FRESH BARBERS (SW) LTD

Executive Summary

FRESH BARBERS (SW) LTD operates as a micro-entity within the highly competitive and fragmented UK hairdressing sector, typical of small-scale local salons. Its modest financial base and limited workforce reflect an early-stage operation with constrained resources relative to industry peers. Market trends such as digital adoption and consumer demand recovery post-pandemic will influence its growth trajectory, while local competitive dynamics will be critical to its positioning and long-term sustainability.

FRESH BARBERS (SW) LTD - Analysis Report

Company Number: 13751577

Analysis Date: 2025-07-29 20:53 UTC

1. Industry Classification
   FRESH BARBERS (SW) LTD operates within SIC Code 96020, categorized under "Hairdressing and other beauty treatment." This sector typically encompasses small-scale service providers offering personal grooming services such as hair cutting, styling, and beauty treatments. The industry is characterised by a high density of micro and small enterprises, localised customer bases, and relatively low capital intensity. Entry barriers are low, but competitive pressures are high due to numerous providers and limited product differentiation.

2. Relative Performance
   As a micro-entity with an account category defined by minimal thresholds (turnover ≤ £632k, balance sheet ≤ £316k, and ≤ 10 employees), FRESH BARBERS (SW) LTD fits well within the typical size profile of many hairdressing businesses in the UK. Its financials show net assets of £849 and current assets of £849 as of the 2023 financial year-end, indicating a very small capital base and limited working capital. The company employs 2 staff on average, again reflecting a lean operational model. Compared to industry benchmarks, where small hairdressing salons often report annual turnovers ranging from £100k to £500k depending on location and clientele, FRESH BARBERS appears to be at an early or nascent stage of growth with limited scale and financial resources.

3. Sector Trends Impact
   The hairdressing and beauty treatment sector is influenced by several market dynamics:

• Consumer Demand Trends: There is a consistent demand for personal grooming services, but consumer preferences can shift with trends in fashion, wellness, and self-care. Post-pandemic recovery has seen a rebound in footfall, though this varies regionally.
• Digital Transformation: Increasingly, salons are adopting online booking platforms and digital marketing to attract and retain clients.
• Labour Market Conditions: Skilled hairdressers are crucial, yet recruitment and retention can be challenging due to the sector’s often casual employment arrangements.
• Regulatory Environment: Health and safety regulations, including hygiene standards, remain critical in maintaining customer trust.
• Economic Sensitivity: Discretionary nature of services means economic downturns can reduce consumer spending on beauty treatments.
  For FRESH BARBERS (SW) LTD, located in Plymouth, local economic conditions and competitive saturation will also play significant roles in growth potential.

4. Competitive Positioning
   FRESH BARBERS (SW) LTD is clearly a niche micro-operator in the hairdressing sector. Strengths include:

• Lean cost structure aligned with micro-entity status.
• Localised management with direct control by a single principal shareholder/director (Mr. Behzad Babie).
  However, weaknesses relative to typical competitors include:
• Very limited asset base and working capital, which may constrain marketing, service expansion, or resilience to economic shocks.
• Small team size limits capacity to serve larger customer volumes or offer extended services.
• Newness of the company (incorporated late 2021) means limited operational track record and brand recognition.
  In comparison, more established small and medium-sized salons often have stronger balance sheets, a broader service offering, and more extensive client lists. FRESH BARBERS will need to leverage local market knowledge and potentially specialise to carve out sustainable competitive advantage.