THE MAGAZINE ISSUE 3
SUPPORTING THE BARBERING COMMUNITY
MEMBERS I EDUCATION I PRODUCTS
SupportBritish British Manufacturing and Buy We support Manufacturing andBritish Buy British Visit www.morganspomade.co.uk and a trade account today. today. Visit www.morganspomade.co.uk andopen open a trade account
We support British Manufacturing and Buy British Visit www.morganspomade.co.uk and open a trade account today.
WELCOME
Issue 3
s
o 2021 starts yet again with another lockdown, Hopefully it’s given us all some positive time to reflect on the important things in life. Family, friends, home life and future business plans. Unfortunately we’ve lost some amazing industry figures over the last few months. Some to illness and some due to the pressures of life. These guys will be sorely missed and we are so pleased having known them personally and seeing the positive marks they have all left on the barbering industry. We hope everyone finds the strength to push on and get through this tough time. Support each other and try to avoid the negativity there seems to be so much of. Remember sometimes a social media break does wonders. In this issue we take a look at the best of 2020 and our BMB Barber of the year finalists. Find out more about the talented Shaun Buckingham whose winning image graces the front cover of this very issue. Enjoy. Kindest Regards Anthony Copeland Co-Founder of the British Master Barbers Alliance
The British Master Barbers Alliance team has been formed by time served Master Barbers who have a wealth of experience in a range of Barbering related subjects. This includes a group of highly skilled multi-award-winning Barbers, Barbershop owners, Teachers, Lecturers, Assessors, Educators, Session stylists & Barber Academy owners from all over the UK Join today at WWW.BRITISHMASTERBARBERS.COM
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HAVE YOU TAKEN THE FREE BARBERING HEALTH & SAFETY COURSE?
T
he British Master Barbers have been working very hard over the last year creating the very first online health and safety course. Alongside Mike Taylor Education and The Great British Barbering Academy. This course includes the latest H&S protocol to keep you up to date with current legislation and advisory methods. For barbers that may not hold formal qualifications or have done their training many years ago this course offers the opportunity for basic continual professional development and keeping on top of the latest requirements. With a free personalised downloadable certificate that you can print out, frame and display in your own barbershop, you can show that you're a barber that takes customers well being seriously.
GET YOUR FREE CERTIFICATE TODAY Simply visit www.BRITISHMASTERBARBERS.com Complete the basic Health & Safety modules take the short multiple choice test and download your personalised certificate on completion. Displaying your certificate in your shop or work place can help put your customers at ease, knowing their barber/stylist has put in some effort to show professionalism. What are you waiting for?
Continual Professional Development For Barber's and Barbering students
The Place for Online Barbering course's & Demonstrations Welcome to Master Barber University our 24/7 online Learning Resource. Here you can learn online from any device, including your computer, tablet or smartphone. Study at a time that suits you, & complete technical skills at your own pace. With video demonstrations from some of the UK’s leading industry educators and grooming product companies you know you’ll be in the safest of hands. From basic guides on product use , tool maintenance to full blown cutting and shaving courses, the BMB Online University is the place to go. Simply visit masterbarberuniversity.com and enrol in each of the courses you have an interest in and prepare to learn many different new skills from our team of talented educators wherever you live. More courses are being added regularly.
