The media erupted in outrage just little over a month and a half ago when the aesthetic giant SK:N Group abruptly closed multiple of its doors. Staff were informed that the group’s 70 clinics across the UK were shutting down immediately, and shortly thereafter, the company went into liquidation, leaving hundreds unemployed without notice and several patients thousands of pounds out of pocket.
The shutdown was communicated to patients via email, directing them to the company’s website for more information, which proved to be of little help. When customers called or sought advice from the official SK:N website, there was no information regarding its administration, and telephone lines ceased to work.
In a dramatic turn of events, SK:N Group has been acquired by Optical Express, but the new ownership has left many feeling even more in the dark than before. With the website recently reinstated and looking eerily similar to how it did before, it is almost impossible to grasp the extent of the turmoil experienced by employees and patients over the past 30-plus days.
A Quick Overview
SK:N, established as a leading provider of dermatological treatments, earned a reputation for its comprehensive range of aesthetic, dermatological, and even plastic surgery services, from acne treatments to advanced anti-ageing procedures, and the chain quickly became a go-to destination for those seeking professional advice and treatments.
As of 17 July 2024, the SK:N Group had gone under. One former patient told the BBC, “They took the full amount on 11 July. It was only one week ago. Surely they would have known [they were going to go bust]?” We cannot help but agree — surely the inner workings of a company must be aware, six days prior to a nationwide shutdown, that they will be closing down.
The shutdown was covered by multiple media outlets, including us, highlighting the SK:N Clinics Group’s dramatic fall from grace to bankruptcy. However, the new ownership completing the acquisition of Harley Medical Group, SK:N, Skinbrands, The Skin Experts and ABC Medical just a week later on 26 July 2024, has received less attention, which makes one wonder why. Surely, new management should be celebrated … unless something else is afoot.
The Acquisition
Optical Express is one of the UK’s leading opticians, boasting five state-of-the-art centres across London that offer exceptional optical care and comprehensive eye examinations. Located on the renowned Harley Street, Optical Express is a hub of advanced eye care, specialising in cutting-edge laser eye treatments such as LASIK, Intralase, and Wavefront.
David Moulsdale, Chairman and CEO of Optical Express, has already visited several aesthetic clinics and is focused on efficiently integrating the acquired businesses into the Optical Express framework. According to an unnamed source within the company:
“SK:N Clinics has been liquidated, but the company was bought by Optical Express, which is now working to reopen the clinics.”
This raises the question: what about the patients who were left thousands of pounds out of pocket? Will the newly reopened skincare clinics provide them with the refunds they are rightfully owed? Unfortunately, when a company ceases trading, customers often find themselves at the back of a long line of creditors, making it nearly impossible to secure a refund.
This situation inevitably feels like a profound injustice, especially since the website appears to be up and running as if nothing happened. As a new customer, you can book an appointment as easy as one, two, three, which is almost eerily reminiscent of how things were not so long ago.
Concluding Remarks
There is no denying that the liquidation of the once-thriving clinic chain had a profound impact on employees, patients, and the dermatological and aesthetics industry. While the new ownership might offer a glimmer of hope, the swift acquisition and lack of information leave us with little choice but to wait and see IF any relief for those affected WILL actually emerge.
