BABTAC is quietly optimistic about the cosmetic interventions market, following official recommendations given by the Cosmetic Interventions Committee
Earlier today (April 24, 2013) the independent review into cosmetic interventions, led by Sir Bruce Keogh, published its official findings and recommendations from a nine-month investigation. Advocating a number of key changes to the sector, the official recommendations have much synergy with BABTAC’s own submission provided to the Committee ; including establishing independent regulators and inspectorates, creating cross-profession qualifications with agreed pre-requisites and continued regular training, and providing centralised guidelines for consumers.
Carolyne Cross, Chair of BABTAC & CIBTAC (whose head office is in Gloucester) says, “Whilst not all the changes are consistent with our own recommendations for cosmetic interventions, we are quietly confident that the outcome will work to benefit both the consumers and the industry practitioners. It is our belief that any changes should work to improve consumer safety and awareness, without creating a market monopoly and driving up prices. Our original submission to the Review and subsequent representations highlighted a number of the same recommendations and we are pleased that the Committee has taken a proactive and impartial approach. In terms of the impact on the beauty industry, we believe that there will be some significant changes in terms of regulations and qualifications, and as an organisation we have been driving for improved standards of training and regulation of our own industry providers. For therapists, it is likely that they will have to undertake additional training to become compliant, and whilst this has a cost implication for each salon, the outcome – better protected clients - will be worth the additional expenditure. We hope that these changes will serve to support and develop already reputable businesses, whilst undermining the status of ‘rogue traders’ who practice without due care and attention.”
BABTAC is keen to understand the future implementation of these recommendations, to ensure that they are fair and proportional. Initial indications suggest a positive outcome for the industry and its practitioners, but there is the potential that too many additional levels of bureaucracy will serve to undermine the industry and make many of the treatments non-viable as cosmetic procedures. We are quietly optimistic that the outcome and implementation will be positive for all involved, but will reserve judgement until the next stage of the process.