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BRITISH MASTER BARBER OF THE YEAR 2020 The 2020 British Master Barber of the year competition sponsored by MORGANS POMADE & NEARCUT was this year an online only image entry competition due to Covid restrictions. We were looking for the best barbering image for a magazine front cover With 118 entrants in the competing stage the judging was a long hard process and given to the founders of the British Master Barbers Alliance to pick the top ten finalists. These top ten went on to our panel of judges this year including Sam Arthur, Kevin Vorley, Dan Davies and MK to determine the overall winner. Take a look at the finalists images and you’ll see the standards were so high and how judging was an extremely tough job. A huge well done to all the finalists and everyone that took part. Simply stunning work all round. Turn over to check out the finalist images……………
FINALIST
BMB BARBER OF THE YEAR 2020
PAUL MAC
FINALIST
BMB BARBER OF THE YEAR 2020
BALDY
FINALIST
BMB BARBER OF THE YEAR 2020
CORNELIU CRIHAN
FINALIST
BMB BARBER OF THE YEAR 2020
GRANT HACKETT
FINALIST
BMB BARBER OF THE YEAR 2020
MERCEDES PAGINTON
FINALIST
BMB BARBER OF THE YEAR 2020
LEE DIXON
FINALIST
BMB BARBER OF THE YEAR 2020
SARELLE MCCANN
FINALIST
BMB BARBER OF THE YEAR 2020
DAVID LOGUE
FINALIST
BMB BARBER OF THE YEAR 2020
ALLAN STONE
WINNER
BMB BARBER OF THE YEAR 2020
SHAUN BUCKINGHAM
SHAUN BUCKINGHAM WE CHAT WITH BRITISH MASTER BARBER OF THE YEAR 2020
Hi i’m Shaun Buckingham the proud Winner of the BMB barber of the year 2020. I live and work in Stafford West Midlands as a barber and manage FG Man Barbershop. I've worked at FG Man as a founding member since 2017 and since worked my way up to become the shop manager and recently been asked to join Francesco Groups creative team, FG Creatives, as their mens specialist.
HOW DID YOU START YOUR CAREER? I originally started my career doing women’s hair whilst training with Francesco Group at their Print works Academy and moving onto to be a stylist at there Nantwich franchise. Developing a passion for men’s hairdressing I made the decision to join FG Man. FG Man gentleman’s barbershop is Francesco Groups first adventure into barbering providing services tailored to the modern man. Managing a team of 5 with 4 barbers showcasing different levels of experience and skills, and having a front of house co-ordinator keeping our services and bookings in order at reception to maintain our 5 star service. Operating through our current restrictions has not been easy but we have managed to continue maintaining our high standards of hygiene and security whilst keeping on top of our competition, staying mentally strong through each lockdown ready to get back to it once we're allowed and continue our goal of success.
WE LOVE YOUR WINNING IMAGE! Thanks i’ve always had a passion for photographic work and set my mission for 2020 to showcase my work and get new photographic images done with these earning me places as a regional semifinalist in L'Oreals Mens image 2020, a finalist of Wahl’s Barber Of The Year 2020 and the Winner of BMB Barber of the Year 2020!
APART FROM CUTTING WHAT ELSE DO YOU GET UP TOO? My spare time usually involves my love for video games, music and playing guitar, I spend time keeping my hair knowledge fresh helping to maintain and improve my work constantly. I also occupy time with my martial arts as i'm currently a 1st Dan (Black belt) in Wado-Ryu karate and during lockdown i have teamed up with a little group of barbers on instagram to form a running group which has helped keep my health and mental wellbeing going during this 3rd lockdown. Type to enter textDO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE TOOL?
WHAT TOOLS HAVE YOU BOUGHT LATELY? I have a tonne of tools / equipment that i have gathered over the years which i just cant help but add more of the latest tech to my arsenal of clippers and scissors to make use of at the shop. Most recently Ive purchased a new camera to get my grips on photography, which has been keeping me occupied during this 3rd lockdown, spending time taking photos of Pokemon figures until I can get back to work and get new shots of my clients new looks.
WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS? 2021 hasn't been the ideal start to a fresh new year with lockdown restrictions still in place and barbershops being closed, but I remain positive and optimistic for the year and have continued to set goals which include learning new techniques with different tools as education and progression never ends, which will help push my work and creativity, with a goal to do more colour work and get new photographic images for any looks created, ready for any upcoming competitions. Helping to open up more possibilities to work along side brands and connect with other barbers within the community to create as positive of an influence I can on others.
Thank you so much Shaun for taking the time to share your thoughts with us and once again a huge well done on winning the British Master Barber of the year 2020 A great Achievement.
