Wymondham barber opens his own shop

A young barber in Wymondham has begun welcoming customers into his new shop.

Jack Bentley, 23, opened his first barbershop – called Bentley's – in Market Street on November 21.

The former Wymondham High School student began his training at the nearby Poppa John barbershop in Whartons Court when he was just 16.

After completing a three-year National Hairdressers' Federation apprenticeship, he became self-employed and moved on to renting a chair at Kutz Rebellion in Middleton Street.

But when the premises in Market Street became vacant – which was home to a former clock shop – he saw an opportunity to further his career.

Mr Bentley said his first few weeks of running his own barbershop have gone well.

'Things are going really good. I was a bit nervous to start with but the opportunity came up and I thought I had to take it,' he said.

'I started as a Saturday boy just to earn a bit of money and as I approached the end of school I was asked if I wanted to carry on and learn the trade.

'I spoke to my parents and we thought it was a job that I would always be able to do because everyone needs their hair cut and I could go anywhere in the world with it.'

On why he enjoys his job, he said: 'It's getting to meet all the people. Everyone wants a different style so you're always learning.'

He said he hopes to provide a modern twist on the classical barbershop with future aims to install a television and a games console in the shop to keep children amused while waiting for their hair cuts.

Bentley's is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 5.30pm, with a late opening of 7pm on Thursday. The barbershop also opens on Saturday from 7am to 3pm.

For more information, call 01953 605754.