19 October 2021

This update covers:

• NHBF wins another award for COVID-19 crisis response
• Self-assessment deadline reminder
• Cyber security webinar
• Home Office online immigration services
• COVID-19 guidance

NHBF recognised at the Association Excellence Awards

The National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF) was recognised at the Association Excellence awards for its commitment to the hair and beauty industry and its response to the COVID-19 crisis.

The NHBF was presented with the Bronze Award for Best COVID-19 Crisis Response (Over 4,000 members), celebrating the vital work that has been done on behalf of its Members.

The judges said:

"Beautiful Instagram presence; clear political and membership impact."
"Excellent, comprehensive response that influenced on behalf of informed and supported Members."
"An impressive response to the crisis, which cemented excellent relationships with their Members."

Commenting on this latest award win, Richard Lambert, NHBF chief executive said:

“Everyone knows that the last two years have been extremely hard for hair & beauty, and our team has worked tirelessly to support our sector through the pandemic, as well as successfully lobbying government for support to help it get back on its feet. To be recognised with another award for our response to the COVID-19 crisis is a massive achievement for everyone involved.”

Self-assessment deadline reminder

The deadline for returning paper self-assessment forms for tax is 31 October (31 January 2022 for online returns). HMRC is reminding anyone who took out grants or payments from pandemic support schemes that they will have to declare these, as they are taxable.
Cyber security webinar

The Federation of Small Businesses is holding a free webinar for small businesses on cyber security, in partnership with the North West Cyber Resilience Centre, on 21 October. There will be a live demonstration from an ethical hacker of how cyber criminals take advantage of security weaknesses. Sign up here.

Home Office online immigration services

The Home Office would like to speak to small businesses to help make their immigration online services easier to use for employers. If you have employed individuals who require a visa to work in the UK, used to in the past, or if you plan to in the future, your feedback could be really helpful in improving online services.

You can help by signing up to take part in the research.

COVID-19 guidance

Read our four nations’ FAQs which include links to the latest government guidance that must be followed.

Members can call our membership team, Monday-Friday, 9-5, on 01234 831965. Please be patient due to the extremely high level of calls we are currently getting.

For legal advice, Members can login to get our 24/7 legal helpline number. Again, please be patient. The legal team is also dealing with a considerable number of calls.