Member Article

Dog business is groomed for success

Hot Dogs grooming is the most popular place for pooches in Sunderland to get pampered.

Rebecca Nevison, from Sunderland, has over three years experience in keeping man’s best friend styled and glamorous but after finishing her diploma in Animal Management she struggled to find a full time job in her chosen job.

After working part time at a dog groomer in South Shields Rebecca decided she could run her own business. Rebecca visited the North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC) and was appointed business adviser Margaret Cook where she received help and guidance.

The project is being part financed by the European Union’s ERDF Competitiveness Programme 2007-13, securing £1.07m ERDF investment. Working in a consortium led by North East Enterprise Agencies Ltd (NEEAL) local Enterprise and Development Agencies in the North East have matched this ERDF investment with £1.07m of their own funds. Rebecca, who is City and Guilds Qualified, said:

“The BIC have been fantastic and I would advise anyone who is thinking about starting their own business to come here. Margaret has been by my side throughout this incredible journey, she even came to our launch party of opening the shop. She advised me how to do a business plan right through to renting a space.”

When Rebecca visited the job centre one day in-between her meetings with Margaret she saw an advert to rent premises. Rebecca continues:

“It was a huge step but my whole family helped me and we now have over 100 customers since we opened in March. “

Margaret said: “I have seen Rebecca grow so much in confidence and to see her now, in this short space of time, with her own shop and expanding her clients is amazing. I wish her all the success and I know we will continue to stay in touch.”

Hot Dogs offer full grooms, bath and blow dry, nail cuts, food and many more. For anyone wishing to have their pet pampered contact 0191 5495160.

The North East BIC offers a wide range of products and services to support the needs of anyone who wishes to start a new business, and assists over 150 enterprises in getting off the ground each year. To contact the business support team call 0191 516 6149 or email businesssupport@ne-bic,co.uk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sarah Spence .