One of the industry's most recognised names is coming back, but not as you knew it!
With over half of the UK's hair and beauty workforce now self-employed, Urban Retreat returns with suites to give ambitious professionals the platform, heritage and community to grow a real business of their own.
Urban Retreat is relaunching as Urban Retreat Suites, a new premium concept created for independent hair, beauty and wellness professionals.
Bringing together Urban Retreat founder George Hammer, International Development Director Reena Hammer - who previously led the brand's Harrods operation - and hair industry leader and educator John Gillespie, the new venture responds to a fundamental change in the professional beauty landscape. According to NHBF data, 58% of people working in UK hair and beauty are now self-employed, and the shift shows no sign of slowing. Urban Retreat Suites isn't about enabling freelancers to work alone - it's about giving talented professionals the backing, environment and credibility to become genuine business owners, with all the standards and support that has traditionally only come from an established salon.
Urban Retreat Suites is designed to offer both, with each professional having the freedom to shape their own space, services, pricing and client journey, while benefiting from the heritage and profile of Urban Retreat, premium central London surroundings and an ambitious community around them.
The concept is built around four principles:
- Elevate: helping professionals build stronger and more rewarding businesses.
- Create: giving them the freedom to make the experience unmistakably their own.
- Control: enabling greater flexibility and financial ownership.
- Belong: providing community and support without compromising independence.
"Urban Retreat has always stood for exceptional talent, service and experience. The industry has evolved, and this is our opportunity to evolve with it. Urban Retreat Suites gives outstanding professionals the stature and surroundings of a leading luxury brand, while allowing them to own what they create, from their client experience to their future growth." George Hammer, founder of Urban Retreat
More than a collection of private suites, the ambition is to create a destination for the wider professional community: a place where education happens, brands launch, industry bodies meet, creatives connect and ideas are shared. Education, mentoring, events and partnerships will form part of the longer-term vision, helping independent professionals develop both creatively and commercially.
"Independence should feel exciting, not isolating. We want to create an environment where talented people can make their own decisions and build their own brands, but still feel part of something with energy, ambition and genuine industry connection. Our promise is simple: work for yourself, never by yourself." John Gillespie, CEO of Urban Retreat Suites
"This is exciting for me, both personally and for the industry. Urban Retreat has been part of my life for 20 years - from building our experience at Harrods to exploring what's next for the brand internationally. Urban Retreat Suites is the future, and an evolution for a brand with such iconic heritage." Reena Hammer, International Development Director, Urban Retreat
The first Urban Retreat Suites location, One Smithfield (18-19 Long Lane, London EC1A 9PL), will open in November. Prospective suite holders can register for early access, private viewing opportunities and application information at urbanretreat.co.uk.