Northampton-based The Neighbourhood barbershop cut above the rest thanks to £30k Start Up Loan
A Northampton based barbershop has received a £30k Start Up Loan from the Business Enterprise Fund (BEF) to help kickstart its residency on Wellingborough Road.
Khaleeqa Bostan
Marketing Assistant
4th December 2024
Listing its values as community, perfection and connection, the Neighbourhood Barbershop is soon to be taking on its first apprentice, after launching a successful programme introducing the fundamentals of barbering to a younger generations, as an antidote to increasing anti-social behaviour in the local area.
"We know young people learn best when surrounded by relatable role models from a similar background – without that, it’s easy for them to act out. Through our programme, we hope to give them something to aspire to, teaching them the skills of barbering so they had something to participate in. We’re now offering an apprenticeship scheme to further bring this to life and are looking forward to developing the next generation of barbers."
George Carroll, Co-founder at The Neighbourhood
The duo’s commitment to helping others doesn’t stop there, after a stint running barbering workshops at HMP Five Wells in Wellingborough.
"Our goal was to give a second chance to willing inmates who wanted to find their feet in the world upon release. We were aiming to help rehabilitate individuals while also providing a sense of community on their return to the world outside. It’s important to us that we leave a positive impact on the lives of people outside of the business as it drives home the need for community and connection."
Joseph Welham, co-founder at The Neighbourhood
The Start Up Loan provided by BEF allowed the pair, who have nearly 30 years of barber experience between them, to hit the ground running upon launch, garnering repeat clientele requiring a waiting list.
"We’re so grateful to the Business Enterprise Fund for our Start Up Loan; both Joseph and I had pages of ideas when we got started and it’s thanks to the support and belief from BEF that we were table to get things off the ground."
George Carroll, Co-founder at The Neighbourhood
Focusing on the future, the Neighbourhood Barbershop, which received a runner-up prize in the 2024 Start Up Business Awards, is taking steps to make the business more environmentally friendly, including introducing initiatives to recycle hair clippings, turning them into compost to donate to local allotments.
"As well as our upcoming apprenticeship scheme, allowing us to give back to our local area, our presence on social media has allowed us to launch a podcast speaking with fellow professionals and entrepreneurs to unearth their success stories, with the hopes of inspiring others. We’ve also been able to expand our business offering with the scalp micro pigmentation; we’re reaching clients who wouldn’t normally frequent a barbershop, including both men and women who may be suffering alopecia."
George Carroll, Co-founder at The Neighbourhood
"George and Joseph have created something really special with the Neighbourhood Barbershop. They’ve pooled their talent, ideas and entrepreneurship and cemented their presence within the community through their initiatives and drive to help better others’ prospects. This is exactly the type of vision that Start Up Loans is committing to supporting. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for them."
Habib Karimi, Investment Manager at BEF
If you are looking to start or grow your own business, a Start Up Loan may be for you. Get in touch with us today.