North Lanarkshire pet store sees 150% increase in turnover

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Business Gateway

About the business

Ruben’s Pet Store specialises in natural raw dog food, natural treats, health products and accessories.

Julie and Frances were inspired to start their own business in 2017 after seeing the life-changing benefits of a raw diet on Julie’s dog, Ruben.

Starting out in Frances’ garage, the sisters, supported by husbands Sean and Steven, initially ran the business in evenings and weekends after work. Buoyed by strong local support, Julie and Frances took the plunge to run Ruben’s Pet Store full time, expanding their team and moving into new premises as they refurbished a disused barn into a top-class pet store and dog day-care facility.

Business Gateway’s advice and guidance has been instrumental in helping us navigate our expansion and moving to the new premises. Jim (Fagan) and Gemma (Barrett) have been brilliant in offering their expertise, support and connections which have been crucial in gaining grant funding and taking our business to the next stage.

Julie Clifford, Co-Founder of Ruben’s Pet Store

How Business Gateway has helped

Like many other small businesses, the Ruben’s Pet Store team has been supported on its journey by its local Business Gateway team, with advisers, Jim Fagan, and Gemma Barrett, proving to be an integral part in supporting the business’ recent endeavours.

Jim and Gemma have provided one-to-one support, including advice across financial and business planning, HR and funding support, which has enabled Ruben’s Pet Store’s growth and expansion.

The team also benefitted from marketing consultancy support, giving them the confidence to upgrade the business’ digital footprint and increase engagement across its community through improving the website, implementing a dedicated social media strategy and customer targeting through targeted posts and advertising.