Horndean barber wants to teach apprentices at new shop after scooping £50k prize

AN ambitious barber is set to turn his fledgling business at his parents' house into a school for young barbers after scooping a £50,000 prize for his entrepreneurial skills.
Solent Young Start-Up winner Harry Phelan Picture: Jon RigbySolent Young Start-Up winner Harry Phelan Picture: Jon Rigby
Solent Young Start-Up winner Harry Phelan Picture: Jon Rigby

Harry Phelan says he wants to bring a ‘unique experience’ to the profession through the academy, which he is hoping to set up in Waterlooville.

The 22-year-old entrepreneur picked up the prize at the Young Start-up Talent showcase in Southampton

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He took the top prize after sessions of speed networking and business workshops before a final video pitch.

Speaking of his triumph, Harry said: ‘The whole experience has been fantastic.

‘I’ve enjoyed every moment of it but I’m genuinely shocked as I did not think I would win.

‘I was so nervous but it looks like that didn’t show and I managed to pull it off.’

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Harry, from Horndean, has been cutting hair since the age of 14 and after years of work experience and undertaking an apprenticeship, he set up Studio H in his family home in Horndean.

Looking to continue on the trail of his success, Harry is keen to open up his own barbers in Waterlooville, which will act as a school for apprentices wanting to learn the trade.

He added: ‘I want to offer something truly unique.

‘For me, I’ve always wanted to be a barber, but in order to get into the trade I had to go into hairdressing, which is a very different field.

‘I want to provide that route for those who just want to learn to be a barber.’

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Harry, who already has nearly 300 clients, travelled to Rotterdam in the Netherlands last year to expand his knowledge and said his barbershop will be built around the customer.

He said: ‘These days it seems that barbers don’t get to know their customers. I want to offer an experience where we talk to our customers, to make them feel that they are more of a friend rather than just another person wanting a hair cut or a shave.’

Michael Dyer, from Verisona Law, was one of the judges on the night.

He said: ‘The enthusiasm for Harry’s business model was absolutely infectious.

‘His vision to bring in education and train other apprentices gave him the added edge.’