Timely Launches Conference To Tackle Salon Sector’s ‘Quiet Financial Crisis’

Research reveals that 21 per cent of UK salons are currently operating at a loss

by HAYDN | INFORM

Hair Syrup’s Lucie Macleod 

New research reveals that 21 per cent of UK salons are currently operating at a loss, prompting bookings and payments specialist Timely to launch a major new business conference aimed at restoring financial confidence across the industry.

The Business of Hair and Beauty, a free-to-attend one-day event, will take place on Monday 2 February 2026 at The Curve Club, London, bringing together salon owners, founders and experts to address what Timely describes as a “quiet crisis” threatening the long-term sustainability of the UK’s £30bn hair and beauty sector.  

The conference follows the release of Timely’s Beauty on the Brink report, which highlights how under-pricing, rising costs and low financial literacy are leaving thousands of microbusinesses and solo practitioners vulnerable, despite the industry employing almost half a million people nationwide.

Designed specifically for salon owners and beauty professionals, The Business of Hair and Beauty will focus on the practical tools required to thrive in 2026. Attendees can expect actionable insights into sustainable pricing, profit and loss management, and long-term financial planning, delivered through two core panel sessions and a headline keynote.

Leading the conversation is Lucie Macleod, founder of Hair Syrup, who believes that access to the right knowledge, rather than a lack of talent, is the industry’s biggest challenge. “Hair and beauty is a hugely resilient industry,” she says, “but far too many brilliant business owners are still operating under financial pressure. Events like this give founders the clarity and confidence they need to build sustainable, profitable businesses.”  

Tickets for The Business of Hair and Beauty are free, but places are limited, with demand expected to be high. Get yours here.