A local pet business is building its customer base at Andover Market after receiving support from Test Valley Borough Council’s Business Incentive Grant.
Tails and Claws, run by Dawn Arlow, has been awarded the council’s £750 grant to help support the next stage of its growth.
The business now has a weekly stall at Andover Market on Thursdays, after Dawn recently took over a pitch following the retirement of the previous stall holder. She is also trading at the Saturday market.
Tails and Claws sells a range of pet food for different animals, along with toys and accessories. The business is also supplying customers directly through local deliveries.
More recently, Dawn has introduced decorative cup and saucer bird feeders, with plans to expand into more specialist markets later in the year.
The grant has helped Dawn invest in equipment to improve her market presence, including a new trader’s gazebo.
Dawn Arlow said:
“Thank you to Test Valley Borough Council for the new business grant, I’ve been able to purchase a new trader’s gazebo and make plans for the future in building a more sustainable approach to purchasing local.
“The support that has been provided has been fundamental in helping to grow my second business, with even more plans in the pipeline to come.”
Andover Winton ward councillor Alex Gillies said: “It is fantastic to see local entrepreneurs like Dawn making the most of the opportunities in our markets and building successful, sustainable businesses.
“Our Business Incentive Grant is designed to give new businesses the support they need to get established and grow, and it is great to see Tails and Claws already making a positive impact in Andover.”
Test Valley Borough Council says its Business Incentive Grant is designed to help new businesses in the borough get established and contribute to the local economy.
Businesses must apply within eight weeks of starting to trade, with the money awarded once they have been trading for at least six months.