IT S a barbers, hairdressers, beauticians and chiropodists all rolled into one – it is Dean s Hair Health and Beauty, of Wisbech. The business was formed by barber Dean Partridge, of Tilney St Lawrence, almost six years ago but soon expanded so much that

IT'S a barbers, hairdressers, beauticians and chiropodists all rolled into one - it is Dean's Hair Health and Beauty, of Wisbech.

The business was formed by barber Dean Partridge, of Tilney St Lawrence, almost six years ago but soon expanded so much that a new premises was needed.

So, three years ago, the barbers moved a couple of hundred yards down the road in Norfolk Street - and Dean hasn't looked back since.

Now, the barbers are also home to a hairdressing salon, beauty treatment room and a chiropodist. They all run under the banner, Dean's Hair Health and Beauty.

Dean's has also made the most of partnership work with a number of Wisbech businesses - some run by family members, with others operated by close friends.

IN April 2003, Dean Partridge decided it was time to go it alone in the barbering world.

He has 18 years experience in barbering, six of which in his own salons in Norfolk Street, Wisbech.

"I went straight from school into barbering," said Dean. "I wasn't college trained; I was shop trained so I consider myself to be a proper barber."

Dean employs another barber, Mario Horvath. Mario was trained by Dean and has worked for him for four years.

With trade booming, more floor space was needed - so Dean moved down the road into his current premises. It also offered the chance to diversify into hairdressing and beauty.

"It was a case of what am I going to do to fill it," Dean said. "I came up with the idea of renting rooms to self-employed workers to make their own living, with all the businesses working together under the same roof."

The move turned out to be a good one - Vision Hairdressers was born and a chiropodist and beautician set up home at Dean's.

And the expansion continues - Dean is now on the lookout for trainee barbers to cope with demand, and a long-term ambition is to open a second salon in March.

"I train in the shop, on the job," he said. "If anyone's interested feel free to call or visit the shop.

"If the future is good to me, I am looking to open another barbers in March. I have a lot of customers from the March area."

DEAN'S Barbers are also the home of Vision Hairdressers, Claire Brown Chiropody and the beautician Joanna Izak.

* Vision Hairdressers is made up of Jess Wilson, Patrycja Klesyk and Magda Bis.

Jess was the first hairdresser to move in, about two years ago. Patrycja and Magda, both from Poland, moved in more than a year ago and have ten and five years experience respectively in the hairdressing industry.

Dean said: "The girls offer colouring, cuts, styling and perms, all in a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere in the shop. "Patrycja and Magda both trained in Poland, speak very good English and they are very popular with customers." Through Jess, Vision works with Wisbech-based wedding supplies business Bridal Connections to offer the perfect wedding package. Dean said: "If Jess has a customer needing wedding advice she recommends Bridal Connections."

Nicola Knowles, of Bridal Connections, added: "If I ever need advice about hair styling for a perfect overall look I will always go to Jess. We have a very good working relationship."

* Chiropody services are offered by Claire Brown, who has 12 years experience in her field.

She is registered with the Health Professions Council and has been based at Dean's for nearly three years, having previously run a visiting practice.

Claire said: "The surgery is a modern, comfortable and friendly environment with easy access for both able-bodied and disabled customers."

The surgery offers services for nail trimming, corns, callus, ingrowing nails, verrucae and more.

* The beauty room is currently being run by Polish beautician, Joanna Izak. She offers everything from waxing and facials to manicures and hand treatments.

However, with maternity leave on the cards, an opportunity for a beautician could arise.

Dean said: "Joanna says she may come back and work one day a week, but if she does not return full-time it could mean a space opens for a beautician.

"If anyone's interested, they can come into the shop and have a chat. It would be on a self-employed basis."

A NUMBER of businesses and company owners support Dean's Barbers - and the support ranges from custom to partnership.

Included in the long list of supporters are: Hi-Tech Motors, Fenland Hygiene, Kwik Signs, Bridge Insurance, Bridal Connections, Mill Stainless, PK Landscapes and New Windows 2000.

Dean said: "I buy products from Fenland Hygiene, Kwik Signs do my signage, Bridge supplies my insurance and Mill Stainless provided the stainless background on the shop front.

"I get my supplies from Coldhams hairdressing and beauty supplies and we have worked with Bridal Connections on styles for photo shoots.

"We always recommend these businesses, but I would like to thank them all for their support."

Opening Times and Contact Numbers

Dean's Barbers - open 8am-4.30pm Monday to Wednesday, 8am-5.30pm Thursday and Friday, and 6am-2pm Saturday. Contact: 01945 583665

Vision Hairdressers - open 8am-4.30pm Monday to Wednesday, 8am-5.30pm Thursday and Friday, and 8am-2pm Saturday. Contact: (landline) 01945 584174, (Patrycja) 07707 683034, or (Magda) 07864 011846.

Claire Brown Chiropody - open by appointment Monday to Thursday. Contact: 01945 588706

Joanna Izak - open 8am-4.30pm Monday to Wednesday, 8am-5.30pm Thursday and Friday, and 8am-2pm Saturday. Contact: 07856 518423.