Dog lover turns passion into successful business venture with support from BES

1066 Pets and People starts and ends with one woman’s passion to help dogs – and their owners – live happy energetic lives, that woman is Julie Hilliard.

Julie says; “There has always been at least one dog in my life alongside a variety of other animals. After being a puppy socialiser for an assistance dog charity, positive training and reinforcement became a passion. So, I decided to study for a degree in Animal Behaviour and Welfare and further my knowledge in problem behaviour management.”

After successfully running puppy classes for seven years, Julie discovered ever increasing demand for extra services, her business venture gradually expanded through the years to fit the requirements of pet owners in the local area. When Julie realised she needed to finance this growing business venture, she turned to the business experts at Business East Sussex, with encouragement and support of Business East Sussex’s Kerry Byott,  Julie was able to apply for the grant and bring her ideas to fruition.

Julie continued: “I am very grateful to have had support with the application process, it makes so much difference to have a real person to talk to and my business navigator has taken an interest in what my business is all about and has helped with advice along the way. Without the help of Business East Sussex I would not have dedicated the time to do the form filling, the financial gain is very welcome as well as the business boost that my business is worth investing in, I am looking forward to helping more pets and their people enjoy each other’s company in the 1066 area.”

1066 Pets and People is now open for business and Julie is excited to launch her reactive dog course which has only been possible following access to the grant. The process was supported by the South East Business Boost  (SEBB) and delivered by Business East Sussex.

Ian Smallwood, Head of Business Services at Business East Sussex said: “We are pleased we have been able to support Julie with her business venture. The team at Business East Sussex wish 1066 Pets and People all the best for the future. Our aim is to support businesses from around the region with a variety of business needs, from assisting with financial support to mentoring, and we are glad Julie found our services of use.”

Get in touch with BES to find out how they can help your business to survive and thrive at businesseastsussex.org.uk and call 0844 415 2260 or email info@businesseastsussex.org.uk.  Follow @BizESussex