Business: Wellybix Dog Treats
Based: Barnard Castle, County Durham
Website: www.wellybix.co.uk
Wellybix Dog Treats was born 18 months ago and is a thriving cottage industry. I was a pastry chef at a local hotel for 12 years and gave it up to become a carer for my mother, who thankfully has now recovered.
The business idea was born at Christmas in 2012, when I baked biscuits as a Christmas present for my three-year-old Jack Russell, Welly. Friends and neighbours heard about them and I began supplying local hotels and holiday cottages with biscuits to give to clients bringing their pets on holiday. They became increasingly popular and I realised I had the gem of a business idea.
I formalised it in July 2013, calling it Wellybix after my dog, and sent the biscuits to a veterinary laboratory to ensure nutritional values. I make the treats in my kitchen at home, and employ another local baker. My chief tester Welly does his bit by ensuring baking standards are met.
All treats are handmade (and feature Welly on the labels) and I package and deliver the goods myself. Wellybix supplies outlets in County Durham, Cumbria, North and West Yorkshire, and is sold at fairs and markets, and online. A recent contract with the Westmorland Group means that Wellybix is sold from Penrith to Gloucestershire.
I had sales of £6,500 in my first full year to July 2014, but have big plans which include selling dog soap, blankets and collars under the Wellybix brand.
Alison Walton is the owner of Wellybix Dog Treats.
