GOING FOR

GOLD

Top names attended the Clarins Gold Salon awards.  Moira Paulusz reports

The prestigious Clarins Gold Salon of the Year Awards were held in the splendid grounds of historic Hampton Court Palace, just outside London, with the ceremony drawing some of the top names in the UK beauty industry.

Men are quietly making their mark on the industry, judging by this year's two winners. Raj Aggarwal OBE (LEFT), is owner of The Central Pharmacy, in Cardiff, Wales, and his business was named Best in the UK. Mark Chamberlain (BELOW RIGHT), owner of The Feel Good Centre, in Tenterden, Kent, won the Clarins Gold Salon of the Year Award 2007. Each received the Gold Salon trophy and a cheque for £3,500 and £3,000 respectively.

Making the presentations, Clarins UK MD Robin Vincent (BELOW LEFT) praised both businesses for the standard of practical treatment offered and the level of professional advice and care given to clients, along with the salons' ambience and business development. He went on to highlight the priorities for 2009.

Raj, who received an OBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours list for his pharmacy and charity work last year, said: "I am very proud to receive this award, which is a testament to the talent, hard work and dedication of the staff - and it's great to bring the trophy to Wales for the first time."

An equally delighted Mark commented: "I am thrilled to have won this award, not only for the recognition of the business, but also for the therapists whose professionalism and enthusiasm has meant we achieved Gold Salon status and can offer the highest standards to clients."

Clarins introduced the concept of Gold Salons 15 years ago, and there are now 79 nationwide. As part of any relationship with a beauty salon, the company provides beauty products and trains its staff to advise on Clarins treatments and homecare. The company recognises some salons give an exemplary service and, as such, awards them the highly-prized Gold Salon status. 

BRIGHTON

BELLE

Brighton was the setting for the second SEBTA competition. Annette Hanford reports

The second SEBTA (Student Electrotherapy Beauty Therapist Award) competition was held at the prestigious Grand Hotel in Brighton, Sussex. The competition is open to all Level 3-and-above students, whatever their age, or college, and focuses on delivering the very best in facial electrotherapy treatments.

After the six student finalists had been under close scrutiny all morning, Carlton Professional MD Angela Barbagelata-Fabes said it was her turn to be nervous as she welcomed competitors, lecturers, judges and the press to the competition.

"It is wonderful to be here with you all to celebrate the best in electrotherapy," she said. "You are the best in the country and we want to thank you for entering. We want the best and there's no point in making something that's worth winning easy, so I congratulate you all, as you have excelled above many others and are already winners."

After thanking everyone who had worked so hard behind the scenes, including the judges (right) and the models for the day, Angela called her husband Charlie-Claude Barbagelata to the stage and awarded the prizes.

First place went to part-time City and Islington College student Olubukola 'Booki' Coker, who was presented with a hand-made trophy, £500 and a Carlton Ultraderm machine. Her winning lecturers, Michelle Zini and Saloua El-Khadiri, will share £250, while the college receives £1,000.

"I am truly elated and didn't think I could get any better than being a finalist," said Booki.  "I have been getting lots of practice until it became second nature, and now feel ready to go into the industry."

Second prize went to Kelly Marie Taylor from Warwickshire College, who was awarded £250 and a high-frequency galvanic machine, £150 for her lecturer, and £500 for the college to spend on Carlton equipment.

Third prize went to Emma Hobbs from Oxford and Cherwell Valley College who took away £150, a Carlton high-frequency machine, £100 for her lecturer and three wax starter kits for the college.

* Next year's competition will take place on 18 June. Call The Carlton Group on 01903 761 1000 or visit SEBTA for more information.