Billy Twentyman

The youngest of four children, Billy was born in Carlisle in 1966. For his family though, there was already a strong connection to Liverpool, as his father, Geoff Twentyman, played for Liverpool Football Club from 1953 to 1959. Billy remembers that "there was always great fun in the family, at my expense, for me not being born a true scouser!"

But just one year after Billy was born, his family's relationship with the city was re-ignited. Liverpool FC's legendary manager, Bill Shankly, mid way through his managerial career at the club, and anxious to build on their success so far, brought his father back to Anfield as Chief Scout. Geoff's twenty year association with the club saw Liverpool FC became the dominant team on Merseyside, the most successful team in British football and the major force in Europe, memorably winning the European Cup some four times during his time there. His skills as a talent scout played a significant part in this success, helping to bring players to the club who went on to become household names and heroes of The Kop. As Billy recalls, "quite simply, he changed people's lives."

Inevitably, football played a major part in Billy's life. He played successfully at amateur level across Merseyside, until serious injuries forced him to retire in his early twenties. His elder brother, Geoff (junior) went on to play for Preston North End and Bristol Rovers.

Seeking a new direction, Billy met two people who became great influences on his own life and future career. The first was his wife Jeanette, who also actively encouraged a career in hairdressing. The second was Gerard McAleavey, a widely respected wigmaker and hairdresser from Liverpool, who more importantly, took Billy 'under his wing' and became a valued friend and mentor. These, together with the strong family values, engendered from his parents' honesty and hard work, encouraged him to open his own hairdressing business in Waterloo. This thriving business offers a holistic approach to male grooming, unique within Merseyside, and underpinning this service are the core values he has learnt from family and trusted friends.

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