But its not easy to do so, despite the growth the business is showing. Annual British retail sales in 2015 topped the £4 billion mark for the first time ever, making the UK market larger than the French. The prestige, luxury beauty market accounted for £2.4 billion of the £4 billion total — a jump of £110 million over 2014 with strong performance in premium skincare, colour cosmetics and haircare. Like the rest of the world, only mass fragrance is showing a decline. Our professional sector is alive and well, with the spa sector enjoying growth of 7% driven by more consumer engagement in treatments.