Many employees often daydream about setting up their own business to escape the threat of redundancy or the daily nine to five grind.
For 43-year-old Anne Maginnis, of Church Stretton, this dream has become a reality.
Anne with Kipper.
What started off as a plan to establish a cupcake business took a slightly different turn – and Anne now runs a successful business making hand-baked dog treats.
She decided to take the plunge into private enterprise after 25 years working in the audit sector.
Anne spotted an advert in Country Life magazine offering free start-up business courses run by Women in Rural Enterprise (WiRE) – a business club giving confidence and support to women entrepreneurs who need help putting their ideas into practice.
After attending the course last July, intending to launch a cupcake business, Anne came up with the idea of making a range of fancy doggy treats.
It was inspired by her pet dog Kipper and suddenly – in November – the Bow Wow Baking company was born, which she now runs with her husband Richard Davis.
“I’ve done audit work in the past which is not the most exciting thing and I’ve always wanted to be my own boss and start up my own business,” Anne said.
“The idea for the doggy range came about because it was an area I was interested in and so far we’ve had a really encouraging response.
“There’s never a good time to start up a business but with the help of WiRE we’ve got it off the ground and now we’re hoping to expand.”
With the initial support of WiRE the couple created a range of quirky doggy treats and then successfully applied for a £1,000 grant from Shropshire Council.
This helped create their extensive website where customers can place orders. It showcases 13 initial products such as Bow Wow brownies and dog-style cheesy bones.
Freshly baked dog treats.
They also sell their range at farmers’ markets, including Shrewsbury, Ludlow and Craven Arms, and dog shows across the West Midlands.
The new business has made an encouraging start, with Anne planning to develop the company and create jobs in the local area.
“The support of WiRE – as well as that from the council – has been absolutely invaluable and I couldn’t have done it without them. I pay them a £50 subscription every year and to be honest it’s the best £50 I’ve ever spent.
“The product is slightly different and slightly quirky and we also try to support other local businesses by sourcing our ingredients locally. We are up against the big companies but we really hope it will take off because there’s a gap in the market.
“The long-term aim is to one day employ staff and hopefully supply a big chain like Waitrose. “The hardest part is to make the decision to start the business up and take the plunge but I would really encourage people to get out there and do it,” she added.
Visit www.bowwow baking.co.uk
by David Seadon