Leeds Regional Growth Summit showcases the power of industry connection
The Leeds Regional Growth Summit, organised by Professional Beauty and Hairdressers Journal, brought together salon owners, managers and industry professionals from across the North of England on June 8, 2026.
Held at the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds, the event was created to bring Professional Beauty and Hairdressers Journal closer to businesses outside London, offering a more intimate and accessible alternative to larger national trade shows while still delivering high-quality education, networking and business support.
Throughout the day, the venue buzzed with conversation as attendees connected with peers, explored new business opportunities and gained practical insights from some of the industry's leading experts. The Main Stage remained packed from start to finish, reflecting the strong appetite for business-focused education and professional development.
Salon business growth and profitability take centre stage
The educational programme focused on helping salon and clinic owners build stronger, more profitable and sustainable businesses.
The day opened with a discussion on the key performance indicators (KPIs) that matter most for salon profitability, with Matthew Sutcliffe and Bailey Snowden sharing practical advice on monitoring business performance and making more confident decisions around pricing, staffing and growth.
Leadership and team development were also key themes, with Lesley Caster, Robert Eaton and Louise Howard-Long discussing how salon owners can create clear career pathways, motivate employees and build long-term loyalty within their teams.
Delegates also gained actionable marketing advice, with Chris Taylor explaining how salons can use social media more strategically to generate enquiries and bookings rather than simply posting content for visibility.
AI, marketing and future-proofing salon businesses
One of the most talked-about sessions of the day came from AI strategist Marnie Wills, who explored how salon and clinic leaders can use generative AI to support planning, decision-making, marketing and client communication.
The session highlighted how artificial intelligence is becoming an increasingly valuable business tool and reinforced the importance of developing AI literacy as the technology becomes more integrated into everyday salon operations.
The education programme concluded with expert discussions on pricing, retail strategy and social media marketing, providing delegates with practical ideas to increase profitability, improve client spend and strengthen their overall marketing approach.
Networking opportunities and industry suppliers add value
Alongside the educational content, attendees had the opportunity to network with fellow professionals and meet leading suppliers serving the beauty, hair and aesthetics sectors.
Exhibitors included Apeer Beauty, Bloomea Paris, Crown Aesthetics, Habia, Nouveau HD Beauty Group, Repechage, Studex, The Gel Bottle, Zemits and the Beauty Directors Club.
The smaller event format created valuable opportunities for meaningful conversations, allowing attendees to spend quality time with exhibitors, speakers and fellow business owners.
What attendees said about the Leeds Regional Growth Summit
Jodie-Leigh Davidson-Joyner, owner of the Come Spa With Me home-based business in Castleford, West Yorkshire, said, “I loved the Growth Summit in Leeds! Firstly, because it was more local to me, and secondly the event was in a great and convenient location, and it was easy to navigate.
“It was so lovely to catch up with everyone and meet some new local faces too. The stages were packed with a full audience and the energy was amazing. Thank you PB, see you again next year!”
Sara Shoemark, owner of the Glow Beauty salons in Wrexham, Chester, Mold and Tattenhall, said, “The Leeds Summit was the perfect opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals gaining fresh perspectives from across the industry. I particularly valued the mix of hair and beauty experts in the room – there is so much we can learn from one another.
“The education was inspiring, practical and often reassuring, reinforcing the importance of investing in continuous learning and development, especially now as we continue to navigate the challenges facing our industry.
“Thank you once again to Professional Beauty for bringing the industry together and creating the opportunity to learn, connect and grow.”
Lesley Caster, owner of the City Retreat salons in Newcastle, added, "We had a wonderful day at the Leeds Summit. It was fantastic to see so many industry professionals gathered to network and share their experiences.
“The presentations were both educational and inspiring; it was encouraging to hear how other salon owners are navigating current challenges and to see that passion in our industry is still thriving.
“It was also great to see the exhibitors who were available to assist with our business planning. We had plenty of time to discuss new treatments, training opportunities, and ideas for future promotions. Thank you to Professional Beauty for a great event."
Looking ahead to Professional Beauty London 2026
Following the success of the Leeds Regional Growth Summit, attention now turns to Professional Beauty London and Salon International, taking place at ExCeL London on October 4–5, 2026.
As the UK's largest gathering of beauty, spa, hair and aesthetics professionals, the event will offer visitors access to leading brands, world-class education, live demonstrations, networking opportunities and the latest innovations shaping the future of the industry.
For salon, spa and clinic owners looking to continue their growth journey, Professional Beauty London 2026 is set to be the must-attend industry event of the year.
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