Two Enniskillen barbers are celebrating their first year of trading at Evolve Barbers on the Tempo Road, a venture they launched after outgrowing a previous shared premises.

Ciaran McClintock and Thomas Little opened the shop last summer, having built a loyal client base during several years working as self-employed barbers elsewhere in the town. They said most regulars followed them to the new location, giving them confidence to invest in the business.

The pair chose the Tempo Road site deliberately to avoid town-centre congestion. Free parking and easy access were seen as advantages for customers wanting quick visits without traffic delays.

Evolve operates mainly by appointment, using an online booking system that the owners say is often used late at night. The shop has also added a sunbed room, converting previously unused space to generate extra revenue.

Staff numbers have increased. A young barber who joined through a college placement has been kept on as a full-time employee. The owners described the hire as a highlight of the year.

Both men acknowledged past stigma around male barbering but said the trade offered self-employment and flexibility. Mr McClintock also works as an on-call firefighter outside business hours.

A charity day is planned for June 20 to raise funds for Catherine’s Journey, coinciding with the shop’s anniversary. Donations collected on the day will go directly to the family.

The owners said they are considering taking on more barbers if demand continues, making use of the remaining floor space.