Karen Standen, Four Paws Aqua
Chum my chocolate Labrador broke his leg and our vet recommended he had hydrotherapy. However the local hydrotherapy centre had closed down and the nearest one was more than 25 miles away with very long waiting lists. This was the prompt that first got me thinking about opening a pool local to my home here in Portsmouth.
The first action I took was to talk to vets in my area to hear their views. I also had 250 leaflets produced and distributed them to pet shops, groomers and local businesses in the area. I was thrilled by the results – in the space of two weeks I received more than thirty enquiries asking about the pool and the services I could provide. All enquiries were recorded and I notified people that we would advise them of our opening as soon as we were ready. This simple research convinced me that my plan was sound and I had to get busy!
Next I looked for finance. I had very little, so it meant approaching all the local banks for finance and advice – sadly none would help with a loan. I then turned to charitable support bodies like Enham and the Frederick Foundation and thankfully I secured the financial help I needed.
I invested in a large heated pool, a wetsuit and the necessary computer equipment. In addition, I attended training courses including water management, first aid for animals and a Hydrotherapy Shadow training course. In August 2007, I attended a course run by Woman's Wisdom who awarded me £100 as they thought my business plan would become successful. This also meant I was entered in the final of Empower Award for Enterprise - remarkably I won the award and a cheque for £500!
This was just a week prior to the grand opening of FOUR PAWS AQUA, it was incredibly exciting. All my family and friends were there including our local MP Mike Hancock who performed the opening ceremony. And of course my beautiful labrador who gave a perfect demonstration of rather graceful swimming!
Since then, our bookings continue to increase and we have developed a solid regular client base. The phones continue ringing daily with enquiries, many have said they are being recommended by their vet or a friend.
I have been interviewed by our local TV station Meridian and various radio stations. After these interviews I was invited by a prominent Southampton school to give a talk to a group of 14 year old students about how I set up my business, which has also led to children from the school carrying out their "Trident Placement" with me. It is such a joy to see how engaged they are in the business and with the animals.
