PB meets Angela Barbagelata-Fabes, Chairman of Carlton Beauty & Spa

What is the background of the company and what type of products do you offer?

Carlton Beauty & Spa is a leading UK based manufacturer of electrotherapy equipment, furniture and accessories for the beauty and spa industries. Established over 60 years ago, this family owned company is based in Lancing in West Sussex and now includes over 20 electrotherapy machines, as well as 12 styles of couch and a plethora of furniture and accessories.

What is your most popular product and what do you think makes it popular?

Microdermabrasion is increasingly popular as a treatment.  As specialists in Microdermabrasion, Carlton Beauty & Spa offers a variety of Crystal and Diamond Microdermabrasion machines to suit different sized salons and spas and these have proved to be particularly popular. The versatility of options in this range alongside the assurance of UK based manufacturing and sensible pricing make them hugely attractive to salons and spas.

What makes your products special over the competition?

For over sixty years, Carlton Beauty & Spa has placed caring for our customers at the heart of our business. As manufacturers and suppliers of equipment, our superior product knowledge allows us to offer customers the best after care and technical support in the business. Carlton Professional electrotherapy equipment combines top quality manufacturing at prices appealing to the cost conscious.  All our electrotherapy equipment is robust, reliable and results driven.

How cost effective are your products when introducing them into a salon?

Carlton Professional products are ‘affordable luxury’ because of their quality and durability in combination with our sensible prices.  In terms of revenue it is very hard to say, as there are so many variables.  It depends on which machine they purchase and its purchase price, how many treatments they perform and where the salon or spa is located.

Do you provide any extra services, advice or training programmes for professionals who use your products in their salons?

Carlton Beauty & Spa offers colleges HABIA accredited CPD training and salons and spas advanced training on selected machines at our dedicated training facility, Carlton Tower in Lancing.

Why should salon owners visit your stand at the show?

On our stand, salon and spa owners can be assured of receiving professional advice to ensure that they purchase quality equipment and furniture that is appropriate for their salon or spa.

Are you having anything new on your stand at the show?

Carlton Professional is launching an exciting new all in one compact facial machine which includes Diamond Peeling, Microcurrent and Colour Therapy. Called Derma3cope, this innovative machine provides includes at least16 anti-ageing facial and body treatments, offering true versatility for any salon or therapist.

What tips would you give salon owners looking to introduce a new range/product into their salon?

It is vital when purchasing equipment to make sure you consider who your target audience is and how affluent are your clients. Also consider how you can enhance secondary spend. Electrotherapy treatments offer your therapists the perfect opportunity to supply your clients with appropriate home care products. This not only enhances your client’s treatment but also offers a regular financial reward to your salon or spa.  Once you have decided what equipment to buy, also consider from whom you should purchase.  Ensure that you buy from an established, reliable company.  If the company manufactures its own equipment, for example, they may be able to offer you better advice on which machine is most appropriate for your salon or spa.  This ‘intimate’ product knowledge will also allow them to offer you better technical back up and customer care after your purchase.  Remember that keeping your equipment ‘healthy’ is vital to ensure your continued return on investment.

What else is taking place at the moment outside of show activities?

We recently launched our Student Electrotherapy Beauty Therapist Award (SEBTA) for 2014. Now in its eigth year, SEBTA, which is sponsored by Carlton Professional, is open to all Level 3 and above students, whatever their age.  The competition is not exclusive to colleges using Carlton Professional equipment.  Only one student will have the kudos of being crowned SEBTA Student of the Year 2014 so it is a unique opportunity.  The award focuses on excellence in facial electrotherapy, celebrating the crème de la crème. For lecturers and colleges, they can bask in the glory of having trained the winning Student of the Year 2014, as well as tangible recognition of this via our SEBTA College Winner Logo and SEBTA College Trophy.  Add to this the superb prizes for both the college and the lecturer and entering becomes an obvious choice.

The prizes include:

• £500 and a Carlton Professional Ultraderm machine for the winning student.
• £250 for the supporting lecturer
• £1000 cheque redeemable against Carlton Professional products for the winning college. 

The final will be held at The Grand Hotel in Brighton in July 2014.  

 

Visit Carlton Beauty & Spa on stand N4 at Professional Beauty London, taking place on 23-24 February at London ExCeL. Register here for your free ticket and avoid £20 admission fee on the door.