founding the British Beauty Council, what is it that I want from policymakers in 2026 and beyond, and how do we get it?
British Beauty Council CEO Millie Kendall’s 2026 advocacy plans
Firstly, I want a consistent, representative education policy across the country and throughout the UK for the hair and beauty industry.
Education is the bedrock of our industry. Without it, we have no future at all.
I want to see consistent standards and qualifications, too.
To me, this in part looks like a lightweight licensing programme to ensure all consumers have redress if they are not satisfied with a service, providing consumers with essential safety.
It should also ensure that all practitioners are operating at the same exceptional standard that ultimately professionalises our industry, giving us more options to charge more for services.
I also want to see elevated education, beyond Further Education Level 2 and 3, and into Higher Education.
Millie Kendall talking at the COPRA Awards
This will allow our industry – across retail, brand, consumer goods and services – to
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