You can find out more & see Shauns work at at: @shaun_fgman @fg_man_barbershop @francesco_group
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THE 2021 ONLINE SHOW MASTER BARBER LIVE IS BACK But this time things are different. The British Master Barbers are once again hosting their annual barbering show but this time its all online. Due to Covid and restricted movement around the UK and uncertainty of a live event this years show can be accessed from the comfort and safety of your own home. Featuring: The Seminar Rooms The Exhibitor Hall The Charity Room & more……
So come on in and enjoy the show WWW.MASTERBARBERLIVE.COM
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Bicester Barber Shop crowned WAHL British Barber Shop of the Year Andys Barber Shop based in Bicester has been crowned WAHL British Barber Shop of the Year. After a year of ups and downs Andy’s Barber Shop is delighted to be crowned WAHL British Barber Shop of the Year. This fiercely competitive national competition saw the Barber Shop, located in Pioneer Square Bicester, battle it out against some of the biggest names in the industry, in what was a record year for entries and marked the first time the trophy has left London. Barber Andy Willis said: “In 28 years of barbering I’ve never been so shocked, surprised and proud, this is the biggest award we’ve ever won. We’ve a fantastic team here at Andy’s Barber Shop and they thoroughly deserve the accolades that come with this. We’re absolutely chuffed to bits.”
The award, organised by WAHL Professional UK, considers every aspect of the business from the salon design, teamwork and barbering skills as well as any marketing campaigns and charity work undertaken.To crown the winner, each barbershop was visited by WAHL Global Artistic Director, Simon Shaw as well as secret shoppers. This year the announcement was an Instagram live event, instead of its usual big crowd event held at the ExCel in London. Andy added: “I’m passionate about my hometown and although we’re surrounded by shops that are closing, I hope this helps to show that there’s still local business thriving in the town. Thank you to all our loyal customers, we’re so proud to have won this prestigious award.” Simon Shaw, WAHL Global Artistic Director, on why Andy’s Barbershop was a worthy winner this year; “I felt Andy’s Barbershop just set a standard for modern British barbering. It’s stylish, has a fantastic presence when you walk in and it’s got it all under one-roof; from haircuts to waxing and massages. To me, it defines what modern barbershops should be and it ticked every box. What really put them ahead was their support of the local community, like sponsoring local football teams.”
Andys Barbershop Bicester C4 Pioneer Square
Bicester
Oxfordshire
OX26 6FA
www.andysbarbers.biz
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The Barbers Guide to Social Media Marketing Social Media can promote your business or Brand at a very low cost, Here’s our guide to help you.... Using Social Media for Marketing We’ve put together this guide on using social media for marketing to help you understand the best area for you to promote your Business or Brand. First of all we would always recommend a barbershop or brand to have its own website, this would always be regarded as the digital shop advert (HUB) that all your social media pages would link to. This would contain the important information like your contact details, a map of your location, your prices, and maybe a little about your staff? For relatively low cost and time you can produce fantastic social media platforms for displaying your work, promoting your products and generally interacting with existing and potentially new customers. We will be looking at the main 4 Social Media pages to get you started. Firstly creating your Brand When starting out in the Social media world the first thing to think about is your brand. You need a recognisable name and logo that you can use on every social media page. Using the same name on every social media site will allow the world to easily find you. Before creating any social media page make sure the name you require is available on every platform. If you're like us and the name you're known by is too long for creating social media names, you may have to adjust it to fit the required character numbers. For example on all our social media pages we can be found using @BritishMasterBarbers although on Twitter we had to use @ UKMasterBarbers. We use the same logos and colours in each of our platform profiles.
YouTube
Facebook is casual environment that starts very locally geographically. At first you select friends and already known acquaintances to like your business page and recognition flows out from them. Facebook requires regular active social media marketing to keep your followers entertained. Do not keep posting adverts of your business over and over as this will cause people to ignore your campaigns. Keep it fresh, regularly update your page with new quality pictures and interesting features that followers will LIKE & SHARE as this will spread your page to further onlookers.
