Talented Warrington barber shortlisted for two national awards

Martin Jackson, 42, told the Warrington Guardian how he first fell in love with the ‘tradition’ of barbering while serving time in prison.

And having run his own unique barbershop business from his home in Birchwood for the last three years, his hard work has truly paid off, being recognised and short listed recently for two prestigious titles at the Hair and Beauty Awards UK.

Recalling the journey which led him to open Jacko the Barber, Martin said: “I’ve been barbering six years now. I first fell in love with the tradition of barbering in prison.

“I agreed to do my NVQ in barbering whilst serving a sentence. On leaving, I met my partner Joanne who was from Warrington and decided to move to Warrington and landed my first Job as a barber in Warrington - I live in Birchwood and always wanted to be a community barber in the area.”

The barber shop is run from his home and is unique one-to-one service (Image: Supplied) The business owner noted that barbershops in Birchwood are scarce, unlike other areas of Warrington which are “saturated with barbershops opening all up next to each other and all offering the same service”.

“In Birchwood there is nowhere to open a shop as all units are already taken by shops like Morrisons and other stuff, so I decided to test the waters and start in a little new shed we used for tumble drying at home,” Martin continued.

“When I was finding out there is a niche that people don’t like sitting and waiting in shops I decided to get a garden studio. All kitted out and insulated.”

A one-man-band, the barber offers appointment-only haircuts, beard trims and men’s facials.

“I wanted to offer a socially intimate space where people can come and relax away from the noise of a traditional barbershop without waiting. You can just book with myself and straight in my chair on your given slot.”

Martin wanted the space to be an intimate atmosphere in comparison to busy barber shops (Image: Supplied) Having previously served as a soldier and suffered PTSD from his time in service, he highlighted how his unique business model made for a “chilled and relaxed” environment where men can open up about struggles if they wish to.

“A lot of men suffer in silence with mental health these days in silence and don’t speak out and some find it a struggle to go to a barbershop because of how busy they are or not knowing what barber they are going to get.

“With me, they know it’s just me and they are put at ease in a chilled and relaxed environment. With suffering with PTSD as an ex serving soldier myself it also works for me as I suffered working in shops where it was busy and I felt overwhelmed.”

The talented barber has been shortlisted for two titles at the upcoming awards which Martin compared as “the BAFTAS of the hair and beauty industry”.

He is not only in the running for Barber of the Year 2025 but also Home Salon of the Year.

The national award ceremony, which attracts celebrities and industry giants from across the country, will take place in Birmingham next year.

Speaking on his nominations, Martin added: “Just to be a finalist is a huge feat considering it’s the whole of UK. So, as you can tell I’m extremely proud and honoured to be on the guest list for such an award.”