Success Story
Region/Nation | Yorkshire and Humber |
---|---|
Sector | Wholesale and Retail Trade |
Programme | Start Up Loans |
Natalie Press is the founder of Woof The Yorkshire Dog Shop (Woof), which sells a wide range of organic, grain-free and sustainable pet products.
The business was founded in 2021 after Natalie’s son received an autism diagnosis and she set up Woof with his needs in mind.
Her son loved dogs but found typical dog shops overstimulating due to their bright lights. This impacted how she designed the shop, including a spacious lay out and interactive products. As a family-run business, the shop was also set up to provide her son with a career.
To set up the business, Natalie secured a £25k Start Up Loan, which was delivered by Virgin StartUp. She used the funding to fit out the premises with bespoke furniture and to purchase initial stock.
Woof has interactive features such as a doggy pick-and-mix and supports other small business in the region by selling locally sourced products. The business also has a strong community focus and Natalie works with other local business owners to run family fun days to increase footfall to Roundhay.
Within three years we have become a well-loved business in the community that is helping bring people together through our family fun days and customer-focused approach. We are already looking to open a second store further down the line and the Start Up Loan was a catalyst for this.
Natalie Press Founder of Woof The Yorkshire Dog Shop
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