Eddie Perry, known to me as Eddie the Barber, first set up his business in May 2017, moving into 8 High St (which was vacated by Jane Gilks, the hairdresser). An article about the new business appeared in the September issue of Barrow Voice that year, but it was already apparent that demand for his skills was so high that he would soon need to move somewhere bigger. Over the next few years, the business expanded as he was joined by Jack from Sileby and Jake from Lutterworth. Fitting in three chairs really was tight and when the nail bar Hope and Glory became available, Eddie decided to move in.

Having admired the décor and lay-out of the new shop, I had assumed that specialist shop-fitters had been brought in but in fact, the whole project was done by Eddie, Jack and five excellent local tradesmen. In fact, Eddie’s purpose in sharing this project with Barrow Voice was to promote those businesses.

After Eddie and Jack (aka Manuel) had demolished the existing interior, the designing of a new space was the work of Matt Bradwell from Bradgate Electrical (see his advert) and Ian West and Pete Dakin from DW Kitchens & Interiors (see their advert) in consultation with Eddie. Putting the designs into reality, Kyle Beamond (Beamond Plastering) did the plastering; Wes the Tiler laid the striking walls of white tiles in record time; Ian built the flooring, works tops and reception desk; and Matt finished off with the lighting and other electrics.

Eddie would like to thank these men who worked to such a high standard and with such focus. Matt, Ian and Kyle all live in Barrow and run local businesses. Wes lives outside the village but does a lot of work in Barrow. They have created an inviting, modern and convenient environment for customers and the three barbers. And Eddie is delighted to have used local businesses. He wants to encourage more people to shop in the village and use local businesses and services.

Judith Rodgers