Animal loving entrepreneur set to join Entrepreneurial Spark in Leeds

An entrepreneurial animal lover who has created a range of handmade dog treats will join a new business accelerator hub in Leeds.

Top Collar is among the new businesses that will enter the Entrepreneurial Spark powered by NatWest Hatchery, which is set to open later this summer.

Top Collar was created by Sophie Tregellis, who spotted a gap in the pet market for made to order healthy treats for dogs made from natural products.

Initially selling the treats while studying for her A-Levels, Sophie continued with the business during her summer holidays and finally made it her full-time work after she graduated from the University of Leeds.

Top Collar, based in Leeds, was officially established in March 2013.

All ingredients are sourced from Yorkshire butchers, fishmongers and grocers. Flavours available include Steak Chips and Full English as well as Apple Porridge for a healthier treat.

Sophie said: “All of our biscuits are made with ingredients which are locally sourced. We know pet owners want what’s best for their animals and we deliver on this with our products. I have customers across the country and regularly show at events such as the Great Yorkshire Show as well as dog shows.”

As part of her involvement with the Entrepreneurial Spark powered by NatWest Hatchery, Sophie will be able to access the programme for up to six months, with potential to continue for another 12 for the most promising.

Based at NatWest’s office in The Headrow, Leeds, the Hatchery will include physical office space, superfast internet, a start-up bootcamp, dedicated mentoring, regular events, workshops and training – all free of charge.

Sophie added: “I am looking forward to working in the collaborative environment that is being created at the Hatchery. I know I can learn from the other entrepreneurs while also putting Top Collar in the best place to move forward as a business by drawing on the experts from Entrepreneurial Spark and NatWest.”

Dale Sidebottom, entrepreneurial development manager at NatWest, also commented: “We are very much looking forward to welcoming Top Collar and the other Chiclets when the Hatchery opens in Leeds this August. All of the businesses taking part bring with them unique stories and areas of expertise, and we know those involved in the Leeds cohort will be given an excellent platform for further success.”

In addition, the hatchery will also run regular competitions which will see prizes of up to £50k in investment won. A programme of events will also take place, and this will bring together the whole entrepreneurial eco-system of investors, entrepreneurs and advisors with NatWest experts and the wider Leeds business network as the bank uses its resource to empower entrepreneurs in Leeds and across the UK.

The Entrepreneurial Spark programme, established in 2011, has supported just under 1000 startups which have gone on to create more than 1,700 jobs.

Jim Duffy, CEO of Entrepreneurial Spark, said: “Entrepreneurial Spark powered by NatWest is all about building people who build businesses and the collaborative and supportive Hatchery environment, where entrepreneurs can access free critical business resources, is fundamental.

“Leeds is a city with a growing entrepreneurial culture, and we’re looking forward to helping nurture that and assisting start-up businesses, such as Top Collar to reach their full potential.”

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