Salons are grappling with the simultaneous rise of the National Living Wage, increased Employer National Insurance contributions, and skyrocketing utility costs. They should be given the same consideration as pubs, says Victoria Brownlie

The British high street is often described as the heartbeat of our communities, and for years, the hair and beauty sector has been its steady pulse. As a sector consistently in the top-three most prevalent businesses on the high street, our salons drive the essential footfall that keeps neighbouring businesses alive. Yet, as we look toward April, that pulse is weakening.

The British Beauty Council is calling on the Chancellor to recognise that without urgent intervention on business rates, the vibrant salons that define our local economies may soon be forced to pull down their shutters for good.

The current situation is a “perfect storm” of........

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