Beauty -Brand Awareness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
This edition we take a closer look at Associated Irish Therapists, discovering how the brand has become the insurance provider of choice for beauty professionals across the country…
When launching your own beauty business, one of the most important checks on your ‘to do’ list is to make sure you take out the appropriate insurance. Whether you work alone or employ staff, getting the right cover provides that all-important peace of mind for you, your employees and visiting clients.
In November 2005, Irish salon owners were introduced to a new insurance option in the form of Associated Irish Therapists (AIT). During this particular period, there appeared to be a real desire for a reputable insurance company to emerge that could offer beauty professionals comprehensive insurance and membership packages all backed by years of extensive industry know-how and experience.
“The Irish market for insurance was on its knees in 2005,” explains Dave Horton, AIT’s Managing Director. “Most major providers had pulled out of the market due to poor claims history. There was a real gap in the market for a ‘one stop shop’ where qualified professionals
AIT Fact File
• AIT was first launched in November 2005.
• Thanks to the success on Irish shores, the company introduced its sister brand Associated Beauty Therapists (ABT) to the UK market in September 2007.
• The brand’s ethos is based on belief, innovation, quality, reliability and consistency.
• AIT is also proud organisers of the annual Irish Beauty Show, which takes place at the RDS, Dublin each March.
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could get their all insurance requirements met.”
From this initial launch, the popularity and respectability of the company’s offerings soon began to spread. It wasn’t long before therapists, salons and clinics across the breadth of the country all began to intrust their business with the newly-founded AIT. “Our first ever client was a salon based just outside of Dublin who took out our new Salon Insurance and Business Protection package,” reveals Dave. “I remember buying a bottle of champagne for the team and saying, ‘that’s it, one person believes in us.’
“From there, we now deal with many, many thousands of professionals. We are no longer a conceptual brand – clients want our packages and believe in us. Incidentally, our first ever client is still an active AIT member!”
The perfect package
In this fast-paced and ever-changing sector, AIT has naturally evolved since its inception. In response to the differing needs of today’s industry professionals, a host of insurance options are now available.
Beauty Therapy insurance covers all standard beauty treatments, holistic and complementary therapies, whilst Nails, Tanning and Make-up deals with the common procedures associated with these three sectors including that of manicures, nail extensions, semi- permanent eyelashes, make-up and tanning applications. In addition for those practising holistic and complementary therapies only, AIT offers cover through their Complementary package.
For those individuals just beginning their career journey, peace of mind is
provided in the form of the company’s Student Membership. Alternatively for the more experienced, Salon insurance is offered for beauty businesses that employ more than three members of staff and policies can be tailored around the specific needs of the client in question.
Yet the real component to the success of AIT has been going that extra mile and offering a little something extra to its wide network of members. Alongside the standard insurance documents, customers will also receive a host of other benefits from the brand.
“We are the proud organisers of the annual Irish Beauty Show – the country’s leading beauty trade exhibition which takes place each March and attracts over 10,000 visitors each year,” notes Dave. “All members receive free entry to the event, where they have access to over 300 brands. It also allows for both new and existing clients to visit the AIT stand during their visit for a simple friendly chat or to access guidance from our knowledgeable team.”
In addition, members are also provided with a starter pack which includes enamel badges, window stickers, a wall
Dave Horton
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