Held in October in London, the event, ‘CTPA Tackles Brexit - Implications for the Cosmetics Industry’, provided attendees with the opportunity to identify the challenges of the UK beauty sector in the coming period, according to the trade organisation.
“CTPA was able to demonstrate the proactive approach being taken with regard to Brexit and the work being done at both UK and EU level with sister associations to ensure consistent messaging of the key priorities for the industry,” the body said of the event.
Highlights
Key figures from across the industry gave insights into how they believe the process with impact the beauty industry and what steps brands should take.
The first session featured a keynote speech from Loic Armand, President of L’Oréal France and of Cosmetics Europe, who noted that Cosmetics Europe was on hand to offer support for the “free flow of products across the channel in order to offer our consumers the products they want and ensure a fair treatment of our employees.”
The CTPA head of regulatory and international services, Olivia Santoni, then gave an overview of the Article 50 process, by which the UK will withdraw from the EU. The first session concluded with Peter McManus, Senior Campaigns Advisor at the CBI.
He noted that the CBI has outlined three key ‘asks’ for the process of Britain’s withdrawal: a clear timetable and plan, the Government working with business, and the continuing influence of the UK over EU legislation.
Voicing concerns
The Brexit seminar offered members of the industry the opportunity to voice any concerns - something McManus describes as essential: he noted the importance of ‘business speaking up’ and engaging with their sector organisations and their own MPs on this issue.
Questions around the repeal and enforcement of EU and UK laws, the importance of trade and understanding of non-tariff barriers within the political discussion and the impact, solutions and opportunities for the sector were all brought forward and discussed.