Lesley Blair MBE - CEO & Chair 

Lesley Blair MBE took over the position of Chair at BABTAC & CIBTAC in 2018 after a six-year stint on the council prior to that.

Holding qualifications from CIBTAC, ITEC, IHBC and City & Guilds including Level 4 Advanced modalities, she also holds both teaching, assessor and expert witness qualifications and achieved a First-Class Honours Degree in Finance in 2010. She is also an accomplished CIBTAC examiner with 26 years’ experience.

Since becoming Chair, Ayrshire-based Lesley has worked tirelessly to ensure the values and objectives of both these prominent not for profit organisations continue to be maintained, ensuring our industry continually raise the level of professionalism while championing fit for purpose qualifications.

Through the pandemic she worked tirelessly on government taskforces and inclusively with colleagues, industry bodies, competitors and media alike for the greater good of the industry. As a direct result BABTAC were appointed by the Department for Business, Energy & Industry Strategy (BEIS) as a part of the safer workplace Covid task force. Throughout this challenging period Lesley was a trusted sectoral adviser, providing invaluable insight into the workings of the sector and offering innovative and creative solutions in the face of continued challenges and obstacles. As a direct result BABTAC were appointed to sit on the first recognised Sector Body for Personal Care Services within government, with Lesley appointed as the BABTAC representative. More recently Lesley was also awarded an MBE for services to the British beauty industry in the Queen’s Birthday 2022 Honours List.

Lesley also sits on the Cosmetics Informed and Empowered Public Sub-Group - part of the Scottish Government's Interventions, JCCP Register & Stakeholder Group & JCCP Stakeholder Council Steering Group; contributes to the Aesthetics APPG; was part of the steering group of the advanced qualifications NOS (Level 4 – 6); the Advisory Panel of The Safety in Beauty Campaign and the HABIC Executive Council (Ireland).After a personal nomination from founder Caroline Hirons she is also a Trustee on her Beauty Backed Trust. Proof that she continues to practise what she preaches at every given occasion.

Relentless and passionate in her desire to educate those in and out of the industry on the best practices in beauty, Lesley also provides comment for relevant articles, press appearances, TV & radio interviews and expert witness work.

Sara Shoemark - Board Member

John Lomer - Financial Director

John is an accountant with wide experience in industry and corporate finance.

He trained with KPMG in London and was formerly group finance director of Finsbury Food Group PLC and previously finance director at Marlborough Stirling Group PLC.

John is chairman of a metals business in the West Midlands, UK and has interests in telecoms, IT and manufacturing.

Susan Routledge - Board Member

Susan Routledge is a Multi Award Winning Salon Owner, International Business Consultant, and trusted Industry Advisor. Beauty Therapy and the Beauty Industry has been Susan’s lifelong career progression and is recognised in the Top UK Industry Influencers for her passion and dedication. Her down to earth, light-hearted approach has made her an International Speaker and an established Awards Judge.

Susan founded and has grown her Clinic of 35 years in Co. Durham, to be the largest independent Beauty Salon in the Northeast of England.

She has an online business turnaround programme called ‘Salon Success Freedom’ and is the creator of the Exclusive Beauty Directors Club, an ever-growing global membership and close community for salon, clinic, and spa business owners with business resources and multi expert advice and guidance. Susan is the founder of her trademarked STABLE business formula, plus the Author of ‘The Little Book of Client Retention’ and Best Seller Co-Author of 'Beauty & The Best 1 & 2' and ‘Your Best Life’

Keith Conniford - Board Member

Keith Conniford has been in the Hair & Beauty Industry his whole working life, including as Executive Director and subsequent CEO of the ‘Lookfantastic’ Group. He recently retired as the CEO/Registrar of the Hair and Barber Council, whose main mandate was to amend the current voluntary Act of Parliament held in the name of The Hairdressing Council to that of Mandatory. 

Keith also contributed to and sat on many leading industry panels, councils & boards while concurrently providing extensive support and council across the education and training division of our sector. He remains passionate about gaining full regulation in the industry and we are delighted to have him on our Board. His vast experience and extensive knowledge across all aspects of our industry together with his unwavering support will be invaluable to our board and the industry.

Diane Hey - Board Member

Jason Philips - Previous Chair

Jason is past chair as of December 2017.

The former IT professional turned intimate male waxer set up his UK-based business - The Back and Beyond - in 2009. His mission is to deliver the most professional and comfortable specialist waxing treatments available.

Jason is passionate about encouraging men to see the beauty industry as a worthwhile career choice, raising industry standards and ensuring that practitioners receive the recognition their professionalism deserves.