Posts by Scratch Staff
HMRC launches online tool to help sole traders report profits
Sole traders are to benefit from an interactive, online tool launched today (8 April) by HMRC. It will support those affected by Basis Period Reform changes to navigate these changes and report their profits at the end of the tax year. The tool will help sole traders complete their 2023-24 Self Assessment tax return correctly,…
Read MoreSalon in the Spotlight: JR Beauty, Cheshire
Jessica Roach had a double celebration on her 30th birthday, as it not only marked a milestone, but she attained a nail qualification with LIT Training Academy to turn her nail styling hobby into a career. The creative found enjoyment in painting her nails during lockdown, and while on maternity leave with her third child,…
Read MoreMy life as a nail technician with endometriosis
The NHS states that endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb starts to grow in other places, such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes. It is a long-term condition, which can have a variety of symptoms and affects each woman differently, ranging from severe period pains that prevent daily…
Read MoreSalon in the Spotlight: Nails By Sharon Gabrielle, Hertfordshire
Following a diagnosis of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in her eye in March 2021, Sharon Goodway reflected on her 16-year job in the finance sector and decided that she wanted to pursue a creative career. She enrolled on a course with Bio Sculpture in June 2022 and on qualifying, decided to hand in her notice and start…
Read MoreSalon in the Spotlight: Nails Edinburgh, Edinburgh
Former street artist, Miska, channelled her creativity into a home-based nail studio, from which she offers manicures and gel enhancements. “Street art made me who I am,” she shares. “Cutting stencils requires a lot of precision, and this skill led me to be good at nails.” Miska immersed in the nail world via reading books…
Read MoreDragon’s Den star, Deborah Meaden, to offer business advice to SMEs
NESCAFÉ® B2B by Nestlé Professional is giving small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) the chance to win face-to-face business insight from entrepreneur, business guru & Dragon’s Den investor, Deborah Meaden. Open to SMEs across all industries, the Let’s Partner up for Good programme will see six businesses win a seat at the table to discuss challenges,…
Read MoreThis is where small & medium-sized UK businesses are most likely to succeed
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are thriving most in Ceredigion, Wales, and struggling most in Bromsgrove, according to research by finance platform and software company, Qardus. Data from the Office for National Statistics was analysed to compile the results, with factors including the change in the number of openings and closures of new enterprises and…
Read MoreRevealed: Scratch magazine’s most-loved cover of 2023
Scratch is renowned for its striking, nail-focused front covers that have grabbed attention since the magazine’s launch in May 2003. But which was the most-loved cover of 2023? Readers were invited to vote for their favourite image from 1-31 December, and the results showed the varied and eclectic tastes of nail enthusiasts across the globe.…
Read MoreTemperature talk: How the cold weather can affect your nail products
Feeling the chill? Scratch explores the impact that temperature has on nail products and serves up practical points to note… Creating a comfortable atmosphere in the salon is important for you and your clients, but maintaining a consistent temperature is also vital to ensure that your nail products perform at their best. Cooler temperatures can…
Read More5 ways to increase your success as a nail pro in 2024
Stepping into 2024 provides a chance to evaluate your business to support your career growth. From goals to finances, marketing and competition hopes, Scratch explores how nail technicians can plan and prepare for the year ahead… 1. Reflect on your business & set new goals Before getting caught up in the excitement of a new…
Read MoreNail enthusiast, Tiger Taylor, launches biodegradable press-on nail range
Painter & creative nail enthusiast, Tiger Taylor, has launched Claws: a range of press-on nails crafted from oxybiodegradable plastic, housed in fully compostable packaging. With a belief that great-looking nails shouldn’t compromise on sustainability, the Claws ethos is: ‘convenient, stylish and cost-effective nails that don’t cost the earth’. Tiger worked with an eco-friendly, bioplastic specialist…
Read More5 ways nail salon owners can support employee wellbeing
Scratch explores ways that salon owners can look after their employees’ physical and mental wellbeing… 1. Promote healthy eating & hydration Here are a few tips: Provide a fruit bowl/healthy snacks in the staff area for employees to help themselves to. Encourage regular food and drink breaks, with water stations available in the salon. Have…
Read MoreDiwali: An insight into henna for hands & feet
November 12, 2023 marks the main day of celebration of the five-day festival of lights – Diwali (also known as Deepavali). A festival celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists and Jains, Diwali is embraced by many outside of its religious circle, as it’s a time to celebrate new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil.…
Read MoreUK-made gel polish storms market with commitment to sustainability
Introducing This Is Gel – a gel polish brand born out of one nail pro’s desire to offer a luxury range at a competitive price – and support the UK economy. The brand, which launched in October 2023 with a capsule collection of eight shades, is the brainchild of Becci Abbott, a music executive turned…
Read MoreNail Order enters gel polish market with 100 ‘hypoallergenic’ shades
Nail Order, provider of apparel, salon essentials and courses for nail professionals, has added 100 gel polish shades to its impressive portfolio. The brand was founded by former salon owners, Rebekka and Chris Costello, during lockdown, with the goal of providing high quality retail items to pros. As popularity grew, the duo created cuticle oils…
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