The owner of a new barbershop in Chalfont St Peter said he plans to set himself apart from competitors with charity work, unique décor and dedication to the community.

Marcos Andre, 36, moved to Chalfont St Peter from London five years ago after stints in barbershops around the capital left him disillusioned by their lack of community-spiritedness.

The industry pro, who has worked as a barber for more than 15 years, took his time to start up his own business, in part to ensure that it would meet his high expectations – not just “another Turkish barbershop” but a local meeting place, catering to all ages and clientele.

Marcos’ dream became a reality with the grand opening of Las Barbers on the High Street of the village where his wife grew up on Saturday, May 11, complete with an ice-cream van, free haircuts and arcade machines to ensure he made a splash in the Bucks community.

Business over the first week has exceeded his expectations and the 36-year-old has yet more big plans to boost the popularity and efficiency of Las Barbers into the years ahead and beyond.

“I’ve learnt a lot from the mistakes of my previous bosses – a big thing for me was thinking, ‘I want to treat my employees well and pay them well, so they enjoy coming into work and it becomes a good, positive environment to be in’.

“When we’re busy, they get paid really well, so they don’t just feel like they’re helping me – they’re helping themselves, too. I want to share everything.”

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He’s also keen to advertise a willingness to cater for special needs and autistic children, something that a lot of other barbers “don’t think about”.

Adding: “I’ve trained all the guys to help our customers get used to the environment first, to show them the tools and give them toys if they want, as well as creating a nice, understanding atmosphere.

“Everyone in the area has taken to it and been quite supportive – I think they recognise that we want to do everything we can to be a part of the community.

“We gave out free haircuts for the whole of the first week, with all the profits going to Great Ormond Street Hospital, and we’re handing out vouchers for one free cut in the next month for our first month open as well.

“This isn’t your bog-standard barbershop, and I think that fits well with Chalfont St Peter. People really care about each other here. It feels like a good match.”