SMART Budget Summary – More Support For Businesses Announced

March 5, 2021
The  budget  yesterday seemed relatively well received ahead of the big reopening of many salons and clinics in April.  Here are the key highlights we felt are most relevant;
  • NEW Recovery Loan Scheme  – From 6th April 2021 the Recovery Loan Scheme will provide lenders with a guarantee of 80% on eligible loans between £25,000 and £10 million. This will be available to all businesses, including those who have already received support under the existing COVID-19 guaranteed loan schemes.
  • NEW Restart Grants to Help Businesses Reopen  –  Non-essential retail businesses will receive grants up to £6,000 per premises.  Hospitality and leisure (which includes personal care and gyms) can each receive grants of up-to £18,000 (where they are impacted by restrictions and may not open until later this year).

  • Furlough  – extended to the end of September 2021
    Workers can continuing to receive 80% of their current salary for hours they don’t work due to being furloughed.  This will come in the form of a grant to employers who will make a contribution of 10% of the worker’s salary for unworked hours in July and 20% contribution in August and September.  The £2,500 monthly limit for the grant remains
  • Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS)  are closing as planned this is closing on 31st March 2021

  • Minimum wage –  increasing to £8.91 an hour from April 2021
  • Corporation Tax –  will remain at 19% for business profits up-to £50,000.  There will be a tapered increase to 25% for profits over £250,000 from April 2023.
  • VAT Threshold  – This remains at £85,000 until 2024
  • Business Investment Tax Relief & Loss Relief –  A new “super-deduction” tax relief was announced. The normal loss carry-back rules extended from one year to three years for losses of up to £2 million. 
  • Rates Relief –  Eligible retail, hospitality and leisure properties in England will continue to receive 100% business rates relief from 1st April 2021 to 30th June 2021.  66% business rates relief will be applied for the period from 1st July 2021 to 31st March 2022, capped at £2 million per business for properties that were required to be closed on 5th January 2021, or £105,000 per business for other eligible properties.
  • Support for the self-employed  – This has been extended until September
  • Credit updates –  £20 weekly uplift in Universal Credit worth £1,000 a year to be extended for another six months.  Working Tax Credit claimants will get £500 one-off payment 
  • Tax-Free Allowance  – Basic allowance will increase to £12,570 from April 2021, and then it will stay at that level until 2026.  The Higher Rate threshold will increase to £50,270 and will then also be frozen to 2026.
  • National Insurance –  In the 2021/22 tax year the new National Insurance thresholds are: Primary Threshold/Lower Profits Limit increases to £9,568, Upper Earnings Limit (UEL)/Upper Profits Limit increases to £50,270, No changes were announced to the rates of Income Tax or National Insurance
We hope that the news of further grants and on-going support via schemes such as Furlough and Rates relief, this is positive news ahead of the re-opening.  With further discretionary grants available from local councils, the key is having a strong business plan for when you open your doors.  
 
