Kathryn Moore, founder of Spa Connectors, has announced the launch of the Hall of Wellness Awards (HOW Awards) to recognise those excelling in their fields in the global spa, beauty and wellness industry.

The awards have been developed to recognise extraordinary individuals while elevating the global spa, beauty and wellness industry.

Today (1 July) marks the opening of applications for the awards which have been categorised into six regional categories – Middle East, Asia, Europe and UK, Oceania, Americas and Africa. There will be 110 awards made in total, with seven at a global level.

“We wanted to give something back to the industry,” says Moore, “many industry associates are struggling to find work or are on furlough, so we wanted to create global awards that allow them to showcase their talents.”

Industry members can nominate themselves or others via this link, by submitting videos of them practising their chosen skill. These will be judged by a panel of 20 expert judges from the sector, including figures such as Nic Ronco, Daniella Russell, Lisa Starr, Michelle Hammond and Amy McDonald.

As part of the HOW awards, Moore’s team has created a Commitment and Scholarship Programme to raise funds to upskill industry professionals to improve their career prospects.

Sponsors can donate cash to this fund, while some have chosen to contribute by offering training and courses, internships and jobs.

“This helps as a stimulus to the supporting training businesses in our industry and in turn can upskill many,” explained Moore, “the main message is that our industry would be nothing without the people in it – if we can’t give them a job at the moment, let’s be proactive and provide them with some training.”

The awards organisation is sponsored by the following brands: Gharieni, Halotherapy Solutions, Biologique Recherche and Subtle Energies, Loft Inc, Madi International, Eideal, Salon Solutions International, Ener Trading, Elly Lukas, Yogi Bare and Scentered.

Spa Business has been announced as the official global media partner and will report on news and developments relating to the awards.

Spa Business editorial director, Liz Terry, said: "We applaud Kathryn for stepping up in the middle of this global pandemic and creating the Hall of Wellness awards.

"People working in the spa and wellness markets are being challenged on many fronts at present, with job losses and insecurity for many. This creative initiative will bring with it some much-needed positivity and enable us to find a better way forward, by celebrating excellence and supporting training and mentoring programmes.

"We'll be working alongside the Hall of Wellness team and judges to share news about the awards, celebrate the winners and raise the profile of HOW as a force for change in the sector."

Submissions for the awards close on 30 September 2020, with judging taking place during October and November 2020.

The awards ceremony will be held virtually on 4 December 2020.