REDDITCH’S Haider Alsohaini said he was ‘beyond proud’ after seeing his business Bella Barba named as a finalist in the Wahl Pro British Barbershop of the Year competition.
The Evesham Road barbers will find out if it has won the award on Sunday at ExCeL London as part of Salon International, Europe’s largest hair and beauty exhibition.
Bella Barba compete for the top spot against mostly London businesses, with shop owner Haider and his team going through a difficult process to be named among the finalists.
Judging criteria included how long the establishment had been running, services provided, paperwork, staff management and performance.
Later, each contestant is judged on online services, such as social media, website and customer reviews.
Haider said: “This is an incredibly tough competition, there are so many different aspects and so you have to be fantastic in every department.
“It’s a great honour and very rewarding to be named as a finalist, especially coming from a small town like Redditch for us to be considered alongside the best of the best is hugely satisfying.”
Bella Barba has clients across the country and participates in exhibits and stage work, interacting with others in the industry.
But Haider said he always valued and cherished the local community, working with charities including Primrose Hospice and helping clients with issues such as mental health.
“I have always seen the business as a work in progress and we strive to get better year on year.
“I believe giving back to the community you are a part of is really important and have always tried to show people that we care.”
