The initiative is led by the Cosmetics Cluster UK (CCUK), along with project partners, Cosmetic Executive Women UK (CEWUK), The Cosmetic Toiletry & Perfumery Association (CTPA), The Society of Cosmetic Scientists UK & Ireland (SCS), CATCH and the London College of Beauty Therapy (LCBT).
Its aim is “to produce a white paper that encompasses building awareness of the UK’s 4th biggest and strongly growing industrial sector and the science behind it, plus building on this awareness with educators”< the organisations state.
The survey can be accessed with further information here.
Why UK beauty?
A recently launched report by CEW UK puts UK sales in 2017 at £10.2 billion, It is the world’s 6th largest beauty market, comprising of 1700 companies, 40,000 products and 1800 brands.
The organisations behind the planned survey explain that the industry also has strong female leadership involvement and offers opportunities for the employment and training of women and “an exciting way of engaging more girls into STEM subjects”.
Dr Gill Westgate, chair of CCUK said, “Given these impressive statistics, the first step of the initiative is to find out what pathways people working in the industry currently take and how their careers have developed.
“Also, we need to find out what training have they completed and what they perceive are the skills gaps, to ensure we future-proof the UK’s fastest growing consumer-driven industry, including technological advances and industry 4.0”.
What outcomes are hoped for from the survey?
Following the research, the white paper will Identify and bring together all interested parties and partners, whilst mapping the cosmetics and personal care businesses in the UK across the supply chain.
The paper will also recommend developing a real-world, science-based national curriculum, in partnership with government and produce cosmetics and personal care career pathways for schools, colleges and training providers, whilst reviewing what courses are already available, including apprenticeships and upskilling existing employees with the Apprenticeship Levy.
In turn, it is believed this will demonstrate increased employability in the industry, across the areas of manufacturing, product development, R&D, support services and beauty services. To participate in the survey, please click here.
