SWLNbarber – By Imogen Howse Meet the barber who opened his business in his back garden – after the costs of running a high street shop became too high. Nathan Scotford, 42, from Kent, closed his barber shop nine months ago and now runs Cushty Cuts from a purpose-built hut behind his home in Folkestone. He decided to move his business to his garden after costs shot up by 30% – meaning he would need to earn over £2,000 every month to even make a profit. The dad-of-three decided this was not sustainable and when a friend and long-time customer suggested moving his business home he thought he would give it a go. Mr Scotford said: ‘My ten-year lease was soon coming to an end and I had to decide whether I wanted to extend it. I thought about how bills were mounting – and how the area of ​​Folkestone I lived in, which used to thrive, had faded into obscurity in recent years, with bookings no longer booming like they had pre-Covid. “So I decided it was time for a new venture. At first I spent some time renting out a chair in various hair salons – but when a long-time friend and client said I should just work from home, I thought, ‘Why not?'” Mr Scotford built a special 12ft x 12ft booth, fitted with brand new electrics and insulation. It is decorated with his large collection of Only Fools And Horses memorabilia – a show which he says “resonates” with him and his family. The hairdresser said: “I wanted to offer my clients the same service and ambience, just in a different location. “The cabin is like a mini house – with brand new electrics and insulation – and I’ve added something with the Only Fools and Horses decoration that resonates with me and my family.” Business is going well so far, with Mr Scotford having a loyal customer base that has followed him in his new venture. He said: “I have no regrets at all. I’m absolutely delighted. “I’ve kept my regular customer base that has followed me for the last 25 years. None of this would be possible without them. And I have a 10-metre walk to work, so I’m doing my bit by keeping the emissions from my commute down. I just hope I can carry on as I have been and maintain a nice consistency.” END