British Beauty Council and Sephora UK launch mentorship programme to 'nurture future of beauty'

The British Beauty Council has teamed up with Sephora UK to launch a new mentorship and grant programme with student discount platform UNiDAYS. 

Having already received more than 700 registrations, students from across the UK can still apply to receive support as part of a new initiative, with entries open until 20 April.

Millie Kendall OBE, Chief Executive at the British Beauty Council, said: "Young people are the brains of tomorrow’s beauty industry, so this is the perfect opportunity to scout some of the UK's most impressive young talent.

"Not only that, the next generation are more in touch with the workings of the beauty industry than any other generation, so why not tap into their ideas to propel our sector forward? We are delighted to be collaborating with Sephora UK and UNiDAYS on this new initiative."

So, how does it work?

The scheme allows students to pitch their future-facing beauty solutions across topics such as innovation and technology, sustainability, creativity, marketing and science.

The applicants will then be shortlisted before being put in front of a panel of beauty experts. Founder of VIEVE, Jamie Genevieve, will head up the judging panel, joined by experts from the British Beauty Council, UNiDAYS and Sephora UK.

Following this, five winners will be chosen via a number rating system, which will cover areas such as creativity, proactivity, initiative taken and implementation.

Announced in May, each winner will go on to receive mentorship opportunities via a programme of exclusive events, as well as a £3000 grant as part of the initiative.

Jessica Hewitt, Beauty Category Lead at UNiDAYS, said: "At UNiDAYS, we're thrilled to partner with the British Beauty Council and Sephora UK. This programme isn't just about mentorship and grants - it's about giving students a genuine seat at the table where industry decisions are made.

"We recognise that today's beauty students are tomorrow's visionaries, and we're committed to empowering them to shape the future of an industry they already influence so profoundly."