Professional dog groomer grows her business thanks to the Business Wales mentoring service.
Launched by Julie Caveill, JC Dog Grooming and Kennel Services provides professional dog-grooming facilities and boarding kennels in a secure picturesque area in Bridgend. Julie got in touch with the Welsh Government’s Business Wales service and has since benefitted from the support of an adviser and a volunteer business mentor who is supporting her with the future growth of the business.
Introduction to business
Bridgend-based JC Dog Grooming and Kennel Services was launched in 2016 by Julie Caveill, a qualified Level 2 and 3 dog groomer. The business provides boarding kennels and dog-grooming facilities in a picturesque rural setting. The business offers a range of services for pets, including pet grooming, microchipping, pregnancy scanning and overnight accommodation.
Why did you decide to set up your own business?
I decided to set up my own business as we had just moved to a new house and this is a big thing to do when you’re in your 50s. I was also fed up of being told what to do by someone who didn't know what they were doing themselves!
Starting my own business was something I wanted to do for years and felt now was the right time.
What challenges did you face?
Although I have been up and running for three years, challenges still come up on a regular basis: from worrying about the quiet times, funding new adventures and ideas, employing the right people, having to care for difficult dogs and even poor weather conditions.
Business Wales support
Julie got in touch with Business Wales a few months after launching JC Dog Grooming and Kennel Services as she had start-up queries and needed help with her finances. She was supported by the Business Wales advisory team who helped her to work out her costings and pricings.
Julie was also matched with a volunteer business mentor, Hugh Edney, who is providing guidance on issues such as cashflow, apprenticeships and recruitment.
Outcomes
The relationship with my mentor Hugh Edney is going really well. I meet up with him on a monthly basis to discuss the growth of the business, upcoming events and any other new developments that may have occurred.
I find the meetings very helpful – Hugh really is a star: I always have an issue or a query for him to resolve and he always comes up trumps.
Business Wales continue to offer workshops and sessions to help with my future skills development, which I do try and attend when the busy salon allows me to!
Future plans and ambitions
My future is looking very bright! I am considering extending the kennels again by moving in some cat’s luxury kennels.
The ideas are endless, but the cash isn't, so I have to choose wisely.
If you want to read more success stories of how Business Wales has helped other people like you to start or grow their businesses, visit https://businesswales.gov.wales/case-studies or follow @_businesswales / @_busnescymru on Twitter.