[Updated] Marian Newman to launch Federation of Nail Professionals to represent sector

[Update, November 28: the site and social channels are now live (links below) and you can watch Marian Newman's video about the launch too]

A new industry body designed to support the nail profession and champion high standards will soft launch this weekend. 

Led by renowned nail industry specialist Marian Newman, the Federation of Nail Professionals (FNP) will be a not-for-profit body that aims to represent the nail sector at Government level and to raise the profile of salons and techs that meet high standards.

From Saturday (November 28), Newman is calling on nail professionals to sign up for free as a supporter. Phase two will then ask professionals to pay to join a register and commit to a code of ethics.

“During the pandemic, with all the meetings that were going on at Government level, it was raised many times that the nail industry is under represented,” said Newman. “I was a lone voice and I was not comfortable with that…so I decided to do something about it.”

The FNP has the support of industry bodies including Habia, Babtac and British Beauty Council and will be working closely with them.

Alongside Newman, there are five other founding board members: Sue Davies, deputy chair; Alex Cassells, who will run memberships; Donna Clayton who will oversee education; Peter Borg, who is in charge of finance and legal; and Jennie Nippard, who will run the federation’s “Licence to Teach” initiative.

Once the FNP is fully launched, there will be memberships for people in every area of the profession, beginning at £25 for a student membership, up to £90 for an educator membership.

The FNP will soon launch a widescale industry survey to give Government, and the industry, a clearer picture of the nail sector’s value, potential and challenges. 

Other initial goals and projects will include inputting into the National Occupational Standards (NOS) including development of an advanced standard, which Newman said, “is aiming towards our sector being recognised as more highly skilled.” The NFP will also work with Government body MHRA when it targets the beauty industry next year.

The federation will create a jobs board and host seminars, webinars and think tanks for members. It will also develop a “sensible, sustainable, reputable salon standard classification,” said Newman, who was awarded a BEM in the Queen's Birthday honours earlier this year.

Watch Marian Newman's The Federaton of Nail Professionals launch video here

Nail techs, salon owners and educators who would like to support the group can sign up for free to register their interest via the Federation of Nail Professionals (FNP) website here. You can also now follow the federation on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.