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Hayley Wall (front centre) with Kelly Mace and Tracey Matthews and, standing, Andrea Griffith and Emma Russ
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Are Funky Barnet top of the chops?

By David Millward
April 26, 2012

An out of town hair salon is a cut above the rest according to one of its regular customers.

Funky Barnet, in Cemetery Junction, has been nominated in the Service With a Smile category in the Reading Retail Awards.

One of its competitors will be butchers Jennings of Caversham which walked away with the Shop I Can’t Live Without award last year and is in the running for two categories this year.

Funky Barnet customer Ron Middleton said: “Friendly and efficient service, coffee before a cut and excellent conversation.”

Hayley Wall, from Tilehurst, started the Wokingham Road unisex salon on her own in 1999 and now employs six staff.

She said: “I went into it blind and thought I’d give it six months and we are still here 13 years later.

“You get people who think out of town salons aren’t as good as town centre salons but we have a very good reputation, a lovely group of staff and loyal local clients.”

She added: “It’s not about the money to me it’s about customer service. I do it because I want to make people feel happy about themselves.

“If they leave happy, they’re going to go out and tell their friends about us.”

Jennings of Caversham will be hoping to retain their title this year and pick up the Service With a Smile category.

Customer Lindy Wightman said; “So helpful and patient. Happy to give advice and focus on your needs when being served. Always service with a smile.”

Fellow shopper Mrs J Watts said: “Excellent service with a smile, really lovely layout of food products, nice and clean.

“All together a well presented shop in every way.

“I travel several miles to shop at Jennings and have never been disappointed with the products I purchase.”

Manager Mike Saunders said he would be delighted to be at the awards ceremony again this year.

He said: “We had a very positive response from customers after winning last year and we’re pleased to be maintaining what we aim for.

“It’s always nice to be acknowledged.”

Shoppers are being encouraged to vote in five categories in the Reading Retail Awards: My Favourite Coffee Shop, The Lovely Lunch, The Service With a Smile, The Shop I Can’t Live Without and Restaurant of the Year. There are also seven business awards.

Nomination forms are distributed to shops and restaurants and the information desks at Broad Street Mall and The Oracle. Otherwise, visit www.readingretailawards.co.uk

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Most recent user comments 3 of 4

Good luck Hayley and the Funky Barnet crew - you should definitely win - you certainly all have my vote. Thank you for 6 years of superb service and styles.