Not everyone wants to be a film star but getting your brand on YouTube can only help it to grow. Many Video editing Apps are available cheaply for use on phones and tablets. You can create blogs, how to’s, or even just a simple photo sequence showing your work can be beneficial. Make sure the sound quality is of a good standard. Even the best videos can be ruined by poor sound and low quality imagery.
Instagram Instagram seems to be the Barbers favourite social media platform, it consists of the user uploading pictures which are liked by others, most barbers post pictures of their haircuts opening themselves to be judged by others. Good quality work and images can often be plugged (regramed) by other users which aid promotion of your brand. This is done by Tagging other users in your image description ie: @BritishMasterBarbers or #BritishMasterBarbers can help promote your work and further your reach. More tags equals more reach but make sure your tagging reflects your image and is aimed at third party’s that have an interest in your product.
#hashtags How to Use #Hashtags Using a hashtag in a social post is as simple as adding the ‘#’ sign before a single word or phrase without a space. Don’t string too many words together with a single hashtag. If you post with a hashtag on a public account, anyone who does a search for that hashtag may find your tweet. Don’t #spam #with #hashtags. Don’t over-tag a single post. Use hashtags only on posts relevant to the topic. So now you have the basics Remember your online post reach further than just your mate down the road. Keep professional at all times as its there forever. Don’t forget to follow the British Master Barbers pages. We love to see what you're all up to.
MEET THE MEMBERS DAVID LOGUE I am David Logue a barber for almost 6 years. The daily grind of working in a supermarket wasn’t for me and I wanted find a job that suited my creative side more. I looked into getting an apprenticeship and was fortunate enough to get one in a Ladies salon at 23 years old. Two years later I began working at Old Town Barber Club in Dunfermline where I finished my apprenticeship. Two years later, I was presented with the opportunity to open my own business and Hár Barber was born. Har Barber is situated in Scotland, within the little historical mining town of Leslie in Fife and luckily situated right on the high street with great footfall. We have regular clients from every walk of life, visiting us from Fife and beyond Our aim is to make sure that the shop is a welcoming and inclusive environment. I started the business as a one-man band to be joined by Barber Courtney and within eight months Lyall became another valuable member of our team. With the loyal support from our regular clientele, Har Barber continued to prosper we were able to add Jodie and Natty, now taking us to a team of five! We have always pushed to be more than just a barbershop, which yes, is a cliche, but one that we are proud of. We have become an active part of the local community and aim to help whoever we can, such as becoming a yearly sponsor of the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride and to also host an elderly gents morning to combat loneliness. The shop decor reveals many authentic barbering treasures and antiques. I want the clients to feel they’ve stepped back in time to the golden age of men’s grooming. We make sure that each service has a personal touch that keeps our clients returning!
