Yaqoob is a cut above the rest

For Yaqoob Abdullah, there was no other option but to succeed.

The 29-year-old had a clear plan from the moment he joined the Restart Scheme, and he was determined to make his self-employment dream a reality. Nine months later, Yaqoob is running his own barber shop - Blade and Blend - on a busy street in the heart of Middlesbrough.

“When I see all my customers leaving my shop happy it makes it all worthwhile, I enjoy working for myself,” said Yaqoob. Although Yaqoob is now a fully qualified barber and business owner, he had to work hard to get there. When he first arrived at Triage, Yaqoob worked with Andrea Walker, Employment Adviser and Steph Campbell, Self-Employment Adviser to access barber training at a local college, work experience and advice on things like business insurance, HMRC responsibilities and license requirements.

Shortly after his work experience, Yaqoob identified premises and signed a lease for the property despite the amount of work required to get it ready for trading.

“We were blown away when we seen the barber shop,” said Steph. “It was also great to see that the shop was busy and Yaqoob had a queue of customers waiting for him.”

“Triage have helped me so much in every way and I thank Andrea and Steph for all the help they have given me so far,” said Yaqoob.