There’s no time to let sleeping dogs lie as a successful pet care business in Morpeth extends its lead in the canine business world.
Cheryl Bolton formed Good Dog Walking in 2012 after she was made redundant and decided to work with the love of her life – animals. She started the business from scratch after being encouraged to do so by her brother Christopher who knew how much she loved animals.
Now nine years later, she runs a team of 10 dog walkers and animal carers and has a huge social media following and an ever-growing business reputation. As well as walking dogs, feeding them, and acting as a companion, Good Dog Walking also looks after other pet animals from goldfish to cats, rodents to reptiles and everything in-between.
Cheryl was introduced by a mutual friend to Linda Lowther from Advice4Business North East, a Morpeth based consultancy who has gone on to help the business thrive and grow.
Linda’s two Cockapoos Indi and Bailey are regular users of Good Dog Walking and the way they are looked after together with Cheryl’s ambition to grow the business prompted Linda to help Cheryl expand her reach outside of Morpeth.
Linda identified that there was a growing market for reputable and reliable dog walkers in other areas of the region and now the pair are offering animal lovers looking to start their own business the chance to be supported by Good Dog Walking.
Linda said: “Cheryl started the business from scratch and had to learn the hard way by making decisions on her own and her success came through a lot of hard work and trial and error. I suggested that her skills and experience could be used to mentor new dog walkers backed up by a package of benefits and business support.”
As a result, Cheryl is now offering Good Dog Walking territories using her brand, tried and tested strategies and solid business advice from Linda.
Cheryl explains: “We have a number of key geographic areas to offer the right person,” said Cheryl. “They would suit someone wanting to start their own business with the added advantages of flexible hours and the opportunity for plenty of exercise. Above all though, there is a safety net for those without a wealth of business experience as Linda’s business advice and my practical help minimises any risk.”
“The biggest issue when someone starts their own business is that they are great at their craft but not always educated in how to run a business. Cheryl is offering a business in a box with all of the process and support in place a Good Dog Walker needs,” added Linda.
New territory owners will be fully trained, mentored and chaperoned until they grow in confidence and will receive practical training including dog first aid. They will also receive marketing support, a managed website, business networking membership, uniform and vehicle signage.
Cheryl adds: “I’d never run a business before and with this level of support, this is a great opportunity for someone who loves pets, people and being outdoors.”
Territories available include Alnwick, North Tyneside, Gosforth, Whitley Bay, Hexham and Newcastle. For more information www.gooddogwalking.co.uk/territory-ownership
