HOW DO I OPEN AND PROMOTE A NEW BARBERSHOP BUSINESS?

Want to work with the biggest brands? Our industry experts share their advice for getting noticed

PAUL BROOKS

Paul Brookes has always wanted to be a barber and works at a barbershop in Yeovil, which he describes as above and beyond any that he has worked at before. While he loves where he works, he was interested in what it takes to launch your own profile and brand within the industry. Always looking to improve his skills and knowledge, he’s interested in what comes next. “Joth Davies is a hero of mine and his brand is renowned in the industry. I would love to open my own salon one day and launch my own brand, so any advice would be welcome as there’s so much to think about.”

JOTH DAVIES, OWNER SAVILLS BARBERS, SHEFFIELD

“The best advice I can give is to first spend time within the industry. Don’t be in a rush to open your own shop too early in your career. It’s important to learn your craft from as many barbers as possible and experience working for different people. This will all help shape you as a manager and business owner. Building a brand is not just about you and being the right location, it’s about the team you manage and the quality of work you put out as a collective.

Keeping up with industry trends and entering competitions run by the industry’s leading magazines and exhibitions is a great way to improve the service and technical ability of your team. Creating photo shoots and collections and sending them into industry magazines for the chance to be published is also a great way to boost confidence and creativity within the team, which will in turn all feed back to your clients.

When it comes to opening your own barbershop, choose your brand name carefully — think about the style of the shop and your potential clientele. Pick a name that will have longevity and take the same approach with the way you fit out your shop. Invest in good furniture and equipment that will stand the test of time. Also, research the right systems for your point of sale and appointment bookings — the right one will make running everything much easier. You need a system that will help take care of stock checks, commissions and wages calculations, database collection, email marketing, plus auto text and email booking confirmations and reminders.

When it comes to promoting your business, ask yourself who are your clientele and what is your local demographic? Research your local area via Facebook groups, local magazines, bars and restaurants, and get involved with your community.

Most of all remember this — clients will forget what you say but never the way you made them feel. A great haircut is important, but it needs to be matched by great service otherwise you will quickly lose clients.

WANT TO GET MORE INVOLVED IN THE INDUSTRY?

DON’T MISS the Modern Barber stage at Salon International! Tickets available now: www.salonshow.co.uk/site/ticketprices