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DECLAN SWEENEY "Put Your Mind to It" and with the passion to succeed you can do anything!! 2011 Was my first step into the world of barbering, as a newly qualified, thinking I was the dog`s bollocks, but I was wrong However, after 3 years-experience working in a barbershop, I wanted something to call my own. So, with no savings, I worked my arse off and managed to get my first barbershop but on wheels “The pitstop Barbershop” god this thing drove me insane. Before the amazing leap in cordless clipper`s I had to resort to using corded clippers powered by a petrol generator, now this thing would forever let me down half way through a haircut, but hey you have got to start somewhere. I knew I had to find my own shop. 2015 I started my first shop, rather small, but was a stable reliable shop that I could make my own, it was basically a cupboard but it was my cupboard & a place to build my reputation and customer base. 6 months later, It became too busy & I had to make the shop bigger so I went for it with only what I could afford to at the time. This was the best decision I could have made, for my customer base started to flourish within 18 months. This was time to give back to my customers and make it more like a barbershop. In 2017 I wanted to see if I could compete with the top dogs in our industry and managed to get to the finals of British Master Barbers "Barber of the Year" which is the best achievement I could have ever have asked for. Since 2017 till this very day my barbershop has just been getting busier and busier. If you want something go out there and go get it, everyone starts somewhere and people will laugh at your ideas but they laugh because they wish they could have the bollocks to go out there and get it themselves. My classic mistake was to start offering my services far too cheaply, but over time I have raised them commensurate with the service I provide & with my loyal clients support I am loving this Industry. 27.WWW.BRITISHMASTERBARBERS.COM
MICHAEL MCCARTHY Stylish duke barbershop has a stylish vintage decor and a family friendly atmosphere. We are very proud to have a barbershop where all generations feel welcome when they come in for a haircut. The owner Michael aka stylish duke was a British master barbers finalist in 2018 and been a member of the British master barbers for the last 2 years. And very proud to have won best barbershop interior 2019 / 2020. Michael holds many qualifications in both men’s and lady’s hair, and been teaching up and coming barbers at both local college in coventry for the past 2 years , Michael has now showcased his techniques at some of the biggest hair shows in the uk and just recently became a representative for @drummerscall. Instagram : @stylishdukebarbers
Do you want to feature in our glossy pages? Simply tell us about yourself, your shop & your thoughts. Send along with a few images of you and your shop to Britishmasterbarbers@gmail.com
SANDRA ODOH From a very early age I knew I always wanted to be a hairdresser and took great delight in giving my dolls haircuts, Santa eventually stopped bringing me dolls !!! After I left school I went to my local college to study hair and beauty, during my course I would practice every night after college and soon built up a large clientele, I also had a Saturday job which led to full time employment after I qualified. I wanted to further my education and went on to study Advanced Hair Science and Technology passing with distinction and gaining my City & Guilds Qualification. I have been in the Industry for over 30 years taking time out to have my family. I have been self employed for 4 1/2 years and during that time I have had extensive training with the best in the industry gaining lots of qualifications in barbering, hairdressing, beauty, holistic therapies and teaching. I bring all elements of my training into my salon to give my male and female clients a wide range of deluxe treatments and services. I keep current with the latest hair trends, treatments and training courses. I think that in this industry it is so important to be qualified and certified, knowledge gives you power, credibility and confidence, it shows the public that you are a certified professional and that they are in safe hands. I take great pride in my craft and push myself to be the best I can be. I love to teach and my plan for the future is to train the youth in our industry today. I want to inspire and motivate them to be passionate and excited with their craft and help give them the confidence and skills needed for our amazing industry. We never stop learning and that’s what keeps me inspired. With British Master Barbers, the support network, resources, training, advice and services you provide is outstanding. I feel very honoured to be part of an organisation that acknowledges and accredits professionals like myself. I am so proud to have received my British Professional Barber Accreditation my next goal is to achieve British Master Barber and British Grand Master Barber Accreditation. I would also like to thank all the lovely members for your ongoing support and encouragement you all inspire me so much.
ProFessIoNAL ACCredITATIoN The British Master Barbers Alliance has been designed to help promote established British Barbers and their Barbershops. Good Barbershops struggle to stand out amongst the new breed of unskilled, untalented, uninsured chop shops that are under cutting prices and lowering the credibility of quality, qualified & trained barbers. Customers never ask to see a barbers qualifications or proof of skill and this is why we have created the British Master Barbers Accreditation, Verification of a barbers talent in the form of a beautifully crafted metal plaque. A sign customers can trust and the barber can be proud of. Only fully subscribed members who complete our criteria can apply.
a clear sign that customers can trust. It confirms that you hold a minimum standard of skill that is expected at each of our accreditation levels. BMB accreditation also offers a simple way to promote your business to your local area through our media press release, sent out confirming your successful completion of Master Barber and Grand Master Barber levels
IS ACCREDITATION COMPULSARY? Our accreditation service is by no means compulsory and is only recommended to barbers who understand the importance of keeping at the top of their game and continually chase goals to better themselves. This accreditation should be seen as a personal achievement that archives a high level of competence.
