A barber has transformed her business with the help of a council-run business growth initiative – and is now mentoring and training future barbers.
Claire Lawrence, owner of The Barber Station in Cheslyn Hay, joined South Staffordshire Council’s Strive for Success programme and received one-to-one support and a series of workshops focusing on the importance of business planning and strategy.
A barber for more than 20 years, Claire previously worked at Featherstone Prison for 13 years before opening The Barber Station in January 2020. Although the pandemic forced her to close temporarily soon after launching, she invested in transforming the shop into a high-end barber and hair salon.
Through Strive for Success, Claire was introduced to AI tools like ChatGPT to manage social media content, which she had previously found challenging due to dyslexia. She also connected with the Creating Brighter Futures team, which supported her training needs, and she is now qualified to train future barbers having achieved her Level 3 AET in adult education and training.
Claire said: “The business growth workshop was incredibly engaging, and I acquired valuable insights to propel my small business forward. Thanks to this programme, I’ve enrolled in an assessor course and a teaching course, which I wouldn’t have considered otherwise. I now feel optimistic about the future of my business.”
Claire’s achievements have earned her a nomination for the Staffordshire Retail Business Awards 2025 in the Best Barbers category, while she has also secured a grant to improve her shop front.
Councillor Mark Evans, cabinet member for planning and enterprise services, said: “Strive for Success is a long-term growth journey of advice, support and collaboration, building sustainable and enduring relationships with businesses. Our goal is to ensure this collaboration continues to thrive long after the programme concludes, fostering resilience and growth that benefits the entire community for years to come.”
For further information about Strive for Success and other activities in South Staffordshire supported by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, click here.
