A fast-growing Sunderland based barbershop is expanding its space and team after seeing demand soar, with the support of the North East BIC.
Core Barbers, led by owner Rian Steel, has become one of the region’s most popular barbershops, with appointments booked up to two weeks in advance. Now, the business is set to almost double its footprint at the BIC, taking on a larger unit and additional staff to keep pace with its rapid growth.
Speaking to the BIC, Rian explained how strong demand and a loyal customer base inspired the move.
“We were constantly fully booked, sometimes a week and a half to two weeks ahead,” said Rian.
“We reached a point where we simply needed more chairs, more barbers, and more room to give our clients the experience they deserve.”
Training and Team Growth
As part of the expansion, Rian is growing his team and investing in the next generation of talent. The shop has welcomed new staff members and is training a junior barber currently studying at college, ensuring Core Barbers continues to build its future workforce from within.
With more hands on deck, the shop has also extended its opening hours, including later evenings, to give customers more flexibility while maintaining its signature high standards.
Retail and Exclusive In-Store Products
Core Barbers’ expansion also includes exciting developments on the retail side. The shop has introduced a range of exclusive in-store grooming products, including a sea salt spray and styling powder available only at its physical location.
“We’ve always wanted to give customers something they can’t find anywhere else at affordable prices,” said Rian. “These products are the same high quality as those we use on our customers’ hair every day, so it made perfect sense to develop our own range to offer for sale.”
A Home for Growth at the BIC
Rian credits the North East BIC with playing a key role in enabling Core Barbers’ expansion. The BIC team supported the business by facilitating early access to a new, larger unit and providing flexible space tailored to the needs of a growing retail operation.
“The BIC has been brilliant. The support, the facilities, and the sense of community have all made a huge difference,” said Rian. “Some people don’t even realise you can have a barbershop here, but the setup is perfect for us. It’s a great space to grow.”
Beyond the shop floor, Rian and his team make the most of the BIC’s diverse tenants, from on-site spa services to the golf simulator, part of what makes the business park such a unique and supportive environment for entrepreneurs.
Building a Recognised Brand
For Rian, success isn’t just focused around an expanding space or increasing turnover, it’s about building a strong, trusted brand that resonates with customers.
Core Barbers has built a reputation that attracts clients from across the region, including multiple professional footballers from Sunderland AFC and regularly has LP Rhythm on the hot seat – when he’s not touring the world as a professional DJ. The business also leverages social media, particularly Instagram and TikTok, to showcase its work and reach new audiences.
“We started sharing more videos online [thanks to advice from the BIC] and saw great engagement,” said Rian. “We took a short break while we focused on the expansion, but now we’re ready to bring that content back stronger than ever.”
Advice for New Entrepreneurs
When asked what advice he’d give to other business owners considering expansion, Rian was quick to highlight the value of persistence.
“Be patient, stay consistent, and don’t expect overnight success,” he said. “If you put the work in and focus on your customers, the growth will come.”