With a clientele including some of Wales’ top sportsmen – the hair stylist is looking to expand as its reputation grows after support from UK Steel Enterprise.

Swansea and Wales soccer star Connor Roberts, Welsh swimmer Daniel Jervis and Dragons scrum half Tavis Knoyle are just some of the sports celebrities who trust their hair to the Neath barbers.

And social media plays an important part, as owner Ashley Divers explains. “We have an attached photographic studio and clients have photos taken which they can then put on social media if they wish. This is very popular, and we find this a very useful way of getting our work on show.”

Ashley started in another local hair stylist ten years ago and launched his own business three years ago. with support from a Kickstart grant of £500, he moved to the present premises in Croft Road and now has two stylists working with him.

The Kickstart programme is run jointly by Tata Steel subsidiary UK Steel Enterprise and Neath and Port Talbot County Borough Council.

“It was very helpful and enabled us to buy some of the equipment for the new studio,” commented Ashley.

Martin Palmer of UK Steel Enterprise said: “Ashley has a very clear vision of how he wants the studio to develop and we are very pleased to have been able to support him. It is encouraging to see local jobs being created.”

Cutting it: (from left) Kevin Lugg, Neath and Port Talbot Council and Martin Palmer, UK Steel Enterprise, get the celebrity treatment from Christian Hughes and Ashley Divers.