Pet services start up, Borks and Walks Pet Services, has secured £2,000 in funding from First Enterprise – Enterprise Loans under the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme to expand into e-commerce.
Borks and Walks, based in Barnsley, providing dog walking and pet sitting services is expanding into e-commerce and actively seeking wholesale suppliers to establish an online store where pet products can be sold, particularly focusing on natural chews and treats.
According to Precedence Research, the global pet snacks and treats market size accounted for $37.9 billion in 2022 and it is anticipated to hit around $123.2 billion by 2032, meaning it’s a market seeing a compound annual growth rate of 12.5% from 2023 to 2032.
Jessica Chambers, 22, Founder of Borks and Walks, had the desire to pursue her own business venture using her expertise in pet care and understanding of common health concerns in pets – some of which can be identified through changes in the pet’s walking pattern. She previously worked at a canine hydrotherapy centre where she got extensive manual handling experience with breeds, sizes and ages of dogs.
The funding from First Enterprise – Enterprise Loans will be used for increasing stock, and advertising campaigns to grow the business further.
First Enterprise – Enterprise Loans provides government-backed business loans ranging from £500 – £250,000 for start-ups and SMEs that are unable to borrow from traditional high-street lenders. The not-for-profit organisation reinvests profits into loan funds to further support economic growth and job creation in the local communities.
Jessica Chambers, Founder of Borks and Walks, comments: “I had a massive amount of support from my business advisor, aiding me in the next steps to growing my business. The loan has provided me with the capabilities to make a real impact and provided me with the means to pursue my passion and grow my business further.”
Angie Krawczyk, Business Adviser at First Enterprise – Enterprise Loans, comments: “Jess’ passion, enthusiasm and organisation skills made the decision and process an easy one for First Enterprise to pursue. Her clients will be very lucky to have a true animal lover taking care of their pets. I’m confident that with the help of the Start-Up Loans funding, Borks and Walks will become a successful business run by an ambitious and dedicated young entrepreneur.”
Richard Bearman, Managing Director of Small Business Lending, British Business Bank commented: “The pet industry is one that is ever evolving with new research highlighting further services required in the health and happiness of our four-legged friends. Borks and Walks is providing a service that there is a real need for and Jess’ passion and ambition make this a business to look out for and a great case for the Start Up Loan programme and what it can help achieve.”