Founder of Pawfect Pamper, Becky Gibson, who previously worked as a chef for 10 years, had always dreamed of venturing into the dog grooming industry, but lacked the practical knowledge needed to set up a business. After completing her qualifications, she decided to take the plunge, and approached Business Gateway in 2021 for help and support to turn her vision for Pawfect Pamper into a reality.

Located in St Mary’s Village in Orkney, Pawfect Pamper offers a variety of professional dog grooming services, including nail clipping, ear cleaning and mud baths. The salon boasts top of the range equipment, including a hydro bath, UV steriliser, and a height-adjustable grooming table.

Ms Gibson accessed a suite of Business Gateway’s start-up services, including 1:1 support from a dedicated business adviser, as well as advice on her business plan, marketing, and routes to funding. This was essential to help build her social media presence, using tactics such as regular online competitions to widen her customer base.

She also received £1,500 from Orkney’s New Business Start-Up Grant, which was essential for the purchase of equipment to ensure she could deliver the highest quality grooming services for dogs across the isles.

Since launching, Ms Gibson has seen an ongoing demand for her services, and is now booked eight weeks in advance. Thanks to the demand, she has extended her salon space, and now has a dedicated social media area, named the VIP lounge, to take snaps of her freshly pampered pooches which she posts every Sunday at 9pm.

Ms Gibson said: “I was so nervous and scared about opening my own grooming salon, but the support from Business Gateway made making the decision so much easier.

“My adviser has been a fantastic support and a source of calm over the last two years and has really helped me get my business off the ground.

“Here’s to many more Pawfect Pampers!”

Claire Woolley, Business Gateway officer, added: “It’s been fantastic to see how much Becky’s business has grown since it first launched.

“We were able to support Pawfect Pamper with a range of Business Gateway’s start-up services, which I know have been essential to help turn Becky’s idea into an operational business.

“I’m sure she will continue to see demand from dog owners in the years ahead.”