Funding helps pet business hit the road

A Nottinghamshire-based pet service is expanding with new funding.

Pet and Home Services, founded by animal-lover Alex Tobin, has secured £9000 from First Enterprise through the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme. 

The firm offers bespoke pet sitting, dog walking and training services designed to fit pets’ routines without disruption. 

Alex says the investment will enable the company to take on more clients and grow her regular workload.

She adds the funding will also be used to purchase a car, allowing her to take her clients’ dogs to country parks and widen her service area.

Alex said: “The loan has allowed me to turn dog walking and pet care into a career. 

“One of my challenges as a potentially Autistic individual is the paperwork aspect. 

“My investment manager, Lottie from First Enterprise, was incredibly helpful through this process. 

“We arranged a phone call to go over the information she needed. I wouldn't have been able to secure this loan without Lottie's help, she was always reassuring and encouraging.”

Lottie Naylor, investment manager at First Enterprise, added: “I could really see Alex’s love and passion for taking care of animals through our conversations. 

“I thoroughly enjoyed working with her through this application, and it was a pleasure getting to speak to her in the call. 

“I wish her all the best with the business!”

First Enterprise supports start-ups and SMEs that cannot access traditional high-street finance, reinvesting any surplus into regional loan funds to stimulate economic growth and create local jobs.

Louise McCoy, managing director at Start Up Loans Products, British Business Bank, added: “The Start Up Loans programme is well placed to support businesses like Alex’s, going from a side hustle type business, walking her friend’s dog through to now growing and taking on more clients. 

“The journey Alex has been on, especially when she speaks about the improvement in her mental health, is inspiring and it’s exciting to hear she is now investing in a car to further grow her business.” 

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