Barber Keith goes back to his roots

FOR Keith Blyden, opening a business in Tommyfield indoor market was a case of returning to his roots . . . in more ways that one.

Keith, (44), from Greenfield, has opened Market Barbers in one of the building’s perimeter units which has seen a number of tenants in recent years.

He is working with his daughter Lauren, who looks after the ladies’ side of the business, and Graham Stirzaker, from Ashton, who has 25 years experience of the gents’ hairdressing trade.

“Lauren is the manageress and what she says goes,” says Keith, who has invested around £12,000 to convert the unit into a four-chair salon.

In recent times, market visitors will have seen the unit used as a computer shop, modelling outlet and as a store for Manchester City replica kits and memorabilia.

Lauren, Keith and Graham are determined to be more successful and insist they are in the business for the long haul.

Keith has happy memories of the market scene in Oldham having worked in the indoor market more than 20 years ago in his parents’ jewellery business.

He left to forge a career in sales in the jewellery and gift trade, becoming a sales manager.

Two years ago, tired of life on the road, he retrained as a barber and was soon determined to open his own salon.

Finding the unit in Oldham market was ‘like returning to my roots’ says Keith, adding: “There are still some of the same people here from 20 years ago.”

With the backing of Lauren, and her background in ladies’ hairdressing, and the support of Graham he is determined that the unit will remain Market Barbers for many years to come.