An animal-loving 20-year-old from Redcar has created her perfect job – her own pet supply business.
Lucy Martin-Hall’s shop – Leo Libra Pet Supplies – has opened in Middlesbrough’s Dundas Market and provides everything for the caring pet owner, including food, treats, leads, collars, harnesses, toys, food balls, drinking bottles, bedding for small animals and carry boxes – for dogs, cats, small animals, pet birds, wild birds and fish.
Lucy, who studied Animal Management at Askham Bryan College, also offers customers advice on how best to look after their animals.
Her expertise is based on her studies and her own experience. She has had pets from an early age and currently looks after two dogs, a guinea pig, a degu (a small animal related to guinea pigs and chinchillas), fish and a giant 10-year-old snail called Ellwood.
Lucy has benefitted from Dundas Market’ business creation and growth scheme, where new businesses can rent an Enterprise Unit for as little as £60 per week all in.
“It’s something I always wanted to do and when I heard about the Dundas Market’s Enterprise Scheme I thought I would give it a go,” she says. “It’s meant that my start-up costs weren’t too high and I could get the business running while people get used to it. I really like it here in the market. It’s a nice atmosphere and everybody’s friendly.”
Dundas Market manager David Harris has supported her in a number of ways. “He’s always checking if there’s anything I need and he’s also helped to get the business known via online and Facebook, as well as through other people in the market,” says Lucy.
“It’s always satisfying to be able to help people like Lucy fulfil her dream,” says David. “The first few months of any business can be really tough and that’s why we provide the assistance to help them get under way by minimising their risk and their costs.”
David continues: “We still have a few units available, especially for traders looking to sell toys, music/games/books or fruit and veg, but we are always interested to hear from people with an idea for a new business, or who are looking to open a second outlet for their existing business.
“For new traders, like Lucy, who want to test out a business idea, we also offer a small number of Enterprise Units from £60 per week, which equates to just £10 a day, on short term tenant agreements.”
For more information about Leo Libra Pet Supplies visit its Facebook page – www.facebook.com/LeoLibraPP
Further information about units in Dundas Market is available from David Harris on tel. 01642 232552 or by email. david.harris@dundasindoormarket.co.uk.