The London College of Beauty Therapy (LCBT), one of the UK’s largest specialist further education funded training colleges, has announced the appointment of CEW UK’s Executive President, Caroline Neville MBE, as its first patron. Caroline has reached a milestone, 30 years in the leadership team at CEW, the same year that LCBT celebrates the 30th anniversary of its founding.
In 2018, Caroline was appointed a Member of the British Empire in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for her services to the UK beauty sector, her mentoring of female entrepreneurs and young executives and charitable work. Caroline’s patronage of LCBT reflects her longstanding relationship with the College, including her regular attendance at its annual Star Awards celebrating high-achieving students.
The patronage was announced at LCBT’s 30th anniversary event, where leaders from across the industry gathered to mark the occasion. The milestone marks an important step in the ambitions of LCBT’s parent organisation, EFI Group, as it seeks to cement the College’s status as the leading provider of beauty therapy, make-up and hairdressing education in London. Earlier in 2025, LCBT made the move to a brand new campus at Fashion Street, Shoreditch, with all-new facilities to help meet growing demand from school leavers for its Level 2 and Level 3 diploma courses. Future plans include the introduction of specialist Level 4 diplomas to support graduates into management roles in salons, spas and head offices.
Caroline Neville MBE commented: “I have had the pleasure of seeing the London College of Beauty Therapy grow over many years, and have witnessed first-hand the important role it plays in helping young people gain the skills to succeed in the beauty industry. I am honoured to become the first patron of LCBT and delighted to continue supporting the future of the industry.”
Lee Lucas, principal & CEO of LCBT, added: “Caroline Neville is a figurehead of the beauty industry across the UK and beyond through her work with CEW, and we are privileged to have her as our patron. “Her passion for the beauty industry and reputation for nurturing entrepreneurial talent make Caroline the ideal person to take on this role, as we seek to help young people get started in a sector where nearly two thirds of workers are self-employed.”
