The UK's hair, beauty, and spa industries have finally achieved distinct Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes, a change not seen since 1948. This marks the end of decades spent grouped with funeral directors and dry cleaners under a single, inadequate classification. The British Beauty Council led a seven-year campaign to achieve this separation, a move described by its CEO, Millie Kendall OBE, as correcting outdated categories that failed to reflect the sector's true breadth.
SIC codes are crucial as they inform government policy, funding, and economic analysis. For years, the absence of specific codes meant the hair and beauty sector had limited visibility, hindering its ability to advocate for support. The new structure introduces group 962 for hairdressing, beauty treatment, and day-spa activities, subdividing it into 9621 (hairdressing/barbering), 9622 (beauty care), and 9623 (day spa/sauna). This allows for precise measurement of each segment.
This reform is not just a domestic victory; updates have also been approved for international classifications like ISIC and NACE. While implementation across UK systems like Companies House will be gradual, the British Beauty Council is already considering further refinements for niche areas like aesthetics and nail services. The change offers professionals clearer self-identification in official records and empowers better policy support. The new codes aim to ensure the industry is not only accurately measured but also properly valued.
