EACH week the Evening Times will throw the spotlight on one of the dozens of new businesses determined to succeed.

They are the future for Glasgow and the west of Scotland's economy and are working hard to achieve success in the face of continuing economic hardship.

Many new businesses are struggling to take off because of the economic downturn, and this new column will offer advice for potential start-ups.

Each company will answer the same questions about their business and their answers will appear in the Evening Times each Wednesday.

This week we highlight Primo Gentlemen's Barber, run by David Tomei and brian Dewar.

Who are you?

David Tomei co-owner of Primo Gentlemen's Barber alongside my business partner and fellow Barber, Brian Dewar.

What does your business do?

Primo is a monument to the traditions of classic barbering. It's about modern men's grooming but with a real solid traditional feel to the services, surroundings and atmosphere.

Our main focus is on two areas. We focus on quality haircuts using modern and traditional techniques and honest barbering skills and the luxury hot towel straight razor shave.

Where are you based?

We are in the courtyard arcade of the Italian Centre, in Glasgow's Ingram Street.

Having so many city centre residents and workers close by is invaluable but the most important thing for us was to give our clients a break from the hustle and bustle.

When you come to Primo it's a real oasis, you can have a haircut or shave and forget about traffic and crowds passing by.

The calmness of the courtyard is one of the things our first-time gents usually comment on.

How did you get started?

We had been talking about opening our own shop for a while so started saving our money and working on the branding and theory behind what kind of barber shop we wanted Primo to be.

After we had developed our plan and saved enough money to get started we searched for the ideal location and started working on our business skills.

The real challenge was being bold enough to take action. It can be daunting to start a firm but a great thrill when you see it succeed.

What's your background?

I studied illustration and graphic design before finding my calling as a barber and Brian has worked in the hairdressing industry for 15 years.

We look at barbering as a real art form and feel lucky to do something we enjoy and take pride in for a living.

What is your top tip?

Be persistent. Always take advantage of opportunities that come your way.

Don't wait for things to happen, make them happen.

What was your biggest mistake/or what would you do differently?

Having a lack of confidence in our business skills was something we shouldn't have focused on so much when starting out because as time passes lessons are learned and your understanding grows.

I'm sure if we could go back we wouldn't have worried as much.

Where do you plan your business to be in five years time?

To have a Primo Gentlemen's Barber in a few different locations nationwide but most importantly we want Primo to be synonymous with Glasgow and Men's style and grooming.

When Glaswegians hear the word "barber" they will think "Primo."

Useful contacts

www.primobarber.com

primobarber@yahoo.co.uk