A Darlington barber who built a town centre shop around fairness and community has been named a finalist in The Northern Echo’s top ten best barber awards.
Lewis James Burgess opened LJ Barbers in 2015 at 26A Duke Street with a clear aim to do things differently.
At a time when chair rent shops often had rigid rules, he set out to give barbers genuine control over their working lives.
Lewis said: "Chair rent has never increased since the shop opened and has even been reduced at points, including through Covid and the cost of living crisis.
"The approach was simple. Look after the people working in the shop and customers will feel the difference.
"More than a decade on, that model has paid off. The team has remained stable, with long-serving barbers staying through the challenges of the pandemic and beyond."
Lewis added: "Being nominated by the people of Darlington genuinely means the world to me.
"LJ Barbers was built on one idea that the people working here should be treated well, and that would take care of everything else.
"To have the community recognise that after ten years is something I'll never take for granted.
"I'm so grateful to every customer who's walked through that door, and to the brilliant team who've made the place what it is."
LJ Barbers has also evolved into more than just a place for a haircut.
The Duke Street premises is also home to tattoo artist Polish Pete and Bee Beauty, run by Charlotte, creating what Lewis describes as a 'creative, community-driven space'.
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Lewis has since stepped back from cutting hair, which he says led him to refocus his energy. Despite that, he says watching the business continue to thrive has been a 'source of pride'.
To vote for G&C Barbers, simply complete the form in your The Northern Echo newspaper and return it to: The Northern Echo Best Barber Shop 2026, LOCALiQ House, 1 Dalston Road, Carlisle, CA2 5NP.
Voting will close on Wednesday, July 8.
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