Jignesh Madhavji, known as Jiggi, was shortlisted as one of the top 100 small businesses in the country.
The 39-year-old Cheshire barber was invited to a reception at the House of Lords.
Jiggi has converted a black van into a fully-equipped heated salon, complete with a barber’s chair, sink and TV.
Jiggi has converted a black van into a fully-fitted barber shop (Image: Supplied)
His innovative concept won him recognition by Small Business Saturday, a campaign that celebrates small business success and encourages people to ‘shop local’ and support traders in their communities.
Jiggi was featured in recognition of his inspiring entrepreneurial journey, reaching the final for small new business of the year for an innovative approach, trading under 18 months.
Jignesh Madhavji, owner of Jiggi mobile barbershop, with Michelle Ovens CBE, director of Small Business Saturday UK (Image: Supplied)
Michelle Ovens, CBE, director of Small Business UK Saturday, said: “Small businesses like Jiggi mobile barbershop deliver incredible value across their local community and the wider economy, so it is wonderful to have celebrated their contribution at the House of Lords.
“Public support is absolutely vital for small businesses across the UK so we urge everyone up and down the country to get behind them.”
Jiggi provides haircuts, beard trims and wet shaves in his mobile barber shop (Image: Supplied)
Jiggi, who has customers across Knutsford, Wilmslow and mid Cheshire, said: “I’d say believing in your business model, being consistent and not being afraid to be different in business has been the fundamentals.
“I like the more creative side, meeting and connecting with people.”
His business was launched in June 2023, providing haircuts, bear trims and hair tattooing.
Jiggi, who specialists in all hair types, travels to gyms, health clubs, workplaces, markets and people’s homes.
Personal appointments are made in advance.
“I take the barbershop van to events, health clubs and artisan markets,” said Jiggi, who has been cutting hair for the past 20 years.
“I park at Knutsford Makers Market and Wilmslow Makers Market.
“My business concept is for a more personable service where clients don’t have to wait in line. This saves me time and is more convenient for my customers.”
Building a rapport with clients is very important.
“People want to have a chat,” said Jiggi. “You have to be able to trust a barber if you want to talk. It is all confidential.”
Jiggi offers group bookings for weddings and is willing to attend charity events.
Dan Edelman, general manager, UK Merchant Services at American Express, the campaign’s founder and principal sponsor, said: “It’s heartening that public support for small businesses remains strong.
“Small Business Saturday is a campaign which remains as important now as when it first began.
“That’s why American Express is proud to champion the nation’s much-loved independent businesses as principal supporters, encouraging the nation to shop small.”
To contact Jiggi visit jiggi.co.uk
