Your Dog’s Care Is Our Business
Natalie Thorpe and Cllr Paul Oldham pictured with four-legged friends.
Highland Opportunity (Investments) Limited HOIL has recently provided Inverness Dog Daycare Ltd with loan funding towards the purchase of an existing dog care business based in the Carse Industrial Estate in Inverness.
HOIL, The Highland Council’s business loan company, supports Highland based businesses and encourages applications from all business sectors, including community organisations. Interested businesses benefit from straightforward loan conditions and a tailored offer to support their project. HOIL has financially supported more than 1,200 local start-up businesses, community organisations and growth projects within the Highland Business community since it was established in 1986.
Inverness Dog Daycare Ltd approached HOIL for a start-up loan to purchase and expand a licenced dog daycare centre in Inverness. The new owner has growth aspirations for the business and aims to double the availability of dog care provision, as well as introduce new services. A pick-up and drop-off service will be available to transport dogs from their homes to the daycare centre. The unit will also be available for use by third party dog trainers, behaviourists and various groups for rental in the evenings and weekends. The business will also hold “dog parties” at the weekend where people are invited to join and allow their dog off lead and the freedom to play with other dogs in a safe and secure area. These parties may be size, age or breed specific.
Natalie Thorpe, who currently runs her own dog walking business on a part time basis, was looking to expand her current operations. On hearing that Playful Paws Ltd was up for sale she saw this as an opportunity to achieve her business aspirations. Natalie, who is the sole director of Inverness Dog Daycare Ltd, has taken over the lease of the business premises from The Highland Council and is excited to provide a safe and secure environment for dogs to be looked after during the day, with support from existing experienced employees.
Councillor Paul Oldham, Chair of HOIL said: “Inverness Dog Daycare is a prime example of the sort of business we are keen to help, and indeed one I might use myself for Skye, our border collie. It is also a particular pleasure when we are supporting young entrepreneurs as we are keen to encourage people to stay in the Highlands rather than heading south to find opportunities.
“HOIL's accessible and affordable business finance helps promote business across the area, both to begin and expand. It is an important part of the Council's aim to keep business vibrant and growing in the Highlands.”
Natalie Thorpe Director of Inverness Dog Day Care Ltd said: “At Inverness Dog Daycare we provide a fun, safe and secure environment for dogs to play and rest during the day. We are a team of experienced dog handlers and always ensure the dogs’ health and wellbeing are being put first, whilst still having a great time. We have purchased a well-established dog daycare business in Inverness and could not have done this without financing from HOIL. The process of obtaining financing was straight forward and well guided by the team at HOIL.”