Freddie Newman

17-year-old Freddie Newman has realised his dream of becoming a barber at Ünknown Barbers. Immediately following his GCSEs, Mr Newman moved to Manchester to pursue his Level 2 and 3 NVQ Diplomas at the London School of Barbering, gaining a distinction in both. 
The youngest on his course, Mr Newman also won a competition for overall best haircut in his year. ‘I felt really proud and happy that my hard work had paid off,’ said Mr Newman. 
‘His achievement is all the more remarkable as he found high school challenging and was attending on a reduced-timetable basis. His turnaround immediately upon leaving school, his ambition, his hard work and bravery moving away and following his dreams at such a young age – not to mention his double distinction qualification and competition win – are why I am putting him forward for this award,’ said nominator and mother Lydia Newman.
Mr Newman has loved working at Ünknown. ‘I enjoy meeting people and giving them good haircuts,’ Mr Newman said. ‘Being on my feet eight hours a day is tiring, and sometimes my back aches a bit by the end of the day. But it’s worth it.’ 
‘He’s really kind and caring, and he’s always in a good mood,’ said another nominator. ‘Everyone seems to be happier around him, especially his clients who have really good haircuts.’ 
‘He now has a really loyal client following and has a job that he loves and is thriving at. Freddie is an example of what you can achieve when you really put your mind to it,’ said nominator and father Mathew Newman.