From Clinic Success to Educating the Next Generation: Smart Group Celebrates Collaboration with Studio 147

At Smart Group, there's nothing more rewarding than seeing our customers grow, succeed and take their businesses to new heights. And our ongoing partnership with Amy Shaw of Take Five Skin & Laser is a fantastic example of just that.

We're incredibly proud to celebrate the launch of Studio 147 Academy and Studio 147 Creative Space, two exciting new ventures founded by Amy and her business partners, combining professional education, industry expertise and creative business support under one roof.

From Successful Clinic Owner to Industry Educator

Having successfully run Take Five Skin & Laser for eight years, Amy brings a wealth of experience in skin, laser and education, including ten years working with City & Guilds as an assessor and internal quality assurer.

Together with Mike, a Registered Nurse, Independent and Supplementary Prescriber with over 20 years of industry experience, she has created Studio 147 Academy with a clear ambition: to raise the standard of education in skin, laser and aesthetics.

The academy offers small-group and one-to-one training, with an emphasis on practical experience, transparency and ongoing support long after training is complete.

Professional Training, Qualifications and Mentorship

Studio 147 Academy offers a comprehensive range of courses designed to help both aspiring and established practitioners develop their skills, confidence and expertise.

Courses include:

Facial Protocols and SMARTMeso
ULTRAfacial: A 360° Approach to Exceptional Skin
Dermaplaning
Microneedling
Laser Hair Removal
Laser Skin: Acne, Pigmentation, Rejuvenation and Vascular
Anti-Wrinkle Treatments: Foundation and Advanced
Dermal Fillers: Foundation and Advanced
Cannula Training
Vitamin Injections (Combined Course

CPD courses are already available, with VTCT-accredited qualifications and mentorship programmes launching in January 2027.

With small class sizes, hands-on learning and ongoing support, the academy aims to equip practitioners with more than just a qualification — providing the practical skills and confidence to build successful careers and businesses.

A Collaboration Built on Shared Values

Our relationship with Amy extends beyond supplying technology to Take Five Skin & Laser.

Smart Group technologies and products are used within both her clinic and the academy, giving students the opportunity to learn using professional equipment and products employed in a working aesthetics business.

As part of our collaboration, we're also delighted to offer exclusive discounts on Smart Group devices and AQ Skin Solutions products to Studio 147 Academy students, helping make that first step into business ownership or expanding a treatment offering more accessible.

In return, we're proud to support Amy and Mike by promoting their academy and helping introduce their expertise to our wider network of salon owners and aesthetic practitioners.

It's a genuine team effort, built around a shared commitment to education, quality and helping businesses succeed.

Introducing Studio 147 Creative Space

But the vision doesn't stop at education.

Alongside the academy, Amy and Sarah of Be Social East Mids have launched Studio 147 Creative Space, a beautifully designed environment where businesses can create professional photography, video content, personal branding assets and social media content.

From headshots and product photography to reels, launches and masterclasses, the space helps practitioners build their brands and showcase their expertise.

Together, the two ventures offer something particularly valuable: the opportunity to learn a new skill and then gain the creative tools to confidently take it to market.

Growing Together, Succeeding Together

For Smart Group, this collaboration represents exactly what we believe successful partnerships should look like.

It's not simply about providing equipment. It's about supporting ambitious people, sharing expertise, opening doors and creating opportunities for the next generation of aesthetic professionals.

We're incredibly proud of what Amy, Mike and the wider Studio 147 team have achieved and excited to play a part in their next chapter.

Congratulations to the entire Studio 147 team — we can't wait to see what you achieve next!

An Exclusive 15% Discount for the Smart Group Community!

To celebrate our collaboration, Studio 147 Academy is offering 15% off any training course booked by 31 March 2027 when you mention Smart Group.

Whether you're looking to gain a new qualification, introduce a new treatment or invest in your professional development, this is a fantastic opportunity to take that next step for less.

Simply contact Studio 147 Academy, mention that you heard about them through Smart Group, and claim your 15% discount when booking.