HOW DO I APPLY? We have 3 levels of accreditation available. Each level requires a set criteria of tasks to be completed for successful application. Applications can be made in the Members only area of this website.
British Professional Barber barbering qualification, or can prove a minimum of two years working experience in a Barbershop. metal plaque. Status is only valid with a current BMB membership and a one off fee of £100.
British Master Barber have a minimum of five years Barbering experience or have held British Professional status for over 3 years.
membership and a one off fee of £200.
British Grand Master Barber Teachers, Lecturers & Assessors of Barbering. These members must be fully qualified in teaching barbering & have a minimum of five years barbering experience.
required. Assessments ( distance assessments ) asking you to upload a video or send a Youtube link client to our highly qualified assessors who can judge your physical expertise & skills to achieve all your specific status tasks. metal plaque & a press release for your local newspaper.
Barbering certificate will be required. certificate will be required. Observation Assessments (distance assessments) asking you to upload a video or send a Youtube link of yourself working directly on a client to our highly qualified assessors who can judge your physical expertise & skills to achieve all your specific status tasks. awarded with a personalised metal plaque & Press release for your local newspaper
BMB membership and a one off fee of £300.
WHY SHOULD I APPLY FOR ACCREDITATION? The BMB accreditation is simply designed to be
DOES IT MAKE ME A BETTER BARBER THAN EVERYONE ELSE? The simple answer is No. Everybody knows that you never stop learning and our accreditation is a confirmation of a minimum set level that provides a stepping stone to keep you enthused about the industry. Continuing your barbering journey to higher knowledge and skill set is a must at any level of competence and down to you to keep pushing the standard higher.
WHY DOES IT COST? As a non profit organisation The British Master Barbers make very little revenue to support the large costs involved with supporting the British barbering industry. Most of the costs are covered by the founders of BMB along with brand advertising, revenue made by our membership fees, product sales and accreditation. The BMB team is made up of long term full time working barbers and barbering lecturers who offer their time voluntarily and completely free of charge to asses the accreditation applications.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I FAIL MY APPLICATION? If you fail your application you will be notified why and advised on how to improve your skill set or which requirements need to be met. You will then be allowed to apply again or change to the correct level suited to you.
The shoP
Welcome to the official BMB shop. High quality products to keep you and your barbershop looking professional. All our items available on our website britishmasterbarbers.com with free UK delivery. The Beenie Available now in Light Grey, Dark Grey and Black. One size fits all. £21.99 inc free UK delivery
The Lapel Badge Show the world you’re part of the greatest barbering network with these beautifull lapel badges. Constructed from Nickel with a strong pin clasp. £4.99 inc free UK delivery The Polo BMB logo on left chest Available in Black & White Sizes: S, M, L, XL £19.99 inc free UK delivery
BMB NeoCape Featuring a special neoprene seal that prevents hair or water going down the neck. Made of a lightweight fabric it is extremely comfortable to wear. Black, White or Stripy White One size fits all £29.99 inc free UK delivery
The Snap Back The official BMB Snap backs are now available in Black with white BMB logo on front, Black peak Black with white BMB logo on front, forest camo peak Black with white BMB logo on front, urban camo peak Adjustable sizing on rear £22.99 inc free UK delivery
The Hoodie Available in Black only BMB logo on left chest and large rear Sizes: S, M, L, XL £24.99 inc free UK delivery
The Bag Black with White logo Large and small Available Small £24.99 inc free UK delivery Large £29.99 inc free UK delivery
The Apron Black material with white BMB logo in centre chest sizes available: one size fits all £24.99 inc free UK delivery
The Work Station Mat Border - 12mm Black Rubber Border Size - 234mm x 434mm Machine washable £19.99 inc free UK delivery
The T Shirt BMB logo on chest Available in Black & White Sizes: S, M, L, XL £16.99 inc free UK delivery
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