If you’re looking at ways to maximise your profits, our  SMART  Consultants are available to show you how our range of products can completely transform your business.  Offer more treatments for a higher price, taking less time.  That’s  SMART  thinking!
By Dee Malan June 22, 2026
You’ve Built a Successful Laser Business… What Comes Next? For many salon owners, laser hair removal has been a game-changing addition to their business. It attracts committed clients, creates opportunities for treatment programmes, and generates reliable recurring revenue. But once your laser offering is established and performing well, an important question often follows: What comes next? As the aesthetics industry continues to evolve, many successful laser businesses are looking for ways to expand their treatment menu, increase client spend, and strengthen client retention. For some, the answer lies in a natural next step: skin. Is Skin Your Thing? If you've already built a loyal client base through laser hair removal, chances are many of those clients are interested in more than just hair reduction. They're also concerned about skin health, ageing, pigmentation, acne scarring, texture, redness, and overall skin quality. By introducing advanced skin treatments, salons can begin serving a wider range of client concerns while building on the trust they've already established. The beauty of adding skin treatments is that you're often speaking to the same client. Instead of constantly searching for new customers, you're expanding the services available to the people who already know and trust your business. Increase Client Spend Without Increasing Footfall Growing a business doesn't always mean attracting more clients. Sometimes the biggest opportunity comes from increasing the value of each client journey. Advanced skin treatments can help create treatment plans that span multiple appointments, support ongoing maintenance programmes, and introduce complementary retail opportunities. This allows salons to increase revenue per client while delivering a more comprehensive treatment experience. Rather than being known for one service, you become a destination for results-driven aesthetic treatments. Strengthen Client Retention The most successful aesthetic businesses understand that retention is often more valuable than acquisition. While laser hair removal naturally creates repeat visits, advanced skin treatments can provide even more opportunities for long-term client relationships. Many skin concerns require ongoing treatment plans, seasonal maintenance, or progressive treatment journeys. This creates regular touchpoints with clients and helps keep your business front of mind long after their laser course has finished. When clients can achieve multiple goals under one roof, they're less likely to look elsewhere. Become a Destination Salon Today's clients are increasingly looking for clinics and salons that offer expertise rather than individual treatments. They want personalised recommendations, treatment plans tailored to their concerns, and a trusted professional who can guide them through their aesthetic journey. Expanding into skin allows your salon to position itself as a destination for advanced aesthetic treatments rather than simply a laser provider. This not only enhances your reputation but can also help differentiate your business in an increasingly competitive market. Why Advanced Skin Treatments? For salons considering their next move, advanced skin technologies can offer several advantages: High-value treatment programmes Strong profit margins Growing consumer demand Opportunities to treat multiple skin concerns Increased client retention Enhanced business positioning  Treatments such as RF microneedling, skin rejuvenation, skin tightening, collagen stimulation, and advanced facial treatments are becoming increasingly popular as clients seek visible, long-term results. Building on Your Success The skills, consultation process, and client relationships you've developed through laser hair removal have already laid the foundation for growth. Adding advanced skin treatments isn't about starting again—it's about building on what's already working. For many salon owners, expanding into skin has become the natural next chapter in their business journey. It's an opportunity to increase revenue, strengthen client loyalty, and position your salon as a leader in advanced aesthetic treatments. So if your laser business is thriving and you're thinking about the future, perhaps it's time to ask yourself: Is skin your thing?
By Dee Malan May 28, 2026
The beauty industry has never been more visible than it is today. Social media has opened the doors to endless treatment trends, dramatic before-and-afters and bold promises around what certain technologies can achieve. But whilst visibility has increased, so has scepticism. Today’s clients are more informed, more cautious and more selective about where they spend their money. They are researching treatments before booking, comparing providers online and questioning claims more than ever before. For salons and clinics, this shift is changing the way treatments are sold, positioned and delivered. The Rise of the Informed Client A few years ago, many clients relied heavily on recommendations from salons or word-of-mouth. Now, they often arrive at consultations already armed with information from TikTok, Instagram, Reddit, Google reviews, online forums and even AI. They have seen conflicting opinions, unrealistic results and treatments marketed as “miracle solutions” that may not always deliver long-term outcomes. As a result, many clients are becoming more cautious about what they believe and who they trust. This does not mean clients are losing interest in aesthetic or beauty treatments. In fact, demand continues to grow. However, expectations around transparency, professionalism and proof are evolving rapidly. Why Beauty Claims Are Being Questioned The accessibility of social media marketing has made it easier than ever for businesses to promote treatments. Whilst this has created opportunities for salons and clinics, it has also contributed to an increase in exaggerated claims and misinformation. Clients are becoming increasingly aware that: Filters and lighting can distort results Viral trends are not always backed by evidence Some treatments are oversold online Not every treatment is suitable for every individual Because of this, trust is becoming one of the most valuable assets a salon or clinic can build. Clients no longer simply want to hear that a treatment “works.” They want to understand: Why it works How it works Whether results are realistic What evidence supports it Whether the technology is reputable and clinically backed The Shift Towards Evidence-Based Beauty As the industry matures, evidence-based beauty is becoming increasingly important. Salons and clinics that invest in professional-grade, clinically-backed technology are often finding it easier to build long-term trust and credibility with their clients. This is where treatment consultations are becoming especially valuable. A consultation is no longer just a step before booking. It is an opportunity to educate clients, manage expectations and demonstrate expertise. When salons can confidently explain the science behind a treatment, the expected outcomes and why a specific technology has been chosen, clients are far more likely to feel reassured. Clinically-backed devices also help support these conversations. Instead of relying solely on trends or marketing language, salons can focus on treatment rationale, technology standards and real-world results. Transparency Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage One of the biggest shifts happening within the beauty industry is the move away from overpromising. Clients increasingly value honesty over perfection. In many cases, being transparent about treatment plans, timelines and realistic expectations can actually improve client trust and retention. This includes: Explaining that multiple sessions may be required Being honest about downtime or limitations Recommending alternative treatments when appropriate Prioritising suitability over sales Salons and clinics that take this approach are often building stronger, longer-lasting client relationships because they are positioning themselves as trusted professionals rather than simply service providers. Why Technology Choice Matters More Than Ever In an increasingly competitive market, the technology a salon or clinic chooses says a great deal about their business. Clients are becoming more aware of the difference between low-cost trend-led devices and established technologies backed by training, support and clinical credibility. Investing in trusted technology not only supports treatment outcomes, but also strengthens client confidence during consultations and throughout the treatment journey. As client scepticism grows, professionalism, education and evidence are quickly becoming the foundations of successful beauty businesses. Final Thoughts The beauty industry is evolving, and so are client expectations. Today’s clients are not simply buying treatments. They are buying trust, expertise and confidence in the experience they are investing in. For salons and clinics, this presents a real opportunity. Businesses that focus on transparency, education and clinically-backed technologies are likely to stand out in a market where credibility matters more than ever. At SMART Group, we believe the future of beauty lies in combining innovative technology with honest, evidence-led conversations that help salons build trust, loyalty and long-term growth.
By Dee Malan May 21, 2026
If you’ve been in aesthetics for any length of time, you’ll know how quickly the industry evolves. Treatments that once felt advanced become standard almost overnight. Client expectations rise, results become more scrutinised, and the gap between “good” and “exceptional” continues to widen. Microneedling is a perfect example of this. For years, pen-based devices have been a core part of many salons’ treatment offerings. They’re reliable, well understood, and capable of delivering results. They absolutely still have their place within the industry. But as the market evolves, it’s important to recognise where the limitations begin - particularly for salons looking to grow, stand out, and offer more advanced skin solutions. Because the conversation has shifted. It’s no longer about whether microneedling works. We know it does. The real question now is whether it’s enough.
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