A HARD-WORKING entrepreneur is over the moon to be recognised after opening a small business amid a cost-of-living crisis.

Andrew McQuade opened his barber shop on Dumbarton Road in January 2022 and was delighted to have won four national awards just over a year later.

He successfully scooped the awards for Best Barber Shop in Dunbartonshire in the Scottish Business Awards, the Best Barber Shop of the Year in Scotland and Spotlight Salon at the UK Hair and Beauty Awards.

He was also a finalist for the first Aesthetics of the Years Awards in Scotland.

Clydebank Post: He opened the shop in January last yearHe opened the shop in January last year (Image: Newsquest)

The Duntocher entrepreneur, who also owns The Cabin Inn, only hoped to break stereotypes in the beauty industry and create a ‘safe heaving’ for men in the area to discuss their personal insecurities.

Clydebank Post: The team proudly show off one of their awards they won recentlyThe team proudly show off one of their awards they won recently (Image: Newsquest)

He told the Post: “It is a massive achievement. In the last year and a half, the business has really taken off and I didn’t expect that at all.

“When I had plans and visions of opening my new business I knew I didn’t just want a barber shop. I wanted a gentlemen’s salon where men could go to discuss their personal issues from hair loss to aesthetic needs.

“We offer a lot more than just a short back and sides. Aesthetics used to be a woman’s domain and there used to be a lot of hush-hush getting procedures done. Whereas I have created an environment where they can get it done without embarrassment and feel any less manly.

“We have a whole range of clientele come in from people in professional jobs to people who just want company when getting their service.

The business is understood to be the first service in the area that is fully equipped with a pool table, Playstation, flat-screen TVs, loaded mini-fridges and a luxury coffee machine.

Clydebank Post: The shop has many facilities to make a client feel at homeThe shop has many facilities to make a client feel at home (Image: Newsquest)

The shop now offers vitamin injections, fat dissolver injections, PRP treatments for hair thinning and loss, teeth whitening and skin therapy treatments.

However, the 34-year-old opened up about the risk of starting his new venture amid a cost-of-living crisis.

Clydebank Post: He has won four national awards since opening the businessHe has won four national awards since opening the business (Image: Newsquest)

Andrew added: “Because I live in Clydebank and I have another business in the area I am very conscious of other people’s spending. I aim not to charge extortionate prices as not everyone has money spare these days.

“I make sure our prices are kept to the absolute rock bottom. I never thought I would make it this far as small businesses are suffering right now, so I couldn’t be prouder for what I have achieved. And these awards are helping to put Clydebank back on the map.

“I will always be grateful to the community for supporting me through this journey because without them I wouldn’t be where I am. They always make it worth it.”

For further information visit Barber Barber on Facebook.