After the success of the inaugural event last summer, the BABTAC & CIBTAC Awards have proved popular once again among beauty professionals.  All 140 tickets sold out 3 weeks prior to the event, with an ever growing waiting list demonstrating that this is the hottest ticket in the industry. Those lucky enough to get tickets were treated to a luxurious day at the Kensington Roof Gardens on Monday 6 June, as celebrity make-up artist Daniel Sandler announced the winners of the seven categories and presented the much sought after crystal Star trophies. Guests were also treated to a delicious four course lunch and entertained in the Spanish Garden by flamenco dancers.

Laughter and conversation quickly filled the room, as the guests arrived into the Silver bar.  Many were wowed by the venue with its Grand Piano and exceptional gardens. Tension and excitement built, whilst Pimms and Pina Colada continuously poured.  Kim our new Chair announced lunch was being served, the particians were swept back revealing an impeccable dining area.  Laced in dark purple and white, the guests gasped. Tables were distinguished by influential people to the industry throughout history, the menu card had a brief biography. Purple hydrangea and tea lights were on every table, along with goody bags on every seat which were an Aladdin’s cave of famous brands. Including Dermalogica, Cupcake Organic, Bio Sculpture,  Medik8, Lash Perfect and Glo Tanz.

Lunch started with a superb double baked roquefort soufflé, the main event being grilled corn-fed chicken breast with lemon, oregano, roasted sweet potato and coriander tomato dressing, delicious! The finale – a mouth watering white chocolate cheesecake and clementine sauce. Chocolates and coffee were served after.

Kim introduced the fantastic celebrity make up artist Daniel Sandler, who captivated guests with an inspiring account of the progression of his career. Then the nerves dominated what before was a relaxed atmosphere, the Awards began.

The Specialist of the Year sponsored by Balens, recognises those who specialise in either waxing, tanning or make-up. These specialists are real experts in their field, dedicated to their art and passionate about delivering the best to their clients. Our judges were looking for someone who strived to be a real expert, who pushed the boundaries to learn more and be the best. A specialist is dedicated and by virtue of being a specialist have close and personable relationships with their clients.  Our winner’s passion for her treatment and subsequent expertise in anti aging facials made her the worthy recipient of this award. The winner was deservedly, Clare Marsh. Clare Marsh stepped to the stage with tears in her eyes; astonishment in her expression and because of this missed her chance to give a speech! It was truly a great way to start the Awards.

Following was Tutor of the Year, sponsored by Lash Perfect. CIBTAC prides itself on quality education and our judges were looking for a Tutor who embodied the values of CIBTAC. The winner is an extremely passionate tutor who prides herself on training learners to the highest standards. Her focus on moulding professional beauty therapists with emphasis on professionalism, client care and quality treatments is combined with inspiring confidence in her students. The winner was Sarah Stone, from Champneys.

The quality of entrants for CIBTAC Student of the Year, sponsored by Olympia Beauty, is truly heart-warming for our industry. We have had entries from all around the world – from here in the UK to South Africa to Asia. Our winner has demonstrated their dedication to learning by going above and beyond – pushing herself to be the best she can be, learning from tutors and the wider media, focusing on exemplary client care and having an excellent attendance record. Our winner was the lovely Rinku Rai, Zoe Butt provided a uplifting speech on her behalf.

Another popular award that left the judges inspired, Spa therapist of the Year sponsored by Professional Beauty. Spa therapists need to build a rapport quickly with their clients and the winner demonstrated she could adapt treatments in a dynamic and personalised way to give her clients the best experience possible. Our winner believes that by giving the most fulfilling treatments possible, her clients will benefit from a real sense of wellbeing. Our winner, was the gorgeous, Sarah Hodnett. Overwhelmed, Sarah simply said thank you.

Afterwards, Holistic therapist of the Year, sponsored by Shared Beauty Secrets. In this category, the judges were looking for someone who could demonstrate an in depth understanding about a client above and beyond the bounds of beauty therapy. Our winner is clearly passionate about the world of holistics, and has made an effort to learn new skills while travelling to bring the best to her clients. Our winner was the loveable, Lisa Mansell. Beaming, Lisa came to the stage to receive the desired crystal trophy.

Our judges were thrilled with the number of high quality entries for Beauty therapist of the Year, which is sponsored by Headline sponsors Carlton Professional, turned out to be the most competitive prize. Judges were looking for someone who demonstrated a thirst for learning, impeccable client care and attention to detail. Our winner has developed signature treatments which is exactly the forward thinking attitude our judges were looking for. Her loyal client base sang her praises, and say they keep going back as she makes them look and feel their best. Our winner, was Katie Hill. The entirety of Katie’s table stood for a standing ovation and cheered, it was a highly amusing moment.

All finalists for Salon of the Year sponsored by Skin Brands were exceptional, making the judges decision very difficult indeed. The winner is a vibrant and forward thinking business, always looking to impress Clients and it’s own therapists alike; where staff happiness and personal development is highly regarded. This salon’s mission is to deliver a high standard of treatment with the utmost care and attention to detail. They are wholly committed to ensuring the client is the priority and focus in any decisions made for the company.  Our winner, was Esqué. All of a sudden, the table stood, cheered and made their way through the crowd. The atmosphere was amazing. The salon was on stage, grinning, clearly astounded. It was an incredible conclusion to our Award winners.

However, there was still surprise Awards yet to be presented. Our first special award was Outstanding Contribution to the Industry. This year’s award was presented to a lady who really needs little introduction. She was one of the founding members of BABTAC and was the first elected BABTAC Chairman. Her illustrious career spans many decades and stretches from the UK to Europe, the States and Australasia. Her achievements were pivotal in making beauty therapy as a recognised career. She corresponded with the Prime Minister in the 1980’s for the national recognition and registration of beauty therapists and BABTAC continues her work today to raise and maintain the profile of the beauty industry. We should all give great thanks to the this year’s winner for her dedication and commitment to our industry for being instrumental in providing guidance to advisory boards for beauty education and professional standards, helping to shape our industry and the respect it enjoys today. She is one of the most glamorous women in our profession and was even winner of the most Glamorous Grandmother of Great Britain in 1978! She is known throughout the beauty industry for her honesty, integrity, dedication, enthusiasm, diplomacy and modesty. One of the most apt descriptions I have read about her is that she is a ‘Lady of Stature’. It was with great pleasure that we honor the BABTAC Lifetime Achievement Award to Jean Worth. A fantastic standing ovation were given to Jean Worth, the loudest applaud of the day. The guests had tears in their eyes and it was a hair raising moment.

Our second special award was Special Commendation for Services to CIBTAC. This special lady has been an active member of the Education Team for the last 16 years. She was co-opted onto Council for 2 years before becoming a Council Member, then became Vice Chairman and subsequently Chair. Her dedication to both BABTAC and CIBTAC has been clearly demonstrated during her service for the company. Education is the passion of this caring woman, who has been a beauty lecturer at Solihull College in Birmingham, as well as supporting continued education and development worldwide for CIBTAC. It was with great pleasure for Kim to welcome to the stage Daphne Snelus. Daphne’s speech was very current to the industry, expressing her passion for maintaining standards and acknowledging BABTAC & CIBTAC as an industry standard regulator.

Last but not least, the day finished with a shock performance from a Juan and his flamenco dancers in the Spanish Garden.