From broken back to facial hair - Scottish entrepreneur who runs Beard and Moustache Championships

Following a serious biking accident in which founder John Jackson - formerly a graphic designer - broke his back, the firm goes from strength to strength.

The business was started in a hut in Jackson’s garden after that accident during training for an endurance event, and now sells more than 150,000 products around the world each year.

The product line uses natural oils including Scots pine and cedar wood, and has just launched a Halloween-themed range with a Christmas range in the works.

As the firm’s growth continues, Jackson is planning to double the footprint of his workshop with a move in the next two quarters as well as launching a new refillable service. Customers will be able to send bottles back for reuse in exchange for a discount.

Jackson said: “Celebrating a 12-year milestone filled with such big achievements reflects the hard work and passion at Braw Beard. 

“From humble beginnings, starting out in my garden hut, to record sales this year and gaining international recognition - it really has been an incredible journey, topped also by securing a 1st in my Business Management degree and the birth of our second son this year.

“I’m really excited to announce plans to move into larger premises which would allow us to be even more eco-friendly and offer the refilling option to customers and as a result, employ two members of staff.”

The beard care brand is not the only expansion Jackson is eyeing - the organiser of the Braw Beard and Moustache Championships, now in its seventh year, will become a weekend-long event. New categories will include Best Freestyle Beard and Best Fake Beard.

Next year the Glasgow event - run at the Drygate Brewery on February 14 and 15 - is expected to attract more than 300 participants and visitors and will be joined with a live podcast.

Jackson continues to support Chris’ House, a charity helping people experiencing suicidal thoughts and raffle proceeds from the competition will go to the organisation.