Clay Cross barber celebrates 25 years in the business

When Merrick Bull set up his own barber shop after working in the coal mines he thought it might only last a few months.
Merrick Bull is celebrating 25 years in business after he set up his own barber shop after working in the coal mines.Merrick Bull is celebrating 25 years in business after he set up his own barber shop after working in the coal mines.
Merrick Bull is celebrating 25 years in business after he set up his own barber shop after working in the coal mines.

But the dad-of-two had nothing to worry about and has proved he is a cut above the rest.

As on Saturday he celebrated 25 years at the business on High Street, Clay Cross.

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“When I started 25 years ago the Premiership had only just started and tweeting was something the birds would do,” Merrick, 55, said.

Merrick Bull is celebrating 25 years in business after he set up his own barber shop after working in the coal mines.Merrick Bull is celebrating 25 years in business after he set up his own barber shop after working in the coal mines.
Merrick Bull is celebrating 25 years in business after he set up his own barber shop after working in the coal mines.

Merrick worked at Bolsover Colliery in the 1980s while completing his barber training.

Then, on July 23, 1993, he officially opened Merrick’s Barber Shop in Clay Cross.

At first Merrick was hoping it would at least last until Christmas.

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But he soon established the business and has gone on to make a good living, helping to put his two sons Owen, 27 and Alex, 25, through university and buy a house with his wife of 29 years, Sandy.

Merrick Bull at work in his barber's shop on High Street, Clay Cross.Merrick Bull at work in his barber's shop on High Street, Clay Cross.
Merrick Bull at work in his barber's shop on High Street, Clay Cross.

Trade has become tough in recent years with all the competition but his customers have stayed loyal, with some visiting him for more than 20 years.

In just over four years time Merrick will be able to ponder retirement but he has no plans to put the scissors down permanently just yet.

“I would like to thank all my brilliant customers,” Merrick said.

His wife Sandy said: “To see Merrick grow and thrive from the success of his business has made me so proud.”

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