The Federation of Holistic Therapists Stands with NHBF in Calling for Greater Recognition and Support for the Sector.
On 8 May, 2024, The Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT), announced its support for the National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF) and the launch of its ‘Manifesto 2024’ at a parliamentary event in Westminster. The parliamentary event was hosted by Caroline Nokes MP and attended by FHT board members, MPs, and key industry leaders.
The FHT shares the NHBF’s commitment to championing the immense value of the hair, beauty and wellness industry to the UK economy, local communities, and the health and wellbeing of the nation. With 49,000 hair and beauty businesses across the UK, predominantly small and micro, generating a combined turnover of £4.6 billion in 2023 with consumer spending across the whole sector totalling £24.5 billion but also contributes socially by promoting confidence, self-esteem and mental wellbeing.
“We fully endorse the priorities outlined in NHBF’s Manifesto 2024, from securing critical reforms in training and qualifications to advocating for a tax regime that recognises our industry’s professionalism,” said FHT Vice President, Maria Mason. “The manifesto’s emphasis on encouraging social prescribing deeply resonates with our mission. Complementary and alternative therapies have a range of preventative features and support existing health conditions in a myriad of different ways. There are opportunities to further support the sector to ensure that it can complement the NHS into the future. The majority of people have tried a complementary therapy; however, most of this happens outside the NHS. Cancer research has also suggested that up to 40% of people with cancer use a complementary therapy during their illness.”
Caroline Larissey, NHBF Chief Executive and FHT Vice President, added, “The NHBF and FHT align in our campaign to support social prescribing. The manifesto identifies strategic priorities and policy areas where we believe concerted action is needed to effect meaningful change. From Government policy, licensing and education to economic development and environmental sustainability, we have identified key policy levers and actionable proposals to drive progress and advance our shared agenda.”
The manifesto recommendations: Encourage social prescribing: The Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) could play a more active role in encouraging social prescribing or signposting to local qualified practitioners either under the NHS or as private treatment, as recommended by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Beauty, Aesthetics and Wellbeing report on complementary therapies. There are also positive examples of local authorities in Derbyshire who offer access to complementary therapy courses.
Kevin Hollinrake, Minister of State in the Department for Business & Trade said:
“The hair and beauty sector make an important contribution to our high streets, daily lives and local economies. We’ve backed the sector through business rates and energy bill support, increasing the VAT threshold as well as through additional funding towards training costs. Working together with organisations like the NHBF, we are committed to ensuring that the sector can continue to thrive and grow.”
Rushanara Ali, Shadow Minister (Investment and Small Business) said:
‘Labour has an ambitious plan to support small business. We recognise that hair and beauty businesses are a key part of the high street, the economy and make a strong contribution to wellbeing. In line with some of the themes in this manifesto, we plan to scrap business rates, revitalise our high streets and take skills in a new direction through technical excellence colleges and a new growth and skills levy’.
The FHT looks forward to collaborating closely with the NHBF to take forward this ambitious agenda, ensuring that the transformative power of hair, beauty and holistic therapies receives the recognition and support it rightfully deserves from policymakers.
“Together with the NHBF, we are committed to empowering our members, enhancing skills development, and creating a stronger, more resilient sector that continues to be a source of pride for the UK.”
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