The Peterborough Evening Telegraph
off to Oz
A BARBER has sold his business on ebay to swap Peterborough for a life Down Under.
Spencer Bates set up Netherton Barbershop, in Ledbury Road, nearly 12 years ago, but decided to up sticks and move with his family to Adelaide in Australia.
He advertised the shop in a range of different places, but it was a listing on the internet auction site ebay that piqued the interest of Steve Parker, who moved in last week.
It means Spencer, his wife, Kirsty, son, Isaac (6) and daughter, Summer (2) can move out to the sun-drenched country.
Spencer said: “It has been a hell of a journey. It has taken four and a half years to sort it out.
“We got through the application process, initially to the east coast, but then they took hairdressing off the skills list. “So we’re now off to Adelaide. “It’s difficult to put your finger on why we love Australia so much. It’s a wonderful lifestyle.
“I’ve got a job lined up already, and I will be finishing work much earlier than I was here, so I will be able to see the kids much more.
“Of course as it gets nearer we think ‘what are we doing? We’ve got a nice life, family and friends here’ but then we remember what we’re going to.”
The family are now clearing out their house in Yaxley, near Peterborough, and packing up ready for the move, which they hope will take place at the end of June.
Spencer said Isaac was scared about the move at first and declared his fear of sharks, crocodiles and piranhas.
But after reassurances from mum and dad, and the promise of a surf board, he was now excited.
Spencer said it had been tough to say goodbye to his customers, many of whom he has seen grow up and go to university.
But he has left the business in the capable hands of Steve, who has worked as a hairdresser for 24 years and currently runs a salon in Basildon, Essex, which he is planning to sell to concentrate on the business in Peterborough.
He said: “I have bought five businesses in the past and never one on ebay.
“Normally it’s done through networking, –someone you know or a business broker.
“I didn’t want to get into a bidding process, so I contacted Spencer on the day it went online and took it from there.
“It’s a fantastic place. It’s going to take a few months to get to know the customers.
“I’m making a few changes, so I hope to continue to grow the business.”
Steve is now offering old-fashioned wet shaves using a cut-throat razor, as well as traditional hairdressing at the shop.