Welcome to Beauty Connection - your monthly guide to the trade beauty industry With winter on our doorstep, the weather may be gloomy, but the beauty world is looking bright at the moment. Firstly, we’re still basking in the glow of an amazing Professional Beauty Manchester which took place in October. The aisles were filled with inspired business owners, excited students and happy shoppers. Over 17,800 beauty professionals visited 148 exhibitors, saw 42 brand new product innovations and attended 18 masterclasses over the two days! No need to be dismayed if you weren’t able to attend the show as Professional Beauty London will open its doors in ExCeL London on the 7th and 8th of March 2010. Keep this date in your diary to ensure you don’t miss out on the biggest brands, ideas and bestellers. This month, Professional Beauty Magazine have reported that we can expect a light at the end of the recession tunnel. Franchise models are providing beauty professionals with a more resilient option for starting a new business during times of recession, offering the additional security of a tried and test formula combined with support and training. Research by Santander Corporate Banking has also revealed that three quarters of businesses are confident about their prospects during the next six months, and twice as many are seeking funds for expansion rather than survival. One in seven UK businesses (15%) are looking to increase their borrowing as business confidence begins to pick up. What has your experience been with regards to the recession? Do you have any tips to give fellow beauty business owners? Drop us a line and we’ll share it on our blog. We've also had a glimpse at the new pretty summer colours in nail varnish and these include turqoise, corals and blues, asll guaranteed to brighten your and your client's day! This month, you've got the chance to win Priori CoffeeBerry Brightening Facial Complex, brought to you by Cosmeceuticals.  The first 20 readers to email me with your comments and thoughts on your experience of Professional Beauty Manchester will be entered into our free prize draw.  If you didn't visit the show but still wish to enter then please send us your thoughts and ideas on what would make the perfect show for you - who you woul like to see exhibiting, what products / brands you wish to see and what seminars you would be interested in attending..  Email me at judith.mellor@emap.com. As always, email your thoughts and comments to Judith.mellor@emap.com Judith Mellor Professional Beauty - Marketing Manager