The Local Data Company’s latest Leisure and Retail report revealed that more hairdressing, barbers and beauty business opened in 2016 than ever before, overtaking tearooms, coffee shops and take-aways in popularity.

With beauty salons, barbers, beauty and nail salons occupying four out of the 10 top slots, the hair and beauty industry combined saw the highest number of new business openings in Great Britains. By contrast, the greatest number of closures were suffered by banks, convenience stores, women’s clothing, pubs, fashion shops, newsagents and Post Office services. The National Hairdressing Federations’ CEO, Hilary Hall commented: “Not only does the LDC report unveil the explosive growth in the number in 2016, it also provides concrete proof that salons and barbershops are facing ever-increasing competition.

If they are to survive in such a tough marketplace, business owners will need to work harder than ever before on their brand and client experience to differentiate their business from the many others out there.