The South West has seen a boom in start-ups with animals at their heart, according to the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme.
The Start Up Loans programme has delivered more than £90 million in loans to businesses in the South West, with a number of animal-focussed businesses taking up the opportunity.
This includes Nadder Valley Animal Rehabilitation in Salisbury, launched by veterinary physiotherapists Tori Edwards and Hannah Topping.
The new business offers highly-specialist treatment packages for pets with a range of mobility problems. With a hydrotherapy pool, they help treat dogs with long-term conditions such as arthritis or neurological difficulties, as well as pets recovering from surgery.
Tori and Hannah applied for the financial support when they came across an opportunity to take over an already successful rehabilitation centre that was up for sale. The pair, who met while studying for their physiotherapy degrees, knew the well-established business would be perfectly suited to their long-term career goals.
Both Tori and Hannah say they would not have been able to have started Nadder Valley Animal Rehabilitation without the loan from British Business Bank. Securing the money they needed for the initial purchase and rebranding work has meant that the business partners can now concentrate on what they do best.
Tori said, “The Start Up Loans programme is such a fantastic idea. There are so many bright ideas out there and people need help to be able to fund what they want to do. This scheme just allows everyone to chase their dreams.”
The theme of entrepreneurs turning their passion for animals into a business comes amid a widely-reported increase in UK pet ownership which in turn has led to increased demand for veterinary, nutrition, animal care and pet-related products and services. Latest figures from the Office for National Statistics show that UK expenditure on pets and related products rose for the sixth consecutive year in 2023 to almost £10.6 billion.
Louise McCoy, Small Business Lending Commercial Managing Director from the British Business Bank, said, “Our Start Up Loans programme offers entrepreneurs an opportunity to turn their passion into a business, whether that’s animals helping people experiencing mental health issues or offering support to pets that need extra care. It’s clear that there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ to successful businesses in the South West and our programme continues to boost access to finance in the region for those looking to take the next step in their business journey.”
