Passion for pooches inspires new business

A woman from Sunderland has transformed her lifelong passion for dogs into a thriving business with the launch of Maddie and Me.

Julie Haines set up the pet services company Maddie and Me in Ryhope, Sunderland in January with support from the North East BIC, offering dog home boarding, a specialised wedding chaperone service, and various forms of dog walking, including individual walks, group walks and in-home visits.

Julie said her inspiration for the business came after the loss of her beloved dog Maddie and, after 28 years working at EDF Energy, she took the opportunity to pursue her long-held dream of starting a dog services business and reached out to the BIC in summer last year to gain the knowledge and skills required to set up a business.

Julie first attended a number of BIC’s free start-up workshops five years ago, then again last year when she was finally ready to set up, having gained the knowledge in essential areas such as bookkeeping and business planning.

And the grant funding has helped Julie to purchase crates for her car and enabled her to transport small groups of dogs safely. 

Julie said: “I’ve loved dogs all my life. I had my own dog, and she sadly passed away in January, so I named the business after her.

“The workshops have been incredibly beneficial, and Hina [Joshi] has provided exceptional support throughout my journey.

“From our one-on-one sessions to her guidance on essential information and securing a grant, her assistance has been invaluable.

“And the crates are excellent but expensive, so the BIC’s help with the grant application made a big difference.”

Since launching the business part time in January and transitioning to full-time in May, Julie has continued to invest in her development by undergoing additional training, including a canine care and welfare course.

She attributed much of her motivation to her own experience with her late rescue dog Maddie, which sparked her deep interest in canine care.

And now looking ahead, Julie aims to expand her dog boarding service and wedding chaperone offering to include honeymoon boarding, ensuring couples can enjoy their special day without worrying about their furry family members.

She said: “I would absolutely return to the BIC for help. Their sessions for tax return guidance are incredibly helpful, and I know I’ll rely on them again.

“I’ve already recommended the BIC to a few people who are wanting to start their own business, they really help you with everything you need to set up.”

The start-up support from the BIC forms part of the Enterprising Sunderland project which has received £1,271,885 from the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund Programme, managed in Sunderland by Sunderland City Council on behalf of the Sunderland Partnership.

Hina Joshi, business adviser at the BIC, added: “It was a pleasure helping Julie on her journey into self-employment. Her passion for dogs and providing the best service truly set her apart. We are so excited to see Maddie and Me continue to grow.”

And Councillor Kevin Johnston, cabinet member for regeneration, housing and business at Sunderland City Council, said: “Sunderland is a brilliant place to start and grow a business, with a plethora of support available and a collaborative network of organisations that ensure every start-up has the best chance of success.

“It’s brilliant that the BIC has made such a positive contribution to Julie’s plans for Maddie and Me and we wish her every success as she establishes and grows her company.”

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