Start a barber training academy

Career changers, school leavers, and people already working in barbershops who want formal skills. Some are self-funded; others may be helped by family or by local training schemes.

Tuition fees per course, often with a deposit and instalments. Extra income can come from starter kit sales, short upskilling courses for working barbers, and discounted model cuts in the practice clinic.

• Advanced barbering skills and real shop experience
• Patient, clear teaching
• Organising timetables and student records
• Marketing to young adults, especially on social media

• Public liability insurance, plus cover that explicitly includes training and treating models
• Employer's liability insurance if you hire instructors or staff
• Hygiene, sterilising and skin-safety rules, and safe use of chemicals; check requirements with your local council
• Premises use, fire safety and any council permissions for a training venue
• Clear and honest course descriptions, refund terms and student contracts; check consumer rules before taking deposits
• If you want to offer recognised qualifications, approval from an awarding organisation takes time and has set requirements, so check them early

Startup costs are typically estimated at around £15,000 to £60,000, depending on the premises, number of barbering stations, equipment and insurance. Treat this as an estimate and get quotes for your own rented space before committing.

Check public liability insurance that explicitly covers training and treating models, plus employer's liability if you hire instructors. Also check hygiene and sterilising rules with your council, premises and fire safety permissions, and awarding organisation requirements if you want to offer recognised qualifications.

Monthly revenue is typically around £4,000 to £20,000, depending on course length, student numbers and fees. The estimate assumes at least around 30 hours a week of work, and these figures are revenue rather than profit.