Bros Barbers opens doors at Signal Yard

Milton Park, has strengthened the retail and amenity offering at its new Signal Yard development with the arrival of independent operator Bros Barbers, marking the ninth retailer to join the new and vibrant destination.

Bros Barbers has taken the ground floor retail unit at 9a Park Square, Signal Yard which totals 922 sq ft (86 sq m).

Founded by Ali Ahmedov and his brother Asen, Bros Barbers will bring a growing local success story to Signal Yard, to further enhance the scheme’s mix of health, wellbeing and food and beverage occupiers.

From chef to barber

Ali arrived in Oxfordshire from Bulgaria in 2016 determined to build a better future for his young family. Initially working long hours in professional kitchens whilst learning English, he retrained as a barber later that year to complete an apprenticeship in Didcot while continuing to work full-time.

Over several years he built experience and a loyal client base before opening his first premises in 2021 at The Orchard Centre, Didcot. Now, alongside his brother Asen, he has launched Bros Barbers at Signal Yard, to offer services ranging from contemporary skin fades to traditional wet shaves, with a focus on personalised customer service and craftsmanship.

The opening reflects Milton Park’s ongoing commitment to supporting independent businesses and creating opportunities for local entrepreneurs within a high-quality commercial environment.

Ali Ahmedov said: “Opening at Signal Yard is a very proud moment for my family and me. When I first came to Oxfordshire, I didn’t speak the language and I was focused on working hard and building a better future. To now be opening our business in such a vibrant new destination means everything.

“Signal Yard feels like the right place for us because it’s built around community. There are thousands of people working at Milton Park and we want to offer them a high-quality, reliable service on their doorstep – somewhere they can step out during the day or after work, relax and feel looked after.

“For local people too, we want Bros Barbers to be more than just a place for a haircut. It’s about trust, comfort and building long-term relationships. Being part of this growing hub alongside other independent businesses gives us confidence for the future. It shows how far my brother and I have come, and it motivates us to keep improving and giving our best every day.

Community-focused spirit

Clare Fleet, asset manager of Milton Park at Federated Hermes Real Estate said: ” We’re delighted to welcome Bros Barbers as our ninth retailer at Signal Yard. Independent operators are central to the character and long-term success of the scheme. Ali and Asen’s entrepreneurial journey embodies the community-focused spirit we’re cultivating here. Having already built a loyal following – including some of our team – we know they’ll be a popular addition for both the businesses based at Milton Park and the wider community.”

Bros Barbers will join a growing line-up at Signal Yard which includes Apollo Pharmacy, Flex Health Hub, Damira Dental, Milton Post Office, alongside independent Oxfordshire food operators 1885 Burgers, Planted Plates and Chor Muang Thai. The destination will also welcome Day Release, a new venue from award-winning brewery and bakery Tap Social Movement.

Thriving hub for independent enterprise

Designed as an accessible, community-focused amenity hub for Milton Park’s workforce and local residents, Signal Yard will feature landscaped green space, secure cycle storage, EV charging bays, on-site parking and strong public transport connectivity. Signal Yard will be open in the evenings and at weekends, broadening its appeal beyond traditional working hours.

The addition of Bros Barbers further reinforces Signal Yard’s position as a thriving hub for independent enterprise and a key component of Milton Park’s long-term placemaking strategy.

Bros Barbers is now open at Signal Yard and is offering introductory promotions to customers as it establishes itself within the Milton Park community.