We did it
- Case Study - ELS Dog Walking
The Business
18 year old Emma Symington of South Shields, recently launched ELS Dog Walking, a specialist service offering dog walking and dog sitting for animal owners who are away from their pets for long periods of time.
How did you come up with the idea?
"When I left school at 16, I worked for two years as an office administrator but my heart was telling me to do something I felt passionate about and something I would get enjoyment from. I adore animals, in particular dogs, and also I love the outdoors, so it made sense to start a business where I could combine the two. The key was to find out how I could do this and who could help me to do it."
Where to go for help
Emma approached teenage career advice centre Connexions who put her in touch with adviser, Nicky Gray, from TEDCO.
Setting up the business
The team at TEDCO helped Emma draw up a business plan and carry out market research to see what competition was operating. She was then referred to South Tyneside Means Business which offered 50 per cent of her start-up costs and has now come up with a grant to buy a van after her initial success. Adviser Nicky, said: "We took Emma through each step of transforming her initial idea into a solid, workable business. This involved drawing up a business plan and thoroughly investigating other similar services in the area to avoid duplication. We discovered the nearest dog walking service was as far afield as Washington."
What are your plans for the future?
"Now thanks to the support from TEDCO, It has been a great first year in business and I would advise anyone with an idea to pick up the phone and find out what help is available."
Emma Symington
ELS Dog Walking
07833780888
elsdogwalking@msm.com
Copyright TEDCO Ltd
