The company specialises in cold-pressed dog food, frozen raw dog food, dog treats and supplements, sold directly on the Wilsons website (www.wilsonspetfood.co.uk), and via retailers UK wide, including Just for Pets and Costco. The company’s ever-expanding range offers choice and flexibility to a wide range of dog owners. Cold-pressed products include vegan and working dog alternatives, and supplements which include the likes of dog-friendly salmon oil for bone, joint and heart health.

In addition to branded retail, a key focus area of Wilsons’ operations is its dedicated manufacturing capability. The company has established manufacturing facilities across two separate sites and runs the UK’s first dedicated cold-pressed production facility. This allows Wilsons to supply own label cold pressed dog food to a number of brands, from small independents to recognised and reputable retailers. The combined facilities provide for 40,000 sq. ft. of operational space to service the needs of customers, allowing for production of an additional 16,000 tonnes per year.

The UK pet food market is estimated to be worth £4.1 billion, with the dog food sector accounting for around 48% of this alone, with the market as a whole expected to grow by over 14% over the next five years. With greater transparency regarding ingredients and health benefits, owners continue to demand better quality food for their dogs. The industry has seen a surge in premium and speciality dog food products, including organic, grain-free and natural options, with Wilsons well-placed to service this growing customer trend.

Wilsons has recently completed a rebrand across their entire range of natural meals and treats. New packaging highlights the health benefits and premium nature of the company’s products whilst the company’s new website features a new section for trade and simplifies online ordering for customers.

The Investment Fund for Scotland funding will enable Wilsons to accelerate growth by supporting identified opportunities across its current range, expansion into new product categories, and enhancement of its production capabilities to best serve new and existing customers. Having achieved impressive growth in recent years, the company will also look to bolster the team through further recruitment.

Rob Stevenson, investment manager at Maven, said: “Wilsons has achieved impressive organic growth to date and has an exciting pipeline of near term opportunities across its diverse range of sales channels. The company operates in a competitive space, differentiating themselves through their high quality products with a core focus on cold pressed and raw dog food, in addition to treats and supplements. Craig is an entrepreneurial individual with extensive experience in the pet food sector, supported by a strong team, and we’re delighted to be backing the business at an exciting point in their growth journey.”

Mr Stevenson met managing director Craig Wallace through Maven’s ‘Meet the Investor’ clinics, which offer 1-2-1 sessions to connect with entrepreneurs across Scotland who encounter challenges in accessing growth capital, or for those who simply want to find out more about the Investment Fund for Scotland and Maven. These clinics offer accessibility for founders and management teams, providing support, guidance and feedback to assist them in accessing finance for growth.

Craig Wallace, managing director at Wilsons, said: “We are delighted to have partnered with Maven and secured investment facilitated by the Investment Fund for Scotland. With this incredible backing, we are more excited than ever to move forward with our growth plans on our journey to become the UK’s favourite dog food.”

Sarah Newbould, senior investment manager, nations and regions investment funds, at the British Business Bank, said: “The Investment Fund for Scotland was created to support ambitious businesses like Wilsons that contribute to economic growth and job creation.

“We look forward to seeing its continued success as it expands its product range, enhances production capabilities, and grows its team.”