1 mins
THE HIGH STREET BARBER
CLARE SMITH DISCUSSES THE BENEFITS OF AN EMPLOYED BUSINESS MODEL
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A BARBER?
I’ve been a barber for 21 years, after initially training as a hairdresser when I was 15. I currently run Kings Langley Barber Shop, which is located inside a Grade II listed building – in fact, the premises has been used as a barbershop since 1939!
HOW HAS BUSINESS CHANGED FOR YOU OVER THE COURSE OF TIME?
Things changed after COVID-19; we were a walk-inonly barbershop, but after the lockdown we were forced to operate via a booking system. Some of our clients have favoured this, so it’s been hard to go back to walk-ins, however it has halved our footfall. The financial aspect of running a business is getting more stressful – holding on to your business is like riding a rollercoaster. Unfortunately, with the number of barbershops opening and the fast-track training on offer, our industry is losing its value.
“Employing a team fosters a greater sense of loyalty – you’re like a family.”
WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON EMPLOYING STAFF VS RENTING A CHAIR?
Since I started running my shop seven years ago, I’ve always employed my staff. I currently employ five barbers all on a part-time basis. No one tells you how to be the perfect employer, and with sick pay and pensions, it can be expensive. However, employing a team fosters a greater sense of loyalty – you’re like a family, and everyone knows where they stand. In contrast, with the rent-a-chair model, there is no consistency and little control, however the reputation of the business can still become the owner’s problem – the buck stops with you.
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE IN TERMS OF GOVERNMENT SUPPORT?
We need the government to recognise us as a skilled industry – many barbers provide care and counselling to their clients, so we need vital training on mental health. I also think we need them to regulate the industry, and we need a reduction in VAT so we can grow our businesses without living in fear.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF IN YOUR CAREER?
Building a business of loyal and friendly customers. We’re a family-friendly barbershop, meaning we get to see a lot of our clients grow up. I often put on small activities over Easter, Halloween and Christmas for young children in the community.