Find Out More & Claim Your Discount

Website: www.studio-147academy.co.uk

Email: info@studio-147academy.co.uk

Instagram: @Studio147academy

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Introducing SMARTDiode ULTIMA: The Next Generation of Laser Hair Removal

By Dee Malan • October 2, 2026

We’re excited to introduce SMARTDiode ULTIMA – the next generation of SMARTDiode technology and the most advanced laser hair removal platform we have ever brought to our customers. Created for specialist and expert clinics that refuse to compromise , ULTIMA brings together outstanding performance, exceptional client comfort and greater treatment flexibility in one premium professional platform. It represents an exciting evolution of our laser offering and gives established clinics the technology to deliver an even higher standard of laser hair removal. Taking professional laser hair removal to the next level Laser hair removal continues to be one of the most in-demand treatments in aesthetics. But as the market becomes increasingly competitive, simply offering laser hair removal is no longer enough. Clients expect excellent results, greater comfort and a premium experience, while clinics need technology that allows practitioners to work efficiently, confidently and adapt treatments to the individual client. That is exactly where SMARTDiode ULTIMA comes in. ULTIMA delivers 20% more laser power , with up to 120 J/cm², alongside pulse widths up to 60% shorter. Advanced sensor-controlled cooling provides a 25% improvement in cooling efficiency, while Super Cooling Mode has been designed to maximise client comfort throughout treatment. Clinics also have the flexibility of triple and single wavelength options across 755nm, 808nm and 1064nm , together with dual handpieces and multiple spot sizes to provide both fast treatment coverage and precision when working on smaller areas. But ULTIMA isn't only about what's happening beneath the skin. From handpieces that are 30% lighter to reduce therapist fatigue, to quieter operation, intelligent software, customisable treatment parameters and Smart Cloud diagnostics, the platform has been selected with the day-to-day realities of running a busy professional clinic in mind. Built for clinics that want to lead For us, SMARTDiode ULTIMA is about giving ambitious clinics the opportunity to differentiate their laser offering rather than compete in an increasingly crowded market on price alone. As our CEO, Josh Yardley, explains: “ULTIMA represents the next generation of SMARTDiode and, we believe, the strongest laser platform we have ever brought to our customers. We know what specialist and expert clinics expect from their technology – outstanding performance, reliability and an exceptional client experience – and ULTIMA delivers at that level.” ULTIMA is also supported by our three-year fix-or-replace warranty , helping protect your investment and keep one of your clinic's most important revenue-generating devices operational.

Smart Group Medical Appoints Wigmore Medical as Exclusive Pharmacy Partner for AQ Skin Solutions

By Dee Malan • September 4, 2026

We’re delighted to announce an exciting new partnership between Smart Group Medical and Wigmore Medical, with Wigmore appointed as our exclusive pharmacy partner for AQ Skin Solutions in the UK.

The Experience Economy: Why Clients Remember How You Made Them Feel

August 10, 2026

The Experience Economy: Why Clients Remember How You Made Them Feel The beauty industry has never been more competitive. Clients have more choice than ever before, with new salons and treatment providers emerging all the time. Great results are essential, but they're no longer the only thing that keeps clients coming back. Today's clients are investing in the entire experience. From the moment they enquire to the follow-up after their treatment, every interaction shapes how they perceive your salon and whether they'll recommend it to others. Luxury Is About Feeling Valued Creating a premium experience doesn't require a luxury fit-out or expensive décor. More often, it's the little things that make the biggest impression: greeting clients by name, running on time, listening carefully to their concerns and making them feel genuinely looked after. These moments build trust and set your salon apart in a crowded market. The Consultation Sets the Tone A great client journey starts with a thoughtful consultation. Rather than jumping straight into recommending treatments, take the time to understand your client's goals, explain realistic outcomes and create a treatment plan that's right for them. This approach builds confidence while positioning you as a trusted expert, not just a treatment provider. For advanced technologies such as collagen induction therapy) or high intensity focused ultrasound, consultations also give you the opportunity to educate clients on how treatment programmes work and why a personalised approach delivers the best long-term results. Don't Forget the Follow-Up The client experience shouldn't end when they walk out of the door. A quick message the next day, personalised aftercare advice or checking in on their progress shows clients that you genuinely care about their results. These simple touch-points take very little time but can significantly increase trust, satisfaction and repeat bookings. Technology Should Support the Experience Advanced technology doesn't just improve treatment outcomes. It helps create an experience that clients feel confident investing in. Whether you're delivering bespoke skin programmes with SkinXcell or offering comprehensive facial treatments with UltraFacial, the right technology allows you to personalise treatments, deliver consistent results and give clients confidence they're receiving high-quality care. Combined with expert knowledge and excellent customer service, technology becomes part of the overall experience, rather than simply the treatment itself. Turning Clients Into Advocates Loyal clients aren't created by one great treatment alone. They're created through consistent, positive experiences that make people feel understood, cared for and confident in your expertise. In an industry where recommendations carry so much weight, creating memorable experiences is one of the most valuable investments a salon can make. Because while clients may first visit for the treatment, it's the experience that keeps them coming back.