Our Story

About Us

Founded on December 8th, 2015, by Kieran Birch & James Gura-Lowe, Grade 92 began as a humble barbershop in Castlepoint, with just two barbers and a vision to redefine the modern grooming experience. Through passion, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to quality, we’ve grown into a thriving local success, now operating six shops and one mobile barber van, staffed by a talented team of 24 barbers.

A key part of our growth has been our belief in growing together. Co-founder Kieran Birch, having worked in a corporate environment before launching Grade 92, saw firsthand how businesses often failed to reward the people who helped build them. Determined to do things differently, he made it a core principle that our Managers have the opportunity to become shareholders, ensuring that those who contribute to our success also share in it.

But our commitment to growth doesn’t stop there. We believe in shaping the future of barbering, which is why we launched the Grade 92 Academy a barbering school designed to train the next generation of elite barbers. By combining expert instruction with real-world experience, our academy provides aspiring barbers with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to succeed in the industry. Whether it's mastering classic techniques or staying ahead of modern trends, the Grade 92 Academy is where passion meets precision.

Most recently, we’ve taken things to the next level with the launch of Grade 92 Studios, an exciting new concept backed by high-profile investors Lewis Cook & Adam Smith from Bournemouth Football Club. With their support, we’re set to elevate Grade 92 even further, pushing boundaries in the grooming industry and beyond.

From a two-barber startup to a fast-growing brand with deep community roots, Grade 92 continues to raise the standard—one cut at a time.