Moving it up a notch

Photo: Darren Robinson

BELT, not braces: one of the products of Ian Russell’s sideline business.

A BARBER is developing a sideline business making leather belts, wallets and other accessories.

Ian Russell jointly runs the Queen Street Barber Shop in Oldham town centre - but spends some of his time in Saddleworth cutting, riveting and decorating his handmade leather goods.

Mr Russell (44), from Greenfield, said: “I have always been quite keen on style and fashion, and I like making things. But this developed almost by accident.

“I was looking for an antique leather strap for an old camera and a friend told me about Tim Belcher, who has a workshop at Waterside Mill in Greenfield. I visited Tim and he let me borrow some tools and leather.”

Tim runs the business Darkblade, which makes mediaeval-style belts, hoods, cloaks, armour and other accessories used in role-playing games.

Mr Russell sells his items to customers in his shop, and often takes commissions for custom pieces

“At some point I’d like to develop things further and divide my time between working as a barber and making leather goods,” he said.